DE19517847A1 - Snap=locking rail coupling for cycle luggage racks - Google Patents

Abstract

The female part of the snap-locking coupling (1-5) consists of two rails, which extend in the direction of travel of the cycle. They are each closed at the end nearest the saddle of the bicycle, and are open at the opposite end. A bolt-lock or snap-lock can be fitted at the open end of one or both of the rails. The rails are mounted on an underlying support, and the lock can be welded or screwed to this. An angled support can also act as a block to close off the saddle end of the rails. The snap lock action allows the corresponding male parts of an aluminium case, or other container, to be inserted into a rail past a locking tongue, which must then be unlocked in order to allow the container to be removed.

Description

State of the art with sites

That the bicycle - especially from an ecological point of view - has a great future may not be particularly emphasized. I think it's important: more and more people carry their children on child seats attached to or from the back of the bike by bike or go on (trekking) vacation.

To start with the child seats:
They are usually mounted on the luggage rack or on the handlebars with any (experience has shown that they are non-slip) clamps.

The bike bags are:

• 1. very difficult to assemble,
• 2. the content is not shockproof,
• 3. tear off their fastening tabs after about two years (personal experience: with Professional products),
• 4. the zippers break easily,
• 5. the bags cannot naturally be completely waterproof,
• 6. They are extremely vulnerable to theft.

For the previous alternative, the small plastic case, it is true that it can be locked are but:

• 1. they are tiny: this is exacerbated by their design: they are quite round and taper down further, so that you can hardly fit a hat in it can.
• 2. They must be screwed tightly to the luggage rack, so that a short-term Losing weight is at least as difficult as with bags,
• 3. they are waterproof but fragile,
• 4. is not yet an alternative with these containers (placed on top of the luggage rack) given to the side pockets of the bike bag.

The disadvantages of another existing alternative - the bicycle baskets (in all of their Variations) - related to weather / theft / stability may not be necessary to be discussed separately.

There is already one for child seats and open luggage containers on the luggage rack Rail solution (patent dated July 14, 1975 - 25 31 464 - Jakob Turtschi), but this solution (Appendix a in G 94 17 254.4) cuts itself in several ways. First is from Turtschi a whole (one-piece) rectangular plate - which extends over the entire luggage rack expands - provided as a mother rail element (Appendix a: 2 in G 94 17 254.4; very much Material / weight, very chunky); second - more importantly - it becomes unstable (only on two places and only with clamps) screwed to the luggage rack (15), so that the The stability advantage of the rail idea is largely canceled at this point; and third, the locking is cumbersome when you look at the two legs of the split pin (Turtschi's drawing: 14) bends up or backwards. If you can just go through it is stuck, the system (for a child certainly) also h (it becomes unstable. In addition, that you cannot easily remove or put on the luggage containers (you would have to Pinch when removing or pushing it in and out) and that you can System cannot complete. The container itself is also not lockable (open). The First of all, construction as a whole (despite the rails) is unstable (endangers safety) child), secondly too heavy / bulky and thirdly not secured against theft.  

problem

The invention specified in claim 1 is based on the problem of a stable and theft-proof and easy-to-use coupling between luggage rack and Ge to receive the container.

solution

I present my system here. The main idea is this:
I recommend several variants of rail snap lock or bolt lock couplings for child seats as well as for all possible luggage containers on and left and right on the luggage rack.

Rail technology for the child seat:
A mother rail system (drawings a1, a2) is welded or screwed onto the luggage rack in the direction of travel. The father rails are accordingly on the child seat (drawing a3: 4). Both mother rails have integrated boundary surfaces (towards the saddle) at their ends (small locking plates: a1: 3), or they are connected at the ends by a cross strut (perpendicular to the rails), which also covers the open ends (a2: 3 ). Where the child seat with father rails (a3: 7, 5) is slid on, they are of course open and have a double lock integrated into another cross strut (a2: 2) or welded directly between the rails (a3: 2) at these two ends.

Rail technology for luggage containers:
For luggage storage on the luggage rack, I particularly recommend medium-sized aluminum cases (a4: 1) with father rails (a4: 2) - namely those that (of course without rails) are already used as ordinary hand cases, so that for luggage storage, for security the content (own lock) and for the transport no new idea needs to be invested regardless of the bike.

For the additional side suspension comes with me (but only additively) changed Construction of the conventional luggage rack added.  

Also the idea of a luggage rack, which - unlike the usual - struts down on both sides is in principle already in use for bicycle bags. There but full-width support struts are required for bags Monsters.

Breakdown for different variants:
For a single suitcase (or another container) with stable angular edges that is attached to the luggage rack (b1), essentially the same technology applies as for the child seat (a3: 4). The mother rail system on the luggage rack is exactly the same. Father rail system - according to claim 2. Essentially the same counterpart is used for the rails as for the child seat (a3: 6).

For two or three suitcases (or other containers) with stable angular edges, each on two rails (in the direction of travel: on top of the luggage rack and / or on both sides) of put on the back, there are only two (four in total) a normal luggage rack welded (or screwed) metal bracket (b1: 5) necessary. The metal brackets are perpendicular to the brackets (i.e. in the direction of travel - as on the luggage rack), the mother rail systems are welded or screwed; however - unlike Turtschi - directly on two brackets or on the luggage rack (So not indirectly on clamps: the screw should - through a corresponding hole - through the mother rail and through the metal of the luggage rack): namely at four (as far apart as possible) corners.

The open rear ends (bike end: where the father rails with suitcase inserted get), whether at the top or on the sides, in pairs, as in a2: 2, a double bolt or double snap lock (so that only when pulled out must be closed, while pushing the case on the lock automatically engages). But you can also as a couple with only one small snap or Rie gel lock, on only one rail at a time (a1: 2).

Do you want to avoid welded-on metal brackets (because that's a new piece of luggage) support structure required) and are not stable enough for one (laterally) screwed,  you can make do with quasi U-shaped carriers, the other way around over the luggage carrier placed and screwed (or welded) directly to it (b2: 2).

A third (cheaper) solution would be an overall locking cable lock (c: 3, 4). Indeed this solution would be at the expense of stability and would also have to be aesthetically pleasing fight. Although it offers the advantage of including the rear wheel in the lock tie, but only at the expense of stability and without the possibility variable individual acceptance.

I personally would therefore go for light luggage (unlike the child seat and with heavy luggage, for which I would recommend a double lock for security reasons) consider both the double lock (a2) and the simple lock (a1) to be relevant. Both solutions make material, so weight-saving, inconspicuous and probably therefore also aesthetically acceptable solutions (the single lock would of course be cheaper). also not all of them stay the same with both system variants (in contrast to the cable lock) Suitcases cannot be removed or put on if a lock should ever be defective.

If the rails are in the direction of travel for the luggage rack sides of experts (in relation to to large load weight: many cans or the like, with a bulk purchase) than there are two other options:

One is the reverse U's or the brackets on both sides with a small one To construct momentum towards the outside (support beam) (I only draw the U-beam Va here riante (b3) - it will certainly not be an insurmountable difficulty to do that then also for the metal bracket variant) and the second rail on the Attach support brackets (b3: 3, 4).

The second solution would be to attach the two rails perpendicular to the direction of travel (Drawings d1, d2). That would also be the most stable solution among the material and weight-saving, which, however, has the (albeit not serious) disadvantage brings that a possible upper suitcase must first be removed before I can pull off one of the side cases.

The advantages of the system at a glance:

• 1. Greater stability or security (both for the child and with regard to theft) and greater ease of use for child seats.
• 2. Normal aluminum cases (or other containers with stable edges - such as imitations - for the very small wallet) can be easily screwed on a father recruit rail systems for the mother rail system. They are absolutely waterproof, shockproof and firmly anchored (no problems with shaking that all bike bags always ends very quickly). Furthermore (if the rather angular Case shape) the advantages of congestion and the advantages of shopping are obvious: I can do it Pull the case off with one hand and take it with you into the house or the shop (driving I have to load and unload bike bags on my bike). I can do a lot for the same reason take a sporty ride without a suitcase in a more uncomplicated way. The whole idea leaves also apply to bike bags (with stiffened back): You bring the father rails around their outer edges perpendicular to or in Direction of travel, connects the ends of the rails with two narrow metal struts, opposes a complement strut from inside the pocket and has what you need needs.

To remove the conventional bags, I have to untie up to six loops; in the In the best case, the top can be removed alone - using an all-round zipper. The Plastic cases are screwed over clamps. So when shopping you have to stow away.

The contents of the aluminum case can be packed more safely and without being crushed. A medium large, medium-deep aluminum case (1: 46, h: 33, w: 15 cm) already surpasses the volume, that provide two (side) panniers, so that you already have two side cases has a huge volume advantage over the entire bike bag. The third case, which is attached at the top, could, for example, be used for trekking (and there with even greater depth). But of course also with one Bulk purchase.

The cases themselves are lockable. The whole system is also a luggage rack / suitcase can be removed or connected. So I can (theft specific) the suitcases including shopping on the bike when I go to a store to buy another little thing.  

Design Considerations:
The color of the suitcases can of course (where you don't want to leave them in silver) be adapted to the respective bike color. The silver fittings and edges can be left in silver and correspond very nicely with the chrome parts of the bike. With a black or dark green bike, I can personally do this e.g. B. pronouncing chen stylishly.

Furthermore, you can for women and men (because the whole thing is not just an idea for socially weak, but for all ecologically conscious people) who differ from the Let aesthetics impress rather than functionality, of course other than Consider square suitcase shapes (roughly more rounded ones) (depending on how the bike is itself is stylistically designed).

A few more overall considerations of market value:
There is already an unmistakable market for the child seat and therefore there is also a need for a system that is more stable or safer than conventional technologies (even a consultant patent attorney complained about the sliding of his child seat, which is attached with clamps...).

Crucial for the market value of the idea, which is also implicit here, bicycles also as It seems to me that making luggage transport means competitive with the car Consideration that in the future - even in our so rich country, because here will be in the meantime, essentially only the rich have become richer - (as a percentage) always fewer people will be able to afford a car - and certainly not a taxi. These People are then for their bulk purchases (Aldi, Continent!) But on a volume and safety-related idea in connection with the bicycle (if not on the handcart or not very competitive in this respect or Want to use pocket wagons - the former is extremely bulky and naturally slow, In addition, it also refers to poverty optically too much, as that is a call valued buyer group could mobilize for this, and for the use of the latter According to all observations, only old, frail people who have a driving experience consider cycling too dangerous, can decide). In my opinion are social  Weak (not least given the price development in local public transport) already somewhat perplexed today with regard to the fact that the bicycle industry is their So far, (shopping) needs have not been met in a really acceptable form.

Reasons why I would now like to use this to create a patent for my utility model G 94 17 254.4:
If one argued about patent law ("level of invention"), for example, that I essentially only connected the snap lock to the rails (the fact is, however, that I have associated luggage carriers / rails / snap locks independently of Turtschi! - but this claim is of little use to me here, of course), so if you only associated things that already existed, you can just as well argue that Turtschi only associated the luggage rack with the rails (also things that already existed).

For me this means that if one is a patent, the other should also be one - the snap / bolt lock idea is, as far as I can see, completely new. And exactly it should also be patented.

However, I think it is even more important to point out that Turtschi's idea is only one Solves problem (and not really conclusive), but my idea solves three problems.

Now one could argue that Turtschi still largely the rail idea anticipated. However, I believe that it is much better can argue by pointing out that the good basic idea of the rail Kopp at Turtschi literally "binds" itself on the one hand and on the other blurred: in relation to the impractical rod / split pin lock (Appendix a, p. 7: 13, 14) or the fixation of locking and rail element assembly. For an anti-theft device and for easy acceptance or attachment, this is with Moreover, the idea has not yet achieved anything. In short: Turtschi only has stability problem solved (and not conclusively either, because he only has it internally for the rail coupling released: its clamp screw connection on the luggage rack is in relation on a self-moving cargo - child or dog, for example - but considerably unstable: the In fact, the stability of the rail idea is canceled at this point). - Incidentally, I also consider these weaknesses to be the reason that its fundamental plausible rail idea has never gone into production.  

I have against it here in one wash

• 1. the stability problem (also for fastening the rail system to the luggage rack: it is welded or screwed at four corners - and directly, i.e. not via clamps),
• 2. the theft problem and
• 3. the problem of uncomplicated acceptance and acceptance (with the snap lock flexibility) solved.

The following might perhaps be said about the level of invention:
The fact that so far (that is, since the invention of Turtschi, 1975) no bicycle builder has come up with the rail snap lock idea (or even the corresponding bolt lock idea) seems to show that it does not seem obvious.

Claims (16)

1. For a bicycle and motorcycle luggage rack-rail snap lock coupling, characterized in that two mother rails in the direction of travel at four (as far apart as possible) corners are welded or screwed directly onto a luggage rack (drilled screws) and that the rails for Saddle closed and open at its other ends. They can also be connected at both ends by (underlaid) welded or screwed cross struts, which in turn are then welded onto the luggage rack or screwed on as a whole. The rails are also characterized in that between their open ends (at the end of the luggage rack) a single or double snap lock is welded or screwed. The whole thing is to be understood as the mother rail coupling part, which, with a father rail coupling part, creates a systematic unit with aluminum cases or other containers with stable angular edges (also bags with stiffened back - where a father rail complement practically frames the back of the bag) and with child seats: especially for all bicycles and all motorcycles. For both the single lock system (a1: 2) and the double lock system (a2: 2): either as a snap lock or bolt lock system.

• 1.1 For the single lock system - according to claim 1 - with the two or without the two underlying cross struts at the ends (a1: 4, 5), characterized in that the lock (a1: 2) directly with a rail or with the cross strut (under the open ends) is screwed or welded (a1: 5).
• 1.2 For the double lock system - according to claim 1 - with the two or without the two underlying cross struts (one of which can also be an angle strut, a2: 3 if you do not want to use individual locking surfaces) at the ends (a2: 4, 5) , characterized in that the lock is welded or screwed to the rear strut (a2: 5) or welded or screwed directly between the two rail ends (a3: 2).
  The single lock (a1: 2) works essentially like any snap lock. The double lock (a2: 2) is characterized in that it "snaps" on both sides at the same time, or at the same time lets the lock tongues out or in on both sides when a container with father rails is pulled out or pushed in from the mother rails. The following applies to the snap lock system:
  If a container is pushed all the way in on father rails, the locking mechanism automatically engages, so only for pulling out must be unlocked.

2. For a bracing complement & child seat-father rail bracing system for the mother rail system - according to claim 1-, characterized in that from the inside of the stiffened underbody of the child seat (a3: 4) four screws first through the bracing complement (a3: 6, 7, 5 ) and then through the stiffened underbody of the child seat into the father rail bracing system (a3: 5). For the bracing complement and rails complete (a3: 5), which is essentially the same for aluminum cases (a4) or other containers stabilized with angular edges, but is characterized differently in that the counterparts of the father rails inside the aluminum The case is laid out up to the stable edges of the case and screwed tightly there and that the screws are guided in from the outside through the father rails and through the edge wall and connected to the counterparts of the rails inside the case - by nuts (no drawing).
However, the system should also be protected here for containers without angular edges. 3. For a triple rail system (b1, here only drawn with the right beams): d. H. three rail systems - according to claim 1 -, characterized, that each have a rail system directly on the luggage rack and / or on both sides two (four in total) metal hangers (b1: 5) or two inverted U-beam is welded or screwed at four corners (b2: here without overlying rail system drawn). 4. For the further stabilized by a sub-beam (support beam) (b3: 3) with rail (b3: 4) lized U-beam - according to claim 3 - (b2). 5. For a (non-favorite) cable lock system, characterized in that by all Ends of all pairs of rails - according to claim 1 - and a stable cable through the rear wheel is pulled with a padlock (c: 3, 4). The rails will be just in front of them Provide (open) ends with central holes.   6. For a vertical side suspension of the double rail system (d1: 2) with double Snap or double bolt locks (d1: 3) - according to claim 1 - for large loads Weight. 6.1 For corresponding father rails - according to claim 2 -: perpendicular to the direction of travel Aluminum case or other container with stable angular edges welded on or screwed on (d1: 4, 5). 7. For the side suspension of the vertically suspended double rail system (d2: 2) - According to claim 6 - with single snap or single bolt locks (d2: 3). 7.1 If you lower the rails, you can again use a rail system Claim 1 - be attached to the luggage rack (in the direction of travel). This too Variant should be protected. 7.2 The lock can also be attached to the left or right of the rail instead of behind the rail (d2: 3).
These variants should also be protected. 8. For a bicycle bag father rail system - according to claim 1. You bring the father seemed here to be particularly far apart in the direction of travel or perpendicular its stiffened back on the outer edges (with cross braces which are also completely lie on the outside) in that they are inwardly connected to a corresponding complement strut with single lock system - according to claim 1 - screwed (no drawing). 9. For normal U-beams (b2: 2) and metal bracket systems - according to claim 3 -, thereby characterized in that rail systems on top and / or on both sides directly in each case at four corners (so - as in all other claims - not indirectly via clamps) welded or screwed. 9.1 For U-beams or metal brackets with an additional support beam (sub-beam) on both Pages, characterized, that a bottom rail (b3: 3, 4) with a single snap or bolt lock on it or in it is welded or screwed in.   10. For all rail systems - according to claim 1 -, characterized in that they have four Welded on or screwed on or opened (as far apart as possible) be riveted so that a rectangle or at least a square forms in the direction of travel. 11. For the material for all parts of all coupling systems presented in claims 1-10 me: which should consist of stable metal. 11.1 Wherever screws are used, rivets can also be used be - which is not preferred here, but should be protected.