Patent Abstract:
A bicycle sound generator manufactured using a thin, deformable, plastic material. The sound generator is wrapped around an attachment location, such as a bicycle fork, and secured using a fastener. In an exemplary embodiment, the fastener is a cable tie with a one-way tightening mechanism to prevent the sound generator from coming loose once it has been attached at the attachment location. The sound generator may be rotated about the attachment location to come into an engagement position where a free-end portion of the sound generator makes contact with the spokes of a rotating wheel. When no sound is desired, the sound generator may be rotated such that the free-end portion is disengaged from the spokes and produces no sound. Graphical images, such as decorations, team logos, political messages and the like may be added to the sound generator.

Full Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention is directed generally to an apparatus and method for sound generation on a bicycle. 
   2. Description of the Related Art 
   Many readers will recall childhood memories of attaching a baseball card to a bicycle frame using a clothespin to create a flapping “motorcycle” sound as the baseball card is struck by the spokes of the rotating bicycle wheel. While such an approach was inexpensive, the baseball card would soon wear out or become bent so as to fail to produce the desired sound. In addition, if the baseball card became wet, it was no longer able to produce the desired sound. 
   Since that time, others have attempted various forms of bicycle sound generators. Some are directed to attachment mechanisms that are expensive to manufacture, difficult to install, and may damage the paint finish on the bicycle. For example, one known approach comprises a bicycle sound generator made of stiff plastic. This type of generator includes a flap portion to extend into and engage the spokes of the bicycle and a preformed attachment mechanism with a partially cylindrical interior portion to clip over a rounded bicycle fork. A gap along the length of the cylindrical plastic attachment mechanism allows the sound generator to be snapped onto a round bicycle fork. The drawback of this approach is that the cylindrical-shaped attachment mechanism is only useable with a round bicycle fork. Bicycle forks commonly have an oval cross section fork, which is incompatible with the cylindrical attachment mechanism of the known bicycle sound generator. In addition, the stiff plastic may damage the paint of the bicycle fork when it is snapped into place. Removal of the bicycle sound generator may cause further damage to the paint at the point of attachment. 
   Therefore, it can be appreciated that there is a significant need for a bicycle sound generator having a simple attachment mechanism, readily adaptable to different cross sectional shapes at the bicycle attachment location and attachment in a manner that will not damage the finish of the bicycle. The present invention provides this, and other advantages as will be apparent from the following detailed description and accompanying figures. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S) 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a bicycle with the sound generator of the present invention attached thereto. 
       FIG. 2  is a close-up of a front wheel of the bicycle of  FIG. 1  showing the bicycle sound generator in its activated position. 
       FIG. 3  is a close-up of a front wheel of the bicycle of  FIG. 1  showing the bicycle sound generator in its inactivated position. 
       FIG. 4  is perspective view of the bicycle sound generator prior to attachment to a bicycle. 
       FIG. 5  is a plan view of the bicycle sound generator of  FIG. 4 . 
       FIG. 6  is a side view of the bicycle sound generator of  FIG. 4 . 
       FIG. 7  is an end view of the bicycle sound generator of  FIG. 4 . 
       FIGS. 8-12  are a series of figures showing the attachment of the bicycle sound generator of  FIG. 4  at an attachment location, such as a bicycle fork. 
       FIGS. 13-14  are cross-sectional views of the bicycle sound generator of  FIG. 4  illustrating its attachment to an attachment location, such as a bicycle fork and its displacement by spokes of the bicycle. 
       FIG. 15  is a plan view illustrating an alternative embodiment of the bicycle sound generator. 
       FIG. 16  is a plan view illustrating another alternative embodiment of the bicycle sound generator. 
       FIG. 17  is a side view of the bicycle sound generator of  FIG. 16 . 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   The present disclosure is directed to a sound generator  100  mounted on a bicycle  102 . The bicycle  102  includes a frame  104 , and front and rear wheels  106 - 108 . The bicycle  102  illustrated in  FIG. 1  has a propulsion system  110  comprising pedals  112  and a drive mechanism  114 , which is typically a bicycle chain. The operator moves the pedals  112  to rotate the drive mechanism  114  to thereby propel the bicycle  102 . For the sake of simplicity, other mechanisms, such as gears, brakes, and the like are not shown in  FIG. 1 . 
   The sound generator  100  may be connected to the bicycle  102  at a number of different locations, designated herein as attachment locations. One attachment location, illustrated in  FIG. 1 , is a front fork  120 . As will be described in greater detail below, the bicycle sound generator  100  is positioned to make contact with spokes  122  of the front wheel  106  as the front wheel rotates. 
   Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the sound generator  100  can be attached to other attachment locations, such as a rear frame member  124 . In this embodiment, the sound generator  100  engages spokes  126  of the rear wheel  108 . Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other suitable attachment locations on the bicycle frame are also contemplated. For example, the bicycle may have fenders (not shown) with attachment supports. The sound generator  100  may be readily attached to a fender attachment support. 
     FIG. 2  illustrates a close-up of the sound generator  100  attached to the front fork  120 . As will be described in greater detail below, the sound generator  100  is snugly mounted to the front fork  120 , but is still capable of rotation thereon.  FIG. 2  illustrates the sound generator  100  when rotated into an activated or engagement position where the sound generator encounters the spokes  122  of the front wheel  106 .  FIG. 3  illustrates the sound generator  100  when it has been rotated to an inactive or disengagement position such that the front wheel  106  rotates freely without the sound generator  100  engaging the spokes  122  of the front wheel. 
     FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the sound generator  100 . In an exemplary embodiment, the sound generator  100  is manufactured from flexible plastic that freely allows the sound generator to be wrapped around the attachment location, such as the front fork  120  (see  FIG. 1 ). In an exemplary embodiment, the sound generator  100  is formed from plastic having a thickness of approximately 0.015 millimeters to 1.0 millimeters. In one embodiment, a pad (not shown) such as an adhesive-backed foam pad may be added to the sound generator  100  to provide a tight fit at the selected attachment location. As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the sound generator  100  is generally elongated in shape and has a longitudinal access  130  extending from a first end  132  to a second end  134 . The sound generator  100  is generally tapered from the first end  132  to the second end  134 . In exemplary embodiment, the second end  134  is generally rounded in shape at its terminal end so is to reduce the possibility of breakage as the second end portion encounters the spokes (e.g., the spokes  122  of the front wheel  106 ). In an exemplary embodiment, the first end  132  is also generally rounded for ease of manufacturing in general aesthetic appearance. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the first end  132  may be manufactured in virtually any shape, such as a rectangular first end, without adversely affecting operation of the sound generator  100 . 
   The sound generator  100  includes two parallel slits  136  extending in a direction substantially transverse to the longitudinal access  130 . The slits  136  are spaced apart from each other to form a slot  138  through which the second end  134  will be inserted. This process will be described in greater detail below. Each of the slits  136  has a circular slit termination  140  at each end. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the slit termination hole  140  may be used to relieve stress on the slit  136  during manufacturing, installation, and operation. 
   The sound generator  100  also has an aperture  144  positioned along the longitudinal access  130 . As will be described in greater detail below, the aperture  144  is positioned at a sufficient distance from the second end  134  to allow a free-end portion  146  to extend from the attachment location and engage the spokes  122 .  FIG. 5  is a plan view of the sound generator  100   FIG. 4 .  FIG. 6  is a side view of the sound generator  100   FIG. 4 .  FIG. 7  is an end view of the sound generator  100  illustrating a convex side  148  and a concave side  150 . 
   As best illustrated in the end view of  FIG. 7 , the sound generator  100  is formed as a cylindrical section with a cylindrical axis  152  parallel to and spaced apart from the longitudinal axis  130  (see  FIG. 4 ). Although not essential for satisfactory operation of the sound generator  100 , the cylindrical section provides an anesthetically pleasing sound when it encounters spokes  122  of the front wheel  106 . Other curved shapes may also be used. The sound generator  100  is not limited by the particular curvature or lack of curvature. 
     FIGS. 8-12  illustrate the installation of the sound generator  100  at a location, such as the front fork  106  (see  FIG. 1 ). In  FIG. 8 , the concave side  150  of the sound generator  100  is pressed against the front fork  120  or other attachment location. The plastic material of the sound generator  100  is easily deformable and thus can be shaped to accommodate the particular shape of the attachment location. This is especially useful when the attachment location, such as the front fork  120  has an oval or irregular shaped cross-section. 
   In  FIG. 9 , the sound generator  100  is wrapped around the fork  120  and, in  FIG. 10 , the free-end portion  146  of the sound generator  100  is inserted in the slot  138  by passing the second end  134  through the parallel slits  136 . 
   In  FIG. 11 , a fastener  154  is used to secure the sound generator  100 . In an exemplary embodiment, the fastener  154  is a cable tie. The advantage of using a cable tie as the fastener  154  is that the ratchet mechanism of the cable tie allows it to be tightened but it will not loosen. Thus, the cable tie  154  will securely attach the sound generator  100  and, once in place, will not loosen. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other devices may be used as the fastener  154 . For example, string could be used instead of a cable tie. Waxed string may be particularly useful in this situation. As the waxed string is inserted into the aperture  144  and a knot formed, the wax melts slightly due to the friction of the knotting process. This causes the knot to be securely fastened and decreases the chances of the knot working itself loose. Twist ties or other devices, well known in the art, can be satisfactorily used to implement the fastener  154 . The present invention is not limited by the particular form of the fastener  154 . 
   In  FIG. 11 , one end of the fastener  154  is inserted through the aperture  144  and wrapped around the front fork  120 . In  FIG. 12 , the fastener  154  is secured which, in turn, secures the sound generator  100  on the front fork  120 . Once installation is complete, the sound generator may be rotated about the front fork  120  to move the sound generator  100  into engagement with the spokes  122  of the front wheel  106 . As previously discussed, the sound generator  100  is rotatably mounted at the attachment location. The fastener  154  securely fastens the sound generator at the attachment location. However, the plastic material used to manufacture the sound generator  100  is capable of being rotated at the attachment location. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the use of the flexible plastic for the sound generator  100  minimizes the risk of damage to the paint on the bicycle  102 . 
     FIGS. 13 and 14  are cross-sectional views illustrating the operation of the sound generator  100 . In  FIG. 13 , the free-end portion  146  of the sound generator  100  has been positioned so that lies in the pathway of the spokes  122  of the front wheel  106 . As the front wheel  106  rotates, the spokes  122  engage and displace the free-end portion  146  of the sound generator  100 , as illustrated in  FIG. 14 . As the spoke  122  in contact with the free-end portion  146  of the sound generator  100  passes, the sound generator  100  returns to its resting position, illustrated in  FIG. 13 . It is this displacement and return to the resting position that causes the characteristic sound created by the sound generator  100 . 
   As best illustrated in  FIGS. 13 and 14 , the sound generator  100  wraps completely around the front fork  120  and readily adapts to the shape of the front fork. The fastener  154  is secured around the concave side  150  of the sound generator. Thus, the paint finish of the bicycle is protected by the sound generator  100 . The fastener  154  has no direct contact with the front fork  120 , but only wraps around the convex side  148  of the sound generator  100 . 
     FIG. 15  illustrates an alternative embodiment of the sound generator  100 . In this embodiment, the slits  136  are eliminated. The installation proceeds in a manner similar to that described above with respect to claims  10 - 14 . However, the sound generator  100  is wrapped around the attachment location and the second end  134  is not inserted through the slot  138  (see  FIG. 10 ). Rather, the sound generator  100  is wrapped around the attachment location until the aperture  144  is positioned against the bicycle  102  at the attachment location. At that point, the fastener  154  may be inserted through the aperture and wrapped around the attachment location to secure the sound generator  100  in the manner described above. 
   The sound generator  100  can also be decorated in a fanciful fashion.  FIG. 15  illustrates a “flame” decoration  160  mounted at the free-end portion  146  of the sound generator  100 . Those skilled in the art can appreciate that other decorations may also be used. In addition, team logos may be used in a promotional campaign. For example, a sports team may place its logo on the sound generator  100  and give the sound generator away to fans. Other campaigns such as anti-drug or anti-smoking messages may also be printed on the sound generator  100 . Thus, the sound generator may be readily used for promotional purposes. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the decoration  160  may also be used in the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 1-14 . 
     FIGS. 16 and 17  illustrate another alternative embodiment of the sound generator  100 . In this example embodiment, the first end  132  is not rounded, but is squared off. Furthermore, a crease  162  is made in the sound generator  100  proximate the first end  132 . As best illustrated in  FIG. 17 , the crease  162  forms a flap  164  in the sound generator  100 . The flap  164  has a spring effect that compresses as the sound generator  100  is wrapped around the attachment location (e.g., the front fork  120  of  FIG. 1 ) to provide tension to the wrap to more securely fasten the sound generator to the attachment location. 
   The foregoing described embodiments depict different components contained within, or connected with, different other components. It is to be understood that such depicted architectures are merely exemplary, and that in fact many other architectures can be implemented which achieve the same functionality. In a conceptual sense, any arrangement of components to achieve the same functionality is effectively “associated” such that the desired functionality is achieved. Hence, any two components herein combined to achieve a particular functionality can be seen as “associated with” each other such that the desired functionality is achieved, irrespective of architectures or intermedial components. Likewise, any two components so associated can also be viewed as being “operably connected”, or “operably coupled”, to each other to achieve the desired functionality. 
   While particular embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that, based upon the teachings herein, changes and modifications may be made without departing from this invention and its broader aspects and, therefore, the appended claims are to encompass within their scope all such changes and modifications as are within the true spirit and scope of this invention. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the invention is solely defined by the appended claims. It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). 
   Accordingly, the invention is not limited except as by the appended claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 1