WO2013159141A1

WO2013159141A1 - Bracket, bracket system and method of use

Info

Publication number: WO2013159141A1
Application number: PCT/AU2013/000407
Authority: WO
Inventors: David Lugton
Original assignee: The Bicycle Corporation Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2012-04-24
Filing date: 2013-04-19
Publication date: 2013-10-31

Abstract

A bracket for attachment to the seat rails supporting the seat of a bicycle, the bracket comprising a first body member and a second body member which interconnect and locate the bracket adjacent the seat rails plus an accessory support associated with at least one of the first body member or the second body member.

Description

BRACKET, BRACKET SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USE

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of mechanical engineering.

[0002] In one form, the invention relates to a bracket for attachment to a bicycle, particularly a seat of a bicycle.

[0003] In one particular aspect the present invention is suitable for use as a bracket system for bicycle accessories such as lights, reflectors or small carriers.

[0004] It will be convenient to hereinafter describe the invention in relation to bicycles, however it should be appreciated that the present invention is not so limited and can be applied to other uses.

BACKGROUND ART

[0005] It is to be appreciated that any discussion of documents, devices, acts or knowledge in this specification is included to explain the context of the present invention. Further, the discussion throughout this specification comes about due to the realisation of the inventor and/or the identification of certain related art problems by the inventor. Moreover, any discussion of material such as documents, devices, acts or knowledge in this specification is included to explain the context of the invention in terms of the inventor's knowledge and experience and, accordingly, any such discussion should not be taken as an admission that any of the material forms part of the prior art base or the common general knowledge in the relevant art in Australia, or elsewhere, on or before the priority date of the disclosure arid claims herein.

[0006] Myriad accessories exist for cyclists, particularly recreational cyclists. Many of these accessories are adapted for attachment to a bicycle using bolts, Velcro™ strips or cir-clips. For example, safety feature such as lights and reflectors are often directly attached to bicycle frame members. Functional items such as pannier racks and pannier bags are typically attached by struts to a rear wheel hub or the front fork. Frequently used items such as tyre pumps, locks and drink bottles often fit purpose build adaptors attached to the central members of the bicycle frame adjacent the pedals. [0007] It is important that the accessories are located on a structurally strong part of the bicycle and in a position that does not interfere with motion of the cyclist or parts of the bicycle. This includes, for example, the area adjacent the bicycle seat. The bicycle seat is supported by seat rails/ which comprise a pair of rods running along the length of the bicycle seat to maintain its shape and strength. Intermediate the seat and bicycle frame is a seat post. At its upper end, the seat post supports the rails and at its other end it is integral with the bicycle frame. Seat rails have a standard diameter and spacing, but vary in length and longitudinal shape.

[0008] In the past, accessories such as tail lights or under-seat tool bags have been attached to the seat post by cir-clips and the like. However the position of the seat relative to the post, and the limited clearance tends to hinder attachment and detachment of the accessory. Furthermore, in the case of tail lights the position of the seat tends to obscure the luminescence, diminishing its effectiveness.

[0009] Accordingly there is a need for a means for an alternate means for attaching accessories adjacent the bicycle seat.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0010] An object of the present invention is to provide a more convenient means for attachment and detachment of accessories from a bicycle.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a more effective means for supporting accessories on a bicycle.

[0012] A yet further object of the present invention is to provide a more efficient means for displaying safety accessories such as lights and reflectors.

[0013] A further object of the present invention is to alleviate at least one disadvantage associated with the related art. [0014] It is an object of the embodiments described herein to overcome or alleviate at least one of the above noted drawbacks of related art systems or to at least provide a useful alternative to related art systems.

[0015] In a first aspect of embodiments described herein there is provided a bracket for attachment to the seat rails supporting the seat of a bicycle, the bracket comprising a first body member and a second body member which interconnect and locate the bracket adjacent the seat rails plus an accessory support associated with at least one of the first body member or the second body member.

[0016] In a second aspect of embodiments described herein there is provided a bracket for attachment to the seat rails supporting the seat of a bicycle, the bracket comprising:

• a first body member having a first rail contact means and a second rail contact means,

• a second body member adapted to interlink with the first body member such that a first seat rail and a second seat rail are located between the first rail contact means and the second rail contact means respectively, and the second body member, and i

• an accessory support associated with at least one of the first body member or the second body member.

[0017] The accessory support may be configured for removable or permanent attachment to a device such as a light. Because the bracket is mounted on the rails, the light is at the same height as the bicycle seat so that its luminescence is less likely to be obscured compared with lights of the prior art. Alternatively another (secondary) bracket may be attached to the accessory support. The attachment may fit to the accessory support in any convenient manner such as interference, slide or snap fit. Thus, the bracket may be part of a system for attachment of accessories to a bicycle such as lights, reflectors, secondary brackets, small containers and combinations thereof. [0018] Preferably the first body member and second body member are interlinked by correspondingly shaped body parts. For example, the first body member may have a tongue that interlinks with a correspondingly shaped slot or recess in the second body member. Alternatively or in addition, the two body members may interlink by snap or interference fit. A small securing means such as a screw or bolt may be used to strengthen the interlinking. Preferably the interlinking mechanism is sufficiently simple that the two body members can be easily manually brought together or separated within the narrow confines between the underside of the bicycle seat and the bicycle frame.

[0019] Preferably the first rail contact means and the second rail contact means comprise hooks which at least partly encircle the first rail and the second rail respectively. Typically the hooks transfer load force downwards and can support a significant horizontal load on the rails. Furthermore any rotational force imparted on the bracket is transferred downwards on to the hooks.

[0020] In addition there may be a third rail contact means and a fourth rail contact means. Typically, the first and third rail contact means are associated with the first seat rail, and the second and fourth rail contact means are associated with the second seat rail. Thus the aforesaid pair of rail contact means cooperate to firmly attach the bracket to the rails and resist any rotational force. Furthermore the pair of rail contact means may be adapted to cooperate with a predetermined portion of the first and second seat rails in a manner which enables the bracket to be held at a relatively static location. Typically the bracket cooperates with a bent portion of the seat rails.

[0021] In another aspect of embodiments described herein there is provided a bracket for attachment to the seat rails supporting the seat of a bicycle, the bracket comprising:

• a first body member having a first hook for engaging a first seat rail and a second hook for engaging a second seat rail,

• a second body member having a body portion adapted to interlink with a correspondingly shaped portion the first body member, such that the first seat rail and second seat rail are located between the first body member and the second body member, and • an accessory support associated with at least one of the first body member or second body member.

[0022] In a yet further aspect of embodiments described herein there is provided a method of attaching the bracket of the present invention to a bicycle seat comprising the steps of:

• locating the first body member and second body member on either side of the seat rails of the bicycle seat, then interlocking the first body member and second body member such that the first seat rail and second seat rail are located between the first body member and the second body member,

• such that the accessory support is located substantially at the level of the rear of the bicycle seat.

[0023J Other aspects and preferred forms are disclosed in the specification and/or defined in the appended claims, forming a part of the description of the invention.

[0024] In essence, embodiments of the present invention stem froni the realization that a seat rails are suitable for a universally fitting bracket that can support accessories at a convenient position relative to the bicycle seat.

[0025] Advantages provided by the present invention comprise the following:

• utilisation of a structurally strong part of the bicycle,

• no interference with the motion of the cyclist or the bicycle,

• the bicycle is less likely to obscure or diminish operation of the supported accessory,

• relatively easy to attach and detach fronvthe bicycle, • can be used universally to attach to seat rails,

• can form part of a system of attachment for accessories,

• capable of supporting substantial horizontal loads.

[0026] Further scope of applicability of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the disclosure herein will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Further disclosure, objects, advantages and aspects of preferred and other embodiments of the present application may be better understood by those skilled in the relevant art by reference to the following description of embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are given by way of illustration only, and thus are not limitative of the disclosure herein, and in which:

Figure 1 illustrates one embodiment of the device of the present invention when it is assembled in a front view (Fig.1 a), side view (Fig. b), rear view (Fig.1 c), rear perspective view (Fig.ld); and in a front perspective view when it is assembled (Fig. le) and disassembled (Fig. lf);

Figure 2 illustrates the device of Figure 1 attached to seat rails in front view (Fig.2a), side view (Fig.2b) and front perspective view (Fig.2c); and

Figure 3 illustrates the device as shown in Figures 2b and 2c in an exploded side view (Fig.3b) and exploded front perspective view (Fig.3c). DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Figure 1 shows a front view (Fig.1a) of the bracket (1) having a first body member (3) and a second body' member (5). The two body members are held in contact by an interlink (not visible in this view) and may additionally be secured together by engaging a screw (7a) and hexagonal nut (7b) through a recess (7). The second body member (5) includes an accessory support (9) for accessories such as lights, or a further bracket or connector. In this embodiment the accessory would be attached to the accessory support (9) by a threaded screw (11a) and nut (11b) through a recess (11). This configuration can be seen in left side view at Figure 1b. The rear view (Fig.1c) shows the interlink (13) between the first body member (3) and the second body member (5) which in this embodiment comprises a tongue on the first body member (3) which is slidably received within a correspondingly shaped recess in the second body member (5). Also visible in this view are the generally hook-shaped first rail contact means (15) and second rail contact means (17) which are integral with the second body member (5).

[0029] Figure 1d provides a rear perspective view of the bracket (1) and in this view can be seen the abutment (23) where a surface of the first body member (3) and a surface (23a) of the second body member (5) come together. The abutting surfaces have corresponding contours in the form of crenations which fit together and resist movement. The front perspective view (Fig.le) clearly shows the hook-shape of the first rail contact means (15) and second rail contact means (17). The second body member (5) includes flanges comprising a third rail contact means (19) and fourth rail contact means (21). The third rail contact means (19) and fourth rail contact means (21) are more clearly seen in the front perspective view of the bracket (1) when disassembled (Fig.1t)·

[0030] Figure 2 illustrates the bracket of Figure 1 in use when attached to a first seat rail (25a) and a second seat rail (25b) that form part of the framework underneath a bicycle seat (not shown). In this view can be seen the hook-shape of the second rail contact means (15) that partly encircles the second rail (25b) and clamps it against the fourth rail contact means (21). The side view (Fig.2b) and the front perspective view (Fig.2c) are exploded to show individual parts in Figure 3b and Figure 3c respectively. [0031] While this invention has been described in connection with specific embodiments thereof, it will be understood that it is capable of further modification(s). This application is intended to cover any variations uses or adaptations of the invention following in general, the principles of the invention and including such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice within the art to which the invention pertains and as may be applied to the essential features hereinbefore set forth.

[0032] As the present invention may be embodied in several forms without departing from the spirit of the essential characteristics of the invention, it should be understood that the above described embodiments are not to limit the present invention unless otherwise specified, but rather should be construed broadly within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects as illustrative only and not restrictive.

[0033] Various modifications and equivalent arrangements are intended to be included within the spirit and scope of the invention and appended claims. Therefore, the specific embodiments are to be understood to be illustrative of the many ways in which the principles of the present invention may be practiced. In the following claims, means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover structures as performing the defined function and not only structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures.

[0034] "Comprises/comprising" and "includes/including" when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof. Thus, unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words 'comprise' , 'comprising', 'includes', 'including' and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of "including, but not limited to".

Claims

1. A bracket for attachment to the seat rails supporting the seat of a bicycle, the bracket comprising a first body member and a second body member which interconnect and locate the bracket adjacent the seat rails plus an accessory support associated with at least one of the first body member or the second body member.

3. A bracket according to claim 1 wherein the accessory support is adapted for attachment to an accessory chosen from the group comprising lights, reflectors, secondary brackets, small containers and combinations thereof.

4. A bracket for attachment to the seat rails supporting the seat of a bicycle, the bracket comprising:

• a second body member adapted to interlink with the first body member such that a first seat rail and a second seat rail are located between the first rail contact means and the second rail contact means respectively, and the second body member, and

5. A bracket according to claim 4 wherein the accessory support is adapted for attachment to an accessory chosen from the group comprising lights, reflectors, secondary brackets, small containers and combinations thereof.

6. A bracket according to claim 4 which further comprises a third rail contact means and a fourth rail contact means, wherein the first and third rail contact means are associated with the first seat rail, and the second and fourth rail contact means are associated with the second seat rail.

7. A bracket for attachment to the seat rails supporting the seat of a bicycle, the bracket comprising:

• a second body member having a body portion adapted to interlink with a correspondingly shaped portion the first body member, such that the first seat rail and second seat rail are located between the first body member and the second body member, and

• an accessory support associated with at least one of the first body member or second body member.

8. A bracket according to claim 7 wherein the accessory support is adapted for attachment to an accessory chosen from the group comprising lights, reflectors, secondary brackets, small containers and combinations thereof.

9. A method of attaching the bracket of the present invention to a bicycle seat comprising the steps of:

• locating the first body member and second body member on either side of the seat rails of the bicycle seat, then

• interlocking the first body member and second body member such that the first seat rail and second seat rail are located between the first body member and the second body member,

10. A method according to claim 9 further including the step of attaching the accessory support to an accessory chosen from the group comprising lights, reflectors, secondary brackets, small containers and combinations thereof.

1 1. A system for attachment of accessories to a bicycle comprising a bracket' according to any one of claims 1 , 4 or 7 and a bicycle accessory.