Abstract:
A saddlebag removal system and a saddlebag attachment assembly comprise a fastener assembly with a fastening member comprising a base portion and an axially extending central portion adjacent to the base portion. A securing member surrounds the central portion and contacts the central portion in an interference fit. A tether member comprises a first end coupled to the fastener assembly and a second end coupled to an anchoring surface and is configured to structurally connect the fastening member and the anchoring surface. Additionally, a plurality of pads may be coupled to a lower surface of the saddlebag to prevent contact between the lower surface and a surface upon which the saddlebag rests.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    This invention is directed generally to saddlebag assemblies and, more particularly, to a saddlebag removal system and a saddlebag attachment assembly having pads for saddlebag lower surface protection and fastener retaining features for retaining a structural connection between fastener assembly parts and an anchoring surface. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Vehicles such as motorcycles frequently utilize containers known as saddlebags that are coupled to the vehicle frame or body in order to store and/or transport items. It is advantageous for a vehicle operator or owner to have the ability to remove a saddlebag for a variety of reasons, including cold weather storage of the vehicle, during cleaning or overhaul of vehicle components, or in the event that an operator wishes to operate the vehicle without a saddlebag attached to the vehicle. Many saddlebags feature a top portion that opens to allow access to the contents of the saddlebag. Once the top portion of the saddlebag is open, an interior surface of the saddlebag that is adjacent to the frame of the vehicle is accessible. The interior surface may be used for coupling the saddlebag to the frame of the vehicle. However, a fastener assembly having multiple separate parts or requiring a separate tool to fasten the saddlebag to the vehicle frame will significantly increase the amount of time required for removal and mounting. Additionally, a fastener assembly with separate parts increases the likelihood that one or more parts of the assembly, or the entire fastener assembly, will be separated from the saddlebag and dropped or misplaced, thereby preventing, impeding, or delaying the secure attachment of the saddlebag to the vehicle. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    In accordance with an aspect of the invention, a saddlebag attachment assembly is provided comprising a fastening member having a base portion and an axially extending central portion coupled to the base portion. A securing member surrounds the central portion and contacts the central portion in an interference fit. The saddlebag attachment assembly includes a tether member comprising a first end coupled to the base portion and a second end coupled to an anchoring surface. The tether member is configured to structurally connect the fastening member and the anchoring surface. 
         [0004]    In accordance with further aspects of the invention, the securing member may be annular. Additionally, the securing member may be composed of a polymer or elastomer material. The saddlebag attachment assembly may further comprise a plate member surrounding the central portion and disposed between the base portion and the securing member, wherein the plate member may be annular. The fastening member may further comprise an attachment portion coupled to the base portion, the tether member being coupled to the base portion via the attachment portion. The attachment portion may comprise an annular structure, the tether member being coupled to the attachment portion via the annular structure. The anchoring surface may be configured to be coupled to a vehicle such as a motorcycle having a saddlebag, which may comprise the anchoring surface. The saddlebag may further comprise a plurality of pads configured to couple to a lower surface of the saddlebag to prevent contact between the lower surface and a surface upon which the saddlebag rests. Finally, the fastening member may be configured to fasten by rotation of the fastening member about a longitudinal axis of the fastening member. 
         [0005]    In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a saddlebag removal system is provided comprising a securing member configured to surround a central portion of a stud member and contact the stud member in an interference fit. The saddlebag removal system includes a tether member configured to flexibly couple the stud member to an anchoring surface. The securing member and the tethering member cooperate to maintain a structural connection between all parts of a fastening assembly. 
         [0006]    In accordance with still further aspects of the invention, the anchoring surface may be configured to surround the stud member upon fastening. The securing member may be annular and may be composed of polymer or elastomer material. The tether member may comprise a cable or wire. The fastening assembly may be configured to fasten by rotation of the stud member about a longitudinal axis of the stud member. Additionally, the securing member may be configured to be disposed adjacent to a plate member surrounding the central portion in a non-interference fit relationship. The plate member may be disposed between the tether member and the securing member. Finally, the anchoring surface may form one portion of a container coupled to a vehicle, such as a motorcycle saddlebag. The saddlebag may comprise a plurality of pads configured to couple to a lower surface of the saddlebag to prevent contact between the lower surface and a surface upon which the saddlebag rests. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]    While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the present invention, the present invention will be better understood from the following description in conjunction with the accompanying Drawing Figures, in which like reference numerals identify like elements, and wherein: 
           [0008]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a saddlebag according to aspects of the present invention; 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  is an enlarged cross sectional view of a saddlebag attachment assembly according to aspects of the present invention; and 
           [0010]      FIG. 3  is an enlarged perspective view of a saddlebag attachment assembly according to aspects of the present invention. 
           [0011]      FIG. 4  is an enlarged perspective view of a saddlebag attachment assembly according to further aspects of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0012]    In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration, and not by way of limitation, a specific preferred embodiment in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
         [0013]    Reference is now made to  FIG. 1  which shows a saddlebag attachment assembly according to aspects of the present invention. Saddlebag  10  is mounted to a vehicle such as a motorcycle for the purpose of carrying or storing items with the vehicle. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, two saddlebags may be attached, one on each side of a motorcycle toward the rear end of the vehicle. Although not shown in  FIG. 1 , the saddlebag  10  of the preferred embodiment of the present invention may include a top portion to enclose the saddlebag, thereby preventing any loss or introduction of items while operating the vehicle. The top portion of the saddlebag  10  may open to allow access to the interior of the saddlebag  10 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , the saddlebag  10  of the preferred embodiment includes an interior surface  12  that is adjacent to the frame of the vehicle. The interior surface  12  may be used for coupling the saddlebag  10  to the frame of the vehicle, as discussed below. Although the saddlebag  10  of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is made of a rigid material such as a hard plastic or fiberglass, the saddlebag  10  may be made of a soft or flexible material such as a flexible polymer, elastomer, or leather. 
         [0014]    Referring again to  FIG. 1 , the interior surface  12  is coupled to the vehicle with a saddlebag fastener assembly  14 . In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the saddlebag fastener assembly  14  couples the saddlebag  10  to the vehicle through an interior surface opening  16  of the saddlebag  10 . Additionally, the preferred embodiment includes a second interior surface opening  18  to permit a second point of coupling between the saddlebag  10  and the vehicle using a second fastener assembly (not shown) in order to strengthen and stabilize the mounting of the saddlebag  10  to the vehicle. 
         [0015]    When the saddlebag  10  of the preferred embodiment is detached from a vehicle for reasons such as off-season storage or cleaning of the vehicle or saddlebag, the saddlebag may rest on the ground or another surface. Referring again to  FIG. 1 , a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes bumper pads  20  attached to a saddlebag lower surface  22  that faces in the downward direction. In the preferred embodiment, the bumper pads  20  are attached to the lower surface  22  with adhesive, but may be attached using other means such as a separate fastener. Because saddlebags often feature attractive paint and exterior surface finishes, the bumper pads  20  prevent an abrasive surface, such as a concrete floor, from damaging the lower surface  22  while being small enough not to add significant additional weight or visual interference. 
         [0016]    Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a partial-exploded view of the saddlebag fastener assembly  14  of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown. A fastening member  24  has a base portion  26  and a central portion  28  that extends in an axial direction away from the base portion  26 . At the end of the central portion  28  distal to the base portion  26 , a locking portion  30  is structured to allow fastening of the fastening member  24  to a spring plate  32 . The spring plate  32  contains a wire  34  disposed over a spring plate opening  36 . Once the locking portion  30  of the fastening member  24  passes through the interior surface opening  16  of the saddlebag  10  and the locking portion  30  engages the wire  34  of the spring plate  32 , the wire  34 , remaining substantially stationary, may enter an internal channel  38  of the locking portion  30  as the fastening member  24  is rotated about its longitudinal axis. After the fastening member  24  rotates about 90 degrees, further rotation is prevented by the internal channel  38 , and the fastener assembly  14  is securely coupled to the spring plate  32  to prevent axial movement. In the preferred embodiment, spring plate  32  is rigidly attached to a vehicle such that the fastener assembly  14  may be securely coupled to the vehicle once the fastening member  24  is locked to the spring plate  32 . The interior surface opening  16  of the preferred embodiment may also include a grommet  50  to resiliently couple the saddlebag  10  and the spring plate  32  to the fastener assembly  14 . 
         [0017]    Referring again to  FIG. 2 , the fastening member  24  additionally includes an attachment portion  40  coupled to the base portion  26 . The attachment portion  40  is preferably an annular structure, such as a metal ring or loop, and its connection to the base portion  26  may allow pivoting between the two structures. 
         [0018]    As can be seen in  FIG. 2 , a tether member  42  structurally connects the fastening member  24  to the interior surface  12 . In order to prevent disconnection and subsequent loss of the fastening member  24 , interior surface  12  acts as an anchoring surface for the fastening member  24 . A first end  44  of the tether member  42  is preferably attached to the attachment portion  40  of the fastening member  24  and a second end  46  is preferably attached to the interior surface  12  using a separate fastener  48 . In the preferred embodiment, tether member  42  is a wire, but any means capable of structurally connecting the fastening member  24  to the interior surface  12 , such as a string, cable or chain, is included in the present invention. 
         [0019]    Referring now to  FIG. 3 , the fastener assembly  14  is again shown in a partial-exploded view from a perspective to illustrate the structural features of the fastener assembly  14 . Due to the size of the base portion  26  of the fastening member  24  relative to the interior surface opening  16 , and further to facilitate rotation of the fastening member  24 , a plate member  52  is disposed around the central portion  28  of the fastening member  24 . In the preferred embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the plate member  52  has an annular shape, such as that of a metal washer. The plate member  52  of the preferred embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1-3  is disposed between the base portion  26  and a securing member  54 . 
         [0020]    The plate member  52  surrounds the central portion  28  with a small clearance between the central portion  28  and the plate member  52  due to the plate member  52  having an inner diameter slightly greater than the diameter of the central portion  28 . This creates a non-interference fit between the plate member  52  and the central portion  28 . In order to prevent the plate member  52  from sliding off of the fastening member  24  when the fastener assembly  14  is decoupled from the spring plate  32 , the securing member  54  is displaced around the central portion  28  in an interference fit relationship with the fastening member  24 . The interference fit of the securing member  54  on the central portion  28  is accomplished by sizing the inner diameter of the securing member  54  slightly smaller than the diameter of the central portion  28 . 
         [0021]    In another embodiment of the present invention, the plate member  52  is not included in the fastener assembly  14 , and the securing member  54  serves the function of the plate member while maintaining an interference fit relationship with the fastening member  24  to prevent disconnection from the fastening member  24 . In the preferred embodiment, the securing member  54  has an annular shape, such as that of a washer, and is composed of a polymer material, such as polyvinyl chloride or PVC. However, securing members having alternative structures are included in the present invention. Additionally, securing members consisting of other materials, such as an elastomer or metal, are included in the present invention. 
         [0022]    Referring now to  FIG. 4 , an alternative embodiment of the present invention may include the tether member  42  having its first end  44  directly coupled to, or integrally structured with, the securing member  54 . Although the plate member  52  is included in the fastener assembly  14  of  FIG. 4 , the plate member  52  is not required in this embodiment for the reasons discussed in the previous paragraph. The direct connection of the tether member  42  to the securing member  54  accomplishes the same goal as the preferred embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1-3  of retaining all parts of the fastener assembly  14  with the saddlebag  10 . 
         [0023]    As can be understood from  FIGS. 1-4 , when the fastener assembly  14  is fastened to the spring plate  32 , the fastening member  24  passes at least partially through the anchoring surface of the interior surface  12 , and the anchoring surface surrounds the fastening member  24 . When the fastener assembly  14  is not fastened to the spring plate  32 , the securing member  54  and the tether member  42  cooperate to prevent disconnection of all parts of the fastener assembly  14  from the saddlebag  10 . Further, once the fastener assembly  14  and the saddlebag  10  are decoupled from the vehicle, the bumper pads  20  prevent an abutting surface from damaging the lower surface  22  of the saddlebag  10  when the saddlebag  10  is placed on the abutting surface to rest after saddlebag detachment. 
         [0024]    While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.