U.S. patent application number 11/148498 was filed with the patent office on 2005-12-15 for attachment facilitating device for a bicycle.
This patent application is currently assigned to 6319009 Canada Inc.. Invention is credited to Jefferson, Malcolm.
Application Number | 20050274758 11/148498 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34937377 |
Filed Date | 2005-12-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050274758 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Jefferson, Malcolm |
December 15, 2005 |
Attachment facilitating device for a bicycle
Abstract
An attachment facilitating device and a pet carrier for a
bicycle are disclosed. The attachment facilitating device is an
elongate support for a bicycle-mounted carrier that mounts between
the saddle and the handlebars of a bicycle. The support includes
first and second ends. A first clamp is associated with the first
end for gripping a tubular member of the bicycle adjacent to the
handlebars. A second clamp is associated with the second end for
gripping a tubular member of the bicycle rearwardly of the first
clamp. First and second elongate arms are slideably engageable with
each other. The first and second arms each have a proximal end
region opposite their respective distal end regions associated with
the clamps. The first arm is for supporting the carrier and is
fastenable thereto. The second arm includes a linear region
extending from the distal end of the second arm towards the
proximal end of the second arm. An angled region is adjacent the
linear region. At least two fasteners enable fastening of the first
and second arms together in either of at least two
orientation-differing relationships. In one of the two
relationships, angling out from the linear region is in one
direction. In the other of the relationships, angling out from the
linear region is in a different direction.
Inventors: |
Jefferson, Malcolm; (Ottawa,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CONLEY ROSE, P.C.
P. O. BOX 3267
HOUSTON
TX
77253-3267
US
|
Assignee: |
6319009 Canada Inc.
Ottawa
CA
|
Family ID: |
34937377 |
Appl. No.: |
11/148498 |
Filed: |
June 9, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
224/425 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B62J 11/00 20130101;
B62J 1/167 20130101; B62J 9/22 20200201 |
Class at
Publication: |
224/425 |
International
Class: |
B62J 007/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 11, 2004 |
CA |
2,471,149 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An elongate support for a bicycle-mounted carrier that mounts
between the saddle and the handlebars of a bicycle, the support
comprising: i) first and second ends; ii) a first clamp associated
with said first end for gripping a tubular member of said bicycle
adjacent to said handlebars; iii) a second clamp associated with
said second end for gripping a tubular member of said bicycle
rearwardly of said first clamp; iv) first and second elongate arms
slideably engageable with each other, said first and second arms
each having a proximal end region opposite their respective distal
end regions associated with said clamps, said first arm for
supporting said carrier and fastenable thereto, said second arm
including: a) a linear region extending from the distal end of said
second arm towards the proximal end of said second arm; and b) an
angled region adjacent said linear region; and v) at least two
fasteners enabling fastening of said first and second arms together
in either of at least two orientation-differing relationships,
wherein in one of said two relationships angling out from said
linear region is in one direction, and in the other of said
relationships angling out from said linear region is in a different
direction.
2. A support as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first arm includes
opposed side walls, a web spanning said side walls and an interior
space between said side walls.
3. A support as claimed in claim 2, wherein said side walls each
define a slot sized to receive one of said fasteners.
4. A support as claimed in claim 3, wherein said second arm defines
a plurality of holes alignable with the slots.
5. A support as claimed in claim 1, wherein said second clamp can
be pivoted with respect to said second arm.
6. A support as claimed in claim 1, wherein said second arm is
substantially shorter than said first arm.
7. A support as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first and second
clamps each comprise openable opposed regions for gripping a
bicycle tubular member therebetween, and a fastener for closing
said regions together.
8. A support as claimed in claim 1, wherein said second arm further
includes a pair of spaced-apart bars and at least one rigid spacer
spanning said bars and engaged thereto for maintaining said
spacing.
9. A support as claimed in claim 8, wherein said pair of bars are
metal and strip-like in shape.
10. A support as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first and second
arms are both slideably and pivotably engageable with each
other.
11. An elongate support for a bicycle-mounted carrier that mounts
between the saddle and the handlebars of a bicycle, the support
comprising: i) first and second ends; ii) a first clamp associated
with said first end for gripping a tubular member of said bicycle
adjacent to said handlebars; iii) a second clamp associated with
said second end for gripping a tubular member of said bicycle
rearwardly of said first clamp; iv) an elongate member for
supporting said carrier and fastenable thereto, said member
including opposed sidewalls, a web spanning said sidewalls, an
interior space between said sidewalls, and a joining end region
opposite a clamp end region associated with said first clamp; v) a
pair of bars each having a linear region and an angled region, each
of said bars for fastening to one of said sidewalls, said linear
region associated with said second clamp, said angled region
adjacent said linear region; and vi) at least two fasteners
enabling the fastening to the sidewalls in either of at least two
orientation-differing relationships, wherein in one of said two
relationships angling out from said linear region is in one
direction, and in the other of said relationships angling out from
said linear region is in a different direction.
12. A support as claimed in claim 11, wherein said one of the two
relationships may be selected if the bicycle is characterized by
having a top end of its seat tube substantially below the
handlebars, and the other of said relationships may be selected if
said bicycle is characterized by having a normal seat tube.
13. A support as claimed in claim 11, wherein said bars are made of
metal and are strip-like in shape.
14. A support as claimed in claim 11, wherein each of said side
walls define a slot sized to engaged one of said fasteners.
15. A support as claimed in claim 14, wherein said bars have a
plurality of holes also sized for receiving said fasteners.
16. A support as claimed in claim 11, wherein said bars are roughly
the same length and are sufficiently long to permit gripping a
portion of the bicycle adjacent a bottom bracket of the
bicycle.
17. A support as claimed in claim 11, wherein said first and second
clamps each include openable opposed regions for gripping a bicycle
tubular member therebetween and a fastener for closing said regions
together.
18. A support as claimed in claim 11, wherein each of said bars is
slideably engageable with either of said side walls.
19. A support as claimed in claim 11, wherein each of said bars is
both slideably and pivotably engageable with either of said side
walls.
20. A support as claimed in claim 11, wherein said bars are roughly
the same length and are both substantially shorter than said
elongate member.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to an attachment facilitating
device for a bicycle and, in particular, to a device that
facilitates the attachment of various types of carriers to a
bicycle.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The prior art includes various carriers for mounting between
the saddle and the handlebars of a bicycle. If the carrier is a
child carrier, this location has the advantages that the child can
have a good view forwardly of the bicycle and is given a sense of
security by being located between the arms of the rider, while the
rider can observe the child.
[0003] Besides child carriers, it is known to attach other types of
carriers to a bicycle. For example, pet carriers such as those of
the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,179,183 of Kloster can be
attached to a bicycle. The pet carrier disclosed in Kloster is
mountable on a top tube of a bicycle. In addition, this carrier can
also be mounted on a female-style bicycle. For comfort purposes,
the sidewalls of the carrier disclosed in Kloster have a plurality
of air ventilation openings.
[0004] A support beam, such as those of the type that have the
effect of converting a female-style bicycle into a male-style
bicycle, can be used to facilitate mounting a carrier between the
saddle and the handlebars of a bicycle when, for example, the
bicycle lacks a top tube; however known "conversion" beams are
inadequate for certain applications. For example, shorter or
plumper individuals sometimes prefer the use of a female-style
frame with a large space in front of the saddle. The beam design of
the prior art effectively removes this space when mounted to the
bicycle. As well, certain modern frame designs with a radically
sloping top tube sloping upwardly and forwardly, with a minimal
seat tube can make it difficult to satisfactorily mount a carrier
in a horizontal disposition.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The term "bicycle" refers to a conventional upright adult
bicycle and does not include a recumbent bicycle nor the like.
[0006] The term "clamp" as used herein means two or more
cooperating elements for holding at least two things firmly
together (unless a different meaning is evident from the context
within which the term is used).
[0007] According to one example of the invention is an elongate
support for a bicycle-mounted carrier that mounts between the
saddle and the handlebars of a bicycle. The support includes first
and second ends. A first clamp is associated with the first end for
gripping a tubular member of the bicycle adjacent to the
handlebars. A second clamp is associated with the second end for
gripping a tubular member of the bicycle rearwardly of the first
clamp. First and second elongate arms are slideably engageable with
each other. The first and second arms each have a proximal end
region opposite their respective distal end regions associated with
the clamps. The first arm is for supporting the carrier and is
fastenable thereto. The second arm includes a linear region
extending from the distal end of the second arm towards the
proximal end of the second arm. An angled region is adjacent the
linear region. At least two fasteners enable fastening of the first
and second arms together in either of at least two
orientation-differing relationships. In one of the two
relationships, angling out from the linear region is in one
direction. In the other of the relationships, angling out from the
linear region is in a different direction.
[0008] According to another example of the invention is an elongate
support for a bicycle-mounted carrier that mounts between the
saddle and the handlebars of a bicycle. The support includes first
and second ends. A first clamp is associated with the first end for
gripping a tubular member of the bicycle adjacent to the
handlebars. A second clamp is associated with the second end for
gripping a tubular member of the bicycle rearwardly of the first
clamp. The support also includes an elongate member for supporting
the carrier and fastenable thereto. The member includes opposed
sidewalls, a web spanning the sidewalls, an interior space between
the sidewalls, and a joining end region opposite a clamp end region
associated with the first clamp. A pair of bars each has a linear
region and an angled region. Each of the bars is for fastening to
one of the sidewalls. The linear region is associated with the
second clamp. The angled region is adjacent the linear region. At
least two fasteners enable the fastening to the sidewalls in either
of at least two orientation-differing relationships. In one of the
two relationships, angling out from the linear region is in one
direction. In the other of the relationships, angling out from the
linear region is in a different direction.
[0009] According to another example of the invention is a pet
carrier for carrying a pet. The pet carrier is mountable on either
one of a top tube of a bicycle, a support beam. The carrier
includes a housing defining an interior space within which the pet
can be placed. The housing includes a front side portion, a back
side portion, a base configured for connection to the bicycle and
an open top (or a removable top cover at a top of the housing). A
net-like restraint is attachable to the housing for pressing
against a back side of the pet when placed in the carrier. The net
is for restraining movement of the pet towards the back side
portion. A chin rest is located substantially at the top along the
front side portion.
[0010] It may be convenient if the carrier housing includes at
least one compartment for storing items.
[0011] It may also be convenient if the at least one compartment is
sized to store a water bottle.
[0012] It may also be convenient, where the carrier housing
includes a removable top cover, for the cover to be grid-like for
facilitating ventilation.
[0013] Other aspects and features of the present invention will be
apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from a review of the
following detailed description when considered in conjunction with
the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] Reference will now be made by way of example, to the
accompanying drawings which show example embodiments of the present
invention, and in which:
[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a support constructed in
accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a side view of the support of FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 3 is a side view similar to that of FIG. 2, but with
the support's rear arm in an inverted position;
[0018] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the support of FIG. 1
attached to a bicycle (parts of the bicycle being omitted for
clarity);
[0019] FIG. 5 is a side view of a bar used in a support constructed
in accordance with a second embodiment of the present
invention;
[0020] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a support constructed in
accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention, and
the support being attached to a bicycle (parts of the bicycle being
omitted for clarity);
[0021] FIG. 7 is a side view of a support constructed in accordance
with a third embodiment of the present invention, and the support
being attached to a bicycle;
[0022] FIG. 8 is another side view of the support of FIG. 7
attached to a different bicycle;
[0023] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an infant seat assembly
mounted on the support of FIG. 7;
[0024] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a pet carrier constructed
in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 11 is a left side elevational view of the pet carrier
of FIG. 10;
[0026] FIG. 12 is a front elevational view of the pet carrier of
FIG. 10;
[0027] FIG. 13 is a top view of the pet carrier of FIG. 10;
[0028] FIG. 14 is an exploded view illustrating the pet carrier of
FIG. 10 and its internal components;
[0029] FIG. 15 is a perspective view illustrating a dog within the
pet carrier of FIG. 10;
[0030] FIG. 16A is a perspective view of an alternative exemplary
front arm for a support constructed in accordance with an example
of the invention;
[0031] FIG. 16B is a perspective view of another alternative
exemplary front arm for a support constructed in accordance with an
example of the invention; and
[0032] FIG. 16C is a perspective view of yet another alternative
exemplary front arm for a support constructed in accordance with an
example of the invention.
Similar reference numerals may have been used in different Figures
to denote similar parts in the illustrated apparatuses.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0033] FIG. 1 illustrates an elongate support according to an
example embodiment of the present invention. The support comprises
a rigid beam 18 that has a front or first end 58 and an opposed
rear or second end 32. The rigid beam 18 of the support includes
front and rear or first and second arms 20 and 22 which are
slideably engageable with each other.
[0034] The arms 20 and 22 engage each other in a manner such that
they may telescope to adjust the overall length of the beam 18.
Further, as will be described below, the rear arm 22 may be put
into any one of multiple different orientation relationships with
the front arm 20 in order to change the relative position of the
clamp at the rear arm's distal end. In FIG. 1, the distal end of
the rear arm 22 is the end 32.
[0035] Front arm 20 comprises an elongate channel-shaped member
having an inverted U-shaped cross-section, composed of sidewalls 1
and a web 2 spanning the sidewalls 1. There is an interior space
between the sidewalls 1 (i.e. the space of the channel), and the
proximal end of the arm 22 (end opposite the distal end) is
slideably engaged with the interior surface of the arm 20. The rear
arm 22 comprises two substantially parallel spaced apart bars 26
and 28, which in the illustrated embodiment are generally
strip-like in shape, with each bar being fastened to a
corresponding inside surface of a sidewall 1 of the front arm
20.
[0036] Referring to FIG. 2, regions of the rear arm 22 include a
linear region 31 and an angled region 33. It will be seen that a
wide range of configurations are possible for the rear arm. For
example, the rear arm could have only one bar instead of two bars;
however the illustrated rear arm is lighter than many alternative
arms made of the same metal and a one bar arm, depending on the
type of bicycle used, may not permit as many different front
arm-rear arm orientation relationships. Also, even though the rear
arm could be a single bar, it will be understood that a single
strip-like bar (like the illustrated bar 26 or 28) will not be
sufficient.
[0037] Both front and rear arms include front clamp or clamp
assembly 66 and rear clamp or clamp assembly 74 respectively at
their distal (free) ends (the distal end of the front arm 20 is end
58) for releasably fastening the beam 18 to a bicycle. The clamp 74
is for releasable attachment to a seat tube or seat post of a
bicycle frame. Also, a first region of the clamp 74 is releasably
attached to the region 31 of the bar 26. A second opposed region of
the clamp 74 is releasably attached to the region 31 of the bar 28.
The front clamp 66 joins the front arm 20 to the bicycle at a
position close to the handlebars, such as the head tube of the
bicycle frame.
[0038] With respect to the support illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, the
lengths of the front and rear arms 20 and 22 are roughly equal. It
will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that neither the
absolute lengths nor the length ratio (front arm to rear arm) are
essential; any combination of arm lengths will suffice provided the
resulting beam will fit a bicycle conveniently. Also it will be
understood that the arms 20 and 22 can be made from a suitable
rigid material, including a metal, such as steel or aluminum. Also,
some types of plastic may be suitable.
[0039] The front and rear arms are joined together by aligned slots
and holes within the respective arms. Thus, there are a plurality
of spaced apart holes 42 along the bars 26 and 28. In one
particular version of the rear arm 22, there are seven of the holes
42 per arm, and the holes are evenly spaced apart from each other.
The holes 42 may be aligned with slots 46 within the sidewalls of
the front arm 20. These holes 42 are designed to receive fasteners,
to fix the position of the rear arm 22 with respect to the front
arm 20 once the support has been telescoped to the desired
position. Each bolt of the fastener is fitted through both an
elongate slot 46 and one of the holes 42. In one embodiment,
increased rigidity is achieved by using two spaced apart fasteners
per side. Although only one of the elongate slots can be seen in
the drawings, there are two opposed elongate slots 46 formed in the
opposite sidewalls 1 of the front arm 20. The size of the slot 46
will vary depending upon such factors as the size of the holes 42
and the desired number of holes to be exposed through the slot. The
holes 42 and the slot 46 should not be so large as to result in the
loss of rigidity. Reversible fastener means is provided by the
slots 46, the holes 42 and the associated fasteners. It will be
appreciated by one skilled in the art that the fasteners could be
detent mechanisms instead of nut and bolt combinations. Also, it
will be understood that other types of reversible fastener means
are contemplated, and that these need not include slots and/or
holes.
[0040] Use of single fastener per side permits angular adjustment
of arms (as will be subsequently described), while multiple
fasteners are useful when a linear beam will suffice.
[0041] Referring to FIG. 1, the front arm 20 of the beam 18
includes a mounting means to attach a carrier. In FIG. 1, this is
shown as a threaded vertical hole 50 in the web 2 of the front arm
20. The threaded hole 50 permits the fastening of a carrier, such
as a child seat, saddle bag, small animal seat, item carrier, or
other carrier having a mating threaded post or bolt. The attachment
of such devices is described in published U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 2004/0061361 (hereinafter "the previously mentioned U.S.
patent application") the entire contents of which are incorporated
herein by reference. Attachment is not limited to being carried out
as described. For instance, having at least a single hole is not
necessarily required, as attachment of the carrier to the support
could be carried out by alternative attachment means, such as by
possibly incorporating the female mating part into the carrier
instead of into the beam 18.
[0042] Two different front arm-rear arm orientation relationships
are shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. In particular, FIG. 2 illustrates the
arms 20 and 22 fastened together in a first position where the
angled region 33 angles upwardly. FIG. 3 illustrates the arms 20
and 22 fastened together in a second position where the angled
region 33 angles downwardly. In one of the illustrated orientation
relationships angling out from the linear region is in one
direction, and in the other illustrated orientation relationship
angling out from the linear region is in another direction.
[0043] Each of the bars 26 and 28 have a linear region 31 and an
angled region 33. The linear region 31 is associated with the rear
clamp 74. The angled region 33 is adjacent the linear region 31. As
shown, the angled regions of the bars displace the clamp either
above or below the mid-plane of the beam.
[0044] Changing the configuration of the support from that of FIG.
2 to that of FIG. 3 (or vice versa) can be accomplished by
inverting the rear arm 22 (i.e. flipping it). Which configuration
should be used for a particular bicycle depends on which
configuration will best permit the front arm 20 to be substantially
horizontal when the support is attached to the bicycle.
[0045] In order to assist in understanding the illustrated support,
one can visualize an axis parallel to the length of the front arm
20. This axis extends through the front end 58 and rear end 59 of
the front arm 20. One can then visualize another axis extending
through the front end 58 and the end 32. Flipping the rear arm 22
provides a means for varying the angle between these two axes. When
the support is attached to a bicycle, the configuration of FIG. 2
is one in which the end 32 will be above the front end 58, and the
configuration of FIG. 3 is one in which the end 32 will be below
the front end 58. Because the rear clamp or clamp assembly 74 is on
the end 32, flipping of the rear arm 22 is a way of permitting
height adjustment of the rear clamp assembly 74 without impact upon
the position of the surface provided for carrier attachment. When
the rear clamp assembly 74 is at a lower height, so too might the
saddle be positionable to a lower height.
[0046] FIG. 4 illustrates the support of FIG. 1 attached to a
bicycle frame, a part of which is indicated by reference numeral
62. In this Figure, the front arm 20 is substantially horizontal
(when the bicycle is resting on a horizontal surface).
[0047] The front clamp assembly 66 attaches the support to the
bicycle. More specifically, the front clamp assembly 66 grips a
tubular member of the bicycle in the handlebar region, such as the
head tube 70 (or handlebar stem, although this would be less
suitable and unlikely in light of the rotation of the stem). The
front clamp assembly 66 is a conventional operable clamp for
gripping a tube such as that described in the previously mentioned
U.S. patent application. Preferably, the clamp 66 is generally
horizontally oriented to grip a generally vertical tube. However,
one skilled in the art will appreciate that when suitably modified
the clamp 66 may grip any part of the front region of the bicycle,
such as the forward region of the top or down tubes. The clamp 66
includes two openable and opposed regions 67 and 69 which are best
seen in FIG. 1.
[0048] The rear clamp assembly 74 grips seat post 78, and is of a
conventional openable arrangement such as that described in the
previously mentioned U.S. patent application. The rear clamp
assembly 74 includes bridge assemblies (which each include a rigid
spacer 37 and a compressible sleeve 40) and resilient sleeves 30.
The bridge assemblies maintain the bars 26, 28 in parallel spaced
apart relationship while also compressing in length when tightened
to form a mount to attach the device to a seat post or seat tube.
Centrally in each of the bridge assemblies is a rigid spacer 37,
which could comprise a bolt. Providing a rigid spacer is clearly
not essential to the invention. It will be understood that the
bridge assemblies could easily be replaced by something else which
might include, for example, a foam piece.
[0049] The pair of resilient sleeves 30 which are of hollow
rectangular cross-section fit onto the bars 26 and 28 at the end 32
between the bridge assemblies. The illustrated sleeves 30 permit
compensation for different seat post sizes and are further
described in the previously mentioned U.S. patent application. The
sleeves provide both cushioning and grip when engaged with the
bicycle frame or post. While the sleeves 30 are useful, there are
suitable alternative clamps that do not employ sleeves. Also in
certain circumstances the compressible sleeves 40 might be able to
maintain the rigidity of the mounting.
[0050] FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate a configuration of bars 82 in an
alternative example embodiment, wherein the beam 18 is composed of
front and rear arms 20, 83 which are pivotally joined together at
their proximal ends. As in the first embodiment, the distal ends
(front and rear) include clamps to grip the bicycle at or near the
handlebar and seat regions respectively. The pivoting arrangement
permits the carrier to be used with a variety of bicycle sizes and
types, such as small-framed bicycles, female frames, and those with
a radically sloping top tube. The rear arm 83 may be rotated
downwardly by a variable amount depending on the frame size/type
and needs of the rider. Once clamped to the bicycle, further
pivoting movement of the arm is prevented by the front and rear
ends of the beam being firmly fixed in position on the bicycle. The
strip-shaped bar 82 has a front end 86 and a rear end 90. The front
end 86 is rounded to facilitate pivoting within the front arm 20.
The illustrated strip-shaped bar 82 has a length slightly more than
half the length of the strip-shaped bars 26 and 28 illustrated in
FIG. 1. Holes 94 are for attachment of a pair of the bridge
assemblies, one of which can also extend through a hole in seat
post clamp 99 as illustrated. Holes 98 are for essentially the same
purpose as the holes 42. If the strip-shaped bars are pivoted, only
one of the holes 98 per arm would be used. The holes 94 and 98 are
elements in fastening means, and it is known to achieve fastening
without the use of holes.
[0051] FIG. 6 illustrates the support constructed with the shorter
strip-shaped bars 82. This version of the support is shown attached
to a bicycle frame, a part of which is indicated by reference
numeral 162. As in FIG. 4, the front clamp assembly 66 grips a head
tube 170 forming part of the bicycle frame. The rear clamp 74
clamps at the location of the seat post clamp 99 for seat post 178.
Differences between the rear clamp shown in FIG. 6 and the rear
clamp shown in FIGS. 1-4 include: 1) one of the bridge assemblies
(with the sleeve 40 absent) extends through a hole in the seat post
clamp 99; and 2) the sleeves 30 are absent.
[0052] For the particular bicycle shown in FIG. 6, top tube 180 is
sloped (quite significantly) downwardly and rearwardly. This type
of bicycle frame is typically provided for use by shorter riders.
An example of a category of bicycles that can have radically
sloping top tubes is the 24"-26" (wheel size) category (the
bicycles in this category typically have a shorter distance between
the saddle and the handlebars).
[0053] For those bicycle frames such as the exemplary frame
depicted in FIG. 6, it may be undesirable to have the front arm 20
parallel with the top tube 180. For example, when a carrier is
attached to the top tube 180, the carrier may end up being
unsatisfactorily attached because the carrier may not be designed
to be angled. A consequence of a non-level carrier could be the
pushing of the carrier into the bicycle's steering fork and/or
shock absorbers.
[0054] It is therefore typically desirable to have the front arm 20
(to which the carrier would be attached) substantially horizontal.
Pivoting the strip-shaped bars 82 downwardly permits the rear clamp
74 to grip the seat tube or seat post near the junction of the top
tube for greater strength and less interference with the rider. It
also permits use of the device with a shock-absorbing seat post.
Also, it could allow a short bicycle rider to lower his or her
saddle all, or nearly all the way down.
[0055] Before the front clamp assembly 66 and the rear clamp
assembly 74 are clamped to the head tube 170 and the seat post 178
respectively, the rear arm of the support can pivot away or towards
the axis through the ends 58 and 59. After both the front clamp
assembly 66 and the rear clamp assembly 74 are in gripping
engagement with the head tube 170 and the seat post 178
respectively, the rear arm of the support cannot substantially
pivot away or towards the axis through the ends 58 and 59.
[0056] The support illustrated in FIG. 6 may also be particularly
desirable if interference with any cables running along the top
tube 180 is a concern. As can be seen in FIG. 6, the front arm 20
and the strip-shaped bars 82 are significantly distanced from the
top tube 180 (except at the top tube ends). Also the underside
channel of the front arm 20 and the space between the bars 82
facilitate avoidance of any interferences.
[0057] The support illustrated in FIGS. 7-9 is constructed using
front arm 20 and a rear arm 22 of the type shown in FIG. 1. The
rear arm 22 has been reversed front to back such that instead of
the gripping means (clamping device 218) being on the end 32, the
gripping means is instead on the other end of the rear arm 22,
which previously was the proximate end.
[0058] Means for keeping the strip-shaped bars 26 and 28 spaced
apart is provided. In particular, nut and bolt assembly 202 extends
through compressible cylindrical sleeve 206 (the sleeve 206 can be
the same sleeve as the sleeve 40 illustrated in FIG. 1). The
arrangement facilitates keeping the bars apart, but also together
for strength. It will be appreciated that the means for keeping the
strip-shaped bars 26 and 28 spaced apart is not necessarily needed
for all applications. For example, the strip-shaped arms are also
spaced apart by, for example, the seat tube. There are also other
possible means for keeping the strip-shaped bars 26 and 28 spaced
apart, like a resilient piece of foam, for example. It will however
be appreciated that the illustrated arrangement provides a rigid
spacer. It may also assist in preventing deformation of the bars 26
and 28.
[0059] The rear arm 22 can pivot with respect to the front arm 20,
via a pivot or pivot joint 215 comprising a pair of fasteners such
as nut and bolt combinations 216. In the illustrated embodiment,
the front and rear arms are joined at the pivot joint 215. Also,
the fasteners 216 can be of the type that, when sufficiently
tightened, prevent further pivotal movement. It will be appreciated
by one skilled in the art that the illustrated pivot joint 215 is
only one possible means to pivotally attach the rear arm 22 to the
front arm 20 and permit pivotal movement thereof.
[0060] The rear arm 22 also has a clamp 218 at its distal end. The
clamp 218 permits attachment of the distal end to the frame of a
bicycle. The clamping device can be any type of conventional
openable clamp having opposing members for gripping a tube, and the
illustrated clamp 218 is similar to a clamp sold under the
trade-mark Krypto. This particular clamp can be pivoted with
respect to the rear arm 22 in order to better facilitate attachment
to more than one possible tubular member.
[0061] FIG. 7 illustrates the support attached to a bicycle frame
230 that does not have a top tube. In this Figure, clamping device
218 is in gripping engagement with a seat tube 233 (visibly below
seat post 234). The clamping arrangement could be modified so that
the clamping device 218 is instead in gripping engagement with down
tube 238. Thus, the clamping device 218 can be in gripping
engagement with different parts of the frame 230 (e.g. the seat
post 234, the down tube 238).
[0062] In FIG. 8 the support is attached to a different bicycle
frame 250 which includes a top tube 252. The clamping device 218 is
in gripping engagement with seat tube 255 at a point on the tube
255 below the top tube 252. Gripping engagement below instead of
above the top tube 252 prevents possible interference with the
cable 270.
[0063] Changing the tubular member clamped by the clamping device
218 is again possible. For the bicycle and support illustrated in
FIG. 8, one possible way in which this could be carried out would
be by first opening up the opposed regions of the clamping device
218, then rotating both the rear arm and the clamping device 218,
and finally closing the opposed regions of the clamping device 218
so as to clamp down tube 251 of the bicycle frame 250.
[0064] FIG. 9 illustrates an infant carrier which comprises a seat
and headrest assembly 500 mounted on the support. The seat and
headrest assembly 500 is disclosed in the previously mentioned U.S.
patent application. The seat and headrest assembly 500 includes an
infant seat or child's seat attachment 504 and a headrest
attachment 508. The headrest attachment 508 is mounted on the
child's seat attachment 504 which, in turn, is mounted on the
support in the location of an attachment point that can be
relatively close to front end 212 of the front arm. The previously
mentioned U.S. application describes how the seat and headrest
assembly 500 can be attached to the illustrated carrier.
[0065] Whereas a carrier in the form of a seat and headrest
assembly for an infant is illustrated in FIG. 9, a carrier in the
form of a pet carrier 550 is illustrated in FIGS. 10-15. The
carrier 550, which can be made from a variety of different
materials including plastic, includes a housing 554 that defines an
interior space within which a pet, such as a cat or a small dog,
can be placed. Cross-sectionally speaking, the illustrated housing
554 is somewhat oval. A convex (as opposed to flat) front side
portion is preferred for at least some carriers to better prevent
steering difficulties for the bicycle rider.
[0066] The illustrated carrier tapers towards the bottom of the
carrier 550. There is not an important functional reason for this,
but this characteristic might permit reduced injection molding
costs. In one example embodiment, the backside portion of the pet
carrier tapers more acutely towards the rear as compared to the
illustrated backside portion 558.
[0067] In the lower region of the housing 554, an elongate channel
566 extends from the backside portion 558 to the front side portion
562, permitting the carrier 550 to straddle an elongate member or
beam (such as the beam 18 illustrated in FIG. 15). A suitable
aperture or slot can be provided in carrier floor 620 (located at
the top of the channel 566) to receive a fastener for securing the
carrier 550 to the straddled member or beam. In this manner, the
base of the carrier 550 is configured for connection to a
bicycle.
[0068] In FIG. 10, the carrier 550 is illustrated with a top cover
(or lid) 570 in a closed position. For a pet to be placed within
the carrier 550, the lid 570 needs to be moved to at least a
semi-open position, but also it could be entirely removed from the
top of the housing 554. In one embodiment, the lid 570 is
associated with a hinge mechanism (not illustrated) located in the
back side portion 558. The hinge mechanism can be of the known type
that when the lid 570 is lifted upwardly to a certain angle by
pulling on handle 576 or other lid portion, the lid 570 can simply
be separated from the carrier 550.
[0069] It will be understood that it may be desirable to have the
lid 570 completely separated if a large enough dog is being placed
in the carrier 550. On the other hand, in the case where a cat (or
a small puppy) is being placed in the carrier 550, the lid 570 can
be simply lifted up but not removed before the pet is placed in the
carrier 550. In conjunction with this second scenario, a fabric
patch 580 is provided to partially restrict a hole in the lid 570
through which the head of the pet can extend. Ties 584 are used to
expand or restrict opening 586 through which the pet's head can
extend.
[0070] If a pet is placed inside the carrier 550 and the lid 570 is
returned to a closed position, it will be desirable to prevent the
lid 570 from becoming dislodged from the closed position. Various
known locking mechanisms can be employed to prevent undesired
dislodging from the closed position. In one example embodiment, a
latch-type mechanism (possibly one that is engaged by rotation
action) is employed. In another example embodiment, the periphery
of the carrier's lid can fixedly engage an adjacent edge of the
carrier 550 in a manner somewhat similar to Tupperware.RTM.
containers.
[0071] Depending upon the pet placed in the carrier 550, padding
could be added at locations such as chin rest 616 and the carrier
floor upon which the pet is placed. It will be appreciated that
certain types of padding are less likely to be chewed by the pet.
Also, significant interference with the means for providing air
flow within the housing 554 may be undesirable.
[0072] Side walls 600 and front side 604 of the carrier 550 include
a plurality of ventilation holes 608 for comfort purposes. In FIGS.
10 and 13-15, the ventilation holes 608 have been omitted for the
purpose of clarity, except in FIG. 14 where two are shown at the
end of a projection line. In the illustrated embodiment, the holes
608 are circular; however it will be understood that ventilation
can be achieved equally well with holes of other shapes and sizes.
It will be understood that because the carrier 550 can be mounted
between the saddle and the handlebars of a bicycle, the carrier 550
may permit better ventilation than those pet carriers intended to
be mounted behind the back of a bicycle rider, because this latter
position has reduced air flow as compared to the former
position.
[0073] The top cover 570 also facilitates ventilation. This is due
to the fact that it is grid-like. It will be understood that the
grid-like portion of the lid 570 need not be made of plastic. For
example, the grid-like portion could consist of metal wires.
[0074] Although the illustrated lid is flat in regions, various
lids of different shapes are possible. For example, the lid could
have regions that bulge out.
[0075] Located below the floor 620 of the carrier 550 are storage
compartments 624 and 628. In the illustrated embodiment, the
storage compartment 624 is sized to house a standard sized water
bottle. The compartment 628 is designed to hold miscellaneous
articles, and can be accessed through an opening in the associated
side wall 600. The storage compartment 624 is accessed by opening
compartment cover 633, which preferably swings up or pops out. The
cover 633 can be held closed in a variety of known manners, such as
by means of a catch.
[0076] As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the carrier 550 includes a
net-like restraint 700 that attaches to the housing 554. When pet
710 is within the carrier 550, the restraint 700 presses against a
back side of the pet 710. In the illustrated embodiment, the
restraint 700 includes three spaced-apart straps 712, 714, 716
extending in one direction, and two additional spaced-apart straps
718, 720 that extend crosswise the other straps. The five straps
can be stitched together (as illustrated or in some other manner)
so as to form a unitary piece. Rivot fasteners 726 (or
alternatively other fasteners such as releasable fasteners) attach
the straps 718 and 720 to the housing 554. Releasable fasteners 728
(e.g. clasp, Velcro.TM., etc.) attach the strap 712 to the side
walls of the carrier. Apertures 730 are provided for connecting the
fasteners 728 to the respective side edge 733. It will be
understood that the straps 712-720 can be made of any suitable
material (e.g. nylon, flexible plastic, etc.). The number of straps
used, the size of individual straps and the strap arrangement will
vary from carrier to carrier.
[0077] Either front-attached leash 732 or rear-attached leash 734
is connected to pet collar 736 to further secure the pet 710 within
the carrier 550. One or more apertures 738 or the ventilation holes
608 can permit connection of clasp-opposite end of the leash 732 or
734 to the housing 554.
[0078] When the carrier 550 is not attached to a bicycle, it may be
useful for the carrier 550 to include means for facilitating a
person to carry the carrier 550 around with him. Referring to FIG.
11, eyelets 650 and 654 are provided to permit attachment of a
strap, such as shoulder strap 666, for carrier carrying purposes.
Also, it might be desirable to be able to strap the pet carrier
into a car seat. A belt clip could be provided in the upper section
of one of the sidewalls 600, or at another location (such as just
below eyelet 654), or belt clips could be provided at multiple
locations. The shoulder portion of the seat belt would be received
by the clip, and the belt portion of the seat belt would stretch
around the pet carrier in the base region. Preferably there will
not be ventilation holes in the carrier in the location where the
clip is attached to the carrier.
[0079] Other seat belt attachment means are contemplated. For
example, a pet carrier constructed in accordance with one example
embodiment could include one or more suitable slots extending
through the pet carrier housing from one of its side walls to the
other in order to connect a car safety belt to the pet carrier.
[0080] FIGS. 16A-16C illustrate alternative rear ends (joining
ends) for the front arm 20 (best shown in FIGS. 1-3). In FIG. 16A,
end 748 of arm 750 includes a pair of projections 754 integral to
the channel member. Each side wall 756 of the arm 750 defines a
slot 760 that is relatively close to an aperture 762 defined in
each of the projections 754. The apertures 762 are preferably used
(i.e. receive nut and bolt assemblies) for front arm-rear arm
configurations such as those illustrated in FIGS. 6-8. The slots
760 are preferably used (i.e. receive nut and bolt assemblies) for
front arm-rear arm configurations such as the configuration
illustrated in FIG. 4.
[0081] In FIG. 16B, end 770 of arm 772 does not include
projections. Nevertheless, each sidewall the arm 772 defines both
an aperture 780 and an adjacent slot 784. The slots 784 and the
apertures 780 have the same purpose as the slots 760 and the
apertures 762 respectively.
[0082] In FIG. 16C, end 790 of arm 792 also does not include
projections. Each sidewall 794 of the arm 792 defines both an
aperture 796 and an adjacent slot 798, but the positions are
reversed as compared to the positions of the arm shown in FIG. 16B.
The slots 798 and the apertures 796 have the same purpose as the
slots 760 and the aperture 762 respectively.
[0083] Although the described embodiments of the support are
designed to support loads of up to 50 lbs, loads well above 50 lbs
are not intended. Because of likely bicycle instability, it would
be unadvisable in any event to ride a bicycle with an additional
load of say 200 lbs.
[0084] It will be understood that if the carrier attached to the
support is too large, a person's ability to ride the bicycle could
be affected. In an example embodiment, all dimensions of the
carrier are less than 0.5 m.
[0085] While the invention has been described in conjunction with
specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives,
modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in
the art in light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, it is
intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and
variations as fall within the spirit and broad scope of the
appended claims.
* * * * *