Package and article carriers – Vehicle attached – Carrier attached cycle
Reexamination Certificate
2001-10-19
2004-11-23
Cronin, Stephen K. (Department: 3727)
Package and article carriers
Vehicle attached
Carrier attached cycle
C224S430000, C224S431000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06820782
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a saddlebag for motorcycles which are releasably attached to the motorcycle. More specifically, the present invention relates to saddlebags which are attached to a motorcycle in such a manner that they can be quickly removed from the motorcycle, preferably without tools. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a mounting system by which the mounting hardware does not detract from the appearance of the motorcycle.
2. State of the Art
The use of saddlebags on motorcycles has been commonplace for a number of years. Because motorcycles typically lack trunks or other storage space, saddlebags are often the only alternative available to carry bulky items. This is especially true when the motorcycle is being ridden over long distances, such as when touring. The saddlebags allow for storage of items to keep the items from being damaged. Storing the items also allows the rider to keep his or her hands free to operate the motorcycle.
While saddlebags come in a variety of configurations, most saddlebags attach to the frame of the motorcycle toward one extreme or the other of the motorcycle. The frame provides support to the saddlebag and its contents, and keeps the saddlebag out of the operator's way. Most commonly, the saddlebags are mounted adjacent to the rear wheel of the motorcycle.
Referring to
FIG. 1A
, there is shown one common configuration for attaching motorcycle saddlebags. The motorcycle, generally indicated at
10
, includes a motorcycle fender strut
14
which extends from a position adjacent to the seat
18
, to a position adjacent to top of the rear wheel
22
so as to hold the fender
24
above the wheel.
Disposed along the motorcycle fender strut
14
are a plurality of bolts
26
which are used to support the saddlebag (not shown in FIG.
1
A). The bolts
26
are attached to the fender strut
14
in such a way as to enable removal of the saddlebags in the manner discussed in detail below. When the saddlebags are removed, however, the bolts
26
extend two to three inches from the fender strut
14
. The bolts
26
are both unattractive and can pose a risk of injury from someone accidentally bumping into the bolts.
The bolts
26
can be removed from the fender strut
14
. However, removal of the bolts
26
is a time consuming, inconvenient process. Additionally, some other structure must be used to cover the holes in the fender strut
14
which previously held the bolts
26
.
The saddlebag is also supported by a support peg
28
which is disposed at the rearward end of a rod
30
extending rearwardly from the motorcycle adjacent the wheel
22
. The saddlebag typically includes a frame (discussed below) which fits over the support peg
28
.
Turning now to
FIG. 1B
, there is shown a side view of the motorcycle
10
with a saddlebag
40
attached to the motorcycle's fender strut
14
so that the top
40
of the saddlebag is positioned adjacent the strut. The saddlebag
40
is typically attached to the motorcycle's fender strut
14
by a saddlebag frame
44
which is disposed on the side of the saddlebag adjacent the wheel
22
. A portion of the saddlebag frame
44
extends forwardly and connects the saddlebag to the rod
30
, thereby providing additional stability to the saddlebag.
FIG. 1C
shows an exploded view of the saddlebag
40
and the saddlebag frame
44
shown in FIG.
1
B. The saddlebag
40
attaches to the saddlebag frame
44
, which, in turn, is attached to the motorcycle frame portion
14
by the bolts.
Such saddlebag/frame configurations are commonplace and work well for transporting items on motorcycles. During the use of a motorcycle, however, the are many situations in which a user will desire to remove the saddlebag. One common scenario is when cleaning the motorcycle. Because the saddlebags are often made of leather, it is not desirable to have the saddlebag remain on the motorcycle
10
during cleaning. Thus, the saddlebag will usually be removed from the motorcycle.
Removing the saddlebag
40
from the motorcycle
10
is a difficult and time consuming process. Typically, the bag is removed from the saddlebag frame
44
by unscrewing several screws which extend from the saddlebag into the saddlebag frame. If the saddlebag
40
is full, some of the contents may need to be removed before the saddlebag is removed from the saddlebag frame. If desired, the saddlebag frame
44
can also be removed. However, this exposes the bolts
26
which are generally unattractive, as they stick out between
2
and
3
inches from the fender strut
14
.
As shown in
FIG. 1D
, the saddlebag
40
is held to the fender strut
14
by the bolt
26
. The bolt
26
includes a first end
26
a
which is inserted through a hole
52
in the fender strut
14
and fender
24
. A nut
54
is used to secure the bolt
26
in place.
Adjacent to the fender strut
14
is a spacer
60
which is held in place by a head
64
of the bolt
26
. The saddlebag
40
is disposed on the opposing side of the head
64
and is secured in place by a nut
68
on the opposing second end
26
b
of the bolt
26
.
To remove the saddlebag
40
, the nut
68
is removed, thereby allowing the saddlebag
40
to be pulled off of the bolt
26
. This leaves the bolt
26
and spacer
60
extending from the fender strut
14
. To remove the bolt
26
, the rider must reach up under the, fender and remove the nut
54
. This procedure is awkward and can take up to 15 minutes. It also brings the rider into contact with the tire and the grime which often develops under the fender
24
. Thus, it is not uncommon to leave the bolts in place and tolerate their unsightly appearance when washing the motorcycle or otherwise removing the saddlebag
40
.
Another situation when removing the saddlebags
40
is desirable is when traveling. Because the saddlebags
40
often contain the clothing and other possessions of the rider, it is advantageous to be able to easily remove the saddlebag to take it into the hotel, etc. The prior art configuration show above, however, requires the use of tools to remove the saddlebag
40
. Additionally, if the saddlebags
40
are left on the motorcycle, there is a possibility that they will be damaged or stolen.
Thus, there is a need for a saddlebag for use with motorcycles which can be quickly and easily attached to and removed from the motorcycle. Such a saddlebag should be easy to use while preventing accidental removal of the saddlebag. Such a saddlebag should preferably also enable attachment and removal without the use of tools.
Because of the distinct advantages which can be achieved by having saddlebags which can be readily removed without tools, there have been numerous attempts to provide quick release saddlebags. Unfortunately, the presently available systems either leave bulky hardware on the motorcycle, sometimes presenting safety hazzards. Other configurations allow the saddlebag to fall off or drag on the ground during a ride. Some configurations also have no mechanism to prevent the bags from being removed by a thief, etc. Because saddlebags are expensive, it is highly desirable to have the saddlebags remain on the motorcycle and to be removed only by an authorized person.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a releasable saddlebag for use with motorcycles.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a releasable saddlebag which can be attached to and removed from the motorcycle in a fraction of the time required for conventional saddlebags.
The above and other objects of the invention are achieved by a releasable saddlebag system for motorcycles including a saddlebag and a frame which are removable from the motorcycle without the requirement of tools.
In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the saddlebag frame is mounted on the motorcycle with a quick-release mounting system which enables the saddlebag frame to be removed from the motorcycle frame with little time and effort. Furthermore, the brackets used to anchor th
Bateman IP Law Group
Brevard Maerena W.
Cronin Stephen K.
LandOfFree
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