The quick release interconnect includes a mount member that includes a cleat and a top hanger seat. An attachment member includes a lower jaw that is spring-biased into an open condition that can be secured closed by a cam-lock lever. An upper jaw hanger is also provided to permit the attachment member to be hung on the top hanger seat while the attachment member and object are oriented in place. The upper jaw hanger member is located over the top hanger seat and then the attachment member is rotated in place so the lower jaw is aligned with the cleat. The cam lock lever is rotated to clamp the lower jaw into communication with the cleat portion of the mount member to secure the attachment member securely to the mount member. To release the attachment member, the process is reversed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a quick-release interconnect. More specifically, the present invention relates to a quick-release interconnect that has particular application in releasably interconnecting two components or objects together, such as a basket or accessory mount to handle bars of a bicycle. The present invention provide a quick-release interconnect that can be used for releasably interconnecting any two objects or components together. For ease of discussion herein, an accessory mount for a bicycle, such as a basket, is discussed herein but it should be understood that the scope of the present invention is envisioned to cover any interconnection environment.

It is well-known in the prior art to interconnect two components or objects together. For example, it is well-known to releasably connect a basket or accessory mount to the handle bars of a bicycle by clamps, hook and loop fasteners, adhesive, straps, buckles, and the like. However, these prior art interconnection or attachment methods suffer from many disadvantages. For example, a basket can be connected to handle bars of a bicycle by clamps that encircle the handle bars where threaded fasteners are tightened down to secure the clamp in place. This prior art configuration suffers from the disadvantage that to remove the basket, the fasteners must be unscrewed to release the clamp. As a result, such a connected basket cannot be easily and quickly removed from the handle bars, such as when the user has arrived at their destination and would like to take the basket, with valuables contained therein, with them.

Therefore, there is a need for a quick-release interconnect system that is particularly well-suited for releasably connected objects, such as a basket, to handle bars of a bicycle.

There is a need for a quick-release interconnect system that can be used for connecting a wide array of other objects, such as an accessory mount, to handle bars of a bicycle.

There is a further need for the quick-release interconnect that can be quickly and easily attached and disconnected.

There is yet a further need for the quick-release interconnect to operable with one hand for ease of operation.

There is a need for a quick-release interconnect to be able to retain the object or component in place even while a cam lever is open and the interconnect is not fully secured closed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The instant invention provides a quick-release interconnect that is well-suited releasably connecting components and other objects to the handle bars of a bicycle. The present invention includes a mount member that includes a cleat and a top hanger seat. A clamp member is connected to the mount member so it can be securely and preferably non-releasably connected to handle bars of a bicycle. An attachment member, which is secured to the object, such as a basket, includes a lower jaw that is spring-biased into an open condition that can be secured closed by a cam-lock lever. An upper jaw hanger is also provided to permit the attachment member, and basket attached thereto, to be hung on the top hanger seat while the attachment member and object are oriented in place.

In use, the upper jaw hanger member of the attachment member (with object attached thereto) is first located over the top hanger seat and then the attachment member is rotated in place so the lower jaw, being spring-biased in an open condition by integrated springs, is aligned with the cleat, namely, a notch portion thereof. The basket and attachment member can be released and the lower jaw will remain aligned with the cleat and its notch. Then, against the forces of the integrated springs in the attachment member, the cam lock lever is rotated to thereby clamp the lower jaw into communication with the cleat portion of the mount member, with the assistance of the notch thereof, to secure the attachment member, with basket or other object attached thereto, securely to the mount member. Therefore, a basket or other object is quickly and easily attached to the handle bars of a bicycle.

To remove the basket from the handle bars, the process is reversed. Namely, the cam lock lever is rotated in the opposite direction to release the lower jaw from the cleat of the mount member. The integrated springs on the attachment member spring-biases the lower jaw open to release it from the cleat. Then, the attachment member, and basket or other object attached thereto, are rotated up and away from the cleat to clear the opened lower jaw from the cleat to release the basket from the handle bars.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a quick-release interconnect system that is particularly well-suited for releasably connected objects, such as a basket, to handle bars of a bicycle.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a quick-release interconnect system that can be used for connecting a wide array of other objects, such as an accessory mount, to handle bars of a bicycle.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a quick-release interconnect that can be quickly and easily attached and disconnected.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a quick-release interconnect that is operable with one hand for ease of operation.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a quick-release interconnect to be able to retain the object or component in place even while a latch is open and the interconnect is not fully secured closed.

Other objects, features and advantages of the invention shall become apparent as the description thereof proceeds when considered in connection with the accompanying illustrative drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The new and unique quick-release interconnect system10of the present invention is described in detail below.

Turning first toFIGS.1-3, a perspective view of the quick-release system10of the present invention is shown used for attaching objects to bicycle handle bars14of a bicycle64, as an example of use of the present invention.FIGS.1-3shows various components of the system10of the present invention. InFIG.1, a basket attachment member12is secured to the object, such as a storage basket16. An accessory attachment member18is shown inFIG.2to receive accessories, such as cameras, lights, fans, and the like. The mount member20is shown inFIG.3, which is to be secured to handle bars14of a bicycle64. As will be described in detail below, either the basket attachment member22ofFIG.1or the accessory attachment member18ofFIG.2is releasably secured to the mount member20ofFIG.3when it is secured to handle bars14. Therefore, a basket attachment member22with basket16secured thereto and an accessory attachment member18are interchangeably securable to the mount member20and are both similarly releasably secured to the mount member20.

It should be understood that the basket accessory attachment member22and the accessory attachment member18are examples of different types of attachment member configurations in accordance with the present invention.

FIGS.4-6show the mount member20in detail. InFIG.4, the mount member20is generally shown to be secured to handle bars14via clamps24whileFIGS.5and6show details of the construction of the mount member20. A cleat26is provided with a transverse notch28is along with the hanger seat30. The clamps24are preferably integrally connected to the cleat26of the mount member20and have a top portion24athat is secured to the base portion24bof the clamps24via threaded fasteners32. Other mechanisms may be used to provide the releasable clamping action. As inFIG.4, the clamps24are used to secure the mount member20in place on the handle bars14. The top portion24aof the clamps24is separated from the lower portion24bof the clamps24by removal of the threaded fasteners32. The mount member20is then located in place on the handle bars14where desired and then the top portion24aof the clamps24is mated with the respective lower portions24band then secured in place with the fasteners32, as shown inFIG.4.

Referring now toFIGS.7-8, a first embodiment of the quick-release interconnect10of the present invention is shown to secure a basket16to handle bars14using the basket attachment member22ofFIG.1.FIG.7shows the basket16with its lid17closed whileFIG.8shows the lid17of the basket16open so the contents therein can be accessed. A spring-biased lid release member21keeps the lid closed, when desired.

FIGS.9-14show additional exterior views of the first embodiment of the present invention different. The basket attachment member22is secured to the housing wall19of the basket16by fasteners36, or the like, with the assistance of a connection plate34.FIG.12is rear perspective view of the basket16with basket attachment member22secured thereto with the lower jaw38is removed for illustration and explanatory purposes. Lower jaw38is shown inFIG.9, for example.FIG.13shows the attachment with the main body40removed for illustration purposes where the springs44, for spring-biasing the lower jaw38, can be easily seen. InFIG.14, the connection plate34is shown fastened to the rear wall19of the basket16to provide the basket16with attachment member capability. A spring-lock is used in the basket16embodiment for releasably securing the lid17of the basket16, as can be seen in a closed condition inFIG.17, for example.

FIGS.14-17show the basket attachment member22secured to the basket16and engaged with the mount member20and in a locked/secured condition. For ease of illustration, the handle bars14are not shown but, as can be understood, the clamps24are secured about handle bars14, as seen inFIG.7above. A cam lever46is rotated clockwise to lock the basket16to the handle bars14, namely locking the basket attachment member22to the mounting member20, as seen inFIGS.15-17.FIGS.18-28show additional views of the quick-release interconnect10for the basket embodiment, with the basket16removed for illustration purposes, is shown to illustrate the various components thereof.FIG.23shows a cross-sectional view through the quick-release interconnect system10, whileFIG.24shows a front perspective view,FIG.25shows a left side view,FIG.26shows a right side view,FIG.27shows a bottom view andFIG.28shows a top view.

As can be seen in the foregoing figures, the cam lever46rotates about a pass through pin48and includes a rounded portion46aand a flat portion46bto provide an eccentric-type engagement. The rounded portion46ahas a greater distance to the center point of rotation about pin48than the distance to the edge of the flat portion46bof the cam lever46. Thus, when the cam lever46is rotated to a lock position, its rounded portion46apushes the lower jaw38upwardly against the forces of the springs44. When the cam lever46is rotated to an unlocked position, its flat portion46bengages the jaw but, due to its reduced distance to the center rotation point, the jaw38remains loose thereby allowing the attachment member22to be separated from the mount member20for detachment of the basket16from the handle bars14.

Thus, the present invention includes a mount member20that includes a cleat26and a top hanger seat50. A clamp member24is connected to the mount member20so it can be securely and preferably non-releasably connected to handle bars14of a bicycle64. A lower jaw38is spring-biased into an open condition by springs44so it can be secured closed by the cam lever46. An upper jaw hanger52is also provided to permit the attachment member22, and basket16attached thereto, to be hung on the top hanger seat50while the basket attachment member22are oriented in place.

FIGS.29-34show the installation, removal and use of the quick-release interconnect system10of the present invention for securing a basket16to handle bars14of a bicycle64.FIGS.9-11, for example, show the basket attachment member22secured to the basket16to be mounted to the mount member20, which is attached to the handle bars14. The cam lever46is shown in a locked condition with the lower jaw38in an upward locked position against the forces of the springs44. InFIG.12, the lower jaw38is removed for illustration and explanatory purposes. InFIG.13, the lower jaw38is shown but the main body40of the attachment member is not shown for illustration purposes. The springs44, for spring-biasing the lower jaw38downwardly to an open position, can be easily seen.

In use, as inFIGS.29-34, the attachment of the basket16to the handle bars14, using the quick-release interconnection10of the present invention, is shown. InFIG.30, the upper jaw hanger member52of the basket attachment member22(with basket attached thereto but not seen inFIGS.29-34) is first located over the top hanger seat50. Then, as inFIGS.31-33, the attachment member22is rotated in place so the lower jaw38, being spring-biased in an open condition by integrated springs44, is aligned with the cleat26, namely, a notch portion28thereof. The basket16and attachment member22can be released by the user and the lower jaw38will remain aligned with the cleat26and its notch28, as inFIG.33. This avoids the user of having to hold the basket16, which could be heavy, during the process of securing the quick-release interconnect10. Then, as inFIG.34, against the forces of the integrated springs44in the attachment member22, the cam lever46is rotated clockwise to thereby clamp the lower jaw38into communication with the cleat portion of the mount member20, with the assistance of the notch28thereof, to secure the attachment member22, with basket16or other object attached thereto, securely to the mount member20. The condition of the cam locking can also be seen inFIG.20, for example.

It should be noted that, to remove the basket16from the handle bars14, the process is reversed. Namely, the cam lever46is rotated in a counterclockwise direction to release the lower jaw38from the cleat26of the mount member20. The integrated springs44on the attachment member22spring-biases the lower jaw38open in a downward direction to separate and release it from the cleat26to provide a gap29as shown inFIG.33. The springs44also assist in maintaining the lower jaw38open after the basket16has been detached from the handle bars14. Then, the attachment member22, and basket16or other object attached thereto, are rotated up and away from the cleat26to clear the opened lower jaw38from the cleat26to release the basket16from the handle bars14.

FIGS.35-38show an alternative embodiment of the present invention where the attachment member18accommodates an accessory54instead of a basket16. Similar structures, such as the cam lever46use the same reference numerals for ease of illustration. The accessory attachment18is releasably secured to handle bars14instead of the basket attachment member22. The accessory attachment member18is similar to the basket accessory attachment22member but does not include a connection plate34to attach to a basket16or other structure but rather an accessory interface with a, preferably, universal mount configuration56. For example, as seen inFIGS.36-38, pass through holes58are provided in a standard hole pattern whereby components may be attached thereto, such as a camera mount. Thus, fasteners60are threaded through the holes58to secure the component54. As a result of this second embodiment, a camera mount54or other accessory, such a light source, fan, or the like, can be releasably connected to the handle bars14of a bicycle64using the quick-release interconnect10of the present invention.

FIGS.39-44show the installation, removal and use of the quick-release interconnect system10of the present invention used for securing an accessory mount18to handle bars14of a bicycle64. The primary components are the same as the basket accessory mount22, such as the lower jaw38and hanger52and hanger seat50but they can be modified to suit the accessory mount18at hand. The process for attaching and removing the accessory mount18is the same as the basked attachment22as well. For example, the accessory mount18can include a universal mount pad56with various connection interfaces, such as pass through holes58, which can be seen inFIGS.39-44. A camera mount interface54can be provided and attached to the universal mount pad56to receive a sports camera.

InFIGS.39and40, the accessory attachment member18is brought close to the mounting member20and then the hanger portion52is guided over the hanger seat50, as inFIG.41. Further engagement is shown inFIG.42where the hanger portion52is now resting on the hanger seat50albeit at an angle. InFIG.43, the accessory attachment member18is rotated into place which is made possible due to the springs44maintain the lower jaw38in an open and unlocked condition. Once the accessory attachment member18is rotated into place and the cleat26and notch28is aligned over the lower jaw38, the cam lever46is rotated to a locked position, as seen inFIGS.36-38.

It should also be noted that the cam lever46can be configured to lock by a clockwise or counterclockwise rotation of the cam lever46while it can be configured to lock in an opposite direction. As an example, the cam lever46inFIGS.36-38locks by a counterclockwise rotation but it can be configured to be in the opposite direction.

The components of the quick-release interconnect system10are preferably made of metal, such as machined aluminum, for durability but may be made of other materials such as plastic. Also, some components may be made of different materials from each other.

In general, any object can be releasably mounted to another surface or substrate using the present invention. More specifically, the attachment member may be modified to receive any object. Also, the mount member20can also be modified to be capable of securing to any surface or subject other than handle bars14and in an environment other than a bicycle environment. For example, the mount member20may include a plate with holes therethrough instead of clamps24to secure the mount member20to a wall while the attachment member22includes a sport camera amount. In that further example usage case, the invention works in the same fashion but the mounting methods are modified to suit the environment, use at hand and the object to be releasably secured in place. Thus, the present invention may be used for many different purposes using the new and novel quick-release interconnect mechanism10disclosed herein.