ES3033639T3 - Bicycle transport container - Google Patents

Abstract

A bicycle transport container consists of a wall element (18) divided into two parts. The wall element (18) has an upper part (24) and a lower part (22). The upper part (24) opens via a folded edge (26). Two side flaps (30) are connected to the upper part (24) and, when closed, rest against the inside of the side walls (12) of the container. (Automatic translation with Google Translate, no legal value)

Description

DESCRIPTION

Bicycle reception container

The invention relates to a bicycle receiving container, in particular to a cardboard box for bicycles.

Bicycle receiving containers, such as cardboard bicycle boxes, are used for shipping bicycles. Bicycles are shipped in the appropriate bicycle receiving containers either partially disassembled or fully assembled. In particular, it is well-known to partially disassemble the bicycle so that the front wheel is not mounted but the rear wheel is. If necessary, other components such as the saddle and handlebars can also be disassembled. Transporting the rear wheel with the assembled wheel has the advantage that it does not have to be assembled by the customer and that it provides simple protection for the rear triangle and bottom bracket.

Bicycle transport containers are known in the prior art in various designs, some of which are intended exclusively for transporting bicycle frames or for transporting partially assembled bicycles. For this purpose, the bicycles are arranged longitudinally, i.e., in the direction of travel, in the bicycle transport container. Typically, the front and/or rear wheels are removed. To reduce the width of the transport container, it is known to remove the handlebars. Such bicycle transport containers are described, for example, in WO2019/124516A1, FR2678588A1, US4,792,039, DE202009005489, DE202015006608, and DE202018000945.

The goal of well-known bicycle transport containers, particularly bicycle transport boxes, is to reduce the risk of damage during transport and/or simplify packaging and/or simplify the removal of bicycle components from the transport container.

According to the invention, at least some of these objectives are achieved by a bicycle receiving container according to claim 1.

The bicycle transport container according to the invention has an outer container that can be designed corresponding to the bicycle transport container according to the invention described above. Independently of this, the bicycle transport container has receiving elements for a bicycle element within the outer container. A fork receiving element is designed according to the invention. The fork receiving element according to the invention has a receiving element for receiving a bicycle fork, where, in the packed state, the receiving element is arranged between the dropouts of the bicycle fork, i.e., between the fork legs. With the aid of the receiving element, connection to the bicycle fork is therefore possible with the front wheel mounted.

The connection between the receiving element and the bicycle fork can be achieved by means of separate fastening elements, straps, Velcro fasteners, or the like. It is preferable to use the front wheel axle, specifically designed as a thru axle, as a fastening element for connecting the receiving element to the bicycle fork. For this purpose, an opening can be provided in the receiving element in which the thru axle is arranged. For example, the opening can be configured as an upwardly open slot so that the front wheel fork can be inserted into the slot from above together with the mounted thru axle. It is preferable for the opening to be a through opening, specifically with a substantially round cross-section. In this way, the receiving element, specifically designed as a front wheel axle, can be inserted through the opening and secured in a manner corresponding to the fastening of a front wheel to the fork dropouts.

Regardless of the connection of the bicycle fork to the receiving element, in the packaged state, the receiving element of the fork receiving element is arranged within the outer container substantially transversely to the longitudinal direction thereof. In the packaged state, the bicycle element, or in particular the fork receiving element, is arranged within the outer container. By arranging the outer element transversely to the longitudinal direction, the bicycle fork attached 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 rotated 90° with respect to the direction of travel.

It is particularly preferable for the fork-receiving element to have several layers of cardboard arranged parallel to one another. These can be individual layers of cardboard or folded cardboard, with at least some of the cardboard layers connected to one another by folded edges.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the fork receiving element comprises an adjustment element. The adjustment element defines the arrangement of the fork receiving element within the outer container, such that a precise position is defined within the outer container such that the fork and also the components connected to the fork are at a distance from the inside of the outer container. This reduces the risk of damage. The adjustment element is preferably connected to the receiving element and, in particular, is formed as a single piece. Furthermore, it is preferable for the adjustment element to be arranged in front of the bicycle fork in the longitudinal direction of the bicycle frame arranged within the outer container and thus in front of the receiving element. In this regard, the adjustment element simultaneously serves as a spacer relative to a narrow side wall of the outer container.

Preferably, the adjusting element has a base element that is in contact with an inner side of a bottom element of the outer container. In this case, the base element has, in particular, a width that substantially corresponds to the width of the inner dimension of the outer container. At least by means of the base element, the fork-receiving element is prevented from sliding transversely to the longitudinal direction of the outer container. In particular, the base element can have a rectangular cross-section. Furthermore, the adjusting element can have a stabilizing element that is connected, in particular, to the base element, preferably in one piece. The stabilizing element can be designed as a cardboard layer arranged obliquely upward relative to the base element. Thus, the stabilizing element preferably has an angle of 30 to 60° with respect to the base element and is arranged in front of the receiving element relative to the longitudinal direction of the frame. In this way, the stability of the fork-receiving element can be improved.

The bicycle transport container according to a preferred embodiment of the invention has an outer container that can be configured according to the invention. 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 in such a way that the handlebar is arranged in the longitudinal direction of the outer container. The handlebar is therefore rotated 90° relative to the direction of travel of the bicycle.

Since the fork and handlebar are preferably at least partially assembled and packed together, the fork and handlebar have the same orientation within the outer container.

The handlebar receiving element has a support element. In the packaged state, the support element is arranged such that it rests on an upper side of a top tube of the bicycle frame. Furthermore, the support element is arranged such that it is arranged on the underside of a handlebar centerpiece. The handlebar centerpiece is the handlebar centerpiece, which is connected to the stem or formed integrally with it and is arranged transversely to the straight-ahead direction of travel. The two handlebar ends are connected to the handlebar centerpiece. These can be designed in different ways, depending on the handlebar type. In particular, the handlebar ends can be designed as separate components and can be separated from the handlebar centerpiece. This is particularly advantageous when transporting a partially assembled bicycle, since the handlebar centerpiece can then be mounted. This is especially advantageous if the handlebar centerpiece is formed integrally with the stem or a cockpit. In particular, this has the advantage that the steering head bearings, which must be mounted precisely due to the pretensioning that must be adjusted, can be pre-assembled.

In particular, different handlebar mounting elements can be designed so that different bicycle handlebars, such as a road bike handlebar, a mountain bike handlebar, or a triathlon handlebar, can be arranged in the bicycle transport container, whereby the same bicycle transport container can be used.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the support element is connected to a protective element, in particular one formed integrally with it. In the packaged state, the protective element is arranged on a front side of the handlebar centerpiece. The protective element is therefore located between the handlebar centerpiece and an inner side of the outer container, in particular a wall element of the outer container. In this way, the handlebar centerpiece is protected from possible damage during transport.

Preferably, the receiving element has a packaging element. The packaging element serves to receive the two handlebar ends, separated from the handlebar centerpiece. It is preferable for the packaging element to have at least one receiving bag or at least one packaging space in which the handlebar ends are arranged at least partially in the packaged state. The packaging element also protects the handlebar ends from possible damage during transport.

In the packaged state, it is particularly preferable for the packaging element to be arranged laterally next to the top tube and the down tube of the bicycle frame. Thus, the packaging element is arranged between the bicycle frame and on the inside 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.

The bicycle transport container can be designed in various ways, a preferred design of the transport container being described below. The bicycle transport container, which in particular has a parallelepiped-shaped outer contour, has a bottom element. In particular, the bottom element has a rectangular cross-section. Two side elements opposite each other are connected to the bottom element. In particular, these are the two narrow side elements, which in a particularly preferred embodiment are formed integrally with the bottom element, such that a folding edge is formed between the bottom element and the side elements. In addition, two opposite wall elements are connected to the bottom element. The two wall elements can, in turn, be formed integrally with the bottom element, such that a folding edge is formed between the wall element and the bottom element. Furthermore, the two wall elements can be connected, at least partially, to the side elements. Here too, a single-piece design is preferable, so that a folding edge exists between the side elements and the wall elements. It is particularly preferable for one of the two wall elements to be connected to both side elements along the entire height or edge length, in particular, for it to be designed as a single piece.

One of the two wall elements is made of at least two parts, having an upper part and a lower part. The upper part is foldably connected to the lower part. It is preferable for the upper and lower parts to be made of a single piece, so that they are connected to each other via a folding edge. It is preferable for the lower part to be connected to the two side elements over the entire height of the lower part, in particular, made of a single piece. Therefore, in a preferred embodiment, the upper part can be folded outward from a closed state in which it substantially forms a plane with the lower part. In this way, in particular, a customer can easily remove the bicycle or individual elements of the bicycle from the bicycle transport container. The transported bicycle is also easily visible to the customer.

The top part has at least one side flap. When the top part is closed, the side flap is arranged such that it is, in particular, completely covered by a side element. The side flap is in turn preferably connected to the top part via a folding edge and is particularly preferably integrally formed with the top part. By providing at least one side flap, the stability of the bicycle transport container and, in particular, the openable top part of the wall element can be improved. Furthermore, it is ensured that in the closed state there is no gap or opening between the top part and the corresponding side element of the bicycle transport container. In particular, it is preferable to provide two side flaps so that such a gap or opening cannot occur on either side of the top part. Such a gap would be disadvantageous for transport, since it could potentially lead to an unintended tearing open of the bicycle transport container. The provision of at least one side flap also significantly improves the dimensional stability of the transport container.

Furthermore, this bicycle transport container preferably has a lid element. This is preferably connected to at least one of the two wall elements and serves to completely close the bicycle transport container.

Preferably, the top part has two side flaps, which are arranged, in particular, on the side edges of the top part. These flaps extend substantially parallel to the side edges of the side elements when the top part is closed, i.e., extend substantially vertically when the bicycle transport container is resting on the bottom element. In the closed state, it is preferable for both side flaps to be covered by the corresponding side element. It is particularly preferable for both side flaps to be in contact with the inside of the side element when the top part is closed. Thus, when the top part is closed, the at least one side flap is guided along the inside of the side element, in particular in a sliding manner.

In a preferred embodiment, the upper part itself is designed without the provided side flaps, so that it has a rectangular cross-section. Preferably, the lower part is also designed to have a rectangular cross-section. Together, the lower part and the upper part have a dimension that forms the complete wall element in a preferred embodiment and thus extends over the entire length and height of the bicycle transport container. It is preferred that the upper part has at least one dimension in the vertical direction that 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.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the lower side is specifically firmly connected to the respective side element at both side edges. It is particularly preferable for the lower side to be formed as a single piece with both side elements and for a folding edge to be provided in each case.

Furthermore, it is preferable for at least one of the side flaps to have a bevel. Such a bevel, for example, a beveled outer edge, has the advantage that the top part can be more easily closed, i.e., folded into the closed position. In particular, the edge of the side flap that points toward the inside of the bicycle transport container when the top part is closed is beveled. Preferably, both side flaps are configured in this way.

Preferably, the upper and lower parts, which in particular each have a rectangular cross-section, are formed as a single piece. The connection is specifically designed as a folding edge. With the aid of this folding edge, it is possible to fold the upper part forward or outward to open the bicycle transport container. In particular, the upper part can be unfolded approximately 180° so that, once unfolded, it comes into contact with an outer side of the lower part.

The lid element of the bicycle transport container can be designed as a separate element. It is preferable for the lid element to have a lid part that is connected to the upper part. It is particularly preferable for the lid part to be integrally integrated with the upper part, and it is preferable for the connection to be achieved via a folding edge. In the closed state, this folding edge corresponds to one of the outer edges of the bicycle transport container, which is in particular parallelepiped-shaped, extending in particular in the longitudinal direction of the bicycle transport container and horizontally.

Preferably, the lid element has an additional lid part. In a preferred embodiment, it is connected to the additional wall element. The additional wall element is opposite the wall element, which has an upper and a lower part. Preferably, this lid part is connected integrally to the wall element, and in a preferred embodiment, a folding edge is formed. This is preferably located parallel to the folding edge between the lid part connected to the lower side. It is preferable that, when the bicycle transport container is closed, the two lid parts lie in planar contact with each other and, in particular, form the upper outer side of the bicycle transport container.

For the placement of an assembled or partially assembled bicycle or bicycle elements within the bicycle transport container, receiving, securing and/or protective elements or similar elements may be arranged therein.

A bicycle transport container according to another embodiment has an outer container. In particular, this outer container can be designed corresponding to the bicycle transport container described above and thus have a wall element with an openable top. Independently of this, the bicycle transport container has a receiving element for a bicycle element, which is arranged within the outer container. Such receiving elements are used, for example, to receive a rear triangle, a rear wheel, a bicycle fork, a handlebar, a saddle, running wheels, additional accessory components, and the like.

A length compensation element is preferably arranged between one of the receiving elements and an inner side of the outer container. This ensures that the securing 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 on a partially assembled bicycle. If the receiving elements are firmly connected to the rear wheel or fork, the position of the two securing elements relative to each other is thereby fixed. By providing a length compensation element according to the invention, 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, the entire partially assembled bicycle, arranged between the fork receiving element and the rear wheel receiving element, can be prevented from slipping.

A particular advantage of providing such a length compensation element according to the invention is that an outer container with the same external dimensions can be used for different sizes or types of bicycles. For example, an outer container with the same external dimensions can be used for different bicycles with different frame sizes. Depending on the frame size, the fork receiving element and the rear wheel receiving element have a different distance from each other in the aforementioned example. Since the internal dimensions of the outer container are the same, the difference can be compensated for by the length compensation element. Therefore, it is not necessary to keep different outer containers ready for different sizes or types of bicycles.

Specifically, the length compensation element is arranged in the 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 in the bicycle transport container. This prevents the length compensation element from slipping longitudinally during transport.

If necessary, two length compensation elements can also be provided, arranged opposite each other on an inner side of the preferably narrow side elements of the outer container. On the one hand, this allows for simple and greater length compensation, and on the other, the two length compensation elements can also serve as cushioning elements to prevent the risk of damaging the bicycle or the corresponding bicycle elements inside the bicycle transport container.

In a preferred embodiment, the length compensation element is designed to be variable in length. Alternatively, depending on the frame size or similar, different length compensation elements could be provided, which, if appropriate, are not variable in length.

It is preferable for the length-adjustable compensation element to have opposing contact elements, the distance between which can be varied. Preferably, one of the two contact elements is in contact with the inside of the outer container, in particular with the inside of a side element of the outer container. The other contact element is in contact with the receiving element, in particular the fork receiving element or the rear wheel receiving element.

Particularly preferably, the length compensation element is manufactured from a flat starting material, in particular a flat cardboard element. In a simple embodiment, the length compensation element can be multi-layered, i.e., have several layers of cardboard stacked on top of each other, for example. Depending on the number of layers, the length of the length compensation element can be easily varied. In this case, the individual layers of cardboard can be connected to one another, in particular by means of folding edges.

Preferably, the length compensation element has three folding edges, with individual parts of the length compensation element preferably not running parallel to one another. In a preferred embodiment of the length compensation element, it has an upper contact part and a lower contact part, which are connected to one another via a connecting element. Preferably, one or, in particular, both of the contact parts form one of the contact elements. It is particularly preferable for one or, in particular, both of the contact parts to contact the inside of the outer container. In this case, a flat contact is particularly preferable.

Preferably, the connecting element is designed such that it extends from the upper and/or lower contact piece in side view, in particular in a wedge-shaped manner, toward the inside of the bicycle transport container, i.e., it faces the receiving element. The connecting element preferably forms one of the two contact elements. Preferably, the connecting element forms a contact edge or a contact surface facing in the direction of the receiving element, which forms the contact element.

It is particularly preferable for the connecting element to have two connecting parts connected to one another, particularly in a single-piece design. Preferably, the two connecting parts are connected to one another by a folding edge. It is particularly preferable for this folding edge to be positioned at a distance from the two contact parts, whereby the folding edge can then form the corresponding contact element that is in contact with the receiving element.

Furthermore, it is preferable that the connecting element, in particular the two connecting pieces and the two connecting pieces, are made of a single piece and, in particular, are connected to one another by means of folding edges.

It is especially preferable that some and, in particular, all of the components described above are made of cardboard.

Furthermore, a saddle-receiving element may be provided. This is packaging for a saddle, in particular together with a seat post attached to the saddle. A corresponding saddle-receiving element can be arranged inside a bicycle transport container or inside the outer container. The bicycle receiving element according to the invention is configured such that a saddle can be arranged in two different positions together with the seat post. In this way, with the same packaging element, it is possible to arrange a saddle in different positions within the bicycle transport container. This has the advantage that, if different bicycles are arranged in the bicycle transport container, the bicycle saddle must be arranged differently due to the limited storage space in the bicycle transport container.

The saddle-receiving element according to the invention has a saddle receptacle, which in turn has a through opening on one side and a slot on the other. The seat post can be inserted into the opening. A front end of the saddle, the seat nose, can be inserted into the slot, so that the seat post is positioned on an upper side of the saddle receptacle.

Preferably, the saddle mount is connected to one or more protective elements, in particular, formed as a single piece. The protective elements are arranged in such a way that they protect both the saddle and the seat post from possible damage, especially in both positions of the saddle-receiving element. Furthermore, the protective elements ensure the protection of elements arranged next to the saddle or seat post, such as a bicycle frame.

In accordance with the elements described above, the saddle receiving element is also made of cardboard in a preferable embodiment.

For additional protection of a bicycle transported, particularly partially assembled, in the bicycle transport container or outer container, a spacer may be provided.

The spacer serves to bridge a gap between the bicycle frame, particularly the bicycle frame's top tube, and the inside of a lid. The spacer prevents the bicycle or bicycle frame from moving vertically during transport. The spacer is preferably made from a cardboard element. Preferably, the spacer has three elements, particularly cardboard layers, which are connected by fold edges and are each flat. Viewed from the side, they are joined together to form a triangle. A first flat element has several slots into which an extension connected to the third flat element can be inserted in different positions. In this way, the size of the triangular spacer can be varied.

To protect the frame, a frame protector made of paper or thin cardboard can be provided. The frame protector is designed so that, when unpackaged, it is a flat, planar element with an adhesive strip. The frame protector can therefore be placed, for example, around a top tube or other frame components and attached via the adhesive surface. Preferably, the frame protector has a perforation that preferably runs parallel to an adhesive strip, so that the frame protector can be easily removed.

The bicycle transport container can be closed for transport using separate locking elements. These can be plastic elements inserted into corresponding cavities and secured, for example, by twisting. The cardboard box can also be securely closed using adhesive tape or similar. Before shipping, the cardboard box must, if necessary, be reopened. This is done, for example, for final inspection or to add additional products ordered by a customer, such as bicycle accessories or similar, to the bicycle transport container.

It is preferable that, to close the transport container, flaps are provided on the lid elements or similar, which are inserted into the slots. The slots are preferably designed so that they are at least partially smaller in width than the thickness of the flap. Due to the resulting friction, the flap is held tightly in the slot.

In a preferred embodiment, all the above-described parts of the packaging for a bicycle, particularly partially assembled, are made of cardboard.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings:

They show:

Figure 1 is a very simplified schematic perspective view of a bicycle transport container,

Figure 2 is a schematic sectional view along the line II-II of Figure 1, with the bicycle transport container closed,

Figure 3 is a schematic top plan view of the bicycle box, in which, to illustrate the elements arranged inside the bicycle transport container, the front wall element is not shown,

Figure 4 a schematic perspective view of the length compensation element,

Figure 5 is a perspective view of a fork receiving element and a handlebar receiving element,

Figure 6 a schematic top plan view of the handlebar receiving element

Figure 7 is a schematic perspective view of a saddle receiving element

Figure 8 a schematic perspective view of a spacer and

Figure 9 is a schematic top plan view of a holding slot for a closing flap.

Figure 1 shows a closed, parallelepiped-shaped bicycle transport container, which is specifically a cardboard box for transporting bicycles made of cardboard. The bicycle transport container has a rectangular bottom element 10. Two opposite side elements 12 are connected to the bottom element 10. Since the side elements 12 are preferably integrally formed with the bottom element 10, the edges 14 are formed as folding edges. Furthermore, two opposite wall elements 16, 18 are connected to the bottom element 10. The rear wall element 16 in Figure 1, in turn, 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 its edges 20 to one of the two side elements 12, the edges 20 preferably being folded edges.

In the illustrated embodiment, the front wall element 18 is constructed 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 constructed in one part and are connected to one another via a folding edge 26. Via the folding edge 26, the upper part 24 can be moved or opened into the position shown in FIG. 1. Likewise, the upper part 24 can be folded upwards into the closed position (FIG. 2) around the folding edge 26.

The lower part 22 is permanently connected to the respective side part 12, optionally also by edges 28 designed as folding edges. The upper part 24 is not connected to the respective side part 12. Rather, in the exemplary embodiment shown, the upper part is connected to two side flaps 30. The two side flaps 30 are connected to the upper part 24 by folding edges 32, in particular being designed as a single piece.

Furthermore, the bicycle transport container has a lid element, which in the exemplary embodiment shown is made up of two lid parts 34, 36. The lid part 34 is connected to the upper part 24 by a longitudinal edge 40 relative to a longitudinal direction 38, the longitudinal edge 40 preferably being itself a folding edge. The lid part 26 of the lid element is connected to the wall element 16 via the longitudinal edge 42, which preferably is also a folding edge.

In the open state, i.e., when the upper part 24 is folded forward, the interior of the bicycle transport container is easily accessible and clearly visible. This makes it easier to remove individual bicycle components or even the entire bicycle from the bicycle transport container.

To close the bicycle transport container, the two side flaps 30 are folded inwards or upwards, so that the side flaps 30 form an angle of approximately 90° with the inside of the upper part 24, which faces inwards in the closed state. The upper part 24 is then brought into the position shown in Figure 2, so that the upper part 24 is arranged in the same plane as the lower part 22. The two side parts 30 rest on the inner faces 44 of the two side elements 12.

In this way, the bicycle transport container is closed in the open area 46 of the edge 28, that is, in the area where the upper part 24 is not connected to the side parts 12. This edge is closed by means of the flaps 30.

In order to make closing as simple as possible and to prevent the side flaps 30 from tilting or jamming, the side flaps 30 each have a bevel 48. The bevel 48 extends such that the distance between the folding edge 32 and the bevel 48, starting from an area in the direction of the folding edge 40, decreases in the direction of the edge 26. The width of the flap thus decreases at least partially from the upper side or from the cover part 34 downwards or in the direction of the lower part 22.

In order to further close the bicycle transport container, after the top part 24 has been folded upwards, the lid part 36 connected to the rear wall element 16 is folded forwards in the direction of the top part 24 to the position shown in Figure 2. The second lid part 34 is then folded inwards around the edge 40, also to the position shown in Figure 2, so that the lid parts 34 and 36 overlap or come into contact with each other.

To the upper edges 50 of the two side elements 12, flaps may additionally be connected, which are folded inwards to close the bicycle transport container and are then also aligned parallel to the two lid parts 34, 36. The corresponding flaps, which are connected to the side elements 12 in particular via folding edges, are not shown in Figure 1 for the sake of clarity.

The bicycle transport container shown in Figures 1 and 2 may be an outer container in which fastening elements and the like for a bicycle, for bicycle elements, etc. are arranged.

Figure 3 shows a top side plan view or front view of a bicycle transport container in which the front side wall 18 has been cut away so that the elements arranged inside the bicycle transport container are visible. In addition to the elements shown, other bicycle elements, transport containers, additional elements, etc. can be arranged in the bicycle cardboard box. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 3, the bicycle cardboard box shown and described with the help of Figures 1 and 2 is shown, although basically another bicycle cardboard box or another bicycle transport container can also be used to implement the invention shown in Figures 3 and 4.

A partially disassembled bicycle is arranged inside the bicycle transport container. It has a bicycle frame 52 with a rear wheel 56 mounted on the rear triangle 54. A bicycle fork 58 is furthermore connected to 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 made, in particular, from a folded and creased cardboard box, fixes the rear wheel 56, for example in a slot-shaped recess, such that the rear wheel 56 is firmly connected to the rear wheel receiving element 60 in the longitudinal direction 38, and in particular also transversely to the longitudinal direction 38.

The bicycle fork 58 is attached to a cable-receiving element 62. To this end, the fork-receiving element, which is preferably also made of cardboard, can have openings through which, for example, the quick-release skewer for the front wheel can be inserted. In this way, the dropouts of the bicycle fork 58 can be attached to the fork-receiving element 62.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, a relatively small bicycle frame is arranged in the bicycle frame carton. This creates a distance 66 between the fork-receiving element 62 and an inner side 64 of the side wall 12. To bridge the distance 66, a length compensation element 68 is arranged in this region. A corresponding length compensation element may also be arranged, in addition to or instead of the length compensation element shown, between the rear wheel-receiving element 60 and the inner side of the opposite inner wall 12.

The length compensation element 68, which is preferably also made of cardboard, has an upper contact piece 70 and a lower contact piece 72 in the exemplary embodiment shown. The two contact pieces 70, 72 are connected to one another via a connecting element, which in the exemplary embodiment shown has two connecting pieces 74, 76. The length compensation element 68 is made of a single piece, in particular of cardboard. In this case, the upper contact piece 70 is connected to the connecting piece 74 via a folding edge 78, the two connecting pieces 74, 76 via a folding edge 80, and the connecting piece 76 to the lower contact piece 72 via a folding edge 82.

When the length compensation element 68 is arranged in the bicycle transport container, the side surfaces 84 of the upper contact piece 70 and the lower contact piece 72 are in contact with the inner side 74 of the side element 12. In this way, a first contact element is formed. A second contact element is formed by the folding edge 80 existing between the two connecting pieces 74, 76. This contact element, formed as an edge 80 opposite the first contact element 84, is in contact with an outer side 86 of the fork receiving element 62.

If necessary, a cardboard box extending, for example, across the entire height of the bicycle transport container, or an additional receiving or fixing element, may be arranged on the outer side 86. It may be used, for example, to receive or fix a handlebar. Consequently, the contact element 80 would then be in contact with a corresponding outer side of this intermediate element.

To prevent the entire bicycle from shifting in the longitudinal direction 38 of the cardboard bicycle transport box, 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 by the folding 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 piece 70 can then be cut to size. For this purpose, several perforation lines 90 can be provided. In this way, a length compensation element can be provided to compensate for different length differences. With the help of the length compensation element 68, the different distances 66 can be easily compensated for, so that it is possible to arrange, for example, different types of bicycles, bicycle frames of different sizes, and the like within the bicycle transport container. In this way, it is possible to use a bicycle transport container of identical size for different bicycles, etc.

A length compensation element 68 is provided on the opposite side, i.e. between the rear wheel receiving element (60) and the side wall (12). The function is identical to that of the length compensation element (68) described above, which is arranged between the fork receiving element (62) and the side wall (12) left in Figure 3.

5 shows an alternative embodiment of a fork receiving element 92 and a handlebar receiving element 90 in the packaged state. In contrast to the fork receiving element 62 shown in FIG. 3, the fork receiving element 92 is designed 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, in particular made of several layers of cardboard. The receiving element 94 is arranged between the two dropouts 96 of the bicycle fork 58. The receiving element 94 has a through opening or bore, so that the through axle can be passed through it and connected to the dropouts 96 of the fork 58.

Transversely to the longitudinal direction, it is preferable for the receiving element 94 to have a width corresponding to the internal width of the receiving container, so that the fork 58 cannot move transversely to the longitudinal direction 38 within the receiving container, but is arranged in a defined position. An adjustment element 98 is connected to the receiving element 94 in front of it, viewed in the longitudinal direction 38 corresponding to the longitudinal direction of the frame, the adjustment element 98 also being made of cardboard and integrally formed with the receiving element 94. The adjustment element 98 has a base element 100. The base element 100 is designed as a cardboard layer with a rectangular cross-section. The width of the base element 100 in turn corresponds to the internal width of the bicycle transport container or to the width of the receiving element 94. A stabilizing element 102 is connected to the base element 100 via a folding edge. It extends upwards at an angle of approx.

30° relative to the base element 100 in the illustrated embodiment. The stabilizing element 102 is thus arranged in front of the receiving element 94 in the longitudinal direction 38.

In the illustrated embodiment, the handlebar receiving element 90 is used to receive a multi-piece handlebar. The handlebar has a center piece 104, which in the illustrated embodiment is formed as a single piece with a stem 106 or a handlebar cockpit. The stem 106 is mounted with the fork stem. In addition, the handlebar has two handlebar ends 108, which can be releasably connected to the handlebar center piece 104 by inserting the handlebar ends 108 into the lateral openings of the handlebar center piece 104. In the illustrated embodiment, the handlebar ends 108 are designed as racing bicycle handlebars, with the shift and brake levers already connected to the handlebar ends 108.

The handlebar receiving element 90 in turn has a flat support element 110, preferably made of cardboard. The support element is arranged such that, on the one hand, it rests on an upper side 112 of an upper tube 114 of the frame and, on the other hand, is arranged below the handlebar center piece 104. A protective element 116 is connected to the support element 110. The protective element 116 can be arranged via a folding edge 118 such that the protective element 116 is arranged substantially perpendicular to the support element 110. When the bicycle is arranged in the bicycle transport container, the protective element 116 is in contact with an inner side of one of the wall elements 16 or 18 (Figure 1).

In contrast to the protective element 116, the handlebar housing 90 has a packaging element 120 which serves to receive the two handlebar ends 108, these being arranged at least partially in a packaging space 122 formed by the packaging element.

The packaging element 120 is in lateral contact with the upper tube 114 and, where appropriate, also with the lower tube. An outer surface 124 (Figure 5) is in contact with the inner side of one of the two wall elements 16 or 18 when the bicycle is arranged inside the bicycle transport container.

A saddle receiving element 126 (Figure 7) has a saddle receptacle 128. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the saddle receptacle 128 has a round opening 130. The seat post can be passed through this opening, such that the saddle itself rests on an upper side 123 of the saddle receiving element 128 and the seat post projects downward. Furthermore, the saddle receiving element 128 has a slot-shaped opening 134. The tip of the saddle can be inserted into this slot, such that the seat post, starting from the slot 134, is arranged in the direction of the opening 130 and arranged on the upper side 132 of the saddle receptacle 128. A saddle can therefore be arranged together with the seat post in two different positions on the saddle receiving element.

To protect the saddle and seat post, and to protect other components arranged within the bicycle receiving container, in particular the bicycle frame, two protective elements 136, 138 are attached to the saddle receptacle 128 in the exemplary embodiment shown. In particular, both the protective elements 136, 138 and the saddle receptacle 128 are made of cardboard and are designed as a single piece.

Inside the bicycle transport container, the receiving element can be arranged, in particular, so that an upper side 140 of the protective element 136 is in contact with an inner side of a wall element 16 or 18 (Figure 1).

If necessary, additional protective elements may be provided, so that a receiving space is formed below the opening 130 in which the seat post can be arranged in a protected manner.

A spacer 142 (Figure 8) can be arranged above a top tube or other frame part for size compensation. In the embodiment shown, the spacer 142 is made from a single piece of cardboard. By folding the cardboard accordingly, three cardboard elements 144, 146, 148 are formed. Via a flap or an extension 150 provided on the cardboard element 148, a spacer 142 having a triangular cross-section in side elevation can be produced by inserting the flap 150 into one of the slots 152. Depending on which of the slots 152 the extension 150 is inserted into, the spacer has different dimensions at a different height and can thus be adapted to the corresponding bicycle element arranged within the bicycle transport container, in particular to the partially assembled bicycle frame. In this way, it is ensured that the bicycle frame cannot move within the cardboard box, since the spacer 142 is arranged between an upper side of the bicycle frame and the lid elements of the bicycle transport container and fills the corresponding distance.

In order to be able to close the bicycle box easily and to open it more easily, for example for final inspection or for packing additional parts, the corresponding closing flaps, which are provided, for example, on the lid parts 34, 36 (Figure 1), have flaps that are inserted into grooves. The grooves can be configured so that they are formed at least in a partial region, corresponding to the groove 154 shown in Figure 9, which at least in the central region has a width B that is smaller than the thickness of the flap. In this way, the flap is clamped in the groove 154. To prevent the groove 154 from tearing or fraying, the end regions 156 are designed to be rounded.

Claims (15)

1. Bicycle transport container, in particular cardboard box for bicycles with, an outer container configured in a particular parallelepiped shape, a fork receiving element (92) arranged within the outer container, the fork receiving element (92) having a receiving element (94) which, for receiving a bicycle fork (58), can be arranged between the dropouts of the bicycle fork (58), characterized in that The receiving element (94) is arranged substantially transversely to the longitudinal direction (38) of the outer container, so that also a bicycle fork (58) fixed to the receiving element (94) can be arranged transversely to the longitudinal direction (38) of the outer container in the packed state. 2. Bicycle transport container according to claim 1, characterized in that the receiving element (94) has a cavity for receiving a fixing element that can be attached to the bicycle fork (58), in particular to the bicycle fork tips (58). 3. Bicycle transport container according to claim 2, characterized in that the cavity is configured as a through opening, through which the fixing element can be inserted. 4. Bicycle transport container according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the cavity can receive a front axle which in particular is configured as a through axle. 5. Bicycle transport container according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the receiving element (94) has several cardboard layers arranged parallel to each other, which are preferably connected to each other by folding edges. 6. Bicycle transport container according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the fork receiving element (92) has an adjustment element (98) for the defined arrangement of the fork receiving element (92) within the outer container. 7. Bicycle transport container according to claim 6, characterized in that the adjustment element (98) is connected to the receiving element (94), in particular being formed in one piece with the latter. 8. Bicycle transport container according to one of claims 6 or 7, characterized in that the adjustment element (98) has a base element (100) resting on an inner side of a bottom element of the outer container, the base element (100) having a width substantially corresponding to the width of the inner dimension of the outer container. 9. Bicycle transport container according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the fork receiving element (92) has a stabilizing element (102), in particular connected to the base element (100). 10. Bicycle transport container according to claims 1 to 9, with a handlebar receiving element (90) arranged within the outer container for a handlebar arranged within the outer container in the longitudinal direction (38) thereof, wherein the handlebar receiving element (90) has a support element (110) which, in the packed state, on the one hand, can rest on an upper side (112) of an upper tube (114) of the bicycle frame and, on the other hand, can be arranged on a lower side of a handlebar center piece (104). 11. Bicycle transport container according to claim 10, characterized in that the support element (110) is connected to a protective element (116) which, in the packed state, can be arranged on a front side of the handlebar center piece (104). 12. Bicycle transport container according to one of claims 10 or 11, characterized in that the handlebar receiving element (90) has a packaging element (120) for the handlebar ends (108) separated from the handlebar central part (104), the packaging element (120) being preferably connected to the support element (110), in particular being formed in one piece with the latter. 13. Bicycle transport container according to claim 12, characterized in that, in the packed state, the packaging element (120) can be arranged laterally next to the upper tube (114) and the lower tube of the bicycle frame. 14. Bicycle transport container according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the packaging element (120) has at least one packaging space in which the handlebar ends (108) can be arranged at least partially in the packaged state. 15. Bicycle transport container according to one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that the packaging element (120) is arranged opposite the protective element (116), in particular being in contact with opposite inner sides of the outer container in the packed state.