Abstract:
A method and apparatus for providing a main pack including a slidably adjustable attachment system for securing the main pack to any size backrest of a motorcycle, a built-in support structure in a bottom panel which prevents the bottom panel from obscuring a motorcycle&#39;s tail lights, and a plurality of conveniently located attachment devices on the main pack for safely and conveniently securing a plurality of different size bags thereto.

Description:
BACKGROUND  
         [0001]    1. The Field of the Invention.  
           [0002]    This invention relates generally to a pack which can be mounted on a motorcycle. More specifically, the invention relates to a modular and adjustable pack that is mounted to the frame of a motorcycle, wherein the pack includes an attachment system that is able to adjust to different size support frames of motorcycles, a unique support system that prevents the pack from obscuring the motorcycle&#39;s tail lights, and an attachment system whereby modular bags can be easily and securely coupled to the pack for customization thereof without using loose straps or cords that can become loose and fall into a rear wheel.  
           [0003]    2. The State of the Art  
           [0004]    The advantageous features of the present invention are specifically designed to overcome the significant shortcomings of the state of the art in motorcycle packs. For example, a disadvantage of some packs is that they are not easily attached to the large variety of different motorcycle frames that are currently in use. Typically, a motorcycle pack is coupled to a backrest or sissy bar. Unfortunately, backrests come in many different lengths and widths. Furthermore, some motorcycles only have a single post backrest. Many packs are thus only attachable to the backrest using bungie cords or ropes. Bungie cords are not only inconvenient to use, they are dangerous on motorcycles as evidenced by the accidents that they have caused. For example, they can work loose and become entangled in a rear wheel. Accordingly, what is needed is a universal attachment system which enables a pack to be securely and conveniently coupled to a backrest, regardless of its dimensions.  
           [0005]    Another disadvantage of some packs is that they have a tendency to sag at the bottom. Because a pack is coupled to the backrest, the pack is typically disposed over the tail lights. This problem is illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B. FIG. 1A is an elevational profile view of the rear of a motorcycle  14  having a pack  10  coupled to a backrest  18 . FIG. 1B is an elevational view of the pack  10  and the rear of the motorcycle  14  as seen from the perspective A-A shown in FIG. 1A.  
           [0006]    [0006]FIGS. 1A and 1B show that a sagging pack  10  can obscure the tail lights  12  of the motorcycle  14 , preventing drivers behind the motorcycle from seeing it clearly at night, or from having as much warning as possible when the motorcyclist brakes or signals a turn. This obscuring of the tail lights  12  can happen regardless of the support rack  16  that is typically disposed over a rear fender assembly  19 . Accordingly, it would be an advantage over the state of the art to provide a pack that does not inhibit the view of tail lights  12 , regardless of how it is loaded onto the motorcycle.  
           [0007]    Another disadvantage of some state of the art packs is that there is no adequate protection against the elements. Rain protection typically comprises trash bags that are somehow wrapped around a pack. The trash bags easily tear, and do not conform to the packs. Some attempts have been made at providing a more durable cover made from the same material as the pack. Unfortunately, it is typically inadequate because the cover cannot be adjusted to properly fit a pack that has other items strapped to the sides, front or top. Furthermore, rain is typically driven into and through the seams of prior art durable covers, allowing the pack and its contents to still get wet.  
           [0008]    Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide a weather cover which is easily adjusted to the size of the pack, including any attachments such as modular bags. It would also be advantageous to prevent water from being driven into and through seams of the weather cover.  
           [0009]    Another disadvantage of some packs is that they are designed to be modular or easily customizable to the requirements of the user. Thus, when other bags are coupled to a main pack, the only method of attachment is to use bungie cords or other straps that can work loose.  
           [0010]    The packs are typically of two different designs. FIG. 2 shows the first design where the pack  20  is made with many different zippered pouches  22  on the sides or the front of the pack  20 . While this design may have its uses, there is no way to remove the pouches  22  if they are not needed. Furthermore, the pouches  22  are disadvantageously covered up by other items that are strapped to the pack  20  and which do not fit within the pouches  22 . For example, a tent bag  24  and a smaller utility bag  26  are shown disposed along the sides of the pack  20 . Access to the pouches  22  is then restricted because of bungie cords  28  or other straps being used to secure the tent bag  24  and the smaller utility bag  26 . It is therefore likely to be difficult to access the pouches  22  without removing the other bags  24 ,  26  that are strapped on to the main pack  20 .  
           [0011]    The second prior art design shown in FIG. 3 is where the pack  30  is made without the zippered pouches, but still without any means for safely securing additional items  32  to the pack  30 . Just as with the pack shown in FIG. 2, people will strap the additional items  32  to the outside of the main pack  30  using bungie cords, or as in this case, nylon straps with adjustable buckles  34 . Disadvantageously, the buckled straps  34  can shift because they are not securely attached to the pack  30  itself. Furthermore, bungie cords and buckled straps can make access to the pack  30  or to other items attached to the pack difficult because the straps  34  may go around the entire pack.  
           [0012]    It is observed that even if a person is able to get access to the zippered pouches  22  of FIG. 2, or to the pack  30  of FIG. 3 without removing the attachment straps  34 , removing items can result in the straps or other attachment cords becoming loose. The user is thus required to retighten the straps  34  in order to prevent attached items from working loose and falling off the pack  30 .  
           [0013]    Accordingly, it would advantageous to provide a pack that had a safe and secure means of attaching modular bags to the main pack that would allow access to the pack and to the modular bags at any time. It would be advantageous to avoid readjustment of the means for attaching additional bags to the main pack, regardless of what might be removed or added to the main pack  30  or to other bags. It would also be advantageous to avoid the use of attaching means that can work loose and dangle near the rear wheel of the motorcycle.  
         OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0014]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for coupling a main pack to any size backrest of a motorcycle.  
           [0015]    It is another object to provide a method and apparatus for providing an attachment system for coupling the main pack to the backrest which is slidably adjustable for securely coupling the main pack to the backrest.  
           [0016]    It is another object to provide a method and apparatus for safely and conveniently coupling a plurality of modular bags to the main pack without the use of loose cords.  
           [0017]    It is another object to provide a method and apparatus for coupling the plurality of modular bags of different sizes to the main pack such that the plurality of modular bags can be coupled to the main pack at interchangeable locations.  
           [0018]    It is another object to provide a method and apparatus for coupling the plurality of modular bags to the main pack such that they do not interfere with access to other bags or the main pack, or require adjustment if items are removed or added to the main pack or other bags.  
           [0019]    It is another object to provide a method and apparatus for preventing the main pack or any attached bags from interfering with tail lights on a motorcycle.  
           [0020]    It is another object to provide a method and apparatus for weatherproofing the main pack and any attached bags.  
           [0021]    It is another object to provide a method and apparatus for eliminating dangerous ropes, bungie cords or other loose straps when coupling the plurality of bags to the main pack.  
           [0022]    The presently preferred embodiment of the present invention is a main pack including a slidably adjustable attachment system for securing the main pack to any size backrest of a motorcycle, a built-in support structure in a bottom panel of the main pack which prevents the bottom panel from sagging and obscuring a motorcycle&#39;s tail lights, and a plurality of conveniently located attachment devices on the main pack for safely and conveniently securing a plurality of different size bags thereto.  
           [0023]    In a first aspect of the invention, the attachment system for securing the main pack to the backrest of the motorcycle comprises a slidably adjustable system which is able to conform to a wide range of backrest heights, widths and configurations.  
           [0024]    In a second aspect of the invention, the bottom panel of the main pack includes at least one rigid yet flexible fiberglass rod which prevents the bottom panel from sagging over the tail lights.  
           [0025]    In a third aspect of the invention, a system of conveniently located clips located on the main pack enables quick and easy attachment and removal of differently sized bags.  
           [0026]    In a fourth aspect of the invention, a weather cover is designed to protect seams from the inflow of rain. The weather cover can also be resized to cover the main pack with and without bags.  
           [0027]    These and other objects, features, advantages and alternative aspects of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from a consideration of the following detailed description taken in combination with the accompanying drawings. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0028]    [0028]FIG. 1A is an elevational profile illustration of the prior art where a pack is coupled to a backrest of a motorcycle and disposed on a support rack disposed over a fender assembly, obscuring the tail lights because there is no support structure in bottom portion of a pack.  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 1B is a rear elevational profile view of the prior art and shown along the perspective A-A as shown in FIG. 1A.  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 2 is an elevational profile illustration of the prior art where a pack to be mounted on a motorcycle is shown having a plurality of zippered pouches which are integral to the structure of the pack, and utility bags that are strapped to the pack using bungie cords.  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 3 is an elevational profile illustration of the prior art where a pack to be mounted on a motorcycle is shown without zippered pouches, but with utility bags strapped to the pack using straps with buckles.  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 4 is a perspective illustration of the presently preferred embodiment made in accordance with the principles of the present invention, wherein the pack is shown having a plurality of attachment devices for safely and conveniently securing modular utility bags to the main pack.  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 5A is a perspective illustration of a modular bag being coupled using the integral attachment devices to the top panel of the main pack.  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 5B is a side elevational profile view of the modular bag and main pack shown in FIG. 5A, and which illustrates how the coupling devices secure the modular bag to the main pack.  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 6 is a close-up top view illustration of one of the plurality of coupling devices, consisting of a receiving end and an attaching end.  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 7A is a perspective illustration of a bottom panel of the main pack having a plurality of rod holders for holding fiberglass rods which prevent the bottom panel from sagging over the tail lights.  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 7B is a close-up of a portion of the drawing shown in FIG. 7A, providing additional detail of an insertable rod, a flap for closing the rod holder, and stitching on the rod holder to create a tube-like structure for the rod.  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 7C is provided as an elevational rear view similar to FIG. 1B but which shows how the integral support rods prevent the main pack from covering the tail lights.  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 7D is an alternative embodiment showing three rods inserted in the bottom panel of the main pack.  
         [0040]    [0040]FIG. 7E is another alternative embodiment showing a single rod inserted into the bottom panel of the main pack.  
         [0041]    [0041]FIG. 7F is another alternative embodiment showing a mesh that is inserted into the bottom panel of the main pack.  
         [0042]    [0042]FIG. 8A is an elevational profile view of a base mechanism coupled to a track that is disposed vertically along a back face of the main pack. Straps are coupled to the base mechanism and are secured to a motorcycle backrest.  
         [0043]    [0043]FIG. 8B is an elevational perspective view of the base mechanism and the straps that are coupled to the backrest.  
         [0044]    [0044]FIG. 8C is an elevational profile view of the attachment system coupled to a backrest.  
         [0045]    [0045]FIG. 9 is an elevational front face view of a weather cover as used in the presently preferred embodiment. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0046]    Reference will now be made to the drawings in which the various elements of the present invention will be given numerical designations and in which the invention will be discussed so as to enable one skilled in the art to make and use the invention. It is to be understood that the following description is only exemplary of the principles of the present invention, and should not be viewed as narrowing the claims which follow.  
         [0047]    It is useful to have an overview of the present invention before delving into the detailed description of the preferred embodiment. Accordingly, it is observed that the present invention advantageously provides features of greater durability, more secure attachment to a motorcycle, improved coupling of various utility bags to a main pack to achieve greater flexibility of use and modularity in design, improved safety by ensuring that the tail lights remain visible, and that there are no attachment straps that can work loose or fall off, and improved weatherproofing. These features will be explained in the following disclosure.  
         [0048]    [0048]FIG. 4 is a perspective illustration of the presently preferred embodiment of the main pack  40  that is made in accordance with the principles of the present invention. The main pack  40  is shown from a front perspective, where the front  46  faces rearwardly when the main pack  40  is mounted on a motorcycle. The main pack  40  consists of five enclosed storage chambers, and a bottle holder on the bottom right side.  
         [0049]    A primary storage chamber  42  is accessed through a top access panel  44 . The top access panel  44  has a flap  48  around a top edge which covers a zipper underneath. The zipper extends all the way around the right, front, and left top edges of the main pack  40 .  
         [0050]    The left side of the main pack  40  has an integral storage chamber  50  that extends from the top edge of the main pack  40  to the bottom edge. A zipper  52  is disposed along a top edge and partially down a front side of the integral storage chamber  50 .  
         [0051]    The front of the main pack  40  has two integral storage chambers. A first front storage chamber  54  is constructed as a flat pocket, without any inherent volume to the chamber. It is useful, for example, for holding papers such as maps. The first front storage chamber  54  is accessed via a zipper  56 .  
         [0052]    A second front storage chamber  58  is constructed as a long chamber which extends along the width of the main pack  40 , and is approximately half the height. The second front storage chamber  58  is accessed via a zipper  60  that extends partially down a right side edge, a left side edge, and all the way along a top edge.  
         [0053]    The right side of the main pack  40  has an integral storage chamber  62  that extends from approximately the top edge of the main pack  40  to approximately half way down the height of the main pack. A zipper  64  is disposed along a top edge and partially down a front side of the integral storage chamber  62 .  
         [0054]    The bottle holder  72  is a feature that is not visible in this perspective view. It will be illustrated fully in another figure.  
         [0055]    A first novel feature of the plurality of novel features of the preferred embodiment that is visible in FIG. 4 are the plurality of coupling devices  66  that are strategically disposed around the main pack  40 . Some of the coupling devices  66  are receiving devices  68 , and some are attaching devices  70 . An example of two of each type of coupling device  68  is illustrated on the top access panel  44  of the main pack  40 .  
         [0056]    It is observed that the exact placement of the coupling devices  68  can vary from that shown. What is important to remember is that the coupling devices need to be sufficiently spaced apart so as to spread the load among them so as to not overly stress any single coupling device. It is also important to remember that a receiving device  68  can often be switched with an attaching device  70 , especially when the coupling devices are used to couple a same bag to the main pack  40 .  
         [0057]    [0057]FIG. 5A is provided as an illustration of how the coupling devices  66  are used to safely secure a bag to the main pack  40  without the use of bungie cords or other loose straps. In this figure, a sleeping bag has been stuffed into a round storage bag  80 . The storage bag  80  has the same type of coupling devices  66  that are on the main pack  40 , and which are spaced so as to match up with complementary receiving devices  68  and attaching devices  70  on the main pack.  
         [0058]    [0058]FIG. 5A is a close-up perspective view of the top access panel  44  and the storage bag  80 . The figure shows that the storage bag  80  has two receiving devices  68  on the ends of two nylon straps  82  that are sewn onto the sleeping bag. The storage bag  80  is simply pressed against the top access panel  44  while the attaching devices  70  are slipped into the complementary receiving devices  68 .  
         [0059]    Advantageously, the storage bag  80  is not coupled to the main pack  40  using any loose straps. Furthermore, access to other integral storage chambers of the main pack is not restricted. Even the top access panel  44  can be unzipped to allow access to the primary storage chamber  42 . It is also noted that bags made of other shapes can be just as easily and conveniently coupled to the main pack using the coupling devices  66 .  
         [0060]    [0060]FIG. 5B is provided as an end-on elevational profile view of the storage bag  80 , the main pack  40 , and the coupling devices  68 ,  70 . It is noted that one side of the storage bag  80  is shown with attaching devices  70 , and the other side with receiving devices  68 . This choice is arbitrary. It does serve the purpose of making storage bags couple to the main pack in only one direction. This can be useful if one side of a storage bag, for example, has special weather protection. However, it should be apparent that the storage bags that are manufactured to be coupled to the main pack  40  have all been outfitted with the appropriate coupling devices  66 .  
         [0061]    [0061]FIG. 6 is provided as a close-up top elevational view of the coupling devices  66  that are used in the presently preferred embodiment. The type of coupling devices  66  selected for use in the preferred embodiment were chosen, among other things, for their ease of operation and durability. An attaching device  70  is easily inserted into a receiving device  68 . It is then a one-handed operation to simultaneously squeeze the sides of the attaching device inwards at the indentations  76  on the sides of the receiving device  68 , thereby releasing the attaching device  70  from the receiving device  68 . The coupling devices are secured to the main pack  40  or to a modular bag using nylon straps of adjustable length. The nylon straps are typically sewn directly onto the coupling devices at holes  79  disposed in a non-attachment end thereof.  
         [0062]    The coupling devices  66  are familiar to many people, as they are commonly found on such devices as lap belts in a baby stroller, etc. It is observed that the exact type of coupling device can be replaced with any other design which provides the same advantages as do those used in the preferred embodiment. Specifically, that is easy coupling and decoupling, and durability.  
         [0063]    [0063]FIG. 7A is provided to illustrate another novel feature of the presently preferred embodiment. Disposed underneath a bottom panel  90  of the main pack  40  are a plurality of rod holders  92  that are constructed from a durable material that is sewn to the underside of the bottom panel  90 . A tube-like structure is created from the durable material by sewing along each of the outer edges. The rod holders  92  are constructed with a first end  94  that is sealed, typically by sewing it shut, to prevent a rod that is inserted into the rod holder  92  from falling out. A second end  96  of the rod holder  92  is left open so that a rod can be inserted therein. The second end  96  can be closed using flaps  98  that folder over the second end. In this presently preferred embodiment, the flaps  98  are secured to the second end  96  using velcro.  
         [0064]    [0064]FIG. 7B illustrates more clearly that the rod holders  92  are constructed such that a rod  100  inserted therein can be removed. This may be important if the rod  100  were to break and require replacement. However, it is noted that the rod  100  utilized in the presently preferred embodiment is composed of fiberglass, making it durable and yet flexible enough to be able to give under tension.  
         [0065]    [0065]FIG. 7C is provided as an elevational rear view illustration of the motorcycle similar to FIG. 1B, but which shows how the integral support rods  100  prevent the main pack  40  from covering the tail lights  12 .  
         [0066]    The presently preferred embodiment shows that two rods are disposed in the bottom panel of the main pack. This appears to be an optimum configuration in terms of weight and for preventing any portion of the bottom panel from sagging over the tail lights. It also has the advantage of keeping the main pack lightweight.  
         [0067]    [0067]FIG. 7D, however, shows that in a first alternative embodiment, a greater number of rods can be used for additional support. FIG. 7E shows in another alternative embodiment that a single rod can be used. The single rod can be disposed towards a middle of the bottom panel, toward a front end as shown, or toward a back end of the main pack. In another alternative embodiment, different materials can be used for the rods. Instead of fiberglass, metal or plastic can be substituted. In addition, the rod can be replaced with other configurations. For example, FIG. 7F shows that a mesh-like grid  94  can be disposed in the bottom panel  90 . The grid  94  can be constructed of metal or a resilient and durable yet flexible plastic.  
         [0068]    [0068]FIG. 8 is a perspective illustration of the attachment mechanism being used to couple the pack to motorcycle backrests of various sizes and configurations. It is noted from the outset that the attachment mechanism is only novel in its application to the present invention. In other words, the attachment mechanism is adapted from its intended, and is now used for securing the main pack to a motorcycle backrest.  
         [0069]    For example, an attachment mechanism such as the one described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,860,936 can be used to secure the main pack  40  to a motorcycle backrest. The attachment mechanism  110  is characterized by a slidable base member  112  having a structure for securing it to a pack  40 . The base member  112  is disposed so as to slide along a track  114  of a relatively thick and durable nylon material. Holes  116  for securing backpack straps to the base member  112  are also provided. The base member  112  also includes a locking structure (on a backside of the base member  112 ) for releasably securing the base member  112  to the track  114 . The movable base member  112  can move along the track  114  and resecured along the track at any of a number of positions by releasing and securing the locking structure.  
         [0070]    [0070]FIG. 8B is provided as an elevational perspective view of the attachment system straps. A first flap  130  extends down behind a backrest, and is secured to the backrest using straps  132 . The straps  132  are secured to each other using velcro in this preferred embodiment. A second flap  134  extends over and down the backrest where is meets two straps  136  which extend upwards to meet and couple to the second flap  134 . A large portion of an underside of the second flap  134  is covered with velcro material. This enables the straps  134 ,  136  to adjust to many different heights of motorcycle backrests.  
         [0071]    [0071]FIG. 8C is provided as an elevational side view of how the attachment system is used to securely and adjustable secure the main pack  40  to a motorcycle backrest  120 . In this preferred embodiment, the attachment system is able to adjust to the height  122  of a pad  124  disposed in the backrest  120 . This is accomplished by sliding the base member  112  along the track  114  until a base  118  of the track  114  is at the bottom of the pad  124 , and a top  126  of the base member  112  is a top of the pad  124 . The straps  132  extend around the pad  124 , the second flap  134  extends down and over the pad, and the straps  136  extend under and upwards around the pad to be secured the second flap.  
         [0072]    It should be apparent that modifications to the attachment system can be made which will still enable it to conform to variously sized motorcycle backrests. These alternative arrangements should also be considered to be within the scope of the claims below.  
         [0073]    As was mentioned previously, a weather cover is provided to prevent moisture from seeping into the main pack. FIG. 9 is an elevational perspective view which shows an approximate size of the weather cover  140 . The relative size of the main pack  40  without attached modular bags is shown in dotted lines within the weather cover  140 . It should be apparent that the dimensions of the weather cover exceed those of the main pack  40  in all directions. Obviously, in this form, the weather cover  140  is not useful. Accordingly, a plurality of straps and coupling devices are provided on the weather cover  140  so that it can be cinched tight around the main pack  40 , in accordance with the number and shape of utility bags that are coupled to the main pack  40 .  
         [0074]    One of the important features of the weather cover  140  which is not immediately apparent is that it is designed so that a back face  142  covers the back face of the main pack  140 , and that a front face  144  covers the front face of the main pack  40 . All seams and loose overlapping material of the weather cover  140  are on the front face  144  or are facing forward. No seams are present on the back face  142 . This is done to prevent precipitation that will be driven against the back face  142  from seeping through to the main pack  40  within.  
         [0075]    The presently preferred embodiment of the weather cover  140  utilizes coupling devices that are comprised of attachment devices  70  and receiving devices  68 . In this embodiment, it was arbitrarily decided to dispose the attaching devices  70  directly onto the weather cover  140 . The receiving devices  68  are disposed on the ends of nylon straps  146 , where the nylon straps are sewn onto the weather cover  140 . Sufficient nylon strap material is provided on the nylon straps  146  such that it is possible to have the weather cover  140  almost extend to its maximum dimensions. After the weather is pulled up and over the main pack  40 , the complementary attaching and receiving devices are coupled, and the nylon straps  146  cinched tightly. The nylon straps  146  are tightened by pulling on a loose end which is threaded through a looping end of the receiving devices  68 .  
         [0076]    It is important to realize that the weather cover can be constructed using various placements of coupling devices and nylon straps. What is important to remember is that the seams be directed as much as possible away from the back face  142 , and that the folds and flaps of extra material be directed forwards toward the front face  144 , along a direction of air flow over the weather cover. This will help the weather cover to resist seepage of precipitation through the seams.  
         [0077]    Finally, FIG. 10 is provided as another view of the presently preferred embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 10 is provided as a close-up perspective view of the right side of the main pack  40 , similar to the view shown in FIG. 4 from the left side perspective. This figure is being provided in order to show a rounded pocket  150  sewn on the bottom right side of the main pack  40 . The pocket  150  is best suited to receive a rounded bottle or other rounded container such as a water bottle. A bottom of the pocket  150  is simply comprised of a strap shown in outline through the sides of the pocket  150 . This allows precipitation to freely drain out of the pocket  150 , even when a container is disposed within the pocket  150 . An elastic strap  154  is also disposed above the pocket  150 , and which can be placed about an upper portion of the rounded container to thereby hold it securely into the pocket by the elastic tension.  
         [0078]    Although the features are not patentable, it is also disclosed herein that a material used in construction of the pack, the modular storage bags that are coupled thereto, and the weather cover, is preferably comprised of CORDURA (TM), a durable and generally water-resistant material that is manufactured in several different colors. Any other suitable material having properties that are similar to CORDURA (TM) can be substituted.  
         [0079]    It is to be understood that the above-described arrangements are only illustrative of the application of the principles of the present invention. Numerous modifications and alternative arrangements may be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The appended claims are intended to cover such modifications and arrangements.