Device for attaching animal carrier to bicycle

Abstract

A device attaches an animal carrier to a bicycle. The device includes an adjustable arm having a first end and a second end. The adjustable arm includes a bicycle coupling at the first end for securing the arm to the bicycle. The adjustable arm also includes a carrier mount at the second end for mounting the animal carrier to the arm. The arm is adjustable such that the carrier mount is rotatable relative to the bicycle coupling.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to bicycle attachments, and in particular, to a device for attaching an animal carrier to a bicycle. Background Art

[0002] When going out, people may want to go out with their pets instead of leaving them at home. Specifically, cyclists may need to take their pets (e.g., their dogs) with them. Allowing pets to experience bicycle riding with their owners can be beneficial to both the pets and the owners.

[0003] Various solutions have been developed to enable pets to travel with their owners when they ride bicycles. For example, the pet may be placed in a chariot that is secured to the bicycle and towed by the owner during the ride. While such solutions have their benefits, they also have disadvantages, for example, the pet's field of view is limited during the ride.

[0004] Another way to allow pets to ride side by side with their owners on bicycles is to use an animal carrier fixed to the seat post of the bicycle, where the animal carrier is positioned in front of the rider. The benefit of this arrangement is that the pet's field of vision is largely unrestricted during the ride.

[0005] However, because people come in all shapes and sizes, as do animals, such animal carriers may be difficult to properly position relative to the bicycle without interfering with the rider's pedaling or safety, depending on the specific physical characteristics of the rider and pet. Summary of the invention

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an apparatus for attaching an animal carrier to a bicycle, the apparatus comprising an adjustable arm having a first end and a second end, the adjustable arm comprising: a bicycle coupling at the first end for securing the arm to the bicycle; and a carrier mount at the second end for mounting the animal carrier to the arm, wherein the arm is adjustable so that the carrier mount can rotate relative to the bicycle coupling.

[0007] The arm may further include interconnected arm portions extending between the first end and the second end of the arm, and at least one first one of the arm portions may be pivotally connected to at least one second one of the arm portions.

[0008] At least a third one of the arm portions is pivotably connected to the second arm portion.

[0009] The first arm portion may be pivotally connected to the second arm portion via an interlocking gear.

[0010] At least one of the arm portions may include a first portion extending in a first direction and a second portion extending in a second direction at a fixed angle with respect to the first direction.

[0011] The carrier mount is pivotably connected to one of the arm portions.

[0012] The arm may include a first arm portion and a second arm portion, each arm portion extending between the first end and the second end of the arm, and the first arm portion may extend in a first direction and the second arm portion may extend in a second direction at a fixed angle relative to the first direction.

[0013] The bicycle coupling may include a clamp for clamping the arm to a seat tube of the bicycle.

[0014] The bicycle coupling may include a first attachment for attaching the bicycle coupling to a seat tube of the bicycle and a second attachment for attaching the bicycle coupling to a top tube of the bicycle.

[0015] The first attachment may be positionable relative to the second attachment such that the first attachment can be attached below a seat post clamp of the bicycle.

[0016] The first attachment may be positionable relative to the second attachment such that the first attachment can be attached over a seat post clamp of the bicycle.

[0017] The first attachment may include a seat post clamp of the bicycle.

[0018] The apparatus may further comprise an animal carrier.

[0019] The animal carrier may include a recess at the front thereof for accommodating at least a portion of the handlebar of the bicycle.

[0020] The animal carrier may include a carrier base for securing to the carrier mount, and the carrier base and carrier mount may be configured such that the position of the animal carrier relative to the carrier mount may be adjusted up to 4 inches in a fore-aft direction without the carrier mount protruding beyond an edge of the carrier base.

[0021] The carrier base may include a set of first apertures formed therein, the carrier mount may include a set of second apertures formed therein, and the carrier base may be mounted to the carrier mount by aligning at least one of the first apertures with at least one of the second apertures and inserting a fastener through the aligned apertures.

[0022] The apparatus may further comprise one or more spacers for securing between the carrier mount and the animal carrier so as to vertically space the animal carrier from the handlebar of the bicycle.

[0023] The device may further include a secondary arm having a first end and a second end and including: a secondary bicycle coupling at the first end of the secondary arm and configured to secure the secondary arm to the bicycle; and a secondary carrier mount at the second end of the secondary arm and configured to secure the secondary arm to at least one of: the carrier mount; the animal carrier; and the adjustable arm.

[0024] The secondary carrier mount at the second end of the secondary arm may be configured to secure the secondary arm to the adjustable arm or the animal carrier.

[0025] The secondary arm may further include interconnected secondary arm portions extending between the first end and the second end of the secondary arm, and at least one first arm portion of the secondary arm portions may be pivotally connected to at least one second arm portion of the secondary arm portions.

[0026] The secondary bicycle coupling may be configured to secure the secondary arm to a top tube of the bicycle.

[0027] The secondary bicycle coupling may be configured to secure the secondary arm to a stem of the bicycle.

[0028] The apparatus may further include the animal carrier, and the secondary carrier mount may include one or more apertures formed therein, and the secondary carrier mount may be attachable to the animal carrier by aligning at least one of the one or more apertures with at least one corresponding aperture formed in the animal carrier and inserting a fastener through the aligned aperture.

[0029] The adjustable arm may be extendable.

[0030] At least a portion of the adjustable arm may be telescopic.

[0031] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a bicycle is provided, the bicycle including any of the above-described devices attached thereto.

[0032] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a parts kit is provided, the parts kit comprising an animal carrier for carrying an animal and an adjustable arm having a first end and a second end, the adjustable arm comprising: a bicycle coupling at the first end for securing the arm to a bicycle; and a carrier mount at the second end for mounting the animal carrier to the arm, wherein the arm is adjustable so that the carrier mount can rotate relative to the bicycle coupling.

[0033] This summary does not necessarily describe the full scope of all aspects. Other aspects, features and advantages will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art after reviewing the following description of specific embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0035] Figure 1 shows an apparatus for attaching an animal carrier to a bicycle ("adjustable carrier attachment") according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the apparatus is secured to the bicycle;

[0036] Figure 2 According to the embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 1 Another view of the adjustable carrier attachment, the animal carrier and the bicycle;

[0037] Figure 3 The embodiment of the present disclosure is shown separated from the bicycle. Figure 1 an adjustable carrier attachment and an underside of the animal carrier;

[0038] Figure 4 Shown is a separate bicycle and animal carrier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1 An adjustable carrier attachment;

[0039] Figure 5 The embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Figure 1 The components of the adjustable carrier attachment;

[0040] Figure 6 The embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Figure 1 A side view of an adjustable carrier attachment, an animal carrier and a bicycle and including a secondary adjustable arm;

[0041] Figure 7 The embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Figure 1 Another view of an adjustable carrier attachment, an animal carrier and a bicycle and including a secondary adjustable arm;

[0042] Figure 8An adjustable carrier attachment is shown separated from a bicycle and animal carrier and including a secondary adjustable arm according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0043] Fig. 9 The embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Figure 8 an adjustable carrier attachment, wherein the secondary adjustable arm is separate from the animal carrier mounting;

[0044] Fig.10 The embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Figure 8 The secondary adjustable arm;

[0045] Fig.11 The embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Figure 8 The components of the secondary adjustable arm;

[0046] Fig.12 The embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Figure 1 A side view of an adjustable carrier attachment and an animal carrier, including the use of a spacer;

[0047] Fig.13 A method for spacing an animal carrier from an adjustable carrier attachment according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Fig.12 Another view of the spacer;

[0048] Fig.14 The embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Fig.12 and 13 spacers;

[0049] Fig.15 showing an additional spacer for spacing an animal carrier from an adjustable carrier attachment in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0050] Fig.16 Another version of an adjustable carrier attachment according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0051] Fig.17 Another version of an adjustable carrier attachment according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0052] Fig.18 Another version of an adjustable carrier attachment according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0053] Fig.19 Another version of an adjustable carrier attachment according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0054] Fig. 20 A bicycle coupling including a seat post clamp and for securing an adjustable carrier attachment to a bicycle is shown according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0055] Fig.21 A diagram showing a seat post and a top tube fixed to a bicycle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure Fig. 20 Bicycle coupling parts;

[0056] Fig. 22 A bicycle coupling for securing an adjustable carrier attachment to a bicycle is shown according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0057] Fig.23 A diagram showing a seat post and a top tube fixed to a bicycle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure Fig. 22 Bicycle coupling parts;

[0058] Fig.24 A diagram showing a seat post and a top tube fixed to a bicycle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure Fig. 22 Bicycle coupling parts;

[0059] Figure 25-27 1 and 2 show various positions of the bicycle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1 Adjustable carrier attachments and animal carriers;

[0060] Fig.28 and 29 Another version of an adjustable carrier attachment according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0061] Fig.30 A bicycle coupling for securing a secondary adjustable arm to a bicycle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0062] Fig.31 The embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Figure 1 A side view of an adjustable carrier attachment, an animal carrier and a bicycle and including a secondary adjustable arm;

[0063] Fig.32 The embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Fig.31 and illustrating how the secondary adjustable arm is coupled to the animal carrier;

[0064] Fig.33 The embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Fig.31 and 32 The secondary adjustable arm;

[0065] Fig.34 The embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Fig.33 The components of the secondary adjustable arm;

[0066] Fig.35 The embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Figure 1A side view of an adjustable carrier attachment, an animal carrier and a bicycle and including a secondary adjustable arm;

[0067] Fig.36 The embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Fig.35 and how the secondary adjustable arm is coupled to the adjustable carrier attachment;

[0068] Fig.37 The embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Fig.35 and 36 The secondary adjustable arm; and

[0069] Fig.38 The embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Fig.37 A component of the secondary adjustable arm. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0070] The present disclosure is directed to an improved device for attaching an animal carrier to a bicycle. Although various embodiments of the present disclosure are described below, the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments and variations of these embodiments may well fall within the scope of the present disclosure limited only by the appended claims.

[0071] In general, according to embodiments of the present disclosure, a device for attaching an animal carrier to a bicycle (which may be referred to as an adjustable carrier attachment) is described. The adjustable carrier attachment includes an adjustable arm having a first end and a second end. A bicycle coupling is located at the first end for securing the adjustable arm to the bicycle. A carrier mount is located at the second end for mounting the animal carrier to the adjustable arm. The arm is adjustable so that the carrier mount can rotate relative to the bicycle coupling.

[0072] Thus, when the animal carrier is mounted to the carrier mount, the angle of the animal carrier relative to the bicycle can be adjusted, and thus a relatively wider range of animal sizes and rider sizes can be enabled to safely and effectively use the adjustable carrier attachment, as described in further detail below.

[0073] The adjustable arm may take many different forms, thereby increasing the degree of adjustability of the arm. For example, as described in further detail below, the arm may also include interconnected articulated arm portions extending between a first end and a second end of the arm. At least one first one of the arm portions is pivotally connected to at least one second one of the arm portions. Thus, by providing multiple pivot points along the length of the arm, a greater degree of customizability may be provided when securing the animal carrier to a bicycle by using the adjustable carrier attachment. Specifically, the animal carrier may be positioned in a wider range of positions relative to the rider and the bicycle, and this in turn may allow a wider range of riders and pets to use the adjustable carrier attachment.

[0074] Still further, the animal carrier includes a carrier base for securing to a carrier mount, and the carrier base and carrier mount may be configured such that the animal carrier may be adjusted up to 4 inches in a fore-aft direction relative to the carrier mount without the carrier mount protruding beyond an edge of the carrier base. This may allow for an increased range of fore-aft adjustability of the animal carrier relative to the carrier mount while still ensuring that the carrier mount does not protrude beyond an edge of the carrier base (which may otherwise pose a safety hazard to a rider).

[0075] As will be apparent from this disclosure, embodiments of the present disclosure allow a wider range of riders to use an adjustable animal carrier without the adjustable animal carrier interfering with the rider's ability to safely ride a bicycle. Specifically, without the adjustability provided by the adjustable animal carrier described herein, smaller riders on smaller bicycles may have difficulty using the animal carrier because the handlebars on smaller bicycles tend to be too close to the seat post. Additionally, smaller bicycle geometries tend to mount the seat too low relative to the apex of the knee at the top of the pedal stroke. The adjustable animal carrier described herein may allow such riders to ride without having to splay their legs while pedaling and without restricting the range of motion of the handlebars.

[0076] In addition, the adjustable carrier attachment described herein allows for fine-tuning of the position of the animal carrier, thereby allowing for an optimal position for the pet. This position may be, for example, one or more of the following: a) as close to the rider's chest as possible without blocking the rider's field of view; b) at the top of the pedal stroke, above the apex of the rider's knees; and c) above the handlebars and at least partially in front, so as not to restrict easy and safe steering. Such an optimal riding position can optimize the rider's experience and connection with his or her pet. The optimal position may be further facilitated by: a) the size and shape of the rider, including the length of the rider's calf (foot to knee) and the thickness of his or her thigh; b) the size and geometry of the bicycle frame; c) the configuration and range of motion of the handlebars; and d) the size of the pet and whether the pet is sitting or lying down.

[0077] Go to Figure 1 , shows an adjustable arm carrier attachment 100 secured to a bicycle 90 and having an animal carrier 70 mounted thereon, according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0078] The adjustable carrier attachment 100 includes an adjustable arm 50 that is secured to a seat post 91 of a bicycle 90. Specifically, a bicycle coupling 20 is provided at a first end of the adjustable arm 50 for securing the adjustable arm 50 to the seat post 91. A carrier mount 30 is provided at an opposite second end of the adjustable arm 50 to which an animal carrier 70 is secured. As can be seen, the adjustable arm 50 includes a plurality of interconnected linear arm portions (in Figure 8 ), wherein each arm portion is angled relative to each other arm portion, thereby enabling the adjustable arm 50 to adopt a variety of different configurations, as described in further detail below.

[0079] Go to Figure 2 , showing in more detail Figure 1 Generally, the animal carrier 70 includes a carrier base 72, a carrier rear wall 74 extending upwardly from the carrier base 72, and a claw platform 76. These components of the animal carrier 70 are generally sized and configured so that an animal, such as a domestic dog or cat, can be placed in the animal carrier 70 and carried therein during riding of the bicycle 90. When the bicycle 90 is in motion, the animal can rest its claws on the claw platform 76. Although Figure 2 Although not shown in the figure, the animal carrier 70 may additionally include a harness or other restraining device for securing the animal in the animal carrier 70. The size of the animal carrier 70 may vary depending on the size of the animal to be carried. For particularly large animals, a correspondingly large animal carrier may be used.

[0080] It should be appreciated that while the animal carrier 70 is designed for carrying animals while riding the bicycle 90, non-animal items may alternatively or additionally be carried within the animal carrier 70. For example, the rider may choose to store their shopping within the animal carrier 70.

[0081] Figure 3 The underside of the carrier base 72 is shown with the adjustable arm 50 separated from the bicycle 90 for clarity. The carrier base 72 includes a pattern of base apertures 73 formed therein. Figure 3 In an embodiment of the present invention, the carrier base 72 includes twenty such base apertures 73. The base apertures 73 may be spaced approximately 1 inch apart in the front-to-back direction and approximately 2 inches apart in the lateral direction (i.e., in a direction extending between the left and right sides of the carrier base 72). Figure 4 , the carrier mount 30 also includes a pattern of four mount apertures 31 formed therein. The animal carrier 70 may be secured to the carrier mount 30 by aligning one or more base apertures 73 with the mount apertures 31. Suitable fasteners such as bolts may be used to provide a secure connection between the carrier base 72 and the carrier mount 30 by threading the fasteners through the aligned apertures.

[0082] The respective sizes of the carrier base 72 and the carrier mounts 30 allow the position of the animal carrier 70 relative to the carrier mounts 30 to be adjusted in the fore-aft direction. According to some embodiments, the degree of fore-aft adjustability is up to 4 inches without the carrier mounts 30 extending beyond the edge of the carrier base 72. Ensuring that the carrier mounts 30 do not extend beyond the edge of the carrier base 72 provides a safety benefit because the carrier mounts 30 are typically made of hard metal and therefore could injure a rider if they protrude beyond the edge of the carrier base 72.

[0083] Figure 4 The adjustable arm 50, the bicycle coupling 20 and the carrier mount 30 are shown in more detail. The bicycle coupling 20 includes a clamp 21, which can be brought together using a fastener 22 to secure the clamp 21 around the seat post 91. As described above, the adjustable arm 50 includes a plurality of linear, interconnected and articulated arm portions 52, 54, 56, wherein each arm portion is angled relative to each other arm portion. Specifically, the adjustable arm 50 includes a first arm portion 52 connected to the bicycle mount 20, a second arm portion 54 connected to the first arm portion 52, and a third arm portion 56 connected to the second arm portion 54 and the carrier mount 30. The interconnection of each arm portion with each other arm portion is achieved by toothed or otherwise interlocking gears. Specifically, the first arm portion 52 includes a first gear 53a that interlocks with a second gear 54a included in the second arm portion 54. The second arm portion 54 further includes a third gear 54b that interlocks with a fourth gear 56b included in the third arm portion 56. The third arm portion 56 additionally includes a fifth gear 56 a that interlocks with a sixth gear 58 a fixed to the carrier mount 30 .

[0084] In each pair of interlocking gears, the gears can rotate relative to each other. Specifically, the fastening means, such as bolts, that secure the gears to each other can first be withdrawn, the gears realigned, and the bolts reinserted to fasten the gears together. Thus, each arm portion 52, 54, 56 can be angled relative to each other arm portion and can be articulated relative to each other arm portion as desired by the user.

[0085] It should be understood that while the interconnection of the arm portions 52, 54, 56 has been described in the context of interlocking gears, any other suitable means of rotating one arm portion relative to another arm portion may be used. Thus, the present disclosure is not limited to the use of interlocking gears to achieve articulation of one arm portion relative to another arm portion, and other means of achieving articulation may be employed.

[0086] Figure 5 Shown in more detail Figure 4The various components of the carrier base 72 are interconnected. As can be seen, bolts and nuts (or other suitable fastening means) can be used to secure the gear of each arm portion to the gear of the other arm portion. In addition, the carrier mount 30 is shown to include a first mount portion 33 coupled to the sixth gear 58a, and a larger second mount portion 34 having a mount aperture 31 and a mount aperture 32 formed therein. The second mount portion 34 is secured to the first mount portion 33 using a fastener disposed through the mount aperture 32, while the mount aperture 31 is used to secure the mount portion 34 to the carrier base 72, as described in more detail above.

[0087] To assist in supporting particularly heavy loads, the adjustable carrier attachment 100 may include a secondary carrier attachment 60, as now described in greater detail below. Figure 6 and 7 , showing the adjustable arm 50 secured to the bicycle 90 and the sub-carrier attachment 60 also providing support. Fig. 9 , the secondary carrier attachment 60 includes a secondary adjustable arm 64 extending between a first end and a second end of the secondary carrier attachment 60. At the first end, a secondary bicycle coupling 66 is provided for securing the secondary adjustable arm 64 to the bicycle 90. At the second end, a secondary carrier mount 62 is provided for securing the carrier base 72 to the secondary adjustable arm 64.

[0088] Figure 8 The adjustable arm 50 and the secondary carrier attachment 60 are shown secured to the carrier mount 30. Fig. 9 6, the secondary carrier mount 62 may be secured to the carrier mount 30 (and specifically, to the second mount portion 34) using suitable fasteners, such as bolts, by inserting the fasteners through the mount apertures 32 formed in the second mount portion 34 and through apertures 63 formed in the secondary carrier mount 62. According to some embodiments, the secondary carrier mount 62 may instead be secured directly to the carrier base 72 without necessarily requiring the intermediary of the second mount portion 34 of the carrier mount 30.

[0089] Fig.10 and 11The secondary carrier attachment 60 is shown in more detail. As can be seen, the secondary adjustable arm 64 is pivotally connected to the secondary carrier mount 62 and the secondary bicycle coupling 66. The interconnection between the secondary adjustable arm 64, the secondary carrier mount 62 and the secondary bicycle coupling 66 can be ensured by fasteners extending through corresponding apertures formed in each component. By loosening the fasteners, realigning the components, and then reengaging the fasteners, the components can be rotated relative to each other. The secondary adjustable arm 64 includes a first member 63a that can be fixed (e.g., using fasteners) to a second member 63b. The longitudinal span of the secondary adjustable arm 64 can be controlled by adjusting the position at which the first member 63a is fixed to the second member 63b.

[0090] It should be appreciated that while the interconnection of the secondary adjustable arm 64 , the secondary carrier mount 62 , and the secondary bicycle link 66 has been described in the context of fasteners, any other suitable manner of securing the various components to one another may be used.

[0091] As in Fig.10 and 11 It can also be seen that the secondary bicycle connection member 66 includes a pair of straps (eg Belt or Rubber Voile ) for securing the secondary carrier attachment 60 to the upper tube 94 of the bicycle 90 ( Figure 7 Other ways of connecting the secondary carrier attachment 60 to the upper tube 94 may be used. For example, according to Fig.30 In the alternative embodiment shown, the upper member 67a and the lower member 67b can be positioned to extend at least partially around the upper tube 94 of the bicycle 90. Fasteners such as hose clamps 68 can be used to secure the upper member 67a and the lower member 67b to the upper tube 94. The upper member 67a can include a T-shaped slot 69, which can be secured to the sub-carrier attachment 60, such as through the intermediary of a bracket. In place of the T-shaped slot 69, another appropriately shaped adapter can be used, such as a picatinny rail. According to still other embodiments, only the upper member 67a or the lower member 67b may be required (for example, if an elastically deformable material such as rubber is provided between the hose clamp 68 and the upper tube 94).

[0092] Furthermore, according to other embodiments, the secondary carrier attachment 60 can be configured to attach to another portion of the bicycle 90, such as a stem or handlebars 95 of the bicycle 90. This can be accomplished by utilizing the rotatability of the secondary adjustable arm 64, the secondary carrier mount 62, and the secondary bicycle link 66 relative to one another in order to reposition the secondary bicycle link 66 relative to the bicycle 90.

[0093] Figure 31-38An alternative embodiment of a secondary carrier attachment is shown that may be used to provide additional load bearing support to the animal carrier 70 (eg, to help support a relatively heavy load).

[0094] like Fig.32 As can be seen in FIG. 1 , the secondary carrier attachment 80 includes a secondary adjustable arm 84 extending between a first end and a second end of the secondary carrier attachment 80. At the first end, a secondary bicycle coupling 86 is provided for securing the secondary adjustable arm 84 to the bicycle 90. At the second end, a secondary carrier mount 82 is provided for securing the carrier base 72 to the secondary adjustable arm 84. Fig.32 It can also be seen in FIG. 8 that the secondary carrier mount 82 can be secured to the carrier base 72 using suitable fasteners, such as bolts, by inserting the fasteners through base apertures 73 formed in the carrier base 72 and through apertures 83 formed in the secondary carrier mount 82 .

[0095] Fig.33 and 34 The secondary carrier attachment 80 is shown in more detail. As can be seen, the secondary adjustable arm 84 is pivotally connected to the secondary carrier mount 82 and the secondary bicycle coupling 86. The interconnection between the secondary adjustable arm 84, the secondary carrier mount 82 and the secondary bicycle coupling 86 can be ensured by fasteners extending through corresponding apertures formed in each component. By loosening the fasteners, realigning the components, and then reengaging the fasteners, the components can be rotated relative to each other. The secondary adjustable arm 84 includes a first member 83a that can be fixed (e.g., using fasteners) to a second member 83b. The longitudinal span of the secondary adjustable arm 84 can be controlled by adjusting the position at which the first member 83a is fixed to the second member 83b.

[0096] It should be appreciated that while the interconnection of the secondary adjustable arm 84 , the secondary carrier mount 82 , and the secondary bicycle link 86 has been described in the context of fasteners, any other suitable manner of securing the various components to one another may be used.

[0097] As in Fig.33 and 34 It can also be seen that the secondary bicycle connection member 86 includes a pair of straps (eg Belt or Rubber Voile ) for securing the secondary carrier attachment 80 to the upper tube 94 of the bicycle 90 ( Fig.31 Other ways of connecting the sub-carrier attachment 80 to the upper tube 94 may be used (e.g., using Fig.30 Alternative embodiments shown and described above).

[0098] Furthermore, according to other embodiments, the secondary carrier attachment 80 can be configured to attach to another portion of the bicycle 90, such as a stem or handlebars 95 of the bicycle 90. This can be accomplished by utilizing the rotatability of the secondary adjustable arm 84, the secondary carrier mount 82, and the secondary bicycle link 86 relative to one another in order to reposition the secondary bicycle link 86 relative to the bicycle 90.

[0099] According to yet another embodiment of the sub-carrier attachment 80, the sub-carrier attachment 80 may be configured to be coupled to both the upper tube 94 and the adjustable arm 50. For example, Fig.35 and 36 As can be seen in FIG. 8 , the sub-carrier mount 82 ′ of the sub-carrier attachment 80 is secured to the third arm portion 56 of the adjustable arm 50 , while the secondary bicycle coupling 86 is secured to the upper tube 94 .

[0100] Fig.37 and 38 The secondary carrier attachment 80 is shown in more detail. As can be seen, the secondary adjustable arm 84 is pivotally connected to the secondary carrier mount 82' and the secondary bicycle coupling 86. The interconnection between the secondary adjustable arm 84, the secondary carrier mount 82' and the secondary bicycle coupling 86 can be ensured by fasteners extending through corresponding apertures formed in each component. By loosening the fasteners, realigning the components, and then reengaging the fasteners, the components can be rotated relative to each other. The secondary adjustable arm 84 includes a first member 83a that can be fixed (e.g., using fasteners) to a second member 83b. The longitudinal span of the secondary adjustable arm 84 can be controlled by adjusting the position at which the first member 83a is fixed to the second member 83b.

[0101] exist Figure 35-38 In the embodiment of the present invention, the secondary carrier attachment 82' is similar in shape to the Figure 31-34 The sub-carrier attachment 82 of the adjustable arm 50 is different so as to allow the sub-carrier attachment 82' to be secured to the third arm portion 56 of the adjustable arm 50. According to other embodiments, the sub-carrier attachment 82' may be secured to a different portion of the adjustable arm 50.

[0102] Go to Fig.12 and 13 , an adjustable carrier attachment 100 is shown for use in conjunction with a spacer or spacer 75 that can be secured between the animal carrier 70 and the carrier mount 30. The spacer 75 can be used to increase the position of the animal carrier 70 relative to the handlebars 95 ( Figure 2 ) This may be particularly useful for relatively small bicycles having a relatively large vertical distance between the seat post and the handlebars.

[0103] The spacer 75 is Fig.14 , where apertures 77 are used to receive fasteners that secure the carrier base 72 to the carrier mount 30 . Fig.15 Another embodiment is shown in which a total of four spacers 75 are used to provide an even greater vertical clearance of the animal carrier 70 relative to the handlebars 95 of the bicycle 90 .

[0104] Figure 16-19 Shows alternative Figure 1 The adjustable arms shown in FIG. 1 use different embodiments of adjustable arms.

[0105] Specifically, in Fig.16 , the adjustable arm 50 includes a first arm portion 52 connected to the bicycle mount 20, and a longer second arm portion 55 connected to the first arm portion 52 and the carrier mount 30. Again, the interconnection of the first arm portion 52 with the second arm portion 55 and the interconnection of the second arm portion 55 with the carrier mount 30 are achieved by toothed or otherwise interlocking gears. Specifically, the first arm portion includes a first gear 53a that interlocks with a second gear 55a included in the second arm portion 55. The second arm portion 55 additionally includes a third gear 55b that interlocks with a fourth gear 57b fixed to the carrier mount 30.

[0106] exist Fig.17 , the adjustable arm 50 includes a first arm portion 52 connected to the bicycle mount 20, and a longer second arm portion 59 connected to the first arm portion 52 and the carrier mount 30. Again, the interconnection of the first arm portion 52 with the second arm portion 59 and the interconnection of the second arm portion 59 with the carrier mount 30 are achieved by toothed or otherwise interlocking gears. Specifically, the first arm portion 52 includes a first gear 53a that interlocks with a second gear 59a included in the second arm portion 59. The second arm portion 59 further includes a third gear 59b that interlocks with a fourth gear 57b fixed to the carrier mount 30. Fig.16 The second arm portion 55 is different, Fig.17 The second arm portion 59 includes a fixed angle bend 59', so that the second arm portion 59 includes a first linear section 59" connected to the gear 59a and a second linear section 59"' connected to the gear 59b and at a fixed angle relative to the first linear section 59". The fixed angle bend 59' can be used, for example, for a bicycle with a particularly long seat.

[0107] Fig.18 An adjustable arm 50 is shown, which includes a single arm portion connected to the bicycle coupling 20 at a first end thereof. At a second end thereof, the single arm portion includes a first gear 51a interlocked with a second gear 58a coupled to the carrier mount 30. As described above, by adjusting the relative rotation angle of the first gear 51a and the second gear 58a, the carrier mount 30 can be rotated relative to the bicycle coupling 20.

[0108] Fig.19 An adjustable arm 50 is shown, which includes a single arm portion connected to the bicycle coupling 20 at its first end. At its second end, the single arm portion includes a first gear 51a that interlocks with a second gear 58a coupled to the carrier mount 30. Fig.18 The single arm part is different. Fig.19 The single arm portion includes a fixed angle bend 50' such that the single arm portion includes a first linear section 50" connected to the bicycle coupling 20 and a second linear section 50"' connected to the gear 51a and at a fixed angle relative to the first linear section 50".

[0109] As should be appreciated, the variety of different adjustable arms 50 that may be used is generally unlimited, so long as the adjustable arm 50 enables the carrier mount 30 to rotate relative to the bicycle linkage 20 .

[0110] Go to Fig. 20 , an embodiment of a bicycle coupling 20 is shown in more detail. Specifically, the bicycle coupling 20 includes a first clamp 22 and a second clamp 23 interconnected by an intermediate component 21. According to this embodiment, the second clamp 23 can be used as a seat post clamp of a seat post 91 of a bicycle 90. Specifically, a lever 24 can be used to engage / disengage the second clamp 23 with the seat post 91, exactly like a conventional seat post clamp. Fig.21 As can be seen, the first clamp 22 is positioned to clamp around the top tube 94 of the bicycle 90, while the second clamp 23 is clamped to the seat post 91 of the bicycle 90 to assist in securing the bicycle coupling 20 to the bicycle 90 while also serving to clamp the seat post 91 relative to the bicycle frame.

[0111] Fig. 22 and 23 An alternative embodiment is shown in which the second clamp 26 does not include a seat post clamp of the bicycle. Specifically, the first clamp 25 is positioned to clamp around the top tube 94 of the bicycle 90, and the second clamp 26 connected to the first clamp 25 via the intermediate member 24 can be positioned relative to the intermediate member 24 so that the second clamp 26 can be clamped directly to the seat tube 91 ( Fig.24 ), or alternatively clamped directly to the bicycle frame below the seat post clamp 93 of the bicycle 90 ( Fig.23 A benefit of clamping the second clamp 26 below the seat post clamp 93 is that the second clamp 26 does not interfere with adjustment of the seat height and can therefore be used with a dropper seat post.

[0112] Fig.25An adjustable carrier attachment 100 is shown secured to a bicycle 90, wherein the animal carrier 70 is tilted slightly relative to the horizontal plane in order to adjust the center of gravity of the animal carrier 70, thereby placing the animal carrier 70 in a more optimal position relative to the bicycle 90. According to some embodiments, the animal carrier 70 may include a recess (not shown) at the front thereof for accommodating at least a portion of the stem of the bicycle 90.

[0113] Fig.26 An adjustable carrier attachment 100 is shown secured to a relatively small bicycle 90. In this embodiment, the animal carrier 70 extends partially forward of the handlebars 95.

[0114] Fig. 27 70 relative to the carrier mount 30. As can be seen, in the left-most position of the animal carrier 70, the carrier mount 30 is positioned as far forward as possible relative to the animal carrier 70 without protruding from the front edge of the carrier base 72. In contrast, in the right-most position of the animal carrier 70, the carrier mount 30 is positioned as far rearward as possible relative to the animal carrier 70 without protruding from the rear edge of the carrier base 72.

[0115] According to some embodiments, even greater extension of the adjustable arm 50 may be required. For example, for a particularly short rider, the adjustable arm 50 may need to be increased in length in order to position the animal carrier 70 in an optimal position for riding. To this end, Fig.28 and 29 An embodiment of an adjustable carrier attachment 100 is shown in which one of the arm portions is extendable. Specifically, the arm portion includes a first telescoping arm portion 55' that can be extended or telescoping relative to a second telescoping arm portion 55". The degree of extension can be controlled by inserting a fastener through the first telescoping arm portion 55' and through any of the various apertures formed along the length of the second telescoping arm portion 55". It should be appreciated that the other arm portions of the adjustable arm 50 can be configured to be telescoping or otherwise extendable.

[0116] As used herein, the terms "coupled," "coupler," or "connected" may have several different meanings, depending on the context in which the terms are used. For example, as used herein, the terms coupled, coupled, or connected may indicate that two elements or devices are directly connected to each other or connected to each other via a mechanical element through one or more intermediate elements or devices, depending on the specific context. The term "and / or" herein, when used in conjunction with a list of items, means including any one or more of the items in the list.

[0117] As used herein, reference to "about" or "approximately" a number or "substantially" equal to a number means within + / - 10% of the stated number.

[0118] The use of language such as "at least one of X, Y, and Z," "at least one of X, Y, or Z," "at least one or more of X, Y, and Z," "at least one or more of X, Y, and / or Z," or "at least one of X, Y, and / or Z" is intended to encompass both single items (e.g., only X, or only Y, or only Z) and multiple items (e.g., {X and Y}, {X and Z}, {Y and Z}, or {X, Y, and Z}). The phrase "at least one of" and similar phrases are not intended to convey a requirement that every possible item must be present, but that every possible item may be present.

[0119] Although the present disclosure has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments, it will be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments and that alterations, modifications and variations of these embodiments may be performed by skilled artisans without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0120] It is further contemplated that any portion of any aspect or embodiment discussed in this specification may be implemented with or combined with any portion of any other aspect or embodiment discussed in this specification.

Claims

1. A device for attaching an animal carrier to a bicycle, the device comprising: An adjustable arm having a first end and a second end, the adjustable arm comprising: A bicycle coupler at the first end for fixing the arm to the bicycle; and A carrier mount at the second end for mounting the animal carrier to the arm, wherein the arm is adjustable such that the carrier mount can rotate relative to the bicycle coupler.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the arm further comprises an interconnected arm portion extending between the first end and the second end of the arm, and wherein at least one first arm portion of the arm portions is pivotally connected to at least one second arm portion of the arm portions.

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein at least one third arm portion of the arm portions is pivotally connected to the second arm portion.

4. The device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the first arm portion is pivotally connected to the second arm portion via an interlocking gear.

5. The device according to any one of claims 2-4, wherein at least one arm portion of the arm portions comprises a first portion extending in a first direction and a second portion extending in a second direction at a fixed angle relative to the first direction.

6. The device according to any one of claims 2-5, wherein the carrier mount is pivotally connected to one of the arm portions.

7. The device according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein the arm comprises a first arm portion and a second arm portion, each arm portion extending between the first end and the second end of the arm, and wherein the first arm portion extends in a first direction and the second arm portion extends in a second direction at a fixed angle relative to the first direction.

8. The device according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein the bicycle coupler comprises a clamp for clamping the arm to the seat tube of the bicycle.

9. The device according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein the bicycle coupler comprises: A first attachment for attaching the bicycle coupler to the seat tube of the bicycle; and A second attachment for attaching the bicycle coupler to the top tube of the bicycle.

10. The device according to claim 9, wherein the first attachment is positioned relative to the second attachment such that the first attachment can be attached below the seat post clamp of the bicycle.

11. The device according to claim 9, wherein the first attachment is positioned relative to the second attachment such that the first attachment can be attached above the seat post clamp of the bicycle.

12. The device according to claim 9, wherein the first attachment comprises the seat post clamp of the bicycle.

13. The device according to any one of claims 1-12, further comprising the animal carrier.

14. The device according to claim 13, wherein the animal carrier includes a recess at its front for receiving at least a portion of the handlebar stem of the bicycle.

15. The apparatus according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the animal carrier includes a carrier base for attachment to the carrier mount, and wherein, the carrier base and the carrier mount are configured such that the position of the animal carrier relative to the carrier mount can be adjusted up to 4 inches in the front - to - back direction, and the carrier mount does not protrude beyond the edge of the carrier base.

16. The apparatus according to any one of claims 13 - 15, wherein the carrier base includes a set of first apertures formed therein, the carrier mount includes a set of second apertures formed therein, and the carrier base can be mounted to the carrier mount by aligning at least one of the first apertures with at least one of the second apertures and inserting a fastener through the aligned apertures.

17. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 - 16, further comprising one or more spacers for securing between the carrier mount and the animal carrier so as to vertically space the animal carrier from the stem of the bicycle.

18. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 - 17, further comprising a sub - arm having a first end and a second end and comprising: a sub - bicycle coupler at the first end of the sub - arm and configured to secure the sub - arm to the bicycle; and a sub - carrier mount at the second end of the sub - arm and configured to secure the sub - arm to at least one of: the carrier mount; the animal carrier; and the adjustable arm.

19. The apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the sub - carrier mount at the second end of the sub - arm is configured to secure the sub - arm to the adjustable arm or the animal carrier.

20. The apparatus according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the sub - arm further includes an interconnected sub - arm portion extending between the first end and the second end of the sub - arm, and at least one first sub - arm portion of the sub - arm portions is pivotally connected to at least one second sub - arm portion of the sub - arm portions.

21. The apparatus according to any one of claims 18 - 20, wherein the sub - bicycle coupler is configured to secure the sub - arm to the top tube of the bicycle.

22. The apparatus according to any one of claims 18 - 20, wherein the sub - bicycle coupler is configured to secure the sub - arm to the stem of the bicycle.

23. The apparatus according to any one of claims 18 - 22, further comprising the animal carrier, and wherein the sub - carrier mount includes one or more apertures formed therein, and the sub - carrier mount can be attached to the animal carrier by aligning at least one of the one or more apertures with at least one corresponding aperture formed in the animal carrier and inserting a fastener through the aligned apertures.

24. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 - 23, wherein the adjustable arm is extensible.

25. The apparatus according to claim 24, wherein at least a portion of the adjustable arm is telescopic.

26. A bicycle comprising the apparatus according to any one of claims 1 - 25 attached to the bicycle.

27. A kit of parts, which comprises: an animal carrier for carrying an animal; and an adjustable arm having a first end and a second end, the adjustable arm comprising: a bicycle coupler at the first end for securing the arm to a bicycle; and a carrier mount at the second end for mounting the animal carrier to the arm, wherein the arm is adjustable such that the carrier mount is rotatable relative to the bicycle coupler.

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