AMPLIFIED BICYCLE SOUND SYSTEM

Abstract: A device for securing an external sound source (12) to a bicycle, amplifying (16) the signal generated by the secured sound source (12), and delivering such amplified signal to speakers (18) engaged with the ends of the bicycle handlebars (50).

Description: AMPLIFIED BICYCLE SOUND SYSTEM BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a bicycle sound system that cooperates with a bicycle's frame and handlebars to provide amplified sound to a bicycle rider. 2. Description of Related Information By analogy to the desire to have a stereo system in a car, cyclists may find it desirable to enjoy music, sports and other aural material while riding a bicycle. In this regard, from a standpoint of both flexibility and cost, it is desirable that a sound system for cyclists allow the use of an external device to generate sound. External devices such as personal cassette and radio players are extremely popular and widely available. A common example of such a device is the WALKMAN* made by Sony Corporation. In the past, obtaining a reasonable output level from an external device such as the WALKMAN* typically required the use of headphones since many personal cassette and radio players marketed today do not have adequate power to deliver a reasonable volume to an external speaker. For cyclists, this presents a pronounced disadvantage because headphones are uncomfortable and difficult to accommodate within a bicycle helmet, and headphone wires can restrict or interfere with the operation of a bicycle. Accordingly, means to amplify the signal of an external device are highly desirable. It is known to provide a sound system for bicycles that incorporates speakers and wiring routed along bicycle handlebars, and that cooperates with an external radio or cassette player. Such a device is described in United States Patent No. 4,856,364 to Dixon, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. A need exists, however, for a simple and robust bicycle sound system that amplifies the output of an external sound source, that delivers such amplified sound to speakers at a suitable volume, and that is easily installed on a bicycle without requiring destructive customization. SUMMA Y Of THE INVENTION The apparatus of the present invention overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and drawbacks which are characteristic of the related information. In a preferred embodiment, the sound system of the present invention comprises a harness to engage and secure an external sound device to a bicycle frame; an amplifier physically connected to the harness or bicycle frame and electrically connected to the external sound device; and speakers physically connected to the bicycle handlebars and electrically connected to the amplifier. In a preferred embodiment, the harness is rigid, strong and lightweight, preferably comprising plastic, and may be adapted to accommodate and secure a variety of common external devices. In a preferred embodiment, the external device is secured to the harness using a strap formed with synthetic hook and loop materials which adhere when pressed together (such as VELCRO*) which is adjustably looped around the external device and handles integral to the harness. The harness preferably is attached to the bicycle using screws that cooperate with standard threaded screw receptors on the bicycle frame. For bicycle frames lacking standardized threaded screw receptors, one or more straps (such as hose clamps) may be used to attach the harness to the frame. In a preferred embodiment, the amplifier comprises amplifying means contained in a casing connected to the harness. The amplifier is powered by two nine-volt rechargeable batteries accessible by means of a removable hatch in the amplifier casing. In a preferred embodiment, the amplifier is slidably linked with the harness in order to allow simple, independent removal of the amplifier for remote charging of the amplifier batteries. In a preferred embodiment, two speakers are employed, one for each channel of stereo output. The speakers are contained in speaker housings that are mounted at each handlebar end using an adapter. In a preferred embodiment, each adapter comprises an annular body, which is inserted into or around the hollow handlebar end, and an integral disk which covers one end of the annular body and remains outside the handlebar end. An aperture in the integral disk is adapted to receive a connecting post extending from each speaker housing. The integral disk and speaker housing are held together by cooperating annuli formed with synthetic hook and loop materials which adhere when pressed together (such as VELCRO*) . In a preferred embodiment, the electrical connections between the components of the present invention comprise wires. A stereo-capable wire connects the external device and amplifier, and separate leads for each channel extend from the amplifier to the left and right handlebar ends. In a preferred embodiment, the amplifier-speaker connecting wires are routed under tape or padding covering the handlebars. A through hole, groove or tunnel in the adapter allows these wires to be fed into the end of the handlebar, so as to provide access to the connecting post of the speaker housing without crimping. Alternatively, the wire may be routed inside the hollow handlebar and fed directly into the connecting post. Numerous objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon a reading of the following detailed description of presently preferred, but nonetheless illustrative, embodiments of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a side view of a harness, amplifier, and electrical connections according to the present invention; FIG. 2 is a cross-section view of a speaker housing, plug-type adapter, and electrical connection according to the present invention; FIG. 3 is an end view of an adapter according to the present invention; FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a speaker housing, adapter, and electrical connection according to the present invention; FIG. 5 is a cross-section view of a speaker housing, sleeve-type adapter, and electrical connection according to the present invention; FIG. 6 is a side view of the speaker housing, sleeve- type adapter, and electrical connection shown in Fig. 5; FIG. 7 is a top view of the speaker housing, sleeve- type adapter, and electrical connection shown in Fig. 5; FIG. 8 is a side view of the amplified bicycle sound system of the present invention; and FIG. 9 is a top view of the harness and amplifier of the present invention. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to Figs. 1, 4 and 8, a preferred embodiment of the amplified bicycle sound system of the present invention is shown and generally designated by the reference numeral 10. The sound system 10 is used in connection with a sound source 12 and comprises a source harness 14, within which the sound source 12 is held, an amplifier 16, and two speakers 18. The components of the system 10 are electrically connected by a source-amplifier wire 20, and two amplifier-speaker wires 22. In a preferred embodiment, the harness 14 is connected to the diagonal member 24 of a bicycle frame 26, such that the source 12 and harness 14 extend orthogonally from the diagonal member 24. Bicycle frames 26 often include threaded screw receptors arranged in a standard configuration adapted to receive an accessory such as a water bottle harness. In a preferred embodiment, the harness 14 is attached to the diagonal member using two screws 28 arranged to take advantage of this configuration. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that a variety of common methods may be used to secure the harness 14 to the diagonal member 16. As is shown in Fig. 8, to accommodate bicycle frames that do not include standard screw receptors, one or more hose clamps 74 (or similar straps) may be looped through the harness 14 and around the diagonal member 24 of the frame 26 to hold the harness 14 in place. These straps may also be used to supplement the screws 28. The harness 14 is preferably formed of a lightweight, resilient material such as plastic and, as is shown in Fig. 9, preferably comprises handles 76 through which a strap 84 formed with synthetic hook and loop materials which adhere when pressed together (such as VELCRO*) may be looped to secure the sound source 12. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that harness 14 may also or alternatively comprise screws, hooks, and other fastening means to engage and secure the sound source 12. In addition, the harness 14 may be sufficiently resilient to allow snap-fit engagement of the sound source 12. In a preferred embodiment, the amplifier 16 comprises a casing containing amplifying means (not shown) , an on-off switch (not shown) , an input connection 30, and two output connections 32. The amplifier 16 also preferably comprises a T-shaped projection 78 adapted to be slidably received within a corresponding groove 80 in the harness 14 as is shown in Fig. 9. This allows the amplifier 16 to be removed from the bicycle frame 26 without removing the harness 14. In a preferred embodiment, a battery-operated amplifier 16 is employed and is driven by two nine-volt batteries (not shown) . In a preferred embodiment, the batteries of the amplifier 16 (and sound source 12) may be recharged using a DC adapter that cooperates with a recharging connector 82 disposed on the amplifier. Alternatively, recharging energy may be provided by the rotation of the bicycle wheels as is we11-understood in the art. In a preferred embodiment, the source-amplifier wire 20 is stereo-capable and is routed from the output connection 34 of the source 12 to the input connection 30 of the amplifier 16. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the source-amplifier wire 20 (and all other wires discussed herein) may comprise custom or standardized connectors to facilitate installation and removal or improve performance as is well understood in the art. In a preferred embodiment, one amplifier-speaker wire 22 extends from each amplifier output connection 32, and each wire 22 is routed towards the handlebars 36 of the bicycle. In a preferred embodiment, one amplifier-speaker wire 22 carries a left channel signal and the other amplifier speaker wire 22 carries a right channel signal so as to support stereo sound. The amplifier-speaker wires 22 are routed up the diagonal frame member 24, being held in place by one or more fasteners (not shown) . In a preferred embodiment, as shown in Fig. 4, each amplifier-speaker wire 22 is routed along the handlebars 36 to a speaker housing 38 comprising a compartment within which a single speaker 18 is disposed. As is shown in Fig. 5, the speaker 18 is preferably supported within the compartment 40 using a support plate 62 having an aperture 64 adapted to receive the speaker 18. The amplifier-speaker wire 22 is electrically connected to the speaker 18 within the compartment 40 and is routed outside the speaker housing 38 through a passage 44 in a connection post 42 which extends from the speaker housing 38. To facilitate installation and removal, the connection post 42 may alternatively be electrically connected with the speaker 18 and may be adapted to receive a standard 3-1/2 millimeter stereo plug (not shown) attached at the end of the amplifier-speaker wire 22. In a preferred embodiment, the speaker housings 38 are disposed at the ends of the handlebars 36. The amplifier- speaker wires 22 are preferably routed to the speaker housings 38 under a sleeve 66 or tape covering the handlebars 36, as is shown in Fig. 4, in order to minimize visibility of the amplifier-speaker wires 22 and potential interference with the cyclist or bicycle. Alternatively, the wires 22 may be routed within the hollow handlebars 36. Each speaker housing 38 is connected to one of the hollow ends 46 of the handlebars 36 using an adapter 48 as shown in Figs. 2, 3, and 5-7. Each adapter 48 comprises an annular body 50 and an integral disk 52 which covers one end of the annular body 50 and remains outside the handlebar end 46. An aperture 54 in the disk 52 is adapted to receive the connection post 42 of the speaker housing 38. In a preferred embodiment, the integral disk 52 and speaker housing 38 are mutually engaged using cooperating hook and loop annuli (such as VELCRO*) 56 and 58. A first VELCRO* annulus 56 surrounds the aperture 54 on the outside of the integral disk 56 and a corresponding VELCRO* annulus 58 is disposed around the connection post 42. In a preferred embodiment, the adapter 48 encircles the handlebar end 46, as is shown in Figs. 5, 6 and 7 (a "sleeve-type" adapter) . An annular ring 68 is disposed within the adapter 48 at the integral disk 52 and prevents the handlebar end 46 from contacting the integral disk 52. The amplifier-speaker wire 22 is routed to the handlebar end 46 through a groove or tunnel 70 in the annular body 50, and a notch 72 in the annular ring 68 allows the wire 22 to be routed around the handlebar end 46 and into the connection post 42 without crimping. In an alternate preferred embodiment, the annular body 50 is received within the handlebar end 46, as is shown in Fig. 2 (a "plug-type" adapter) . A through hole 60 in the annular body 50 allows the amplifier-speaker wire 22 to be routed from the outside of the handlebars 36 to the connection post 42. While preferred embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by persons skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention which is defined by the following claims.

Claims: WHAT IS CLAIMED IS: 1. A device for use in connection with a bicycle and a sound source having an output connection, said device comprising: (a) means for engaging said sound source with said bicycle; (b) an amplifier having a power source, an input connection, and at least one output connection; (c) means for engaging said amplifier with said bicycle; (d) means for electrically connecting said output connection of said sound source and said input connection of said amplifier; (e) a first speaker having an input connection; (f) means for engaging said first speaker with said bicycle; and (g) means for electrically connecting said at least one output connection of said amplifier with said input connection of said first speaker. 2. A device according to claim 1 wherein said sound source-engaging means comprise: (a) a harness adapted to receive and engage said sound source; and (b) means for engaging said harness with said bicycle. 3. A device according to claim 2 wherein said harness comprises plastic. 4. A device according to claim 2 wherein said harness comprises at least one strap member, and wherein a strap is looped through said at least one strap member and around said sound source. 5. A device according to claim 2 wherein said bicycle comprises a frame having screw receptors and said harness- engaging means comprise screws engaged with said harness and adapted to be received within said screw receptors. 6. A device according to claim 2 wherein said bicycle comprises a frame and said harness-engaging means comprise at least one adjustable strap for connecting said harness with said frame. 7. A device according to claim 5 wherein said at least one adjustable strap comprises a hose clamp. 8. A device according to claim 2 wherein said amplifier is integral with said harness. 9. A device according to claim 2 wherein said amplifier-engaging means comprise a projection extending from said amplifier and a groove in said harness adapted to slidably receive said projection. 10. A device according to claim 1 wherein said amplifier further comprises reciprocal means for alternatively supplying power to said amplifier from said power source and not supplying power to said amplifier from said power source. 11. A device according to claim 1 wherein said power source comprises at least one battery. 12. A device according to claim 11 wherein said at least one battery is rechargeable. 13. A device according to claim 12 wherein said device further comprises means for drawing energy from wheel rotation and directing said energy to said at least one rechargeable battery. 14. A device according to claim 1 wherein said sound source comprises a rechargeable power source and wherein said device further comprises means for drawing energy from wheel rotation and directing said energy to said rechargeable power source. 15. A device according to claim 1 wherein said amplifier further comprises a second output connection, and said device further comprises a second speaker having an input connection and means for electrically connecting said second output connection of said amplifier with said input connection of said second speaker. 16. A device according to claim 1 wherein said bicycle comprises a handlebar having a covering material and a first end, wherein said amplifier-speaker electrical connection means are routed between said handlebar and said covering material. 17. A device for use in connection with a sound source having an output connection, and a bicycle comprising a handlebar having a first end, said device comprising: (a) means for engaging said sound source with said bicycle; (b) an amplifier having a power source, an input connection, and at least one output connection; (c) means for engaging said amplifier with said bicycle; (d) means for electrically connecting said output connection of said sound source and said input connection of said amplifier; (e) a first speaker having an input connection; (f) means for engaging said first speaker with said bicycle; and (g) means for electrically connecting said at least one output connection of said amplifier with said input connection of said first speaker; wherein said first speaker-engaging means comprise an adapter for insertion within said first end of said handlebar, said adapter comprising an aperture through which said amplifier-speaker electrical connection means pass; and a speaker housing in which said speaker is disposed and from which extends a connection post comprising a passage through which said amplifier-speaker electrical connection means pass, wherein said connection post is adapted to be received within said aperture of said adapter. 18. A device according to claim 17 wherein an annular strip formed with synthetic materials that adhere when pressed together surrounds said aperture, and a corresponding annular strip formed with synthetic materials that adhere when pressed together surrounds said connection post. 19. A device according to claim 17, said adapter having a hole through which said amplifier-speaker electrical connection means pass when said adapter is installed on said first end of said handlebar. 20. A device for use in connection with a sound source having an output connection, and a bicycle comprising a handlebar having a first end, said device comprising: (a) means for engaging said sound source with said bicycle; (b) an amplifier having a power source, an input connection, and at least one output connection; (c) means for engaging said amplifier with said bicycle; (d) means for electrically connecting said output connection of said sound source and said input connection of said amplifier; (e) a first speaker having an input connection; (f) means for engaging said first speaker with said bicycle; and (g) means for electrically connecting said at least one output connection of said amplifier with said input connection of said first speaker; wherein said first speaker-engaging means comprise an adapter for encircling said first end of said handlebar, said adapter comprising an annular body and a disk, said disk being integral with said annular body and having an aperture through which said amplifier-speaker electrical connection means pass; and a speaker housing in which said speaker is disposed and from which extends a connection post comprising a passage through which said amplifier-speaker electrical connection means pass, wherein said connection post is adapted to be received within said aperture of said adapter. 21. A device according to claim 20 wherein an annular strip formed with synthetic materials that adhere when pressed together surrounds said aperture, and a corresponding annular strip formed with synthetic materials that adhere when pressed together surrounds said connection post. 22. A device according to claim 20, wherein said annular body comprises a groove adapted to receive said amplifier-speaker electrical connection means when said adapter is installed on said first end of said handlebar. 23. A device according to claim 20, wherein said annular body comprises a tunnel adapted to receive said amplifier-speaker electrical connection means when said adapter is installed on said first end of said handlebar. 24. A device according to claim 20, wherein said adapter further comprises an annular ring disposed within said annular body and adjacent to said integral disk. 25. A device according to claim 24, wherein said annular ring comprises a notch adapted to receive said amplifier-speaker electrical connection means when said adapter is installed on said first end of said handlebar.

Inventors: DIXON JOHN, DIXON, JOHN
Applicants: DIXON JOHN, DIXON, JOHN
Application year: 1997
Main classification: H04R5
IPC codes: B62J99, H04R1, H04R5