Motorcycle saddlebag

Details Motorcycle saddlebag Motorcycle saddlebag

1997-07-28

2001-05-01

Vidovich, Gregory M. (Department: 3727)

Package and article carriers

Vehicle attached

Carrier attached cycle

C224S433000, C224S435000, C224S236000, C190S125000, C024S165000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06223960

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to the field of motorcycle saddlebags.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The use of motorcycle saddlebags is nearly as old as motorcycles themselves because of the greatly enhanced utility they give a motorcycle. Motorcycle saddlebags typically come in one of two arrangements. In the first arrangement, the motorcycle saddlebags are large, rigid, and functional. Such saddlebags may be seen, for example, on touring motorcycles. Typically, such saddlebags are made of continuous fiberglass bodies resulting in a substantially waterproof container. Furthermore, such saddlebags can include locking or latching mechanisms that make them convenient to use. In the second arrangement, motorcycle saddlebags retain a more traditional look and feel, thereby providing a more aesthetic appeal. Such saddlebags are typically constructed of a more rigid material (e.g., leather), and are used on more traditional-looking motorcycles. These saddlebags also commonly use straps and buckles for holding the lid closed. While leather saddlebags can be treated to repel water, they are never truly waterproof, and typically require repeated waterproof treatment.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The motorcycle saddlebag of the present invention combines features that make the saddlebag more convenient and useful in operation with features that give the saddlebag a more traditional and aesthetically pleasing appearance. In this way, the invention accomplishes many of the benefits of both types of motorcycle saddlebags. In accordance with these objectives, the invention incorporates a number of features. First, the invention incorporates a construction which allows the outside of the saddlebag to retain a traditional leather cover, while the inside is constructed of more rigid materials to maintain the shape and usefulness of the saddlebags. Second, an improved hinge spring design is used to enhance the utility of the saddlebags, especially in combination with the improved construction. Third, an improved fastener system is provided which permits the saddlebags to be quickly and easily opened or closed, but which retains a more traditional look of straps and buckles.
More particularly, the invention provides a motorcycle saddlebag comprising a saddlebag body that is formed of a substantially continuous plastic shell having an exterior surface and defining an interior volume, and further defining an opening providing access to the interior volume. A body cover is provided that is made of a flexible material (e.g., leather) and formed over at least a portion of the exterior surface of said saddlebag body. A lid may be provided that is attached to the saddlebag body such that the saddlebag lid substantially covers the opening in the saddlebag body. The lid comprises a plastic shell having an exterior surface, and a lid cover that is made of a flexible material (e.g., leather) and formed over at least a portion of the exterior surface of the saddlebag lid. In this way, the saddlebag provides a plastic inner shell that is durable, weatherproof, and functional, and an outer cover that is aesthetically pleasing.
The invention also provides a method of manufacturing such a saddlebag for a motorcycle including blow molding a saddlebag body out of plastic, forming a body cover out of a flexible material (e.g., leather) to fit the outside of the saddlebag body, and securing the body cover to the body. The cover may be connected directly to a lip of the saddlebag, such as by stitching.
The invention further provides a unique fastener assembly that holds the body to the lid. The fastener assembly includes a first fastener and a second fastener that are connected in series such that both the first and second fasteners must be fastened to hold the body to the lid. For example, the first fastener can be an aesthetically-pleasing strap and buckle fastener, and the second fastener can be a quickrelease type that is at least partially hidden by the first fastener.
The invention further provides an improved hinge design interconnecting the body with the lid, thereby allowing the lid to pivot relative to the body between a closed position and an open position. A biasing member is positioned adjacent to the hinge and functionally attached to the body and to the lid, and is arranged to bias the lid open when the lid is near the open position. Preferably, the biasing member can be arranged to also bias the lid closed when the lid is near the closed position.


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1998 Motorcycle & Riva Accessories Catalog, p. 15.
1998 Star Catalog, pp. 6-9.
1994 Harley-Davidson Genuine Parts & Accessories Catalog, pp. 18, 56-57 and 104.

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