GB2400088A

GB2400088A - Releasable attachment system for a container

Info

Publication number: GB2400088A
Application number: GB0307815A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Paul Roger Goulding
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2003-04-04
Filing date: 2003-04-04
Publication date: 2004-10-06
Anticipated expiration: 2023-04-04
Also published as: GB2400088B; GB0307815D0

Abstract

A system that releasably attaches a container to a vehicle, whilst allowing detachment in a quick and easy manner. Attachment is provided by one or more mounting brackets 10 and 11, which are secured to or moulded into the container 14. These engage onto the vehicle directly or via a frame 15, providing both horizontal and vertical support. The container is secured by means of a hook 22, when it engages with the frame 15. When the lid 18 of the container 14 is opened the lever 16 is able to pivot 20 moving the hook 22 away from the frame 15. With the hook 22 in this position the container 14 can be detached from the vehicle.

Description

RELEASABLE ATTACHMENT SYSTEM

FOR A CONTAINER

This invention relates to a releasable attachment system for a container. In particular, this invention relates to a mounting system, which allows a container or containers to be releasably attached and detached from a vehicle in a quick and easy manner.

A releasable attachment system for a container is a well-known concept. Its purpose is l0 to allow a container, for example a luggage box, toolbox, first aid box or fuel can, to be attached to a vehicle of an inherent compact nature, such as a motorcycle, cycle or 4x4, thereby increasing its storage ability. The containers are often attached to the vehicle via a frame but could be mounted directly to it. The container is frequently detached in order to convey the contents into a building or other inaccessible area.

Many releasable attachment systems for a container are, however, relatively difficult to operate. Some require the contents to be removed or tools to be used in order to detach them. Others, though easier to use, are relatively fragile or overly complicated in construction.

According to the present invention there is provided an attachment system for releasabley attaching a container to a vehicle, the attachment system comprising a fixed mounting bracket attached to the container which mounts the container on the vehicle, and a hook attached to the container which also mounts the container on the vehicle and secures it thereto when the lid of the container is closed but is moveable to allow detachment of the container from the vehicle when the lid of the container is open.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawing in which: Figure 1 shows in perspective, a container locked in position on a frame; Figure 2 shows in perspective, a container unlocked in position on a frame; Figure 3 shows in perspective, a container unlocked off a frame; Figure 4 shows in perspective, a container locked off a frame, Figure 5 shows a sectional view of the releasing mechanism; Figure 6 shows in perspective, the lever mechanism in position to allow access to the hook attachment bolts; Figure 7 shows m perspective, a mounting bracket used to support a container in a horizontal plane; and Figure 8 shows in perspective, a mounting bracket used to support a container in a vertical plane.

Referring to the drawing a releasable attachment system for a container comprises of one or more mounting brackets lo, that are secured to the container as in Fig 1-4 using self clinching studs 12 as shown in Fig 7 thereby supporting it in a horizontal plane. It may also be restrained by a mounting bracket l l secured to the container in a similar manner but at a different angle, in order to give vertical stability, as shown in Fig 1-4 and Fig 8. The mounting brackets are lined with a rubber or polyurethane compound 13, bonded to the inner surface in order to provide a firm but slideable fit as shown in Fig 7-8. These mounting brackets 1011 engage with a frame 15 as illustrated in Figl-3 that is attached to the vehicle, for example a motorcycle. (not shown).

With specific reference to Fig 1-4, the container 14 is secured to the frame using a lever 16, which is attached to the container 14 in such a way that it is able to pivot 20.

At one end of the lever 16 is a tab 17, which engages the lid 18 when it is closed thereby providing a means of catchment. It is possible that another means of 6S catchment could be provided for the lever 16, other than the tab 17 engaging the lid 18 however the lidl8 would still close over the lever 16 and pivot 20 to provide security.

At the other end of the lever 16 is a member 19 attached to the lever by a pivot 21.

This member 19 is provided with a slot through which a hook 22 is attached using bolts 28 threaded into the hook as shown in Fig 5. The bolts 28 are only accessible when the levers 17 and member 19 are moved to the position 30 illustrated in Fig 6, thereby making the hook 22 adjustable. When the lever 17 and member 19 are returned to their normal working position as in Figs 1-4, however the bolts 28 become inaccessible and therefore tamperproof. The hook 22 is lined with a rubber or polyurethane compound 29, that is bonded to the top surface in order to provide a firm and compressive fit when engaged with the frame 15 as shown in Fig 5. The hook 22 is also lined with the same material where it comes into contact with member 19, thereby providing a deterrent against adjustment slippage. When the lid 18 is closed it engages with the tab 17 on lever 16 causing the hook on member 19 to engage firmly with the frame 15 thereby preventing the container 14 from being removed.

In order to remove the container 14 from the frame 15 the lid 18 must first be unlocked 23 and opened. It is then possible to move the lever 16, thereby rotating it around the pivot 20 and causing the member 19 with its attached hook 22 to disengage and move away from the frame 15. The container 14 can then be lifted, first in the direction of arrow 25 and then in the direction of arrow 26 as shown in Fig 3 in order to accomplish removal. The lever 16 is returned to its former position and the lid 18 closed as shown in Fig 4. The container 14 is free to be conveyed, by hand, into a building or inaccessible area using a handle 27.

Whilst a specific example of the means of moving hook 22 has been described with reference to the drawings, the skilled person would of course envisage other arrangements having the same effect using sliding members, pivoting members or

springs for example.

To remount the container 14 on to the frame 15 the steps described above are carried out in the reverse sequence.

Claims

I An attachment system for releasabley attaching a container to a vehicle, the attachment system comprising a fixed mounting bracket attached to the container which mounts the container on the vehicle, and a hook attached to the container which also mounts the container on the vehicle and secures it thereto when the lid of the container is closed but is moveable to allow detachment of the container from the vehicle when the lid of the container is open.

l lO
2 An attachment system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the hook is attached to a member which is in turn attached to a lever, the lever operable to move the hook.
3 An attachment system as claimed in claim 2 wherein the lever is pivotally connected to the container.
4 An attachment system as claimed in 2 or 3 in which the member is pivotally connected to the lever.
5 The attachment system of claims 1-4 wherein said mounting bracket and said hook engage with a frame or rack mounted on said vehicle.
6 An attachment system as claimed in 1-5 wherein catchment means is provided for the lever by means independent of engagement with the lid.
7 The attachment system of any preceding claim wherein the lid is provided with a lock.
8 An attachment system as claimed in claim 2-7 wherein adjustment means is provided in order to change the position of the hook co-operable with the member.
9 An attachment system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein more than one mounting bracket is provided. i35

An attachment system as claimed in any preceding claim in which the or each mouthing bracket is lined with a rubber or polyurethane compound.

l l An attachment system as claimed in any preceding claim in which the hook is lined with a rubber or polyurethane compound.

l the attachment system ot claim 3-11 wherein the lever, pivots and member are enclosed within the lid of the container.

14s 13 An attachment system substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 1-g.

l 4 A container for mounting on a vehicle having an attachment system substantially as described in any proceeding claim.

9 An attachment system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein more than one mounting bracket is provided.

An attachment system as claimed in any preceding claim in which the or each mouthing bracket is lined with a rubber or polyurethane compound.

11 An attachment system as claimed in any preceding claim in which the hook is lined with a rubber or polyurethane compound.

12 The attachment system of claim 3-11 wherein the lever, pivots and member are enclosed within the lid of the container.

13 An attachment system substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 1-8.

14 A container for mounting on a vehicle having an attachment system substantially as described in any proceeding claim. iGo

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows 1 An attachment system for releasabley attaching a container to a vehicle, the att-achment system comprisin-g-a fixed--mounting- bracket attached- to the container which mounts the container on the vehicle, and a hook attached to the container wherein when the lid of the container is closed it cooperates with the hook to secure the container on to the vehicle and prevent detachment of the container.

2 An attachment system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the hook is attached to a member which is in turn attached to a lever, the lever operable to move the hook.

An attacinent system as claimed in claim 2 wherein the lever is pivotally I I S connected to the container.

4 An attaclunent system as claimed in 2 or 3 in which the member is pivotally connected to Me lever.

5 i he attachment system of claims 1-4 wherein said mounting bracket and said hook engage with a frame or rack mounted on said vehicle.

An attachment system as claimed in 2-5 wherein catchment means is provided for the lever by means independent of engagement with the lid.

7 The attaci ent system of any preceding claim wherein the lid is provided with a lock.

- -- 8-- An- attachment system-as--claimed in claim 2--7 wherein adjustment-means is i30 provided in order to change the position of the hook co-operable with the member.