Patent Description:
Panniers are cargo containers that are usually mounted in pairs on a beast of burden or a vehicle (e.g., a bicycle or motorcycle). Modern-style bicycle panniers have been in use since the <NUM>. Known panniers are often awkward or complicated to use, and have a configuration that creates significant wind resistance regardless of whether contents are enclosed.

The document <CIT> discloses the features of the preamble of claim <NUM>.

The present disclosure provides systems, apparatuses, and methods relating to expandable panniers.

In some examples, a wheeled vehicle may include a frame; and a pannier coupled to the frame, the pannier comprising: an elongate, collapsible floor having a front end, a rear end, an inboard edge, and an outboard edge; a collapsible front wall coupled to the front end of the floor; a collapsible rear wall coupled to the rear end of the floor; a rigid inboard lateral wall portion fixed to the frame and coupled to the inboard edge of the floor; and a rigid outboard lateral wall portion coupled to the outboard edge of the floor; wherein the pannier is transitionable between a first configuration, in which the outboard lateral wall portion is spaced from the inboard lateral wall portion, such that the pannier defines an internal storage space, and a second configuration, in which the outboard lateral wall portion is secured in a position adjacent the inboard lateral wall portion, such that the front wall, rear wall, and floor are collapsed and encased by the inboard and outboard lateral wall portions.

In some examples, a pannier may include a first lateral wall comprising a first expanse of rigid material; a second lateral wall comprising a second expanse of rigid material; a first end wall extending from the first lateral wall to the second lateral wall and comprising a first plurality of rigid plates having first flexible seams therebetween such that the first end wall is foldable; a second end wall spaced from the first end wall, extending from the first lateral wall to the second lateral wall and comprising a second plurality of rigid plates having second flexible seams therebetween such that the second end wall is foldable; a collapsible floor connecting respective lower portions of the first and second lateral walls and the first and second end walls; wherein the pannier is transitionable between a collapsed configuration, in which the first and second end walls are folded and the first lateral wall is latched in a position adjacent to the second lateral wall, and a second configuration, in which the first and second lateral walls are spaced apart and the first and second end walls are in an unfolded position, wherein the first and second lateral walls encase the first and second end walls and the floor when in the collapsed configuration.

In some examples, a method for carrying cargo on a bicycle may include collapsing a pannier laterally against a frame of a bicycle by urging a rigid outboard wall of the pannier into a position adjacent a rigid inboard wall of the pannier, such that a front wall, a rear wall, and a floor of the pannier are collapsed and compressed between the rigid outboard wall and the rigid inboard wall; applying a biasing force to the outboard wall in an outboard direction as a result of the compression of the front wall and the rear wall; securing the outboard wall of the pannier in the position adjacent the inboard wall of the pannier using one or more latches, such that the biasing force is arrested; causing the pannier to automatically open into a configuration where the outboard wall is spaced apart from the inboard wall by unlatching the outboard wall of the pannier and releasing the compression of the front wall and the rear wall.

Features, functions, and advantages may be achieved independently in various embodiments of the present disclosure, or may be combined in yet other embodiments, present disclosure is limited by the appended claims, further details of which can be seen with reference to the following description and drawings.

Various aspects and examples of an expandable pannier, as well as related systems methods, are described below and illustrated in the associated drawings. Unless otherwise specified, an expandable pannier in accordance with the present teachings, and/or its various components, may contain at least one of the structures, components, functionalities, and/or variations described, illustrated, and/or incorporated herein. Furthermore, unless specifically excluded, the process steps, structures, components, functionalities, and/or variations described, illustrated, and/or incorporated herein in connection with the present teachings may be included in other similar devices and methods, including being interchangeable between disclosed embodiments. The following description of various examples is merely illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit the disclosure, its application, or uses. Additionally, the advantages provided by the examples and embodiments described below are illustrative in nature and not all examples and embodiments provide the same advantages or the same degree of advantages. Present disclosure is limited by the appended claims.

This Detailed Description includes the following sections, which follow immediately below: (<NUM>) Definitions; (<NUM>) Overview; (<NUM>) Examples, Components, and Alternatives; (<NUM>) Advantages, Features, and Benefits; and (<NUM>) Conclusion. The Examples, Components, and Alternatives section is further divided into subsections A and B, each of which is labeled accordingly.

The following definitions apply herein, unless otherwise indicated.

"Substantially" means to be more-or-less conforming to the particular dimension, range, shape, concept, or other aspect modified by the term, such that a feature or component need not conform exactly. For example, a "substantially cylindrical" object means that the object resembles a cylinder, but may have one or more deviations from a true cylinder.

"Comprising," "including," and "having" (and conjugations thereof) are used interchangeably to mean including but not necessarily limited to, and are openended terms not intended to exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps.

Terms such as "first", "second", and "third" are used to distinguish or identify various members of a group, or the like, and are not intended to show serial or numerical limitation.

"AKA" means "also known as," and may be used to indicate an alternative or corresponding term for a given element or elements.

The terms "inboard," "outboard," "forward," "rearward," and the like are intended to be understood in the context of a host vehicle on which systems described herein may be mounted or otherwise attached. For example, "outboard" may indicate a relative position that is laterally farther from the centerline of the vehicle, or a direction that is away from the vehicle centerline. Conversely, "inboard" may indicate a direction toward the centerline, or a relative position that is closer to the centerline. Similarly, "forward" means toward the front portion of the vehicle, and "aft" means toward the rear of the vehicle. In the absence of a host vehicle, the same directional terms may be used as if the vehicle were present. For example, even when viewed in isolation, a device may have a "forward" edge, based on the fact that the device would be installed with the edge in question facing in the direction of the front portion of the host vehicle.

"Coupled" means connected, either permanently or releasably, whether directly or indirectly through intervening components.

"Resilient" describes a material or structure configured to be deformed elastically under normal operating loads (e.g., when compressed) and to return to an original shape or position when unloaded.

"Rigid" describes a material or structure configured to be stiff, nondeformable, or substantially lacking in flexibility, under normal operating conditions.

In general, an expandable pannier in accordance with the present teachings may include a collapsible cargo container having rigid side panels and a foldable floor and walls. In some embodiments, the pannier may be permanently affixed or otherwise incorporated into a bicycle frame, laterally adjacent one of the wheels. The foldable floor and/or walls may be configured to naturally exert an opening force on the rigid side panels, such that unlatching the outer side panel will cause the pannier to spring open in a self-expanding fashion. In some examples, the pannier may be installed on an electric bicycle.

The following sections describe selected aspects of exemplary expandable panniers, as well as related systems and/or methods. The examples in these sections are intended for illustration and should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the present disclosure. Each section may include one or more distinct embodiments or examples, and/or contextual or related information, function, and/or structure.

As shown in <FIG>, this section describes an illustrative electric bicycle having expandable panniers, although the panniers may be incorporated or installed on any suitable wheeled vehicle. In some examples, the panniers are removable from the vehicle, and therefore transitionable between a portable and an installed mode. The expandable panniers described below are an embodiment of the expandable panniers described in the Overview section, above.

<FIG> and <FIG> depict an illustrative electric bicycle <NUM> having a pair of panniers <NUM>, <NUM> arranged on opposing lateral sides of a rear wheel <NUM>. <FIG> are magnified partial views of bicycle <NUM>, showing pannier <NUM> from various points of view and in various configurations. <FIG> is an exploded view showing selected components of a foldable portion of one of the panniers. <FIG> is a schematic view depicting how one of the end portions may be configured to fold preferentially in a selected fashion to achieve the functionality described below.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, panniers <NUM> and <NUM> are coupled to a frame <NUM> of electric bicycle <NUM> adjacent rear wheel <NUM>. Bicycle <NUM> may comprise any suitable wheeled vehicle, such as a bicycle, tricycle, quadcycle, etc., and may or may not be motorized. In some examples, panniers <NUM> and <NUM> may have a large enough capacity as to require a powered vehicle to provide sufficient support for the volume of cargo expected to be carried therein.

In the example depicted in <FIG> and <FIG>, bicycle <NUM> is a two-wheeled vehicle, with a front wheel <NUM> rotatably coupled to the frame by a front fork <NUM>. Fork <NUM> is steerable by way of a handlebar <NUM>. In this example, panniers <NUM> and <NUM> are each affixed to frame <NUM> and supported by a support platform <NUM>, <NUM>. Each platform <NUM>, <NUM> extends laterally from the frame below the floor of the pannier. Platforms <NUM> and <NUM>, when present, may comprise footrests or foot supports for a passenger of the vehicle. In some examples, one or both panniers may be selectably or removably securable to the frame. The two panniers are substantially mirror images of each other.

Bicycle <NUM> further includes a kickstand <NUM> and a crankset <NUM> configured to provide manual power to a drive train of the vehicle. In this example, crankset <NUM> is supplementally or intermittently operable in tandem with an electric drive motor or motors.

Turning to <FIG>, and with reference to components shown in <FIG>, pannier <NUM> includes an elongate, collapsible floor <NUM> having a front end <NUM>, a rear end <NUM>, an inboard edge <NUM>, and an outboard edge <NUM>. A collapsible front wall <NUM> (AKA the first end wall) is coupled to the front end of floor <NUM>, and a collapsible rear wall <NUM> (AKA the second end wall) is coupled to the rear end of floor <NUM>. A rigid inboard lateral wall portion <NUM> is fixed (e.g., bolted or screwed) or incorporated into frame <NUM> and coupled to inboard edge <NUM> of floor <NUM>. A rigid outboard lateral wall portion <NUM> is coupled to outboard edge <NUM> of floor <NUM>. Pannier <NUM> includes substantially similar components, although in a mirrored configuration (e.g., a rigid outboard lateral wall portion <NUM>).

Accordingly, the pannier is transitionable between a first configuration <NUM> (AKA the deployed or expanded configuration) and a second configuration <NUM> (AKA the collapsed or secured configuration). In first configuration <NUM>, outboard lateral wall portion <NUM> is spaced from inboard lateral wall portion <NUM>, such that the pannier defines an internal storage space <NUM>. In second configuration <NUM>, outboard lateral wall portion <NUM> is secured in a position adjacent inboard lateral wall portion <NUM>, such that front wall <NUM>, rear wall <NUM>, and floor <NUM> are collapsed and encased by the inboard and outboard lateral wall portions. First configuration <NUM> provides ease of access to the pannier, while supporting a large storage volume. Second configuration <NUM> provides a more aerodynamic contour for the vehicle, as well as a more cohesive and attractive appearance when the pannier is not in use.

Front wall <NUM>, rear wall <NUM>, and floor <NUM> are each configured to be substantially planar when the pannier is in the first configuration, spanning the gap between the inboard and outboard lateral wall portions. The walls and floor may include any suitable components configured to provide a collapsible lower enclosure for internal storage space <NUM> when in first configuration <NUM>. In some examples, the walls and floor are further configured to provide an outward biasing force when collapsed laterally in second configuration <NUM>. Accordingly, in those examples the pannier is configured to transition from the collapsed second configuration <NUM> to the deployed first configuration <NUM> automatically, in response to releasing the outboard lateral wall portion from its position adjacent the inboard lateral wall portion.

In the embodiment depicted in <FIG>, the front and rear walls and the floor are of a paneled construction. The end walls and floor each comprise a combination of rigid plates with flexible seams between those plates, such that structural support is provided to the pannier by the rigid plates when in first configuration <NUM>. Moreover, the end walls and floor are foldable at the flexible seams, such that the end walls and floor are configured to collapse in a predictable manner.

Specifically, and with particular reference to <FIG>, front wall <NUM>, rear wall <NUM>, and floor <NUM> each comprises a respective flexible fabric <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> coupled to a plurality of rigid plates <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, such that flexible seams <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are formed by the flexible fabric disposed in gaps <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> between the rigid plates. In some examples, the flexible fabric comprises inner and outer fabric layers surrounding (i.e., sandwiching) the rigid plates. The rigid plates may include any suitable flat, rigid material, such as a plastic, heavy-duty cardboard, or metal. The flexible fabric may include any suitable material configured to carry expected loads and repeated folding, such as ruggedized nylon. In some examples, the plates are bonded and sandwiched between layers of fabric. In those examples, the layers of fabric between the plates are bonded to each other to form a flexible double layer. The same construction may be used for the end and bottom panels. In some examples, the end walls include reflective material printed or otherwise incorporated into the paneled parts.

With respect to front wall <NUM>, rigid plates <NUM> comprise a pair of triangular plates 94A and 96A vertically spaced below a pair of right-trapezoidal plates 98A and 100A, each of the two pairs of plates being mirrored across a vertical seam of flexible seams <NUM>. Similarly, with respect to rear wall <NUM>, rigid plates <NUM> comprise a pair of triangular plates 94B and 96B vertically spaced below a pair of right-trapezoidal plates 98B and 100B, each of the two pairs of plates being mirrored across a vertical seam of flexible seams <NUM>. Accordingly, as shown in <FIG>, each of these walls is configured to preferentially form an inside reverse fold <NUM> when the pannier is in the second configuration. This folding pattern may be defined by a central vertical seam having a pair of angled seams departing generally downward and diagonally therefrom on either side, similar to the central portion of the famous "peace" symbol. In other examples, the folding pattern may be different, based on the selected shapes of the rigid plates. In some examples, the folding pattern may be based on a corresponding origami fold. In some examples, the triangular plates may be disposed above the trapezoidal plates, such that the inside reverse fold is at the upper end of the wall rather than the lower end.

Similarly, with respect to floor <NUM>, rigid plates <NUM> comprise a pair of rigid plates <NUM>, <NUM>, each extending along the length of floor <NUM> and defining central gap <NUM>. Inboard rigid plate <NUM> may have a curvilinear inboard edge, to accommodate a shape of frame <NUM> and/or inboard wall <NUM>. When collapsed into second configuration <NUM>, floor <NUM> is configured to preferentially fold upward at seam <NUM>.

The front and rear walls, and in some examples the floor, are further configured such that the fabric layer(s) are tightly bound to the rigid plates and stretched or otherwise tightly arranged across the gaps, such that the flexible seams are biased toward an unfolded position. Said another way, the front and rear walls are configured to have a shape memory, with that shape being a substantially planar configuration. Together with the bulk of the plates and fabric layer(s), this naturally causes the pannier to transition from the collapsed configuration to the deployed configuration upon unlatching. In some examples, this transition is partial, such that manual completion of the transition to the deployed configuration is required.

In some examples, resilient or compliant padding may be included on an inner surface of the walls and floor, to prevent damage to contents stored therein. This may be provided as another layer in the fabric/plate layer topology, or may be a separate layer or liner. In the examples shown in the drawings, rigid outboard lateral wall portions <NUM> and <NUM> have a convex shape as viewed from the exterior of the pannier. Accordingly, even when in the collapsed configuration, these panniers will still include some useable amount of internal storage volume.

Pannier <NUM> further includes one or more latches configured to secure outboard lateral wall portion <NUM> adjacent inboard lateral wall portion <NUM>. These latches may take any suitable form configured to be releasable manually when the pannier is in second configuration <NUM>. In this example, the latches include a forward latch <NUM> and an aft latch <NUM>. Each of the latches includes a first latch portion 114A, 114B disposed on the outboard lateral wall portion, which is configured to mate with a second latch portion 116A, 116B disposed on frame <NUM>. In some examples, second latch portions 116A, 116B are disposed on inboard wall portion <NUM>. In this example, each of the latches is a Fidlock® brand magnetic latch having a male and a female portion. The latches are securable by manually inserting the male portion into the female portion, and releasable by retracting a latch member using a manual release tab. As depicted in <FIG>, latches <NUM> and <NUM> are operatively connected to a common manual pull tab <NUM>, externally accessible when the pannier is in the second configuration. Any suitable pull tab or tabs may be utilized. In this example, pull tab <NUM> is connected to each of the latch portions 116A and 116B by an inverted Y-shaped pull cord <NUM>. Accordingly, manual pull tab <NUM> is disposed remotely with respect to each of the latches.

Pannier <NUM> forms a pouch or bag, and has a closeable top portion <NUM> coupled to the inboard and outboard wall portions and configured to allow selective access to internal storage space <NUM> (AKA storage volume) of the pannier. Here, top portion <NUM> is a soft top (e.g., comprising a flexible fabric), closeable using a pair of laterally disposed zippers <NUM> running along a length of each lateral wall portion. In some examples, a single zipper may be used, or a different fastening mechanism such as snaps, ties, hook-and-loop, and/or the like.

In some examples, zippers <NUM> may be coupled to a common actuator or handle for simultaneous operation of the zippers, as depicted in the example of <FIG>. In some examples, the handle may comprise a fabric, string, cord, or other flexible or compliant material. In some examples, the handle may be rigid, e.g., comprising metal or hard plastic. Particularly, in the example depicted in the drawings, zippers <NUM> are coupled to a handle <NUM>, also referred to as a hasp. Handle <NUM> comprises a rigid material (e.g., steel, hard plastic, etc.) and has a foldable hinge <NUM> at its midline, such that the handle is configured to fold and unfold with rear wall <NUM>. Handle <NUM> may comprise a grommet <NUM> formed therein and configured to receive a post <NUM> of rear wall <NUM>. Post <NUM> may have an aperture therein for receiving a lock or pin, such that handle <NUM> comprises a hasp configured to be lockable to a corresponding portion of the rear wall of the pannier.

The different embodiments and examples of the expandable panniers described herein provide several advantages over known solutions. For example, illustrative embodiments and examples described herein allow the pannier to be collapsed against the vehicle frame when not in use, such that a more aerodynamic profile is achieved and wind resistance is reduced.

Additionally, and among other benefits, illustrative embodiments and examples described herein provide a lockable closure.

Additionally, and among other benefits, illustrative embodiments and examples described herein include a pannier that, even when closed, has a useful storage volume (e.g., enough for a laptop or rain jacket and gloves, etc.). This provides a variable storage volume selectable by the user.

Additionally, and among other benefits, illustrative embodiments and examples described herein expose passenger footrests of the wheeled vehicle when in the collapsed configuration, allowing for comfortable leg placement for a passenger.

Additionally, and among other benefits, illustrative embodiments and examples described herein are configured to spring open upon unlatching of the outboard wall, thereby reducing the amount of effort required to configure the pannier for use.

Additionally, and among other benefits, illustrative embodiments and examples described herein have walls and floors configured to collapse according to a predetermined origami fold, thereby improving repeatability and consistency of operation.

However, not all embodiments and examples described herein provide the same advantages or the same degree of advantage.

Claim 1:
A pannier (<NUM>) comprising:
a first lateral wall (<NUM>) comprising a first expanse of rigid material;
a second lateral wall (<NUM>) comprising a second expanse of rigid material;
a first end wall (<NUM>) extending from the first lateral wall (<NUM>) to the second lateral wall (<NUM>) and comprising a first plurality of rigid plates (<NUM>) having first flexible seams (<NUM>) therebetween such that the first end wall is foldable;
a second end wall (<NUM>) spaced from the first end wall (<NUM>), extending from the first lateral wall (<NUM>) to the second lateral wall (<NUM>) and comprising a second plurality of rigid plates (<NUM>) having second flexible seams (<NUM>) therebetween such that the second end wall (<NUM>) is foldable;
a collapsible floor (<NUM>) connecting respective lower portions of the first and second lateral walls (<NUM>, <NUM>) and the first and second end walls (<NUM>,<NUM>);
wherein the pannier (<NUM>) is transitionable between a collapsed configuration (<NUM>), in which the first and second end walls (<NUM>, <NUM>) are folded and the first lateral wall (<NUM>) is secured in a position adjacent to the second lateral wall (<NUM>), and a second configuration, in which the first and second lateral walls (<NUM>, <NUM>) are spaced apart and the first and second end walls (<NUM>, <NUM>) are in an unfolded position, characterised in that the first and second lateral walls (<NUM>, <NUM>) encase the first and second end walls (<NUM>, <NUM>) and the floor (<NUM>) when in the collapsed configuration (<NUM>).