Abstract:
An improved carrier system mounting method is provided for easy attachment and detachment of the carrier from a wheeled conveyance such as a bicycle or motorcycle. The method includes providing a rigid container with handle and wheels, engaging connector members on the carrier to points on opposing sides of the conveyance wheel, rotating the container along the circumference of the conveyance wheel, and securing the container to the conveyance frame at a quick release upper connector.

Description:
This application is a divisional of U.S. patent Ser. No. 13/356,648 filed Jan. 24, 2012, which in turn claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Ser. No. 61/463,723 filed on Feb. 22, 2011. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates generally to cycle accessories and in particular to carriers which are removably mounted onto cycles for transporting gear and the like. 
     Many devices exist for carrying articles on open human or motor-powered cycling conveyances, such as bicycles, mopeds, motorcycles, or tricycles. Typically such devices consist of containers in the form of flexible or fabric bags or rigid boxes or baskets which mount on an intermediary carrier rack which is more or less permanently attached to the cycle&#39;s frame. When not in use, the rack typically serves no other purpose, adds additional weight to the cycle, and is aesthetically unappealing. Also, the containers when removed from the rack are generally carried by hand, on the shoulder, or on the back of the cyclist. Furthermore, the mounting and dismounting of the containers requires the cyclist to bend, stoop, lift, and/or perform fine manipulation. This becomes more cumbersome and difficult for the cyclist when multiple containers, like panniers, are involved. What is needed is a cycle-transportable container which is simpler to attach and detach, and which is easier to use when detached from the cycle. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention in its general characteristics is a carrier in the form of a rigid container. It is one object of the invention to describe a carrier which when mounted on a cycle straddles its wheel and releasably attaches to the cycle&#39;s frame with a quick release connector. The quick release connector has one member that is secured to the cycle&#39;s frame and a corresponding mating member affixed to the rigid container. Two lower connectors hold the carrier securely to the cycle wheel axle. Thus, the carrier requires no separate rack for securing to the cycle. 
     It is yet another object of the invention to describe a carrier which is enhanced with handles and wheels to be transported as roller luggage when off the cycle. 
     It is yet another object of the invention to describe a method of mounting a carrier to a cycle. The carrier lower connectors are configured in a geometry that, when mounting the carrier on the cycle, the connector is easily aligned on the cycle&#39;s axle. The carrier can thereby be pivoted about the lower connectors and along the circumference of the cycle&#39;s wheel to a mounted position, where the carrier is then secured to the cycle with the quick release connector. The steps are reversed to dismount the carrier. Thus, the container can be rapidly attached and detached with a minimum of fuss. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above invention with its features and enhancements and the method of use including mounting/dismounting and opening is made more apparent and better understood by referring to the following description and drawings of various embodiments wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the container with its base portion and lid. 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of the base portion without the lid and with its lower and upper connector members. 
         FIG. 3  is a side and rear view of the container mounted on a bicycle. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the container&#39;s lower connector member showing its inward, top, and front sides. 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the same connector member showing its bottom, inward, and front sides. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the cycle&#39;s lower connector member. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the container&#39;s lower connector member. 
         FIG. 7 b    is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the lower connector member. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the upper connector. 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the upper connector attached to a bicycle. 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the cycle&#39;s upper connector member attached to a bicycle. 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the cycle&#39;s upper connector member attached to a bicycle. 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the cycle&#39;s upper and lower connector members attached to a bicycle 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the cycle&#39;s upper and lower connector members attached to a bicycle. 
         FIG. 14  illustrates side views of the container in various positions of function. 
         FIG. 14 b    illustrates side views of an alternate embodiment container in various positions of function. 
         FIG. 15  is a series of side views demonstrating a method of mounting the container on a bicycle. 
         FIG. 15 b    is a series of side views demonstrating an alternate method of mounting the container on a bicycle. 
         FIG. 16  is a series of side views demonstrating a further method of mounting the container on a bicycle. 
         FIG. 17  is a series of side views demonstrating a method of opening the container when mounted on a bicycle. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     A description of certain embodiments of the invention is provided, and is intended to be illustrative and to be not limiting of the invention. 
     Referring now to the drawings,  FIG. 1  shows a carrier 1 characterized as a fully enclosable container having a lid  2  and a base portion  3 . The lid has a front  4 , a top  5 , and side  6  walls. The top wall  5  is configured to provide a horizontal platform when the container is mounted on the cycle. The front wall  4  is angled to be generally parallel to the seat tube of a bicycle. The bottom edge  7  of the lid is configured to circumferentially overlap the upper edge of the base portion  3  to provide a weather tight seal. The base portion  3  has front  8 , side  9 , rear  10 , and bottom  11  walls. A wheel well  12  indents the container through its bottom and front walls and is configured to provide sufficient clearance for the cycle&#39;s wheel, gear mechanism, brakes, and fender when mounting or in the mounted position on the cycle. A handle  16  is shown hingeably attached to lid  2 . Viewing  FIG. 3 , handle  16  may be thus rotated to a generally horizontal position for stowing. Handle  16  may additionally be extensible for ease of use. 
       FIG. 2  shows the base portion of the container with its lid removed and with its upper  14  and lower  13  connector members. The upper connector member is affixed above the wheel well region on the front wall  8  and the lower connector members are affixed on the lower region of the front wall lateral to the wheel well. 
       FIG. 3  shows side and rear views of the container  1  mounted over the rear wheel of a bicycle (partially shown) demonstrating the general position of the connectors to the cycle&#39;s frame. The lower connectors  13  and  13 ′ are positioned at or near the ends of the cycle&#39;s axle. The upper connector  14  is positioned above the cycle&#39;s wheel at the midline in proximity to the cycle&#39;s frame. In this depiction it is located on a bicycle&#39;s seat post but could also be located at the seat tube, seat stays, seat, or other midline structure of sufficient strength. The wheel well permits the carrier to straddle the cycle&#39;s wheel. 
     The carrier is made sufficiently rigid in the region of the front  8 , bottom  11 , and wheel well  12  walls to support the connectors  13 ,  13 ′, and  14 . The connector(s) is (are) affixed to the carrier with fasteners (screws, nuts/bolts, rivets, or the like) and/or may interlock with the carrier with mating surfaces. 
     The container is preferably made of rotomolded plastic, which provides sufficient rigidity and is lightweight, waterproof, and durable. The shape of the container is made to enhance aerodynamics when in use mounted on the cycle. The shape is also made to allow stacking/nesting when multiple containers are stored during manufacture and distribution. Rotomolding plastic allows for recycling and use of recycled materials. The connectors are made of plastic or metal or plastic and metal in combination to provide sufficient strength, precision of fitting, and durability. Handles  16  and wheels  15 ,  150 ,  150 ′ can be affixed to the container to facilitate mounting, carrying, and transport of the container, and may be made of plastic, metal, or plastic and metal in combination. 
       FIGS. 4 and 5  show an embodiment of the lower connector member  17  of the carrier in two perspective views. 
       FIG. 6  shows the mating lower connector member  18  which is attached to the cycle. The carrier&#39;s lower member  17  has a channel  19  that terminates within the member  20 . The cycle frame&#39;s lower member is a cylindrical stud  22  which may be capped by a flange  23 . The channel  19  mates with the corresponding cycle frame&#39;s cylindrical stud  22  and flange  23 , allowing them to enter at its entry  21  and slide within the channel  19  and stop at the termination  20  where they will act as a support for the load of the carrier. The purpose of the flange is to provide additional lateral support to the carrier. In other embodiments, the lateral rigidity of the saddle structure upon which the lower member  17  is mounted may render the flange  23  unnecessary. 
     The flange  23  is affixed to the stud  22  with a fastener  24  (screw, compression fitting, or similar). The fastener  24  can be made to fail at excessively high loads of the carrier in order to protect the cycle&#39;s frame or attachments from failure or deformity. 
       FIG. 7  shows a further embodiment of the carrier&#39;s lower connector member  25 . It consists of two members: a cylindrical member  26  which is inserted in and supported by a block member  27  and is clamped by a screw  27   a . The cylindrical member has a channel  28  and termination  29  with similar function as that in the previous embodiment  17 . In addition, the cylindrical shape and clamping functions allow adjustability to accommodate various axle widths. 
     The cycle frame&#39;s lower connector member can be attached to the cycle&#39;s rear axle by directly screwing onto the axle&#39;s threads or can be part of the cycle&#39;s quick release skewer, if so provided on the cycle. Alternatively, it can be directly affixed to the cycle&#39;s dropout or frame in the region of the axle. 
       FIG. 7 b    illustrates one side of an alternate embodiment of the invention, where it is understood that the other side, not shown, is generally a mirror image. In this embodiment, transport wheel  150  is disposed toward the front of the base portion side  9 , and is generally coaxial with the lower connector  130 . In this embodiment, channel  190  is part of the end cap  130  of a “capped elevator bolt”  120 , which performs a similar function as block  13  in the previous embodiment. The channel  190  is machined into the cap  130  of the capped elevator bolt  120 . Each channel  190  is sized to fit over a mating lower connector member  180  which is affixed to the conveyance frame. Examples of the mating member  180  are the end nuts of the conveyance wheel axle or the conveyance wheel quick release connector. 
     The shaft of bolt  120  may serve as the axle for the container wheel  150  and also may be threaded for adjusting the channel  190  positions to various bicycle axle widths. 
     A positioning wheel  155  may be mounted at the rear of the container  12  to permit easy positioning of the container connectors  130 ,  130 ′ against the cycle attachment points, as will be described in  FIGS. 14 through 16  below. 
       FIG. 8  shows an embodiment of the carrier&#39;s upper connector  30  which has two mating members, one  31  or  32  attached to the cycle and the other  32  or  31  affixed to the carrier. One member has a rectangular or functionally similar projection  34  which is releasably insertable into the other member&#39;s rectangular or functionally similar slot  33 . The release is performed by depressing the retaining clip  35  in a manner similar to a snap buckle (as is known). The connector members have attachment sites  36  that permit affixing them to the cycle and carrier with fasteners (bolts, nuts, rivets, or similar). 
     The upper and lower connectors are constructed of plastic or metal or a combination that would provide sufficient strength and reliability. 
     The container-attached mating member  31  or  32  can be positioned at a number of points on the container. One position is at the top of the container wheel well. More preferably, a plurality of mounting positions is disposed along the front face of the container&#39;s lid to accommodate a variety of bicycle configurations. The mounting positions can alternatively be located anywhere along a pair of rails  360  disposed on the container lid. The pair of rails  360  could also serve as a mounting location for handle  16 . 
     The inventor has discovered that a preferred position for the cycle-attached mating member  31  or  32  is to have it attached to the small tubes that are part of the cycle seat&#39;s understructure. In this position the underneath portion of the seat acts as a bolster to prevent the upper connector from deflecting upwards. This gives it the additional mechanical advantage of securely holding down the container, which keeps the lower connectors firmly secured against the cycle&#39;s axle. If the upper connector is positioned elsewhere then an additional rigid bracket may be provided to similarly prevent the buckle&#39;s deflection. This bracket can be attached to either the rails or the seat post or both, and presses against the connector. 
     In an alternate embodiment of upper connector  30 , one mating member  31  or  32  is attached to a bracket. The bracket in turn is rigidly attached to the hinge pin of the lid  2  at one end and to the front of the wheel well  12  on the base portion  3  at the other end. The arrangement forms a strong and rigid loop, which can also function as a place to attach a lock should the container need to be locked for security reasons. 
       FIG. 9  demonstrates a further embodiment  37  of the upper connector. It has similar mating members to that of the previous embodiment  30 ; however, the carrier&#39;s member is affixed to a rigid bar  38 , which is hinged  39  and then affixed  40  to the carrier&#39;s wheel well along its circumference. A resilient member  41  (spring or viscoelastic device) is positioned between the bar  38  and the carrier. This embodiment allows a mechanism for suspension and vibration isolation of the carrier from the cycle. The range of motion of the carrier occurs within the vertical plane and is limited to less than the length of the channel  19 ,  28  of the lower connector to prevent detachment. 
       FIG. 10  is a further embodiment  42  of the cycle&#39;s upper connector member. It has the same upper connector member  43  as the first embodiment  31  or  32 , however, the fixation to the cycle is with a clamp  44  that supports a bar  45  which supports the connector  31  or  32 . The clamp attaches to the cycle&#39;s seat post, seat tube, or seat stays. The clamp can be a quick release type. The bar can be hinged  44   a  to allow for adjustability and/or functional cooperation with the cycle&#39;s rear suspension, if provided. 
       FIG. 11  is a further embodiment  46  of the cycle&#39;s upper connector member. It has the same upper connector member  47  as the first embodiment  31  or  32 , which is part of a fender-like member  48 . The fender-like member is attached to the cycle&#39;s frame at an upper attachment site  49  on the seat, seat post, seat tube, or seat stays and at lower attachment sites  50  on the seat stays, dropouts, or rear axle ends. (These lower attachment sites may not be necessary and can be eliminated if the upper attachment site proves to be sufficiently strong and stable.) The fender portion  48  of the connector has edges and surfaces  51  that mate with the wheel well of the carrier and act as a guide for mounting the carrier as well as a support when mounted. This will allow for a similar motion in mounting as the embodiments which utilize lower connectors, with the container pivoting about the axis of the cycle&#39;s wheel. An advantage of this embodiment is the elimination of lower connectors while maintaining the same methods of mounting the carrier. This embodiment also acts as a mud/splash guard with the carrier on or removed. 
       FIG. 12  is a further embodiment of the cycle&#39;s connectors which are affixed to a singular member  52  which acts as a sub-frame. This sub-frame is affixed to the cycle&#39;s frame in positions and manners  49 ,  50  similar to the previous embodiment. The upper connector member  47  and lower cylindrical stud  22  function as in the previous embodiments. The sub-frame is constructed of plastic or metal or a combination to provide sufficient strength and reliability. An advantage of this embodiment is that it provides a lightweight sub-frame that is unobtrusive and can fit a large variety of cycle sizes and styles. 
       FIG. 13  is a further embodiment of the cycle&#39;s connectors affixed to a sub-frame  52  which is similar to the previous embodiment. In this embodiment the cycle&#39;s upper connector member is the same. The lower connectors have changed in that the cycle&#39;s members are the channels  19  which guide and support the studs  22  which are affixed to the carrier&#39;s lower connector members. The termination of the cycle&#39;s lower connector channel  19  provides the support for the stud  22  of the carrier&#39;s lower connector in the region of the end of the cycle&#39;s axle. The advantage of this embodiment is similar to that of the previous embodiment, and it provides an additional means to obtain clearance of certain obstacles on the cycle, including axle ends, disc brakes, gear change mechanisms, and accessories. 
       FIG. 14  is a series of side views of the container with handle  53  and wheels  54  attached and in various positions of function A, B, C. In this embodiment, the handle  53  is attached to the upper rear wall of the container&#39;s base portion and has a hinge mechanism  55 . When hinged forward the handle attaches to the lid by a releasable latch mechanism (not depicted). The releasable latch mechanism can be a clip, hook, or similar device that would allow securement of the handle upon the lid. This handle securement additionally secures the lid on to the base portion of the container, preventing its opening. In the down position the handle provides grab points  56 ,  57  for lifting when the handle is latched to the lid (position A). In the up position, the handle  53  allows the container to be tilted and rolled on its wheels  54  as roller luggage (position B). Also, with the handle in the up position, the container is openable by lifting and pivoting the lid  2  on a hinge mounted at the front (position C). 
       FIG. 14 b    illustrates an alternate embodiment of the container, having a positioning wheel  155  attached on the bottom portion rear side of the container. Wheel  155  is preferably located along the centerline of the container coplanar with the wheel well. An alternative handle  160  is also shown, having the hinge mechanism  55  being located forward, near the top of the lid. Although not shown here, this embodiment may retain the rolling wheels  150  at the location shown in  FIG. 7 b   . This embodiment would enable more convenient rolling of the container in the alternate wheeled location coaxial with the lower connectors, as described above. 
       FIG. 14 b    also illustrates various positions of function A, B, and C, wherein a lower connector member  170  having a channel  190  is fitted over a mating lower connector member  180  which is affixed to the cycle frame. Positioning wheel  155  is used in Positions A and B to engage channel  190  over member  180 , after which the container is rotated about member  180  into a secured. latched Position C. After the container is secured, handle  160  may be stowed for travel. 
     Also (not depicted), with the handle in the latched position and with the container mounted on a cycle, the handle can serve as attachment points for elastic straps or similar devices to secure items on the horizontal platform surface  5  of the lid. 
       FIG. 15  is side views of the carrier and the rear portion of a bicycle demonstrating a method of mounting. In position D the handle is hinged forward and latched against the lid and the container is tilted backward on its wheels. In position E the container is rolled toward the rear of a cycle, straddling its rear wheel, and the lower connectors are brought into proximity with each other. In position F the lower connectors are engaged as the studs slide in their corresponding channels (or, as in the embodiment of  FIG. 11 , the wheel well  12  engages with the fender  51 ) and come to rest at their terminations. The container is then pivoted forward on or about the axis of the rear axle. In position G the upper connector is then engaged, which thereby prevents disengagement of the lower connectors (or, as in the embodiment of  FIG. 11 , the wheel well and the fender). Dismounting is the reverse of this sequence. 
     Similarly,  FIG. 15 b    is a series of side views of the carrier and the rear portion of a bicycle demonstrating a method of mounting. In position D the handle is hinged forward and latched against the lid and the container is tilted backward on its wheels. In position E the container is rolled toward the rear of a cycle, straddling its rear wheel, and the lower connectors  170  are brought into proximity with the mounting points on the cycle, seen here as mating lower connector member  180 . In position F the lower connectors  170  are engaged to the cycle as the channels  190  slide over their corresponding mating members  180  and come to rest at their terminations. The container is then pivoted forward on or about the axis of the rear axle. In position G the upper connector is then engaged, which thereby prevents disengagement of the lower connectors (or, as in the embodiment of  FIG. 11 , the wheel well and the fender).  FIG. 15 b    clearly illustrates that the rotation of the container at F causes the lower arm of the connector  170  to hook around mating member  180 , such that subsequent locking of the container at the upper connector at position G also vertically locks the connector  170  to mating member  180 . Dismounting of the container is the reverse of this sequence. 
       FIG. 16  is side views of the carrier and the rear portion of a bicycle demonstrating another method of mounting. In position H the handle is hinged forward and latched against the lid. In position I the container is lifted with the handle over the rear of the cycle straddling its rear wheel. The lower connectors are brought into proximity with each other. In position J the container is lowered and the lower connectors are engaged as the studs slide in their corresponding channels (or, as in the embodiment of  FIG. 11 , the wheel well  12  engages with the fender  51 ) and come to rest at their terminations. The container is then pivoted forward on or about the axis of the rear axle. In position K the upper connector is then engaged, which thereby prevents disengagement of the lower connectors (or, as in the embodiment of  FIG. 11 , the wheel well and the fender). Dismounting is the reverse of this sequence. 
       FIG. 17  are side views of the container mounted on a bicycle demonstrating a method of opening the container. The lid of the container has a connection point  66  on its front wall  4  where a cord  67  is connected. The other end of the cord is releasably attached to the seat or seat post of the cycle. In position L the handle is latched against the closed lid and the upper connector is engaged. The cord  67  is slack. In position M the handle is unlatched and extended. The lid is let open as the weight of the container pivots the container rearward to the point where there is no more slack in the cord. 
     The advantages of this invention are that it provides a cycle carrier system with connector(s) that allow(s) a container that is weather tight, aerodynamic, lightweight, rugged, made of recyclable material, and of large capacity to be easily and securely mounted on a cycle without the need for stooping or fine manipulation or tools and to be used as roller luggage off the cycle. 
     The above description of the invention with its embodiments and methods is intended to be illustrative and various modified embodiments will become apparent to those persons of ordinary skill in the art. For example, the carrier can be easily configured to be mounted to a bicycle, electric bicycle, moped, motorcycle or tricycle. The inventive carrier can also be used on a front wheel in addition to the aforedescribed rear wheel mount. The invention, therefore, is not intended to be limited by the above description but by all embodiments and methods within its scope and spirit.