Luggage rack for a two-wheeler

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a luggage carrier for a two-wheeler, in particular for a bicycle, according to the preamble of claim 1 and the arrangement of such a luggage carrier on a two-wheeler.

[0002] Luggage racks for bicycles are well known. They comprise, for example, an elongated, multiply bent tube, of which, when the luggage rack is attached to the bicycle, a section extends on each of the two sides, for example, the rear wheel of the bicycle. The two sections are generally connected to one another by a transverse section of the tube extending transversely of the bicycle. The two sections arranged on the sides of the wheel run horizontally from the transverse section for a short distance and then downwards, where they have openings for connection to the dropouts of the bicycle frame. Furthermore, web-shaped connecting means are provided which connect the two horizontal sections to one another at a distance from the transverse section. The web-shaped connecting means are welded to the horizontal sections.

[0003] Welding the connecting elements to the horizontal sections proves to be very complex and, in particular, very labor-intensive.

[0004] A luggage rack of the type mentioned above is known from NZ 579 236 A. The luggage rack described therein comprises an elongated, multiply bent tube, of which a section extends on each side of the rear wheel of the bicycle when the luggage rack is attached to the bicycle. The two sections are connected to one another by a transverse section of the tube extending transversely of the bicycle. A cover is attached to the two sections. For this purpose, two pivoting retaining clips are provided on the underside of the cover, each having a recess into which one of the sections can be inserted. By pressing in a release pin, the retaining clips can be pivoted out of the engaged position so that the cover can be removed.

[0005] From EP 2 609 000 A2 a luggage carrier is known which has at least partly the same features as the luggage carrier known from NZ 579 236 A.

[0006] Another luggage rack is known from FR 2 516 468 A1. The luggage rack described therein comprises a first elongated, multiply bent fastening element and a second elongated, multiply bent fastening element. When the luggage rack is attached to the two-wheeler, a section of both the first fastening element and the second fastening element extends to each of the two sides of the rear wheel of the bicycle. Bores are arranged at the lower ends of each of the two sections of the first fastening element, which can be used to attach the lower ends to the dropouts of the frame of the two-wheeler. The two sections of the first fastening element are connected to one another at their upper ends, located at the rear end of the luggage rack, by a transverse section of the first fastening element extending in the transverse direction of the bicycle.At the same time, the two sections of the first fastening element below the transverse section of the first fastening element are each connected to the rear ends of the two sections of the second fastening element via a screw connection. Additionally, the two front ends of the two sections of the second fastening element are connected to each other via a transverse section of the second fastening element.

[0007] The problem underlying the present invention is to create a luggage carrier of the type mentioned at the outset which can be produced more easily and, in particular, more cost-effectively.

[0008] This is achieved according to the invention by a luggage carrier of the type mentioned above with the characterizing features of claim 1. The subclaims relate to preferred embodiments of the invention.

[0009] According to claim 1, the means for attaching the luggage rack to the bicycle comprise means for securing the luggage rack to a mudguard of the bicycle or to a strut extending beneath the mudguard. Thus, a mudguard, possibly made of metal, or a strut arranged beneath the mudguard, can be used as the attachment area for the luggage rack. The strut can be made of metal, in particular.

[0010] The mechanical connection between the two sections of one fastening element or between two of the at least two fastening elements achieves a high degree of flexural rigidity of the two legs of the luggage carrier without having to provide the complex, material-locking connections known from the prior art.

[0011] It can be provided that the connecting means are designed such that the two sections of one fastening element or two of the at least two fastening elements are connected to one another via at least one screw connection, preferably two screw connections. A screw connection is easy to implement.

[0012] It is possible for the connecting means to have two receptacles, in each of which one of the two sections of the one fastening element or one of the at least two fastening elements is arranged and secured or can be arranged and secured. At least one of the receptacles or each of the two receptacles can be formed by two parts which have recesses adapted to the cross-section of the fastening element, so that the parts can bear positively against the fastening element, at least in sections. Preferably, one of the two sections of the one fastening element or one of the at least two fastening elements can be secured in each of the receptacles by means of a screw connection, wherein the screw connection in particular presses the two parts against the fastening element.The two sections of the fastening element or two of the at least two fastening elements are thus connected to one another by a clamping device, wherein the parts of the clamping device are brought into a clamped state by a simple screw connection.

[0013] It can be provided that the connecting means are designed as a fastening bridge, in particular as a web-shaped fastening bridge, which extends from one side of the wheel to the other side of the wheel when the luggage carrier is attached to the bicycle. The receptacles can each be arranged in an end region of the fastening bridge.

[0014] It can be provided that the connecting means comprise a cover which, when the luggage rack is attached to the two-wheeler, can cover in particular the top side of the connecting means. It can be provided that the cover, when the luggage rack is attached to the two-wheeler, has or can have an identification mark such as a logo on its top side. Furthermore, it can be provided that the cover, when the luggage rack is attached to the two-wheeler, has or can have a reflector and / or a rear light on its back. Additionally, there is the possibility that the cover, when the luggage rack is attached to the two-wheeler, has or can have a sticker on its front side, in particular a sticker with markings according to DIN EN ISO 11243. The cover can therefore be used to attach optional add-on parts to the luggage rack.

[0015] Alternatively, it can be provided that the connecting means have or can have an identification such as a logo on their upper side when the luggage rack is attached to the two-wheeler. Furthermore, it can be provided that the connecting means have or can have a reflector and / or a rear light on their rear side when the luggage rack is attached to the two-wheeler. It is also possible for the connecting means to have or can have a plaque, in particular a plaque with identification according to DIN EN ISO 11243, on their front side when the luggage rack is attached to the two-wheeler. Even without a cover, the connecting means can therefore be used to attach optional add-on parts to the luggage rack.

[0016] It can be provided that means for attaching the luggage rack to the bicycle, when the luggage rack is attached to the bicycle, are arranged at the lower ends of the two sections of one fastening element or at the lower ends of the at least two fastening elements, in particular in the form of holes that can be used to attach the lower ends to the dropouts of the bicycle frame. In this way, the luggage rack can be firmly connected to the bicycle frame in the region of the dropouts.

[0017] The luggage carrier may comprise a fastening element having a first section, a second section, and a transverse section connecting them. When the luggage carrier is attached to the bicycle, one of the two sections extends on each of the two sides of a wheel. Such an embodiment of a luggage carrier according to the invention is very stable.

[0018] Alternatively, two fastening elements could be provided instead of one fastening element, with each of the two fastening elements then essentially having the shape of one of the two sections of a one-piece fastening element. The two fastening elements could then be connected to one another in the region of the transverse section, for example, by a screw connection. Furthermore, it is also possible to provide more than two fastening elements. For example, two or more fastening elements could be connected to one another on each side of the wheel, for example, by being inserted into one another.

[0019] It is possible for the means for attaching the luggage carrier to have a receptacle for the transverse section of the fastening element, wherein the receptacle in particular has two parts which have recesses adapted to the cross-section of the transverse section, so that the parts bear or can bear positively against the transverse section, at least in sections. The means for attaching the luggage carrier can have at least one screw connection. In particular, a first screw connection can press the parts against the transverse section of the fastening element and thus fix it in the receptacle. Preferably, the first screw connection can simultaneously connect the luggage carrier to the mudguard or to a strut running beneath the mudguard. In this way, it is achieved using simple means that the luggage carrier is securely attached to the mudguard or to a strut arranged beneath the mudguard.

[0020] It is possible to use a second screw connection to connect the fasteners to the mudguard. This additional attachment of the luggage rack to the mudguard can increase the stability of the luggage rack when mounted.

[0021] It can be provided that the at least one fastening element is designed as a tube and / or that the connecting means consist of a light metal or a light metal alloy, in particular aluminum, or that the connecting means comprise a light metal or a light metal alloy, in particular aluminum. With appropriate design, a tube can ensure great strength with low weight. For example, the basic structure of the luggage rack consisting of the fastening element can be bent in a fully automatic tube bending machine, so that costs can be saved by dispensing with manual process steps. By using a light metal or a light metal alloy for the connecting means, the required flexural rigidity can be ensured without the luggage rack being excessively heavy.

[0022] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become clear from the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Fig. 1 a rear view of a part of a bicycle with a luggage carrier according to the invention; Fig. 2 a sectional view according to the arrows II - II in Fig. 1 ; Fig. 3 a detailed view according to arrow III in Fig. 2 ; Fig. 4 a perspective view of the part of the bicycle with the luggage carrier according to the invention according to Fig. 1 ; Fig. 5 a perspective exploded view of the part of the bicycle with the luggage carrier according to the invention according to Fig. 1 ; Fig. 6 a top view of the luggage carrier according to the invention with a bicycle strut; Fig. 7 a side view of the luggage carrier according to the invention with the bicycle strut according to Fig. 6 ; Fig. 8 a perspective exploded view of the luggage carrier according to the invention and the strut of the bicycle according to Fig. 6 ; Fig. 9 is a perspective exploded view of connecting means of the luggage carrier according to the invention; Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the connecting means of the luggage carrier according to the invention; Fig. 11 is a section through the connecting means of the luggage carrier according to the invention; Fig. 12 is a side view of means for fastening the luggage carrier according to the invention; Fig. 13 is an exploded view of the means for fastening the luggage carrier according to the invention; Fig. 14 is a section through the means for fastening the luggage carrier according to the invention; Fig. 15 is a perspective view of the luggage carrier according to the invention attached to a rear wheel of a bicycle with an attachment; Fig. 16 is a side view of the luggage carrier according to the invention attached to a rear wheel of a bicycle with the attachment.

[0023] In the figures, identical and functionally identical parts are provided with the same reference numerals.

[0024] A luggage carrier according to the invention comprises an elongated, multiply bent fastening element 1, which is designed in particular as a tube (see for example Fig. 8 ). The fastening element 1 can be made of aluminum. The fastening element 1, designed as a tube with a circular cross-section, can have a diameter of 10 mm and a wall thickness of 3 mm.

[0025] It is certainly possible to use a tube with an oval or other cross-section instead of a tube with a circular cross-section. Furthermore, it is also possible to use a fastening element made of solid material with a circular, oval, or other cross-section instead of a tube.

[0026] The fastening element 1 has a first section 2 and a second section 3 which is largely parallel to the first, the two sections 2, 3 being connected to one another via a transverse section 4 of the fastening element 1 (see Fig. 8 ). In the illustrated embodiment, the first section 2 extends on the right side of the rear wheel of the bicycle (not shown), whereas the second section 3 extends on the left side of the rear wheel of the bicycle (see Fig. 4 ). The transverse section 4 connects the two sections 2 and 3 in the transverse direction of the bicycle.

[0027] It is certainly possible to provide two fastening elements (not shown) instead of one fastening element 1, whereby each of the two fastening elements can then essentially have the shape of one of the two sections 2, 3. The two fastening elements can then be connected to each other in the region of the transverse section 4, for example by a screw connection.

[0028] It is also possible to provide more than two fastening elements. For example, two or more fastening elements can be connected to each other on each side of the wheel, for example, by inserting them into one another.

[0029] The first and second sections 2, 3 are largely identical in shape and, adjoining the cross section 4, have a section 5 which, when installed on the bicycle, runs horizontally backwards, an adjoining section 6 which is slightly upwards and an adjoining section 7 which runs downwards and slightly forwards (see Fig. 7 ). At the lower end of the area 7, an opening 8 is provided in each of the sections 2, 3, through which a screw for attaching the luggage carrier to a dropout 9 of the frame 10 of the bicycle can be passed (see Fig. 4, Fig. 5 and Fig. 7 ).

[0030] The illustrated embodiment of the bicycle has a mudguard 11 on the rear wheel, under which a strut 12, in particular a metallic strut, extends upwards and backwards from the lower end of the seat tube 13 of the frame 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the strut 12 ends shortly behind the transverse section 4 of the fastening part 1 (see Fig. 3 , Fig. 5 and Fig. 7 ). The strut 12 has holes 14 spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction (see Fig. 6 ).

[0031] The luggage carrier comprises means for attaching the luggage carrier to the bicycle. These attachment means comprise, on the one hand, the openings 8 at the lower ends of the regions 7 of the sections 2, 3, which openings 8 enable attachment to the dropouts 9. The attachment means further comprise a receptacle 15 formed by two opposing, semi-cylindrical recesses in two parts 16, 17 (see Fig. 13 ). The transverse section 4 of the fastening part 1 can be inserted into the receptacle 15 formed by the recesses and secured there by a screw connection. The cross section of the transverse section 4 corresponds to the shape of the recesses in the parts 16, 17.

[0032] The screw connection is realized by a screw 18 and a nut 19, whereby the nut 19 is arranged under the strut 12 and the screw 18 is guided through the two parts 16, 17, the mudguard 11 and the strut 12 (see Fig. 14 By tightening the screw 18, the cross section 4 and thus the luggage carrier are fastened to the mudguard 11 and the strut 12.

[0033] The mudguard 11 can be made of plastic, in particular. If a metal mudguard, particularly aluminum, is used instead, the strut 12 may be omitted because the mudguard is then sufficiently stable to absorb the forces acting on the luggage rack.

[0034] The luggage carrier further comprises a fastening bridge serving as a connecting means 20, which extends in a web-like manner between the two slightly upwardly offset areas 6 of the sections 2, 3 of the fastening element 1 (see Fig. 9 bis Fig. 11 ). The mounting bridge can be made of aluminum.

[0035] The fastening bridge has a receptacle 21, 22 in each of its end regions, through which the regions 6 of the sections 2, 3 of the fastening element 1 extend in the assembled state. The receptacles 21, 22 are each formed by two parts that have recesses 21a, 21b; 22a, 22b, which complement the receptacles 21, 22 in the assembled state.

[0036] One of the two parts is a base part 23 extending over the entire length of the fastening bridge and having recesses 21b, 22b. An attachment part 24, 25, each provided with a recess 21a, 22a, can be attached to this in the end region. The cross-section of the regions 6 of the sections 2, 3 of the fastening element 1 corresponds to the shape of the recesses 21a, 21b; 22a, 22b in the base part 23 and the attachment parts 24, 25.

[0037] Screw connections are provided with which the areas 6 of sections 2, 3 of the fastening element 1 can be secured in the receptacles 21, 22 in a force-locking and form-locking manner. The screw connections each comprise, for example, a screw 26, 27 and threaded holes in the base part 23 that interact with them. By tightening the screws 26, 27, the attachment parts 24, 25 are pressed from above against the areas 6 of sections 2, 3 of the fastening element 1, securing them.

[0038] The means for attaching the luggage carrier to the bicycle further comprise a threaded hole 28 in the center of the base part 23 of the connecting means 20. A screw 29 can be screwed into this threaded hole 28 from below through the mudguard 11, thereby attaching the luggage carrier to the mudguard 11 (see Fig. 9 bis Fig. 11 ).

[0039] On the base part 23 of the connecting means 20, two threaded holes 30, 31 are provided which are open to the rear when mounted and into which screws 32 can be screwed for attaching a reflector 33 or a rear light (see Fig. 11 , Fig. 15 und Fig. 16). Furthermore, a marking not shown, such as a logo, can be applied to the top side of the base part 23. A plate not shown, in particular a plate with markings according to DIN EN ISO 11243, can be attached to the front side of the base part 23 when assembled.

[0040] It is possible to attach a cover (not shown) to the connecting means 20, which, when the luggage carrier is attached to the bicycle, can cover, in particular, the upper side of the connecting means 20. A reflector or a rear light can then be attached to the rear of this cover. Furthermore, the cover can also be used, if necessary, to attach an identification mark, such as a logo, to its upper side and to attach a sticker to its front side.

Claims

1. Luggage rack for a two-wheeled vehicle, in particular for a bicycle, comprising - at least one elongated mounting element (1) with multiple bends, wherein, when the luggage rack is mounted on the two-wheeled vehicle, a section (2, 3) of the one mounting element (1) extends on each of the two sides of a wheel, or wherein at least two mounting elements are provided and at least one of the at least two mounting elements extends on each of the two sides of the wheel, - means for attaching the luggage rack to the two-wheeled vehicle, - connecting means (20), which connect the two sections (2, 3) of the one mounting element (1) or the two mounting elements to one another, wherein the connecting means (20) are designed such that the two sections (2, 3) of the one mounting element (1) or two of the at least two mounting elements are connected to one another in force-fitting and / or form-fitting manner by the connecting means (20), characterised in that the means for attaching the luggage rack to the two-wheeled vehicle comprise means for attaching the luggage racks to a mudguard (11) of the two-wheeled vehicle or to a strut (12) running below the mudguard.

2. Luggage rack according to claim 1, characterised in that the connecting means (20) are designed such that the two sections (2, 3) of the one mounting element (1) or two of the at least two mounting elements are connected to each other by the connecting means (20) via at least one screw connection, preferably two screw connections.

3. Luggage rack according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterised in that the connecting means (20) have two sockets (21, 22), in each of which one of the two sections (2, 3) of the one mounting element (1) or one of the at least two mounting elements is arranged and secured, wherein in particular at least one of the sockets (21, 22) or each of the two sockets (21, 22) are formed by two parts, which have recesses (21a, 21b; 22a, 22b) adapted to the cross-section of the mounting element (1), such that the parts can abut against the mounting element (1) in a form-fitting manner at least in sections.

4. Luggage rack according to claim 3, characterised in that one of the two sections (2, 3) of the one mounting element (1) or one of the at least two mounting elements is secured in each of the sockets (21, 22) by means of a screw connection, wherein in particular the two parts are pressed against the mounting element (1) by means of the screw connection.

5. Luggage rack according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the connecting means (20) are configured as an attachment bridge, in particular a strut-shaped attachment bridge, which extends from one side of the wheel to the other side of the wheel when the luggage rack is attached to the two-wheeled vehicle, in particular wherein the sockets (21, 22) are each arranged in an end region of the attachment bridge.

6. Luggage rack according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the connecting means (20) comprise a cover, which can cover, in particular the upper side of the connecting means (20) when the luggage rack is attached to the two-wheeled vehicle.

7. Luggage rack according to claim 6, characterised in that, when the luggage rack is attached to the two-wheeled vehicle, the cover has or can have, - a marking such as, for example, a logo on its upper side, and / or - a reflector (33) and / or a rear light on its rear side, and / or - a badge on its front side, in particular a badge with markings according to DIN EN ISO 11243.

8. Luggage rack according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that, when the luggage rack is attached to the two-wheeled vehicle, the connecting means (20) have or can have, - a marking such as, for example, a logo on its upper side, and / or - a reflector (33) and / or a rear light on its rear side, and / or - a badge on its front side, in particular a badge with markings according to DIN EN ISO 11243.

9. Luggage rack according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that means for attaching the luggage rack to the two-wheeled vehicle, when the luggage rack is attached to the two-wheeled vehicle, are arranged respectively at the lower ends of the two sections (2, 3) of the one mounting element (1) or respectively to the lower ends of the at least two mounting elements, in particular in the form of drilled holes (8), which can be used to attach the lower ends to the dropouts (9) of the frame (10) of the two-wheeled vehicle.

10. Luggage rack according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the luggage rack comprises the mounting element (1), which has a first section (2), a second section (3) and a transverse section (4) connecting the latter, wherein, when the luggage rack is attached to the two-wheeled vehicle, one of the two sections (2, 3) extends on each of the two sides of a wheel.

11. Luggage rack according to claim 10, characterised in that the means for mounting the luggage rack have a socket (15) for the transverse section (4) of the mounting element (1), wherein the socket (15) has, in particular, two parts (16, 17), which have recesses adapted to the cross-section of the transverse section (4), such that the parts (16,17) abut or can abut against the transverse section (4) in a form-fitting manner at least in sections.

12. Luggage rack according to any one of claims 10 or 11, characterised in that the means for mounting the luggage rack have at least one screw connection, in particular, wherein - a first screw connection presses or can press the parts (16, 17) against the transverse section (4) of the mounting element (1) and thereby secure or can secure the latter in the socket (15), and wherein preferably the first screw connection can simultaneously connect the luggage rack to the mudguard (11) or to a strut (12) running below the mudguard, and / or wherein - a second screw connection can connect the connecting means (20) to the mudguard.

13. Luggage rack according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterised in that the at least one mounting element (1) is configured as a tube and / or in that the connecting means (20) consist of a light metal or a light metal alloy, in particular aluminium, or in that the connecting means (20) comprise a light metal or a light metal alloy, in particular aluminium.

14. Arrangement of a luggage rack on a two-wheeled vehicle, comprising a luggage rack according to any one of claims 1 to 13, as well as a mudguard (11) and a strut (12), wherein the luggage rack is mounted on the mudguard (11) and / or on the strut (12) running below the mudguard (11).