WO2015181554A1

WO2015181554A1 - Bicycle protection device

Info

Publication number: WO2015181554A1
Application number: PCT/GB2015/051556
Authority: WO
Inventors: Graham NICOLSON
Original assignee: ELKAH Ltd
Current assignee: ELKAH Ltd
Priority date: 2014-05-28
Filing date: 2015-05-28
Publication date: 2015-12-03
Anticipated expiration: 2016-11-28

Abstract

The present invention provides a device for holding a bicycle in inverted position and keeping the handlebar at a distance from the ground, such that gearshifts, handle grips and other bicycle accessories attached to the handlebars are kept at a distance from the ground to prevent damage or soiling. The device is portable and comprises two supports or stands which comprise recesses or cut-outs to receive the handlebar or the bicycle front or rear fork. In some embodiments, the supports may be assembled or engaged, when not being used as a support, such that they conform a receptacle suitable for storing small objects which are necessary or desirable to carry while riding a bicycle, such as small tools, puncture repair kits, keys, etc. In other embodiments, the stands or supports may be assembled to form a torch, which is also useful when outdoors. The stands or supports may comprise attachment means to attach them to the bicycle frame while riding.

Description

BICYCLE PROTECTION DEVICE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an apparatus for protecting a bicycle. Particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to an apparatus for protecting the handlebars of a bike, brake levers, gear shifters, handlebar- mounted accessories such as lights, bicycle computer, etc. and, in addition, the saddle and wheel-forks, from damage caused by abrasion from the ground surface and contamination from environmental dirt and water. Background to the Invention

Bicycles are an extremely popular method of transportation, with many thousands of people using them daily for purposes such as commuting, sport and leisure. A common occurrence for cyclists, and a significant

inconvenience, is a punctured tyre. A puncture requires immediate repair to allow the cycle to continue, and may occur at any time and, sometimes, at a significant distance from home. A puncture can occur on any type of terrain from road surfaces to rough, uneven or unpaved ground. The repair of the punctured tyre requires the wheel to be removed, which is normally achieved by rotating the bicycle upside-down and standing the bicycle on its saddle and handlebars. When the wheel has been removed, the bicycle remains in the inverted position until the repair is carried out and the wheel can be reinstalled on the bicycle.

In order to be of value to a cyclist, any apparatus must be carried whilst cycling, therefore, any apparatus must be portable, compact and lightweight. Alternatively, the bicycle may not be inverted in the upside-down position, but may remain upright whilst the wheel is removed. The bicycle must then be placed on the ground surface, resting on its wheel-forks.

The terrain on which the bicycle is travelling is the terrain onto which the cyclist must place their handlebars and saddle, which is likely to result in abrasion to the handlebars, brake levers, gear shifters, handlebar-mounted accessories such as lights, bicycle computer, etc. and the saddle and

contamination of the same by environmental dirt and water. In addition, the handlebar-mounted accessories may be forced to bear the weight of the bike, coming into contact with the ground, potentially causing damage to them.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a pair of supports for maintaining a bicycle in an inverted vertical position, each support having a recess on a first support end and a base on a second support end, each recess adapted to receive a portion of a bicycle handlebar,

wherein one support is engageable to the other support, such that when the pair of supports are engaged, the pair of supports define a receptacle.

In at least one embodiment of the present invention a pair of supports as described above allow that a bicycle can be maintained in an inverted vertical position for carrying out maintenance or repairs on the bicycle without the inconveniences mentioned above and at the same time the supports, when not being used to support the bicycle, can be used to store and/or carry other bicycle accessories or small items such as a puncture repair kit, a saddle protective lining or pad, which can also be used to prevent damage to the saddle when putting the bike in inverted position, tools, coins, keys, etc.

It will be understood that the supports are not attached to the bicycle before inverting it to perform a repair or maintenance. Alternatively the supports are placed on the ground, before turning the bicycle upside down, at a convenient distance and relative orientation, so that upon turning the bicycle upside down, the bicycle is placed on the supports so that each of the supports receives a portion of the handlebar on its recess, thereby stabilising the bicycle in an vertical inverted position at a distance from the ground sufficient to avoid the inconveniences described above.

The/each recess may be a semi-circular recess. In at least one embodiment of the present invention a semi-circular recess can match the cross-section of the bicycle handlebar and support the bicycle with enhanced stability in an inverted position.

Alternatively the/each recess may be an elliptical recess. In at least one embodiment of the present invention an elliptical recess allows that the supports can receive in their recesses bicycle handlebars with different diameters and support them with stability (i.e. without rocking or balancing on the recess) due to the fact that there are at least two contact points between an elliptical recess and a bicycle handlebar.

The/each recess may comprise a padded surface. In at least one embodiment of the present invention a recess provided with a padded surface provides a soft contact surface between the supports and the bicycle

handlebar, so that the bicycle can be maintained in an inverted position with enhanced stability and avoiding damage to the bicycle handlebar or to the supports.

The padded surface may comprise an elastic material.

Alternatively or additionally the padded surface may comprise a foamed material. In at least one embodiment of the present invention an elastic and/or foamed material are suitable materials to provide a soft contact surface between the supports and the bicycle handlebar, so that the bicycle can be maintained in an inverted position with enhanced stability and avoiding damage to the bicycle handlebar or to the supports.

The pair of supports may comprise inserts adapted to be fitted onto the/each recess in order to adapt the recess dimensions to different bicycle handlebar diameters. In at least one embodiment of the present invention a pair of supports comprising inserts can be used to support bicycles with different handlebar diameters.

The inserts may comprise an elastic material.

Alternatively or additionally the inserts may comprise a foamed material. In at least one embodiment of the present invention inserts comprising elastic and/or foamed material provide a soft contact surface between the supports and the bicycle handlebar, so that the bicycle can be maintained in an inverted position with enhanced stability and avoiding damage to the bicycle handlebar or to the supports.

The/each base may comprise at least three protrusions the ends of which define a polygon parallel to at least a portion of the recess. In at least one embodiment of the present invention by having a base with at least three protrusions the ends of which define a polygon parallel to at least one portion of the recess, the supports are able to maintain the bicycle in an inverted position with stability (i.e. without rocking or balancing) even when the floor or ground is not completely flat, such as in off-road paths.

The at least three protrusions may be foldable. In at least one

embodiment of the present invention foldable protrusions are more convenient because they can be folded in when the support is not in use, so that the supports are stored or carried more conveniently, occupying less space and having less points where they can hook onto other things.

The at least three protrusions may be retractable. In at least one embodiment of the present invention retractable protrusions are more

convenient because they can be retracted when the support is not in use, so that the supports are stored or carried more conveniently, occupying less space and having less points where they can hook onto other things.

The base may comprise at least one portion of soft material at a contact point. In at least one embodiment of the present invention when the base comprises at least one portion of soft material at the contact points with the floor, then the supports are less likely to damage the floor and are less likely to slide on the floor, in case this is too smooth. Suitable materials for the portion of soft material may be rubber, silicone, foam, etc.

The/each support may define a complementary portion of the receptacle.

The pair of supports may define a closed receptacle. In at least one embodiment of the present invention when the pair of supports define a closed receptacle when engaged to each other, the engaged pair of supports can be used as a box to transport other bicycle accessories or small object during a bicycle ride, without risking losing them, because they are contained in a closed space.

The pair of supports may define an hermetic receptacle. In at least one embodiment of the present invention when the pair of supports define an hermetic receptacle the pair of supports can be additionally used to store or carry food, for example, so that it keeps fresh for longer and can be consumed at any time during a bicycle ride.

One of the supports may comprise a closable opening. In at least one embodiment of the present invention when the pair of supports defines an hermetic receptacle and one of the supports comprises a closable opening, the pair of supports can be additionally used as a refi liable liquid container and be used to drink from it.

The/each support may define a cavity with an opening. In at least one embodiment of the present invention when the/each support defines a cavity with an opening, then each support can also be additionally used individually to contain small objects or liquids. For example, they can be used to contain nuts, or pieces while carrying out a repair. Additionally or alternatively the supports can be used as cups for drinking.

The/each support may comprise a lid. In at least one embodiment of the present invention a lid can be used to gain access to the receptacle defined by the supports, when engaged, without having to disengage the supports. In some embodiments the lid may be hinged.

The pair of supports may define a torch when engaged with each other. In at least one embodiment of the present invention one of the supports may comprise a light bulb and the other may be used to contain batteries to power the light bulb when both supports are engaged to each other. In this

embodiment, the engaged pair of supports can be additionally used as a bicycle light, to enhance the bicycle visibility or the bicycle rider vision, or can be used as a torch.

The/each support may comprise a portion of reflective material. In at least one embodiment of the present invention when the/each support comprises a portion of reflective material, the engaged supports can also serve to provide enhanced visibility to the bicycle.

The/each support may comprise a portion of magnetic material. In at least one embodiment of the present invention when one or both supports comprise a portion of magnetic material, the engaged supports can be attached to the bike body, if this is made of ferromagnetic material.

The portion of magnetic material may be located at the recess. In at least one embodiment of the present invention when the/each recess comprises a portion of magnetic material, the supports can maintain the bicycle in an inverted position with enhanced stability.

The/each support may comprise lateral flaps. In at least one embodiment of the present invention by providing lateral flaps to the supports, they can provide more stability to the bicycle when it is supported on them.

The lateral flaps may be movably attached to the supports. In at least one embodiment of the present invention if the flaps are movably attached to the support, the flaps can be opened to provide enhance stability and they can be closed when they are not needed, thus reducing space needed to store or carry the supports. The lateral flaps may be removably attachable to the supports. In at least one embodiment of the present invention removably attachable flaps are attached to the supports to provide enhanced stability and are removed and stored within the receptacle defined by the pair of supports, when not in use.

The pair of supports may comprise a joining member that keeps both supports parallely attached when used to maintain a bicycle in a vertical inverted position. In at least one embodiment of the present invention when the pair of supports comprise a joining member that keeps both supports parallely attached, the stability of the bicycle is enhance when it is supported in an inverted position on the support recesses.

The joining member may be removably attachable to the supports. In at least one embodiment of the present invention when the joining member is removably attachable to the supports, it can be stored in the receptacle defined by the pair of supports when they are not being used. This is a convenient and compact way of storing or carrying the supports.

The joining member may be telescopic. In at least one embodiment of the present invention a telescopic joining member is easier to store or carry when not in use because it can be contracted to smaller dimensions when not in use.

The joining member may be foldable. In at least one embodiment of the present invention a foldable joining member is easier to store or carry when not in use because it can be folded to smaller dimensions when not in use.

The supports may be adapted to attach to a bicycle. In at least one embodiment of the present invention one of the supports comprises a C-shaped formation that is releaseably attachable to a bicycle tube. In at least one embodiment of the present invention this feature is a convenient way to carry the supports during a ride, without occupying space in a rucksack or being at risk of being lost during the ride.

The present invention is a suitable accessory for any bicycle owner or user because it is portable, can be made lightweight and can be used indoors, outdoors, during a road or off-road ride and at the same time provides a convenient storage or transport receptacle that is very useful for carrying or storing small items or other bicycle accessories, such as coins, keys, puncture repair kits, tools, etc. when the supports are not being used for a maintenance or repair operation.

A variety of constructions materials may be used to make the supports and for obvious reasons the most desired materials should be lightweight and with high resistance to compression. Suitable materials may be plastic, such as polypropylene, ABS or similar, or lightweight metals, such as aluminium or similar.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus for protecting the handlebars, brake levers, gear shifters, handlebar-mounted accessories such as lights, bicycle computer, etc., and the saddle comprising:

a stand (or a pair of stands) designed to receive a bicycle handlebars, thus disengaging it from the ground;

the stand (or each of the pair of stands) will have an upright portion tall enough to clear the handlebars and accessories from the ground;

the base of the stand (or stands) will be configured to provide stability for the stand and bicycle, which may be in the form of a cross-member or plate; a saddle-protection cover will be fitted over the saddle, disengaging it from the ground.

In at least one embodiment of the invention, providing an apparatus which will protect the handlebars, brake levers, gear shifters, handlebar- mounted accessories such as lights, bicycle computer, etc. and the saddle from ground abrasion and contamination from environmental dirt and water and the load of the bicycle when it is inverted upside-down.

The body (or pair of bodies) may comprise a plurality of portions.

The body (or pair of bodies) may comprise a first body portion, a second body portion and a third body portion.

The first and second body portions may be attached by means of a recessed slot on each body portion.

The first and second body portions may be attached by sliding the recessed slots together to form a cross-member, providing stability, or may be joined together by means of screws, fixings or clips.

The first body portion may comprise a shaped cut-out, onto which the handlebars would rest when the bicycle is inverted in the upside-down position. The cut-out may be designed to couple with specific elements of the

handlebars.

The cut-out of the first body portion may also be configured to accept the wheel-forks of the bicycle to disengage them from the ground surface after the wheel has been removed, should the bicycle be in its upright position.

The first body portion may comprise a rubber lip, or other cushioning material, in the cut-out. The first body portion (or pair of body portions) may have a plurality of magnets, which may be used to secure the pair of first body portions together for storage.

The first body portion (or pair of body portions) may have a strap, which may be used to secure the pair of first body portions together for storage.

The first body portion (or pair of body portions) may have a clip, which may be used to secure the pair of first body portions together for storage.

The first body portion (or pair of body portions) may have screws or fixings, which may be used to secure the pair of first body portions together for storage.

The first body portion (or pair of body portions) may have a recess into which the second body portion may be stored. Recesses may also be used to reduce weight of body portions.

The third body portion may comprise a water-resistant, fabric bicycle saddle cover.

The third body portion may comprise a plastic bicycle saddle cover.

The third body portion may comprise a leather bicycle saddle cover.

The third body portion may be washable.

The third body portion may be padded.

The third body portion may be a dual-purpose bag.

The third body portion may be a plastic sheet.

The third body portion may be a rigid board.

The third body portion may be a stand.

The third body portion may be an airbag. The first and second body portions may be manufactured from

aluminium or metal alloy.

The first and second body portions may be manufactured from wood. The first and second body portions may be manufactured from plastic. The first and second body portions may be manufactured from metal rods.

The first and second body portions may be manufactured from

composite materials.

The body portions may be designed in such a way that, when

dismantled, they fit together to form a compact, lightweight package.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus for protecting the handlebars, brake levers, gear shifters, handlebar- mounted accessories such as lights, bicycle computer, etc., and the saddle comprising:

a stand (or a pair of stands) configured to provide storage, designed to receive a bicycle handlebars, thus disengaging it from the ground;

The body (or pair of bodies) may comprise a plurality of portions.

The body (or pair of bodies) may comprise a fourth body portion, a fifth body portion and a sixth body portion. The fourth body portion may be a box, designed to receive a bicycle handlebars, thus disengaging it from the ground;

The fourth body portion may be a box which, contains a fifth and sixth (x 2) body portions, designed to receive a bicycle handlebars, thus disengaging it from the ground;

The fourth body portion may be a box which also contains a puncture repair kit.

The fourth body portion may be a box which also contains bicycle tools.

The fourth and sixth body portions may be attached by means of a recessed slot on each body portion.

The fourth and sixth body portions may be attached by sliding the recessed slots together to form a cross-member, providing stability, or may be joined together by means of screws, fixings or clips.

The fourth body portion may comprise a shaped cut-out, onto which the handlebars would rest when the bicycle is inverted in the upside-down position. The cut-out may be designed to couple with specific elements of the

handlebars.

The cut-out of the fourth body portion may also be configured to accept the wheel-forks of the bicycle to disengage them from the ground surface after the wheel has been removed, should the bicycle be in its upright position.

The fourth body portion may comprise a rubber lip, or other cushioning material, in the cut-out.

The fourth body portion (or pair of body portions) may have a plurality of magnets, which may be used to secure the body parts of the box together for storage. The fourth body portion (or pair of body portions) may have a strap, which may be used to secure the body parts of the box together for storage.

The fourth body portion (or pair of body portions) may have a clip, which may be used to secure the body parts of the box together for storage.

The fourth body portion (or pair of body portions) may have screws or fixings, which may be used to secure the body parts of the box together for storage.

The fifth and sixth body portions may be similar to the first and second body portions.

The fifth and sixth body portions may be attached by means of a recessed slot on each body portion.

The fifth and sixth body portions may be attached by sliding the recessed slots together to form a cross-member, providing stability, or may be joined together by means of screws, fixings or clips.

The fifth body portion may comprise a shaped cut-out, onto which the handlebars would rest when the bicycle is inverted in the upside-down position.

The cut-out may be designed to couple with specific elements of the

handlebars.

The cut-out of the fifth body portion may also be configured to accept the wheel-forks of the bicycle to disengage them from the ground surface after the wheel has been removed, should the bicycle be in its upright position.

The fifth body portion may comprise a rubber lip, or other cushioning material, in the cut-out.

The fifth body portion may have a plurality of magnets, which may be used to secure the pair of first body portions together for storage. The fifth body portion may have a strap, which may be used to secure the pair of first body portions together for storage.

The fifth body portion may have a clip, which may be used to secure the pair of first body portions together for storage.

The fifth body portion may have screws or fixings, which may be used to secure the pair of first body portions together for storage.

There may be a seventh body portion which may also be a box, configured so as to engage with the fourth body portion to form a closed box, designed to receive a bicycle handlebars, thus disengaging it from the ground.

The sixth and seventh body portions may be attached by means of a recessed slot on each body portion.

The sixth and seventh body portions may be attached by sliding the recessed slots together to form a cross-member, providing stability, or may be joined together by means of screws, fixings or clips.

The seventh body portion may comprise a shaped cut-out, onto which the handlebars would rest when the bicycle is inverted in the upside-down position. The cut-out may be designed to couple with specific elements of the handlebars.

The cut-out of the seventh body portion may also be configured to accept the wheel-forks of the bicycle to disengage them from the ground surface after the wheel has been removed, should the bicycle be in its upright position.

The seventh body portion may comprise a rubber lip, or other cushioning material, in the cut-out. The seventh body portion may have a plurality of magnets, which may be used to secure the pair of first body portions together for storage.

The seventh body portion may have a strap, which may be used to secure the pair of first body portions together for storage.

The seventh body portion may have a clip, which may be used to secure the pair of first body portions together for storage.

The seventh body portion may have screws or fixings, which may be used to secure the pair of first body portions together for storage.

Features of one aspect of the invention may form part of another aspect of the invention and have not been repeated for brevity.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a view of a pair of first and second body portions of an apparatus for the protections of handlebars according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a view of a pair of assembled first and second body portions of an apparatus for the protection of handlebars according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3 is a view of a pair of assembled first and second body portions of an apparatus for the protection of handlebars in use, according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 is a view of the third body portion; a saddle-protection cover to be fitted over the saddle, disengaging it from the ground, according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 5 is a view of the first and second body portions assembled and in use, accepting the wheel-forks of a bicycle to disengage them from the ground surface after the wheel has been removed, according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 6 is a schematic of body portions of an apparatus for the protections of handlebars according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 7 is a schematic of body portions of an apparatus for the protections of handlebars assembled, according to the previous embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 8 is a schematic of body portions of an apparatus for the protections of handlebars, assembled, according to previous embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 9A is a schematic of a cylindrical embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 9B is a schematic of the cylindrical embodiment of Figure 10A where the supports are separated.

Figure 10A and 10B are schematic drawings of another cylindrical embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 11 A and 11 B represent another embodiment of the present invention with storage capability. Figure 12 represents another embodiment of the present invention with storage capability and a hinged lid.

Detailed Description of the Drawings

Reference is made first to Figure 1 , which represents a pair of first and second body portions of an apparatus for the protections of handlebars, brake levers, gear shifters, handlebar-mounted accessories such as lights, bicycle computer, etc. according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Each of the first body portions comprises a cut-out recess 1 configured to receive bicycle handlebars of various sizes and diameters. Each of the first body portions comprises a recessed slot 2 configured to engage with the recessed slot 4 of the second body portions to provide stability.

Numeral 3 refers to the length of the first body portion, which is required to clear the handlebars and associated accessories from the ground, in use. Numeral 5 refers to the width of the second body portion, which provides stability for the bicycle when supported by the apparatus in inverted position.

Reference is now made to Figure 2, which represents a pair of assembled first and second body portions of an apparatus for the protection of handlebars and associated accessories according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The first and second body portions are assembled by engaging slots 2 in the first body portions and slots 4 in the second body portions.

Reference is now made to Figure 3, which represents a pair of assembled first and second body portions of an apparatus for the protection of handlebars and associated accessories, in use, according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The handlebars of a bicycle, inverted in the upside-down position, are in resting in place at the cut out recess 1 of the first body portion.

Reference is now made to Figure 4, which represents a third body portion, a saddle-protection cover 6, which can be fitted over the bicycle saddle to disengage it from the ground, when the bicycle is inverted.

Reference is now made to Figure 5, which represents a pair of assembled first and second body portions of an apparatus for the protection of handlebars and associated accessories. In this situation, the apparatus is used to disengage or support the wheel-forks 7 of the bicycle of the ground surface, after the wheel has been removed.

Reference is now made to Figure 6, a schematic drawing of another embodiment of the present invention, comprising a first body portion 8 and second body portion 9. The first body portion 8 comprises a cut-out recess 10 configured to accept bicycle handlebars of various sizes and diameters and a recessed slot 11 configured to engage with recessed slot 12 of the second body portion 9 to provide stability to the first and second body portions when supporting a bicycle.

Numeral 13 refers to the length of the first body portion 8, which provides the required height when the box/stand is assembled to clear the handlebars, brake levers, gear shifters, handlebar-mounted accessories such as lights, bicycle computer, etc. from the ground. Numeral 14 refers to the width of the second body portion 9, which provides the stability for the cross-member and the entire assembly. Reference is now made to Figure 7 which represents the first body portion 8 and second body portion 9 of the apparatus of Figure 6. The body portions 8, 9 are assembled via slot 11 and slot 12.

Reference is now made to Figure 8, which show the first body portions of an apparatus for the protections of handlebars and associated accessories joined for storage.

Reference is now made to Figures 9A and 9B which show schematic drawings of a cylindrical embodiment 20 of the present invention. The

embodiment 20 of Figures 9A and 9B comprises two cups 21 , 22. The base of each cup has an indent 23, 24 to receive the bicycle's handlebars, in use. There are means for connecting the cups 21 , 22 together, which in this embodiment is a push fit mechanism comprising a groove 25 around the edge of one cup and a matching formation 26 on the edge of the other cup, such that when the cups are engaged to each other form a cylindrical closed receptacle suitable to store small objects. The cylindrical receptacle can be fitted in a bottle cage of a bicycle, when the invention is not being used as a bicycle support.

Figures 10A and 10B show a cylindrical embodiment 30 that comprises three parts. The first part is a cylindrical storage tube 31 , closed at one end, open at the other. Onto the tube 31 , two end caps 32, 33 are fitted, one on each end, to form a closed receptacle 34. These end caps 32, 33 have an indented base 34, 35, designed to receive a bicycle handlebar, in use. End caps 32, 33 are held onto the tube 31 by threaded connections (not shown). In this way, the tube 31 can be used to store small objects while the caps 32, 33 are being used to support a bicycle in inverted position. Figure 1 1A represents an embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment 40 comprises a pair of supports for maintaining a bicycle in an inverted vertical position. Each support 42, 44 comprises a recess 46, 48 on a first support end adapted to receive a portion of a bicycle handlebar and a base 50, 52 on a second support end. Each support defines a cavity 54, 56 with an opening, respectively. The supports 42, 44 are made of polypropylene. Each support 42, 44 can be used as a cup for drinking during a pause in a bicycle ride.

Figure 11 B represents the same embodiment 40 of Figure 1 1 A when the supports 42, 44 are engaged to each other by friction between the support walls. When both supports 42, 44 are engaged to each other, the pair of supports define a closed receptacle (not visible).

Figure 12 represents an embodiment 60 similar to that of Figures 11 A and 11 B. Same features are indicated by same numerals incremented by 20. The embodiment 60 further comprises a lid 78 which is hinged to one end of one support, such that the closed receptacle define by both supports, when they are engaged, can be accessed without having to disengage the supports.

Claims

1. A pair of supports for maintaining a bicycle in an inverted vertical position, each support having a recess on a first support end and a base on a second support end, each recess adapted to receive a portion of a bicycle handlebar,

2. A pair of supports according to claim 1 wherein the/each recess is a semicircular recess.

3. A pair of supports according to claim 1 wherein the/each recess is an elliptical recess.

4. A pair of supports according to any preceding claim wherein the/each recess comprises a padded surface.

5. A pair of supports according to claim 4 wherein the padded surface

comprises an elastic material.

6. A pair of supports according to claim 4 or claim 5 wherein the padded surface comprises a foamed material.

7. A pair of supports according to any preceding claim comprising inserts adapted to be fitted onto the/each recess in order to adapt the recess dimensions to different bicycle handlebar diameters.

8. A pair of supports according to claim 7 wherein the inserts comprise an elastic material.

9. A pair of supports according to claim 7 or claim 8 wherein the inserts

comprise a foamed material.

10. A pair of supports according to any preceding claim wherein the/each base comprises at least three protrusions the ends of which define a polygon parallel to at least a portion of the recess.

11. A pair of supports according to claim 10 wherein the at least three

protrusions are foldable.

12. A pair of supports according to claim 10 or claim 11 wherein the at least three protrusions are retractable.

13. A pair of supports according to any preceding claim wherein the/each base comprises at least one portion of soft material at a contact point.

14. A pair of supports according to any preceding claim wherein the/each support defines a complementary portion of the receptacle.

5. A pair of supports according to any preceding claim wherein the pair of supports defines a closed receptacle, when engaged to each other.

16. A pair of supports according to any preceding claim wherein the pair of ■ supports defines an hermetic receptacle.

17. A pair of supports according to any preceding claim wherein one of the supports comprises a closable opening.

18. A pair of supports according to any preceding claim wherein the/each support defines a cavity with an opening.

19. A pair of supports according to any preceding claim wherein at least one of the supports comprises a lid.

20. A pair of supports according to claim 19 wherein the lid is hinged.

21. A pair of supports according to any preceding claim wherein the pair of supports may form a torch when engaged with each other.

22. A pair of supports according to claim 21 wherein one of the supports comprises a light bulb and the other contains batteries that power the light bulb when both supports are engaged to each other.

23. A pair of supports according to any preceding claim wherein at least one support comprises a portion of reflective material.

24. A pair of supports according to any preceding claim wherein at least one support comprises a portion of magnetic material.

25. A pair of supports according to claim 24 wherein the portion of magnetic material is located at the recess.

26. A pair of supports according to any preceding claim wherein the/each support comprises lateral flaps.

27. A pair of supports according to claim 26 wherein the lateral flaps are

movably attached to the supports.

28. A pair of supports according to claim 26 or claim 27 wherein the lateral flaps are removably attachable to the supports.

29. A pair of supports according to any preceding claim comprising a joining member for keeping both supports parallely attached when used to maintain a bicycle in a vertical inverted position.

30. A pair of supports according to claim 29 wherein the joining member is removably attachable to the supports.

31. A pair of supports according to claim 29 or claim 30 wherein the joining member is telescopic.

32. A pair of supports according to any of claims 29 to 31 wherein the joining member is foldable.

33. A pair of supports according to any preceding claim wherein the supports are adapted to attach to a bicycle.

34. A pair of supports according to any preceding claim wherein the/each support comprises a first body portion, a second body portion and a third body portion.

35. A pair of supports according to claim 34 wherein the first and second body portions are attached by means of a recessed slot on each body portion by sliding the recessed slots together to form a cross-member.

36. A pair of supports according to claim 34 wherein the first and second body portions are attached by means of screws, fixings or clips.

37. A pair of supports according to any of claims 34 to 36 wherein the first body portion (or pair of body portions) has a plurality of magnets.

38. A pair of supports according to any of claims 34 to 37 wherein the first body portion (or pair of body portions) has a strap.

39. A pair of supports according to any of claims 34 to 38 wherein the first body portion (or pair of body portions) has a clip.

40. A pair of supports according to any of claims 34 to 39 wherein the first body portion (or pair of body portions) has screws or fixings.

41. A pair of supports according to any of claims 34 to 40 wherein the first body portion (or pair of body portions) has a recess into which the second body portion can be stored.

42. A pair of supports according to any of claims 34 to 41 wherein the third body portion comprises a water-resistant, fabric bicycle saddle cover.

43. An apparatus for protecting the handlebars, brake levers, gear shifters, handlebar-mounted accessories such as lights, bicycle computer, etc., and the saddle of a bicycle comprising:

a pair of stands designed to receive a bicycle handlebar;

the/each stand comprising an upright portion tall enough to clear the handlebars and bicycle accessories from the ground, in use, and a base configured to provide stability for the stands and bicycle, in use; and a saddle-protection cover.

44. An apparatus according to claim 43 wherein the base is a plate.

45. An apparatus according to claim 43 wherein the base is a cross member.

46. An apparatus according to any of claims 43 to 45 wherein the/each stand comprises a first body portion, a second body portion and a third body portion.

47. An apparatus according to claim 46 wherein the first and second body portions are attached by means of a recessed slot on each body portion by sliding the recessed slots together to form a cross-member.

48. An apparatus according to claim 46 wherein the first and second body portions are attached by means of screws, fixings or clips.

49. An apparatus according to any of claims 46 to 48 wherein the first body portion comprises a shaped cut-out onto which the handlebars would rest when the bicycle is inverted in the upside-down position.

50. An apparatus according to any of claims 46 to 49 wherein the first body portion comprises a shaped cut-out configured to accept the wheel-forks of the bicycle to disengage them from the ground surface after the wheel has been removed, when the bicycle be in its upright position.

51. An apparatus according to claim 49 or claim 50 wherein the first body portion comprises a rubber lip in the cut-out.

52. An apparatus according to any of claims 46 to 51 wherein the first body portion (or pair of body portions) has a plurality of magnets.

53. An apparatus according to any of claims 46 to 52 wherein the first body portion (or pair of body portions) has a strap.

54. An apparatus according to any of claims 46 to 53 wherein the first body portion (or pair of body portions) has a clip.

55. An apparatus according to any of claims 46 to 54 wherein the first body portion (or pair of body portions) has screws or fixings.

56. An apparatus according to any of claims 46 to 55 wherein the first body portion (or pair of body portions) has a recess into which the second body portion can be stored.

57. An apparatus according to any of claims 46 to 56 wherein the third body portion comprises a water-resistant, fabric bicycle saddle cover.

58. An apparatus according to any of claims 46 to 57 wherein the body

portions, when dismantled, fit together to form a compact, lightweight package.