Mounting system for a container on a handlebar

Abstract

Mounting system (1) suitable for positioning a container (3) on a handlebar (L) of a handlebar in an operating position, comprising a mounting device (4) for attaching the container (3) in the operating position in the direction of travel in front of the handlebar and in front of a head tube (S), wherein the mounting device (4) comprises a first mounting point (5) and a second mounting point (7), which in the operating position are at a horizontal distance from one another and are each suitable for releasably fastening the container to the handlebar (L), and a third mounting point (9) at a vertical distance from the first and second mounting points (5; 7) and is suitable for supporting the container (3) on the head tube (S) via a spacer (9.1) which is suitable for being fastened to the container (3) with a first end (9.3) in the operating position and which forms a sliding bearing at a second end (9.4) which engages a circumference of the head tube (S), characterized by that the second end (9.4) has at least one roller (11.1; 11.2) which is rotatably mounted on the second end (9.4) and forms the sliding bearing in the operating position.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a mounting system suitable for positioning a container on a handlebar of a handlebar in an operating position, comprising a mounting device for attaching the container in the operating position in front of the handlebar and in front of a head tube in the direction of travel, wherein the mounting device comprises a first mounting point and a second mounting point which, in the operating position, are at a horizontal distance from one another and are each suitable for releasably fastening the container to the handlebar, and a third mounting point at a vertical distance from the first and second mounting points and is suitable for supporting the container on the head tube via a spacer which, in the operating position, is suitable for being fastened to the container with a first end and which, at a second end, forms a sliding bearing which engages a circumference of the head tube.

[0002] Containers can be attached to a bicycle using various mounting systems to create a transport volume for different items. For heavy items, attaching a container on or to a luggage rack is suitable. However, there are also situations where transporting heavy items on the handlebars is desirable. This is the case, for example, when a pet, such as a dog or cat, is to be taken on the bike.

[0003] Currently, there are numerous containers that can be mounted in front of a handlebar. For this purpose, the container either has two hooks with which it can be hooked onto the handlebar, or there is an adapter permanently attached to the head tube or handlebar, to which the container can be connected using a complementary adapter.

[0004] In these state-of-the-art mounting systems, the container hangs freely in front of the handlebars and head tube from the hooks or adapter, allowing them to move with the handlebars when the handlebars are turned. The mounting system ensures that the base of the container is kept at a distance from the head tube and handlebars. If a heavy object, such as a pet, is transported in the container, the load caused by the heavy weight hangs exclusively on the hooks or adapter. This means that when braking, starting off, or cornering, a large force is exerted on the fastening elements, such as the hooks or adapter, causing the fastening elements to either loosen, bend, or otherwise yield to the forces acting on them. The container increasingly closes itself to the handlebars and head tube, or may even hit them when cornering.

[0005] Mounting systems are also known from DE 3212904 A1, DE 19601177 A1, and DE 202008004274 U1 that are supposed to be suitable for transporting larger loads in front of the handlebar of a bicycle. However, these either do not support the container with the load precisely on the head tube or create significant friction on the head tube, which impairs precise steering and also permanently damages the surface of a friction surface on the head tube.

[0006] The known mounting systems are not durable, not safe and cause interference during driving due to their design deficiencies.

[0007] The object of the present invention is therefore to further develop a mounting system of the type mentioned at the outset in such a way that, for example, a pet that fits into the container can be carried in a container on the handlebar of a two-wheeler without impairing the driving operation.

[0008] The object is achieved according to the invention in that the second end has at least one roller which is rotatably mounted on the second end and forms the sliding bearing in the operating position.

[0009] The mounting system according to the invention makes it possible to support the load of a container in front of a handlebar at three points with less friction than in the prior art. The first and second mounting points hold the load on the handlebar, and the third mounting point supports the load at a vertical distance to the side of the head tube, so that the spatial position of the container is secured at three points during driving. Forces acting on the container in the direction of travel and / or transverse to the direction of travel when cornering or accelerating or decelerating are absorbed by the third mounting point, so that the container remains stable in every driving situation. Steering movements are no longer noticeably impaired. This increases safety during driving.

[0010] A further advantage of the present invention is that the third mounting point comprises a spacer which is suitable for being fastened to the container at a first end in the operating position and which forms a sliding bearing at a second end that engages a circumference of the head tube. With the help of the spacer, it is possible to adjust the distance between a container and the head tube in a rest position so that the container is positioned in the desired orientation in front of the handlebar, in which it should also remain during riding. The design of the second end as a sliding bearing serves to keep the friction between the two ends of the spacer and in the circumference of the head tube low, so that cornering is not impaired by the support from the head tube.

[0011] It is also an advantage of the present invention that the second end is annular and engages around the head tube in the operating position. In this currently non-preferred embodiment, the second end slidably engages around the head tube, allowing the spacer to rotate relative to the head tube when a steering movement is performed on the handlebar.

[0012] In a currently preferred embodiment, the second end is advantageously fork-shaped. Due to the fork-shaped design, the second end does not completely enclose the head tube, but only from the front and along the side circumference, each time viewed in the direction of travel. The fork-shaped design facilitates the installation of the spacer between the container and the head tube. Preferably, the fork-shaped end forms a fork opening adapted to the circumference and contour of the head tube.

[0013] A further advantage of the present invention is that the second end has at least one roller which is rotatably mounted on the second end and forms the sliding bearing in the operating position.

[0014] The design of the plain bearing as at least one roller, preferably as two or more rollers, ensures that support can be provided between the second end of the spacer and the circumference of the head tube while at the same time ensuring low frictional resistance.

[0015] Another advantage of the present invention is that the second end has a pivot bearing on each fork tip with a substantially vertical axis of rotation in the operating position, with a roller being connected to each of the pivot bearings. By forming two pivot bearings at a distance determined by the fork opening and one roller for each of the pivot bearings, the two rollers can roll laterally on the head tube so that the front circumference is held between the two rollers in the direction of travel. This creates a large horizontal connection area between the second end of the spacer and the circumference of the head tube. The third mounting point is therefore supported not only in the direction of travel at an apex of the head tube, which usually has a round cross-section, but also in an area of ​​the lateral circumference, on both sides of the apex.The third mounting point not only prevents movement of the mounted container towards the head tube during heavy deceleration, i.e. against the direction of travel, but also prevents movement transverse to the direction of travel when cornering.

[0016] Further advantages of the mounting system arise from the further features of the subclaims.

[0017] The invention also relates to a container and a mounting device as part of the mounting system according to the invention.

[0018] It is particularly advantageous that such a container, which is designed for use with the assembly system according to the invention, has a bottom, four side walls and a folding roof.

[0019] The folding roof provides excellent protection for the contents of the container while driving. It can be used for privacy, weather protection from wind, sun, and rain, or even as protection against theft, preventing contents from falling out, and much more. The folding roof design facilitates one-handed operation, even while driving. In other, less preferred designs, the folding roof can also serve as a handle for the container.

[0020] A further advantage of the container for the mounting system according to the present invention is that the container has a plurality of folding brackets, each hinged to two opposite side walls and suitable for at least partially extending a flexible roof element. The ability to cover the container with a folding roof or folding bracket while driving ensures that driving is not impaired by either the operation or the contents of the container falling out. The folding roof and the folding brackets also serve to secure the contents of the container while driving.

[0021] For this reason, it is also advantageous that the majority of folding arms are hinged to the two opposite side walls in such a way that they can pivot around the same axis of rotation. This simplifies handling of the folding roof, especially when the folding roof is to be converted into a handle.

[0022] Another advantage of the present invention is that at least two side walls of the container are designed as a basket weave. This allows mounting elements of the mounting system to be attached to the container more easily and flexibly. For example, fasteners can be passed through meshes of the basket weave more easily or differently than would be the case with a closed container.

[0023] Further advantages of the present invention emerge from the further features of the subclaims.

[0024] An embodiment of the present invention is described in more detail below with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 a schematic, perspective exploded view of the assembly system; Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a first and second assembly point; Fig. 3 a schematic representation of a third assembly point in a first version; Fig. 4 a schematic representation of a third assembly location in a second version; Fig. 5 a schematic side view of a container in the form of a bicycle basket with the third mounting point in an exploded view, and Fig. 6 a schematic representation of folding brackets of the container.

[0025] In Fig. 1 schematically shows a mounting system 1 according to the present invention, with which a container 3 can be mounted in an operating position in front of and on a handlebar and in front of and on a head tube of a two-wheeler.

[0026] In the context of the present invention, "container" refers to any type of transport container that can be mounted on a bicycle handlebar, for example, a bag, a basket, or even a transport box. Although only a bicycle basket is described and illustrated below for the sake of simplicity, the present invention is expressly not limited to a container designed as a bicycle basket. A bicycle basket is merely a preferred and frequently used embodiment in connection with the present invention.

[0027] The invention relates to the mounting of a container in front of a handlebar and a head tube of a two-wheeler. In the context of the present invention, the term “two-wheeler” refers to all vehicles that have a handlebar and a head tube. This expressly also includes two-wheelers that have more than two wheels but are steered via a handlebar and a head tube. For the present invention, it is irrelevant whether the two-wheeler is operated exclusively with muscle power, with electrical assistance, fully electrically, or by some other motor. The decisive factor for the present invention is the mounting of a container on a handlebar and a head tube, and in particular the mounting of the container in front of the handlebar and head tube in the direction of travel.

[0028] In Fig. 1 the location of a handlebar is marked L and the location of a head tube is marked S.

[0029] The container 3 has a first side wall 3.1, a second side wall 3.2, a third side wall 3.3, a fourth side wall 3.4, and a container base 3.5. The container 3 is attached to the handlebar L via a mounting device 4 having a first mounting point 5 and a second mounting point 7. The first mounting point 5 and the second mounting point 7 are structurally identical. The description of the first mounting point 5 therefore also simultaneously serves to describe the second mounting point 7. A third mounting point 9 is formed on an underside of the container 3.

[0030] The third mounting location 9 comprises a spacer 9.1, which is much longer than it is wide and has a mounting slot 9.2 centrally along a longitudinal axis along part of its length. In the illustrated embodiment, the spacer 9.1 is a flat component, for example made of metal or plastic, which has essentially two parallel longitudinal edges 9.5 between a first end 9.3 and a second end 9.4. The first end 9.3 is rounded in the illustrated embodiment and preferably has a circular arc shape. Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 the third assembly point 9 is shown in full.

[0031] In Fig. 2, the first and second mounting points 5, 7 are shown schematically and in perspective. In an operating position, these are located at a distance from one another on the handlebar L, i.e. in a plane substantially perpendicular to the head tube S of a two-wheeler. As a rule, the first mounting point 5 on the handlebar L is located to the left of the head tube S in the direction of travel, and the second mounting point 7 is located to the right of the head tube S. The first and second mounting points 5, 7 each comprise a T-piece 5.1, 7.1 and a first counterpart 5.2, 7.2 as well as a second counterpart 5.3, 7.3. In an assembled operating position, the T-piece 5.1, 7.1 and its first counterpart 5.2, 7.2 clamp the first side wall 3.1 of the container 3 between them, so that this and thus the entire container 3 is attached to the handlebar L. In the embodiment shown, the attachment is effected via a screw fastening. For this purpose, in the T-piece 5.1, 7.1 and in the first counterpart 5.2, 7.2, holes 5.4, 7.4 are formed, which are aligned in the assembled state and allow the passage of a threaded screw. In other embodiments, the fastening can also be achieved in another known manner that can establish a secure and firm connection between the first and second mounting points 5, 7 and the handlebar L.

[0032] The T-piece 5.1, 7.1 also features a receiving area 5.5, 7.5, which is geometrically adapted to the circumference of the handlebar L and, in the assembled operating position, clamps the handlebar L between itself and the second counterpart 5.3, 7.3. The secure connection is also achieved via a screw connection. For this purpose, aligned holes 5.4, 7.4 are provided on both sides of the receiving area 5.5, 7.5 in the operating position, through which threaded screws 5.6, 7.6 can be passed.

[0033] In Fig. 3 schematically shows the third assembly point 9 in a first variant in detail. In Fig. Figure 4 schematically shows the third mounting location 9 in a second variant in detail. The two variants differ only in one detail, which will be discussed further below.

[0034] The third mounting point 9 with the spacer 9.1 and its first end 9.3 and second end 9.4 is arranged below the container base 3.5 in the operating position. The third mounting point 9 is therefore located at a vertical distance from the first and second mounting points 5, 7 in the operating position. Between the first end 9.3 and the second end 9.4, the mounting slot 9.2 and the two essentially parallel longitudinal edges 9.5 extend over a large part of the spacer 9.1. The spacer 9.1 is fastened to the container base 3.5 of the container 3 via the mounting slot 9.2. In the illustrated embodiment, the fastening is effected via two threaded nuts that can engage wing screws. This allows manual release of the fastening. As a counterpart to the spacer 9.1, a base plate 3.6 is firmly attached to the container base 3.5 of the container 3 ( Fig. 1), so that the container 3 thereby becomes part of the assembly system 1. Alternatively, the base plate 3.6 is not permanently connected to the container base 3.5, but is designed as a loose base counterpart, which, in the operating position, clamps the container base 3.5 between itself and the spacer 9.1. The spacer 9.1 and the base counterpart are then fastened using a conventional screw fastening, as already mentioned above. With a loose base counterpart, the assembly system according to the invention can also be retrofitted to existing containers.

[0035] The second end 9.4 of the spacer 9.1 is forked or kidney-shaped. In other embodiments, the second end 9.4 can also be annular and enclose the head tube S. The forked second end 9.4 extends in a circular arc on both sides beyond a width determined by the longitudinal edges 9.5 and forms a first fork end 9.7 and a second fork end 9.8, which are opposite one another and enclose a circular fork depth 9.9 between them. The shape of this fork depth 9.9 and its radius are adapted to the circumference of the head tube S.

[0036] In the area of ​​the first and second fork ends 9.7, 9.8, a round opening 9.10, 9.11 is formed. These two round openings 9.10, 9.11 serve to accommodate a plain bearing 11. In the illustrated embodiment, the plain bearing 11 comprises a first roller 11.1 and a second roller 11.2, which are each mounted on a first pivot bearing 11.3 and a second pivot bearing 11.4. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second rollers 11.1, 11.2 are each arranged below the second end 9.4 in a plan view of the spacer 9.1 and have a radius that is large enough that a rolling surface 11.5 of the first and second rollers 11.1, 11.2 protrudes beyond the dimensions of the second end 9.4. In this way, the spacer 9.1 of the third mounting point 7 rests in the operating position with the rollers 11.1, 11.2, or with the respective rolling surfaces 11.5 of the two rollers 11.1, 11.2 on the circumference of the head tube S.In this supporting operating position, the spacer 9.1 is fixed to the container 3 via the mounting slot 9.2, so that the distance between the container 3 and the head tube S is maintained during driving. The design of the mounting slot 9.2 allows the vertical alignment of the container 3, i.e., the distance between the container 3 and the head tube S, to be permanently adjusted. A steering movement and the resulting rotational movement of the head tube S is permitted and not impaired by the two rollers at the second end 9.4 of the spacer 9.1.

[0037] In Fig. 4 schematically shows a spacer 9.1*. This is designed almost identically to the spacer 9.1 and differs from the spacer 9.1 in that the second end 9.4 of the spacer 9.1 lies in a different plane than a second end 9.4* of the spacer 9.1*. In the spacer 9.1 in Fig. 3 and the spacer 9.1* in Fig. 4, the second end 9.4 and the second end 9.4* each lie in a different plane than the first end 9.3 and a second end 9.3*. The spacer 9.1 and the spacer 9.1* have a bend K in the opposite direction transverse to the longitudinal direction. This variation serves to adapt the mounting system 1 according to the invention to different head tubes S.

[0038] In Fig. 5 shows the container 3 with the third mounting point 9 in an exploded view, schematically and from the side. The base plate 3.6 is invisibly integrated into the container base 3.5, so that the spacer 9.1 can be attached using threaded screws that are pushed through openings in the base plate 3.6 and through the mounting slot 9.2 in the spacer 9.1, so that the container base 3.5 is clamped between the base plate 3.6 and the spacer 9.1. Wing nuts are screwed onto the ends of the threaded screws that protrude outwards from the mounting slot 9.2. Preferably, there are two threaded screws and two wing nuts spaced apart from each other. Due to the design of the mounting slot 9.2 as a slot, the second end 9.4 or 9.4* can protrude different distances from the first side wall 3.1 in the direction of the head tube S in order to bridge a gap between the first side wall 3.1 and the head tube S. The wheels 11.1, 11.2 can then support themselves with their rolling surface 11.5 on the circumferential surface of the head tube S and roll on the circumferential surface during a steering movement.

[0039] In Fig. 5 shows schematically and in perspective a folding bracket device 13 which, in conjunction with the container 3, can also be used in Fig.1. In the illustrated embodiment, the folding bracket device 13 comprises a first folding bracket 13.1, a second folding bracket 13.2, and a third folding bracket 13.3. In other embodiments, more or fewer than three folding brackets can be provided. The folding brackets 13.1, 13.2, 13.3 are identical to one another and have a bracket shape, each with a section 13.4 bridging the third side wall 3.3 and the fourth side wall 3.4, and two sections 13.5 and 13.6, each adjoining one end of the bridging section 13.4 at a substantially right angle and each connected to either the third side wall 3.3 or the fourth side wall 3.4. To establish a connection, the two sections 13.5 and 13.6 each have at least one through-hole 13.7. The attachment to the container 3 is achieved by means of a fastening screw 13.8, which is inserted from an inside of the container 3 through a through-hole in each of the three folding brackets 13.1, 13.2, 13.3 and is screwed to an outside of the container using an actuator 13.9. The fastening is such that the folding brackets 13.1, 13.2, 13.3 can be loosened via the actuator 13.9 to such an extent that they can be pivoted towards and away from each other. In the desired position, the folding brackets 13.1, 13.2, 13.3 can then be re-secured via the actuator 13.9. The folding brackets are covered with a foldable fabric whose dimensions allow at least complete covering of the container 3. In this way, only a front area or a rear area of ​​the container 3 in the direction of travel can be covered or opened with a foldable roof element. List of reference symbols 1 mounting system 3 containers 3.1 first side wall 3.2 second side wall 3.3 third side wall 3.4 fourth side wall 3.5 Container bottom 3.6 Base plate 4 Assembly equipment 5 first assembly point 5.1 first T-piece 5.2 Counterpart 5.3 second counterpart 5.4 holes 5.5 Recording area 5.6 Threaded screws 7 second assembly point 7.1 second T-piece 7.2 Counterpart 7.3 second counterpart 7.4 holes 7.5 Recording area 7.6 Threaded screws 9 third assembly point 9.1 Spacers 9.1* Spacers 9.2 Mounting slot 9.2* Mounting slot 9.3 first end 9.3* first end 9.4 second end 9.4* second end 9.5 Longitudinal edges 9.7 first fork end 9.8 second fork end 9.9 Fork depth 9.10 first round opening 9.11 second round opening 11 plain bearings 11.1 first role 11.2 second role 11.3 first pivot bearing 11.4 second pivot bearing 11.5 Rolling surface 13 Folding bracket device 13.1 first folding bracket 13.2 second folding bracket 13.3 third folding bracket 13.4 bridging section 13.5 first further section 13.6 second further section 13.7 Through hole 13.8 Fixing screw 13.9 Actuator L Handlebar S head tube K Kink K* Bend QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 3212904 A1

[0005] DE 19601177 A1

[0005] DE 202008004274 U1

[0005]

Claims

[1] Mounting system (1) suitable for positioning a container (3) on a handlebar (L) of a handlebar in an operating position, comprising a mounting device (4) for attaching the container (3) in the operating position in the direction of travel in front of the handlebar and in front of a head tube (S), wherein the mounting device (4) comprises a first mounting point (5) and a second mounting point (7), which in the operating position are at a horizontal distance from one another and are each suitable for releasably fastening the container to the handlebar (L), and a third mounting point (9) at a vertical distance from the first and second mounting points (5; 7) and is suitable for supporting the container (3) on the head tube (S) via a spacer (9.1) which is suitable for being fastened to the container (3) with a first end (9.3) in the operating position and which forms a sliding bearing at a second end (9.4) which engages a circumference of the head tube (S), characterized by , that the second end (9.4) has at least one roller (11.1; 11.2) which is rotatably mounted on the second end (9.4) and forms the sliding bearing in the operating position. [2] Mounting system according to claim 1, characterized bythat the second end (9.4) is ring-shaped and engages around the control tube (S) in the operating position. [3] Mounting system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the second end (9.4) is fork-shaped. [4] Mounting system according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by that the second end (9.4) has a pivot bearing at each fork end (9.7; 9.8) with a substantially vertical axis of rotation in the operating position, wherein a roller (11.1; 11.2) is connected to one of the pivot bearings. [5] Mounting system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that each roller (11.1, 11.2) has a diameter at each of the fork ends (9.7; 9.8) with which the roller (11.1; 11.2) extends into a space between the fork ends (9.7; 9.8). [6] Mounting system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the first mounting point (5) has a first T-piece (5.1) which is suitable for interacting with a counterpart (5.2). [7] Mounting system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the second mounting point (7) has a second T-piece (7.1) which is suitable for interacting with a counterpart (7.2). [8] Mounting system according to claim 6 or 7, characterized by that the first T-piece (5.1) and the second counterpart (5.3) and the second T-piece (7.1) and the second counterpart (7.3) are suitable for establishing a detachable fastening between the handlebar and the container (3). [9] Container with a mounting system according to one of the preceding claims. [10] Container according to claim 9, characterized by that a container base (3.5), four side walls (3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4) and a folding bracket device (11) are formed. [11] Container according to claim 10, characterized bythat the container (3) has a plurality of folding brackets (11.1; 11.2; 11.3), each of which is hinged to two opposite side walls (3.3; 3.4) and is suitable for at least partially stretching a flexible roof element. [12] Container according to claim 11, characterized by that the plurality of folding brackets (11.1; 11.2; 11.3) are hinged to the two opposite side walls (3.3; 3.4) in such a way that they can pivot about one and the same axis of rotation. [13] Container according to one of claims 9 to 12, characterized by that at least two side walls (3.3; 3.4) are designed as a basket weave. [14] Container according to one of claims 9 to 13, characterized by that the bottom wall (3.4) is designed as a basket weave. [15] Container according to claim 13 or 14, characterized by that the basket weave is made of metal. [16] Mounting device (4) designed for use in a mounting system according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by a third assembly point (9). [17] Mounting device (4) according to claim 16, characterized by that the third mounting point (9) comprises a spacer (9.1).

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