Patent Document

RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/429,266 filed Nov. 26. 2002, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    The present invention relates to an accessory for bicycles. More particularly the present invention relates to the sound generating device for amusement and or safety of bicyclists and others nearby.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0003]    Bicycles are being increasingly used for recreation in parks or bike trails. Commuting to school and work adds to rising numbers of bicyclists on busy streets in communities. Bicycles used by messengers and police officers raise safety as well as occupational concerns when used in metropolitan areas, or in areas with heavy pedestrian traffic. In all circumstances, there is a need to alert others to the presence of cyclists.  
           [0004]    As the number of bicyclists rises, so does the number of related accidents. Accidents involving children present a very serious problem. Over 400,000 children, of the ages 14 and under, are treated in emergency rooms for bicycle relat d injuries ach year. Death involving older bicyclists is also an increasing problem. Last year 65 percent of casualties involved cyclist, 55 and older. On the pedestrian side, the s nior major complaint of the senior citizens involved in bicycle accidents is they didn&#39;t see or hear the cyclist.  
           [0005]    Attempts by municipalities to address bicycle accidents have resulted in ordinances that make it mandatory for bicyclists utilizing urban trails, to have an audible alert device with a range of at least 100 feet.  
           [0006]    There is clearly a need for bicycle accessories to be developed that provide safety benefits as well as fun to users.  
           [0007]    Nostalgia appears to be the overriding factor for inventors when accessories were introduced to produce sound effects. Typically, amusement devices for bicycle wheels consist of decorative materials interlaced through the spokes, or reflective materials mounted on spokes, or noise making devices such as playing flappers, reads, or balloons that mount on the fork of a bicycle and extend into the moving path of the spokes to produce a noise as the wheel rotates.  
           [0008]    However, the prior art noise making accessories have numerous problems. Traditional bicycle bells, horns and clappers are most often barely audible and are difficult to use while maintaining good riding form. The accessories are most often difficult to install, especially by children or adults who may have limited mechanical skills. This is especially problematic for devices, which requires substantial pressure to assemble and/or clamp the accessory securely to a bicycle. If the device is not sufficiently well secured, slippage and rotation of the accessory around the fork or frame during riding potentially allows the device to bind the wheel of the bicycle. Also, most prior art accessories are made of metal, which may be heavy and have potentially dangerous sharp edges. Alternate material noisemakers such as flappers, balloons and reeds tend to wear out or are destroyed after mammals use. Additionally, flaps, flappers, and balloons designed to be engaged in the spokes of a wheel, may not be attached with sufficient security to the bicycle and are easily dislodge during use. Further, prior art noisemakers cannot produce realistic, motor like sounds. The above is a brief listing of the number of problems associated with many of the prior art devices; however, other disadvantages may also exist.  
           [0009]    For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,226,846 to Onori discloses a device similar to a clothes pin, which has a flapper held in a groove in each tip. In order to hold the flapper during the vibrations associated with use the groove will necessarily fit the flapper tightly, or the cord will be adhered to the clip, either of which will preclude removal and replacement of the flapper. The device itself is held in place by gripper inserts, which are deformable. When exposed to inclement weather and/or direct sunlight, these types of materials began to break down and quickly become brittle. Once the material has become brittle, relatively minimal force would be required to dislodge the device causing the device to move freely along the member to which it is attached. The device with no longer produce the sound effect desired and could potentially jam the wheel.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0010]    In keeping with the foregoing discussion, the objective of the present invention is to provide an alerting device for bicycles, which is quickly and easily attached to a bicycle. Optimally, the device may be assembled and installed with minimum force, pressure or strength while using a single tool or even without tools. The device generates the sound during use of the bicycle, which alerts anyone nearby that there is a bicycle in motion.  
           [0011]    A further objective of the present invention is to provide a unit constructed primarily of durable, but safe material such as high impact plastic. The sound producing elements are also preferably constructed of durable materials, which increase or maximize the length and quality of play.  
           [0012]    Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide device with dimensions, component arrangements, and orientation of the accessory on the frame, which minimizes the potential for the device to jam or wedge into the wheel assembly.  
           [0013]    Another objective of the present invention is to provide a device having interchangeable sound producing elements to allow a user to choose the sound produced by the accessory. Optimally, the user would also be able to obtain replacement flappers for flappers, which are worn, damaged, misplaced or otherwise unusable.  
           [0014]    A further objective of the present invention is to provide an accessory housing and locking mechanisms which allow the user to engage and disengaged the sound producing element assembly in an easy and reliable manner, thereby allowing the user to exchange the sound producing flapper for different sound producing flapper, or to remove the flapper entirely to interrupt operation of the present invention without having to remove the entire device from the bicycle.  
           [0015]    Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide an accessory, which can be attached to a variety of locations on bicycle, wheelchair, or other wheeled devices or vehicles.  
           [0016]    Another objective of the present invention is to provide device which can be installed and aligned so that one or more accessories can be used in unison on a single frame member, opposing frame members, or at different locations on the bicycle. member, opposing frame members, or at different locations on the bicycle.  
           [0017]    In keeping with these objectiv s, the present invention takes the form of an amusement and engineering counter measure designed to enhance fun and aid in the reduction of collisions between vehicles or vehicles and pedestrians. The accessory, when properly mounted, produces distinct sounds, in order to alert others of presence of a bicycle or other vehicle. The accessory is formed of a bicycle mounting assembly and a flapper assembly. The bicycle mounting assembly clamps around a member near either the front or rear wheel of a bicycle. The flapper assembly interchangeably attaches a flapper to the bicycle mounting assembly. When fully installed, the flapper is disposed within the spokes of the bicycle wheel. Therefore, when the bicycle is in motion the spokes impact the flapper producing a sound. Depending on the configuration and size of the flapper, different sounds and sound intensities are produced.  
           [0018]    The accessory may also be viewed as a children&#39;s toy designed for fun. The amusement aspect of invention enhances the play value and increases enjoyment derived from riding bicycles and using wheelchairs, expressly for the young.  
           [0019]    As a safety aid, the accessory acts as a visual and audio alert for children, seniors, or people who commute by bike or wheelchair to shop, work, or appointments.  
           [0020]    Bicycle messengers and bicycle police currently rely primarily on reflexes to avoid most crashes. As an occupational alert aid, the device installed on a bicycle will alert a motorist, pedestrian or other bicyclist to the presence of a cyclist if the bicycle is equipped with the accessory of the present invention.  
           [0021]    Other objects and advantages of the invention will no doubt occur to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding the following detailed description along with the accompanying drawings. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0022]    [0022]FIG. 1 is a front view of a bicycle front fork with the accessory attached  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 2 is a top view of the accessory of the present invention  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 3 a  is a left side view of accessory  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 3 b  is a front view of accessory  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 3 c  is a an exploded view of accessory  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 3 d  is a a top view of accessory  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 3 e  is a plan view of accessory  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 4 a  is an exploded view of an alternate configuration of accessory  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 4 b  is a top view of accessory  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 4 c  is a top view of bicycle mounting clamp enclosure assembly  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 4 d  is top view of flapper mount assembly  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 4 e  is side view of accessory  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 4 f  is plan view of bicycle mounting clamp enclosure assembly  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 4 g  is plan view of flapper mount assembly  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 5 a  shows different sizes of flappers  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 5 b  show alternate configurations of flappers 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0038]    [0038]FIG. 1 is a front view of amusement and alert accessory device  20  of the present invention installed on a bicycle  22 . The present invention is formed of two assemblies: a bicycle mounting clamp enclosure assembly  30  and a flapper mount assembly  50 . FIG. 2 is a top view of the amusement and alert accessory device  20 . In FIG. 1, the bicycle accessory  20  is shown attached to one of the prongs  24  of the fork  26  of a bicycle frame  28 . Interchangeably attached to the bicycle mounting assembly  30  is the flapper mountassembly  50 . The flapper  52  of the flapper mount assembly  50  extends from fork  26  inward into thepath of the spokes  23  of the wheel  25  of the bicycle  28 . As the wheel  25  spins during motion of thebicycle  22 , the spokes  23  hit the flapper  52  and create a noise. The noise made varies depending on the size, configuration, installation location, and materials used to construct the flapper  52 . The sound is repeated at a frequency proportional to the speed of the rotation of the wheel  25 .  
         [0039]    In a preferred embodiment, the bicycle mounting clamp enclosure assembly  30  is formed of one or more clamp members  32 , a threaded insert  34 , a screw  36 , and an enclosure  38  configured to accept a flapper mount assembly of the accessory. The clamp  32  is configured to fit around the prong  24  of bicycle frame  28 . The screw  36  passes through hole  40  in one side of clamp  32  and into threaded insert  34 . The device  20  is coupled to the prong  24  by tightening the screw  36 , which reduces the inner diameter of the clamp  32  causing the clamp  32  to tightly grip the prong  24 . Attached or integral to the side of the clamp  32  is an enclosure  38 . In a preferred embodiment, clamp  32  threaded insert  34  and enclosure  38  are manufactured as a single, integrated unit or can be separately manufactured and pre-assembled into a single unit, which is then bonded together. The bonding may be by ultrasonic means, liquid or other welding, gluing, or other adhesive means or mechanical connections. An alternate version of the bicycle mounting clamp enclosure assembly  30  has threads molded into one side of the clamp  32  for engagement with a threaded member. If preferred, the mounting clamp/enclosure assembly  30  may be adhered together by the user during the installation process. The internal components of the enclosure  38  may include alignment post, grooves, stops, guides, standoffs, detents and cutouts that are positioned to properly orient mating parts and to provid means to engage, disengage, secure and lock flapper mounting assembly  50  in enclosure  38  of bicycle mounting clamp enclosure assembly.  
         [0040]    The mounting assemblies may be formed of plastics (such as ABS, polycarbonate, delrin, or nylon) or other durable materials. High impact resistant, durable materials are preferred. The surface of bicycle mounting clamp enclosure assembly may be reflective, fluorescent, painted, or displayed other characteristics to enhance visibility or aesthetics. Generally, the flapper mount assembly  50  functions to permit rapid and simple assembly and replacement of sound producing flapper  52 . In addition, the internal component arrangement allows vibration from the flapper  52  to resonate in the enclosure  38 .  
         [0041]    The flapper mount assembly  50  is formed of left  56  and right  54  flapper mounts, and sound-producing flapper(s)  52 , as shown in FIG. 2. In the embodiment shown, flapper  52  has three holes  59  along one edge. The three holes  59  align the flapper  52  with the flapper mounts. Holes  59  in left flapper mount  56  are lined up and placed over posts  58  on the right flapper mount  54 . The left  56  and right  54  flapper mounts are pressed together to trap one or more flappers  52 , forming the flapper mount assembly  50 . In an alternate configuration, sound producing elements may also be permanently attached to flapper mounts by use of screws, rivets, bolts, adhesives or other attachment means.  
         [0042]    Extending from a portion of the flapper mount assembly  50  is an asembly or attachment means. In the present embodiment the attachment means is by an interlock system formed by channels and structures, which mate with guiding channels in the bicycle mounting clamp enclosure  38 . The flapper mounting assembly  50  is received within a channel of enclosure  38  thereby aligning the components of the flapper mount assembly  50 . Although not required, the channel in the enclosure  38  is preferably symmetrical, thereby allowing the user to place the flapper mount assembly  50  in the enclosure  38  from top or bottom directions. In the embodiment shown, there are grooves along edges of the flapper mount assembly  50  and corresponding raises within the channel of the mounting clamp enclosure  38  that allow the flapper mount assembly  50  to be advanced into enclosure  38 . The flapper mount assembly  50  also has a sloped configuration to form a projection point outward. When the user inserts the flapper mounting assembly  50  into the enclosure  38 , the slope of the flapper mount assembly  50  and the internal channel dimensions of the enclosure  38  create an interference fit that lock the mating parts together. When seated within the enclosure  38 , a raised projection or detent on the flapper mount assembly  50  interlocks within a depression or hole within the enclosure  38 , thereby locking the flapper mount assembly  50  to the bicycle mounting clamp enclosure assembly  30 . When the user wishes to remove the flapper assembly  50  from the bicycle mounting assembly  30 , the user simply withdraws the flapper mount assembly  50 . In alternate embodiments, other types of attachments such as snaps, buckles, ties, or other attaching methods may also be used to secure the flapper mount assembly in the enclosure  38 .  
         [0043]    In another embodiment, shown in FIGS. 3 a - d , the accessory consists of screw  36  threaded insert  34 , washer  33 , clamp  32 , and a hinged flapper mount  57 . The clamp  32  and hinged flapper mount  57  may be manufactured as a single, integrated unit. The clamp  32  is configured to fit around the prong  24  of a bicycle frame  28 . The hinged flapper mount cover  57  contain posts  58  designed to align and secure sound producing flapper  52  within the mount  57 . Holes  59  in the flapper mount  57  are dimensioned to mate with posts  58  of the hinged flapper mount  57 . When the hinged flapper mount  57  is closed, a screw knob  55  is utilized to secure the sound-producing flapper  52 .  
         [0044]    In yet another embodiment, FIGS. 4 a - g  show a bicycle mounting clamp enclosure assembly  30  constructed of components consisting of one or more clamp members  32 , a threaded insert  34 , screw  36 , and enclosure housing  38 . In this embodiment, components may be separately manufactured and pre-assembled into a single unit, which can then be bonded together by use of ultrasonic welding, adhesive means or mechanical connections. If preferred, the bicycle mounting clamp enclosure assembly  30  may contai posts  71  holes  72  that mate and may be adhered together by the user during the installation. Internal and external structures of the bicycle mounting clamp enclosure  30  may include alignment post, grooves, stops, guides, standoffs, detents, or cutouts that are positioned to properly orient mating parts and to provide means to engage, disenge, secure and lock flapper mount assembly  50  in enclosure  38 .  
         [0045]    The flapper mounting assembly  50  of embodiment is composed of a hinged flapper mount assembly  57 , with one side containing posts  58  designed to secure sound producing flappers  52  in the hinged flapper mount assembly  57 . Holes  59  in the opposing surface of the flapper mount assembly are dimensioned to mate with posts  58  to secure one or more sound-producing flappers  52 . A spring  64  may be attached to a snap button release  63  to allow the flapper mount assembly  50  to be engaged and disengaged from the enclosure  38 . When the snap button is depressed, flapper mount assembly  50  can be advanced into or withdrawn from the enclosure  38  of the mount clamp assembly.  
         [0046]    In an alternate embodiment wherein, the bicycle mounting clamp enclosure assembly may consist of a bracket that is welded or formed onto a fork of a bicycle frame during the bicycle manufacture process. In this configuration, the bracket is integral with the enclosure. The components and functions of the flapper mount assembly and internal enclosure structures are the same as previously described.  
         [0047]    In yet another embodiment, the flapper mount assembly is molded around a sound-producing flapper to form a one-piece assembly which is advanced into the bicycle mounting clamp enclosure channel to be locked and secured in the enclosure utilizing a button snap release as previously described.  
         [0048]    The bicycle mounting assembly of the present invention is shown attached to the right side of the fork of the bicycle, however the device may also be attached to the left side of the bicycle fork, the rear seat stay, the rear chain stay, the right front fender brace or the rear fender brace or any other structure which is proximate the spokes of a wheel.  
         [0049]    The bicycle mounting assemblies shown may have smaller clamps configured and intended to mount on a seat stay of the frame at the rear of the bicycle, thereby interacting with the rear spokes of the bicycle.  
         [0050]    Depending on the size and configuration of the flapper assembly and the bicycle mounting assembly, sections of the device may be hollow for weight and material saving considerations, or the entire device may be solid to provide optimal strand. Connections and attachments are designed and formed accordingly.  
         [0051]    Flappers shown in FIG. 5 a  are flexible, durable forms that generate sounds as accessory strikes the spokes of velocipede or other vehicle. Flappers are designed for quick insertion and removal and the shapes are integrated with the flapper mount assembly to create an appealing appearance. Conditions of use require the flappers to be impact resistant in order to withstand repeated impact with spokes of a wheel, weather resistant to endure extremes of heat from sun, or winter conditions such as rain or snow.  
         [0052]    The shape of the flappers shown in these figures produces sound similar to a motor. The amount of noise made by flapper varies by the size and material composition of the flapper. The texture of the surface as well as the internal structure of the flapper can be varied to produce different sounds.  
         [0053]    The flappers may be composed of plastic, paper, rubber, rigid foam, fiber, metal, or suitable material and/or coated with materials such as plastic, paper, etc. Alternately, a light reflective material may be used to form the flapper, or a light reflective material may be added to the surface of the flapper, to provide a visual alert as to the location of the bicycle. Alternate embodiment of the flappers shown in FIG. 5 b  may be multi-layered, corrugated, or contain hollow portions, nodules, bumps. When positioned in the path of the spokes of a bicycle, the flapper produces is a sound as the wheel rotates. When the sound producing elements is in the “engaged” positioned, impact from the spokes of a whe l onto the flapper will produce a predetermined sound. Sound elements can be readily removed or into changed user utilizing th mounting assembly and simple tools. This capability allows the user to select from a variety of predetermined sounds.  
         [0054]    The sound producing elements may be from the variety of thicknesses (0.001-0.020), widths (1-4″), and lengths (1.5 to 4″). Other dimensions may also be used depending on the desire of the user and the sound that is to be produced.  
         [0055]    In the preferred embodiment of the present intention, when assembled and installed, the flapper is placed about midway between the center of the wheel and the rim of the wheel. Preferably, the flapper extends to a point just short of centerline of the tire. This assures that even if flappers are placed on both prongs, they will not interfere with one another or with operation of the bicycle. Depending on the desire of the user, however, the flapper may extend farther or not as far into the path of the spokes, or the flapper may be placed closer or very near either the center of the wheel or the outer edge of the rim near the tire.  
         [0056]    The flapper mount assembly and bicycle mounting clamp enclosure assembly of the device may have other graphic treatments such as pictures, designs, patterns, geometric or non-geometric shapes, trademarks of branded products, team logos, decals, etc. added to the surface to enhance the appearance of the accessory or for advertising purposes.  
         [0057]    Although the examples given include much specificity, they are intended as illustrative of only one possible embodiment of the invention. Other embodiment and modifications will, no doubt, occurred to those skilled in the our. For example, the embodiment disclosed described the accessory mounted on the frame of the bicycle, however, the device may also be designed for and mounted on other wheel devices such as bicycles, wheel chairs, trucks, motorcycles, skates, state boards, other vehicles, etc. In addition, bicycle manufacturers can configure any or all of the embodiments described for use during frame manufacture. Thus, the examples given should only be interpreted as illustrations of some of the preferred embodiment of the invention, and the full scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

Technology Category: b