Cycle baggage mounting system

Abstract

A cycle baggage mounting system (100) has a mounting bracket (400) for mounting to the cycle (300) or a rack (800) attached to the cycle, a clamp member (500), and a load carrier (600) for rotation about a first axis and having a load-carrying surface (601) to engage with baggage, a support surface (602) to cooperate with the mounting bracket, and a locator (603) to cooperate with at least one engagement element (501) on the mounting bracket and / or the clamp member to locate the load carrier on the mounting bracket. The locator has a cylindrical aperture (604) to rotationally receive the engagement element(s). The clamp member is moveable between a released position in which the load carrier can rotate about the first axis and a clamped position in which the load carrier is clamped in any one of a non-finite number of angular adjustment positions relative to the mounting bracket.

Description

[0001]CYCLE BAGGAGE MOUNTING SYSTEM This application claims priority from New Zealand patent application 797213 filed on 14 February 2023, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by way of reference. FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a cycle baggage mounting system for detachably mounting baggage to a cycle. BACKGROUND Cyclists often prefer to mount baggage to a cycle rather than carry the baggage in the form of a backpack or satchel worn by the cyclist. Panniers or cycle bags are a popular option for transporting goods, as the weight of the baggage is borne by the cycle rather than the cyclist. Panniers may be mounted directly to the frame or handlebars of the cycle or, more commonly, to a rack attached to the frame, such as a luggage rack or specialised pannier rack. Panniers may be mounted at the front or rear of the cycle, such as a bicycle’s front forks or rear stays. However, a heavy load carried at the front of the cycle can negatively affect the steering and handling of the cycle. Accordingly, rear-mounted panniers typically have a greater carrying capacity than front-mounted panniers. Care must be taken in loading a large-sized pannier to ensure that the load is not too unbalanced. An unbalanced load can cause the cycle to be unstable, especially when riding off-road. As a result, panniers are often underloaded with goods to achieve a balanced load and a stable cycle. In this specification where reference has been made to patent specifications, other external documents, or other sources of information, this is generally for the purpose of providing a context for discussing the features of the invention. Unless specifically stated otherwise, reference to such external documents or such sources of information is not to be construed as an admission that such documents or such sources of information, in any jurisdiction, are prior art or form part of the common general knowledge in the art. It is an object of at least preferred embodiments of the present invention to provide a cycle baggage mounting system that addresses at least some of the disadvantages of known systems, and / or to at least provide the public with a useful alternative. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a cycle baggage mounting system for detachably mounting baggage to a cycle, the mounting system comprising: a mounting bracket adapted for mounting to the cycle or a rack attached to the cycle; a clamp member; and a load carrier adapted for rotation about a first axis and having a load carrying surface to engage with the baggage, a support surface to cooperate with the mounting bracket, and a locator to cooperate with at least one engagement element on the mounting bracket and / or or the clamp member to locate the load carrier on the mounting bracket, the locator comprising a cylindrical aperture sized and configured to rotationally receive the engagement element(s), the clamp member being selectively moveable between a released position in which the load carrier is able to rotate about the first axis and a clamped position in which the load carrier is clamped in any one of a non-finite number of angular adjustment positions relative to the mounting bracket. In an embodiment, the mounting bracket comprises a sleeve defining a cylindrical bore that is sized to receive a portion of the cycle or rack attached to the cycle that is aligned with a second axis, the first and second axes being transverse to each other. In an embodiment, the mounting system includes one or more adjustment members that can be adjusted to move the clamp member from the released position to the clamped position. In an embodiment, the adjustment member(s) also secure the mounting bracket to the cycle or the rack attached to the cycle. In an embodiment, the adjustment member(s) are one or more fastener(s). In an embodiment, the load carrying surface defines a plane, and the clamp member, locator and mounting bracket are each offset from the plane to avoid abutting baggage on the load carrying surface. In an embodiment, the load carrier comprises a plurality of interconnected bars and the load carrying surface is formed from a portion of the surface of at least one of the bars. In an embodiment, the load carrier comprises a sheet or plate and one or more bars and the load carrying surface is formed at least partially from the bar(s). In an embodiment, at least a portion of the plate is offset from the plane to avoid abutting baggage on the load carrying surface. In an embodiment, the locator comprises the cylindrical aperture in the sheet or plate of the load carrier. In an embodiment, the locator comprises a collar on the load carrier that defines the cylindrical aperture. In an embodiment, the collar is formed from a bar having a generally rectangular cross- section. In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a mounting assembly comprising a cycle baggage mounting system as outlined in the first aspect of the invention and a rack. In an embodiment, the mounting assembly includes an attachment device for attaching the rack to a cycle. In an embodiment, the attachment device comprises: a body defining a slot and having a surface for engaging with a cycle component; a substantially linearly slideable block received in the slot, a portion of the block extending out of the slot; a retaining member connected to or connectable to the block, the retaining member forming or configured to form a loop extending at least partially around a cycle component, wherein an end of the retaining member is engageable with the portion of the block that extends out of the slot; and an adjustment mechanism for changing the linear position of the block relative to the body to adjust the size of the loop to grip the cycle component; wherein the adjustment mechanism comprises a rotatably mounted threaded member and rotation of the rotatably mounted threaded member about its axis causes movement of the block along the axis of the rotatably mounted threaded member, wherein turning the rotatably mounted threaded member in a first direction moves the block in a direction towards the surface for engaging with a cycle component to increase a size of the loop, and wherein turning the rotatably mounted threaded member in a second direction moves the block in a direction away from the surface for engaging with a cycle component to reduce the size of the loop. The term ‘comprising’ as used in this specification and claims means ‘consisting at least in part of’. When interpreting statements in this specification and claims which include the term ‘comprising’, other features besides the features prefaced by this term in each statement can also be present. Related terms such as ‘comprise’ and ‘comprised’ are to be interpreted in a similar manner. The term ‘cycle’ as used herein refers to any suitable type of cycle, including bicycles, tricycles, road bikes, mountain bikes, urban bikes, cross bikes, e-bikes, e-tricycles, motorcycles, four-wheeled ‘quad’ bikes, and other powered recreational cycles. The cycle may be pedal-powered, powered by a motor, or both. The motor may be an electric motor, a petrol motor, or a diesel motor. The term ‘baggage’ as used herein refers to any suitable container for carrying a range of goods and includes panniers, bags, baskets, boxes, crates, packages, parcels, suitcases, or the like. It is intended that reference to a range of numbers disclosed herein (for example, 1 to 10) also incorporates reference to all rational numbers within that range (for example, 1, 1.1, 2, 3, 3.9, 4, 5, 6, 6.5, 7, 8, 9 and 10) and also any range of rational numbers within that range (for example, 2 to 8, 1.5 to 5.5 and 3.1 to 4.7) and, therefore, all sub-ranges of all ranges expressly disclosed herein are hereby expressly disclosed. These are only examples of what is specifically intended and all possible combinations of numerical values between the lowest value and the highest value enumerated are to be considered to be expressly stated in this application in a similar manner. This invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more said parts, elements or features. To those skilled in the art to which the invention relates, many changes in construction and widely differing embodiments and applications of the invention will suggest themselves without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. The disclosures and the descriptions herein are purely illustrative and are not intended to be in any sense limiting. Where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth. As used herein the term ‘(s)’ following a noun means the plural and / or singular form of that noun. As used herein the term ‘and / or’ means ‘and’ or ‘or’, or where the context allows both. The invention consists in the foregoing and also envisages constructions of which the following gives examples only. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a cycle baggage mounting system shown, in use, in a first position on a bicycle; Figure 2 shows the system of Figure 1 with a pannier mounted to the system; Figure 3 shows the system of Figure 1 in a second position on the bicycle; Figure 4 shows an exploded perspective view of the system of Figure 1; Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the system of Figure 1; Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the mounting bracket of the system of Figure 1; Figures 7A and 7B show a cross-sectional view of the system of Figure 1 in which the clamp member is in a released position; Figure 8 shows a plan view of the system of Figure 1 in which the clamp member is in a released position, and the load carrier can rotate about a first axis in the directions shown by the double-headed arrow; Figures 9A and 9B show a cross-sectional view of the system of Figure 1 in which the clamp member is in a clamped position; Figure 10 shows a perspective view of a rack and two attachment devices for mounting the rack to a cycle component; Figure 11 shows a perspective view of one of the attachment devices of Figure 10; and Figure 12 shows a cross-sectional view of the attachment device of Figure 11. Figure 13 shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a load carrier to that in the system of Figure 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Figure 1 and Figure 2 show an embodiment of a cycle baggage mounting system 100 for detachably mounting baggage 200 to a cycle 300. In the form shown, the cycle baggage mounting system 100 is for detachably mounting a pannier to a bicycle. However, it will be appreciated that the mounting system 100 is not limited to being used with panniers or bicycles and could be used to mount any baggage 200 to any cycle 300 detachably. As shown in the exploded view of Figure 4, the cycle baggage mounting system 100 has a mounting bracket 400, a clamp member 500, and a load carrier 600. The mounting bracket 400 may be adapted for mounting to the cycle 300. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 1, the mounting bracket 400 may be adapted for mounting to a rack 800 attached to a cycle component 301 via an attachment device 700. The load carrier 600 is adapted for rotation relative to the mounting bracket 400 about a first axis, as shown by the dashed line X-X in Figure 5. The load carrier 600 has a load- carrying surface 601 to engage with the baggage 200 and a support surface 602 (Figures 7B and 9B) to cooperate with the mounting bracket 400. The load carrier 600 has a locator 603 to cooperate with at least one engagement element 501 (Figures 7B and 9B) on the mounting bracket 400 and / or the clamp member 500 to locate the load carrier on the mounting bracket. In the embodiment shown in Figures 7B and 9B, the engagement element 501 is a wall portion of the clamp member 500. The wall portion defines at least part of a recess in the clamp member 500. The locator 603 comprises a cylindrical aperture 604 sized and configured to receive the engagement element 501. In an exemplified embodiment, the diameter of the cylindrical aperture 604 is about 54- 55 mm. However, it will be appreciated that the diameter will differ depending upon the number and dimensions of the engagement element(s). For example, the diameter of the cylindrical aperture may be between about 40 mm and about 75 mm, or may be any other suitable dimension. In the shown embodiment, the load carrier 600 comprises a plurality of interconnected bars 605 and the load carrying surface 601 is formed from a portion of the surface of a plurality of the bars, and optionally a portion of each of the bars. The bars 605 could have a generally circular or rectangular cross-section and in the shown embodiment have a circular cross-section. As shown in Figure 8, one or more of the bars can form an outer frame 605a of the load carrier 600, while one or more other bars can be inner struts 605b. As shown, the outer frame 605a may be flat and generally rectangular, for example generally oblong shaped. Alternatively, the outer frame 605a could be curved or shaped to carry specific baggage 200. A pannier or any other baggage 200 can be attached to the bars 605, for example, by being fastened to the outer frame 605a using hooks, straps, ropes or other fastening devices. In an exemplified embodiment, the bars 605 have a circular cross-section with the diameter of the bars of the outer frame 605a being about 10 mm and the diameter of the bars of the inner struts 605b being about 6mm. The locator 603 optionally comprises an annular collar 606 that defines the cylindrical aperture 604. In the form shown, the collar 606 is formed from a bar having a generally rectangular cross-section (for example, about 6x8 mm) but could have any other suitable shape, such as toroidal or keyhole shaped. The collar 606 may be integrally formed with the bars 605 of the load carrier 600 and attached to the inner struts 605b so as to be centrally positioned. However, the collar 606 does not need to be completely annular and could be formed from two or more spaced-apart portions of an annular collar that are rigidly held in position by the rest of the load carrier 600, the portions together defining the cylindrical aperture 604. Alternatively, rather than contain a collar 606, the locator 603 could comprise a sheet or, as shown in Figure 13, a plate 607 of rigid material into which the cylindrical aperture 604 is formed. The sheet or plate 607 of material may be integrally formed with the bars 605 of the load carrier 600, such as the outer frame 605a of the load carrier. In some configurations, the sheet may be substantially flat. In some configurations, the plate may be curved or a different configuration that is not flat. In another embodiment, the load carrier 600 is made from a solid piece of rigid material, such as a cradle. The cradle may be substantially flat, curved or otherwise appropriately shaped to carry specific baggage 200. Alternatively, the load carrier 600 could be any suitable rack, basket, platform or container. For example, the load carrier 600 could comprise a single elongate bar with a centrally positioned locator 603 comprising a collar 606 that defines the cylindrical aperture 604. The load carrier 600 may be made of any suitable material with a good strength to weight ratio, such as forged aluminium or glass filled nylon. The clamp member 500 is selectively moveable between released and clamped positions. Figures 7A and 7B show the clamp member 500 in the released position, in which the load carrier 600 can rotate about the first axis. Advantageously, the load carrier is not restricted to being rotated to a certain number of finite angular adjustment positions relative to the mounting bracket 400, such as every five or ten degrees. As shown by the double-headed arrow in Figure 8, the load carrier 600 can freely and fully rotate about the first axis in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction to any desired angle relative to the mounting bracket 400, including any angle between 0 and 360 degrees. Increasing the friction between the collar 606 and the clamp member 500 will slow the speed of rotation. Figures 9A and 9B show the clamp member 500 in the clamped position, in which the load carrier 600 is clamped in any one of a non-finite number of angular adjustment positions relative to the mounting bracket 400. Accordingly, the load carrier 500 can be clamped at the desired angle to which it was rotated when the clamp member 500 was in the released position. The ability to rotate and clamp the load carrier 600 at any one of an infinite number of angles relative to the mounting bracket 400 provides the user with greater flexibility when loading and securing the baggage 200 to the load carrier. By adjusting the angle to accommodate baggage 200 of different sizes, shapes and weights, the baggage can be better or more aerodynamically secured onto the cycle 300 so as to prevent slippage or reduce drag. An unbalanced or unevenly distributed load can also be counterbalanced by adjusting the angle of the load carrier 600 relative to the mounting bracket 400 to balance the load and stabilise the cycle 300. As shown in Figure 9A, when the clamp member 500 is in the clamped position, the load carrying surface 601 defines a plane (which is defined by the upper edge of the load carrying surface in Figure 9A), and the clamp member 500, locator 603 and mounting bracket 400 are each offset from the plane to avoid abutting baggage 200 on the load carrying surface. This is due to the inner struts 605b of the bars 605 being inclined relative to the outer frame 605a of the load carrier 600. In the alternative embodiment of the load carrier 600 shown in Figure 13, the shape of the plate 607 causes at least a portion of the plate to be offset from the plane and, therefore, away from baggage on the load carrying surface 601. It will be appreciated that if either embodiment of the load carrier 600 was mounted upside down, instead of the arrangements shown, then there would be abutment with the baggage 200. It will also be appreciated that the load carrying surface 601 may not always define a plane, such as when the load carrier 600 is a cradle shaped to carry specific objects. The clamp member 500 has a relatively flat top so as not to rise above the load carrying surface 601. The diameter of the clamp member 500 is preferably slightly less, for example less than 2 mm, than the outer diameter of the locator 603. The clamp member 500 may be made of any suitable material, such as glass filled nylon or forged aluminium. The cycle baggage mounting system 100 includes at least one adjustment member and optionally a plurality of adjustment members that can be adjusted to move the clamp member 500 from the released position to the clamped position. Optionally, the adjustment member(s) also secure the mounting bracket 400 to the cycle 300 or the rack 800 attached to the cycle. As shown in Figure 4, the adjustment member(s) may be one or more fastener(s) 900. For example, the fasteners could be M6x15 hex bolts or similar. Fastener openings 502 pass through the clamp member 500 and aligned fastener openings 404 pass through the mounting bracket 400, so that the same fasteners 900 can be used to move the clamp member 500 and secure the mounting bracket 400. In addition, the fastener openings 404, 502 are arranged so the fasteners pass through the cylindrical aperture 604 of the locator 603. This arrangement ensures that the load carrier 600 can be rotated about the first axis without removing the clamp member 500. Although Figure 4 shows four fasteners 900, as few as two fasteners could be used if they are not used to secure the mounting bracket 400 to the cycle 300 or the rack 800. Instead of fasteners, the adjustment member(s) could comprise a screw thread on the clamp member 500 for engagement with a complementary screw thread on the mounting bracket 400. Alternatively, the adjustment member(s) could comprise a quick-release lever on the clamp member 500 for engagement with a catch mechanism on the mounting bracket 400. When the adjustment member(s) are adjusted to move the clamp member 500 from the released position to the clamped position, the clamp member and mounting bracket 400 move towards each other in an axial direction aligned with the first axis. Conversely, when the adjustment member(s) are adjusted to move the clamp member 500 from the clamped position to the released position, the clamp member and mounting bracket 400 move away from each other in an axial direction aligned with the first axis. This axial movement is shown in Figures 7B and 9B, in which the clamp member 500 and mounting bracket 400 are closer together in Figure 9B when the clamp member is in the clamped position than in Figure 7B when the clamp member is in the released position and the load carrier 600 can rotate about the first axis. Figure 6 shows the mounting bracket 400. The mounting bracket 400 comprises a sleeve 401 defining a cylindrical bore 402 that is sized to receive a portion of the cycle 300 or rack 800 attached to the cycle that is aligned with a second axis, as shown by the dashed line Y-Y in Figure 5. As shown in Figure 5, the first, X-X, and second, Y-Y, axes are transverse to each other and optionally are orthogonal or perpendicular to each other. The sleeve 401 can be made as one piece. However, as shown in Figure 4, the sleeve 401 consists of two halves, 401a and 401b, with lugs to allow both halves to be held together using the fasteners 900. This arrangement allows the mounting bracket 400 to be easily detached from the cycle 300 or rack 800. The mounting bracket 400 can be reattached to the cycle 300 or rack 800 in a different position depending upon the optimal position to mount the baggage 200. The mounting bracket 400 may also include a cap 403 to sit over the sleeve 401 and provide a flat surface 403a to cooperate with the support surface 602 on the load carrier 600. To resist rotation of the load carrier 600 in the clamped position, it may be desirable to increase the friction between the wall portion of the engagement element 501 and the collar 606 of the locator 603. This may be done by adding one or more teeth to the wall portion of the engagement member 501 and having the clamp member 500 be made of a harder material than the load carrier 600. Alternatively, friction may be increased between the flat surface 403a of the mounting bracket 400 and the support surface 602 of the load carrier 600 by applying surface finishes or detents on one or both surfaces ranging from slight roughness up to 2 mm deep. In an embodiment, a mounting assembly is provided comprising a cycle baggage mounting system 100 and a rack 800. Figures 1 and 3 show an exemplary rack 800 mounted on the rear stays of a cycle 300, such that the rack passes over the back wheel. As shown in Figure 10, the rack 800 consists of a substantially cylindrical member bent into a general U-shape with two vertical legs 801, 802 and a horizontal middle portion 803. The free ends of the rack 800 are mounted in two apertures of one or more attachment devices 700. In the shown embodiment, the mounting assembly comprises two attachment devices 700. However, it will be appreciated that the mounting assembly could comprise any number of attachment devices. The rack 800 is fastened in the apertures using any suitable means and may be permanently fastened. The rack is made from a suitably strong and rigid material, such as metal. In an embodiment, the rack 800 is formed from an aluminium tube. The mounting bracket 400, and thereby the cycle baggage mounting system 100, may be mounted at various locations on the rack 800, depending upon the user’s preferences. For example, in Figures 1 and 2, the mounting bracket 400 is mounted to one of the rack’s vertical legs, while in Figure 3, the mounting bracket is mounted to the horizontal middle portion of the rack. The position of the mounting bracket 400 on one of the rack’s vertical legs combined with the ability to adjust the load carrier 600 to any desired or arbitrary angle relative to the mounting bracket is highly advantageous for many loads. The mounting bracket 400 or the rack 800 may be mounted at the front or rear of the cycle 300, including but not limited to, a cycle component 301 such as the handlebars, forks, frame, stays, seat tube, top tube, and down tube. Figures 11 and 12 show an attachment device or adaptor 700 for attaching the cycle mounting baggage system 100 to a cycle 300 via a rack 800. The attachment device 700 has a body 702 defining a slot 724. A substantially linearly slideable block 720 is received in the slot 724 with a portion of the block extending out of the slot. A retaining member 704 is connected to or connectable to the block 720. The retaining member 704 forms or is configured to form a loop extending at least partially around a component 301 of a cycle 300. An end of the retaining member 704 is engageable with the portion of the block 720 that extends out of the slot 724. The attachment device 700 also has an adjustment mechanism 728 for changing the linear position of the block 720 relative to the body 702 to adjust the size of the loop to grip the cycle component 301. In the embodiment shown, the adjustment mechanism 728 is a rotatably mounted threaded member that is threaded in a hole in the block 720. Rotation of the rotatably mounted threaded member 728 about its axis causes movement of the block 720 along the axis of the rotatably mounted threaded member 728. In alternative embodiments, the adjustment mechanism 728 could be any other suitable mechanism, such as a mechanism incorporating a ratchet. Referring to Figure 11, the attachment device 700 has two spaced apart slots 724 in the body 702. The attachment device 700 has two linearly slideable blocks 720, one received in each slot 724. The attachment device 700 has two retaining members 704, one associated with each block 720. The attachment device has two adjustment mechanisms 728, one associated with each block 720. The block(s) 720 could have any suitable shape, and will generally have portions that project from the body 702 to couple to the retaining members 704. The body 702 has an arcuate surface 706 for engaging with a cycle component 301. In an embodiment, the arcuate surface has feet 712 formed from a soft and / or high friction material. In an embodiment, the feet 712 help to protect the component 301 of the cycle 300 from being scratched by the body 702. In an embodiment, the feet 712 help to provide friction between the body 702 and the component 301 of the cycle 300 so that the attachment device 700 is securely held against the cycle component 301. The body 702 has an aperture 708 for receiving a member for directly mounting the rack 800 to the attachment device 700. In the embodiment shown, the aperture 708 is adapted to receive a substantially cylindrical member of the rack 800. In alternative embodiments, the aperture 708 is adapted to receive a member of the rack 800 having any other suitable cross section, such as a rectangular, square, or oval cross section. At least one slot 709 extends from the aperture 708. In the embodiment shown, two slots 709 extend from the aperture 708. The body 702 has holes 710 for receiving fasteners to enable the rack 800 to be directly mounted to the attachment device 700. The holes 710 pass through the slots 709, such that fasteners received in the holes 710 draw the sides of the slots 709 together to clamp the rack 800 in place in the aperture 708. In an embodiment, the body 702 has one of an aperture 708 for receiving a member or a plurality of holes 710 for receiving fasteners. In an embodiment, a spacer having a substantially flat surface (not illustrated) is mounted to the rack 800 to provide a suitable surface for mounting to the attachment device 700. In the embodiment shown in Figure 11, the retaining member 704 has a flexible portion 714 with rigid hooks 716 at either end. In an alternative embodiment, the entire retaining member 704 is rigid and the hooks 716 are integrally formed. The hooks 716 are adapted to engage with end portions of a block 720. The block 720 is adapted to move within a slot 724 in the attachment device 700, with the end portions of the block 720 extending out of the slot 724. The end portions have recesses for receiving the hooks 716. When the retaining member 704 grips the cycle component 301, the hooks 716 are tightly retained in the recesses so that the hooks 716 cannot be disconnected from the block 720. The block 720 has a threaded hole for receiving a threaded fastener 728. The threaded fastener 728 is received by a hole in the body 702 and engages with the block 720. Turning the fastener 728 in a first direction moves the block 720 in a direction towards the arcuate surface 706 of the body 702. Turning the fastener 728 in a second direction moves the block 720 in a direction away from the arcuate surface 706 of the body 702. In the embodiment shown, the hooks 716 of the retaining member 704 have two apertures spaced apart at different distances from the ends of the flexible portion 714 of the retaining member 704. Hooking the hooks 716 onto the block 720 using different combinations of apertures enables the operative length of the retaining member 704 to be adjusted relative to the body 702, to accommodate different frame sizes. In alternative embodiments, the hooks 716 may have different numbers of apertures. For example, one, three, or four apertures. In an embodiment, the hooks 716 of the retaining member 704 can rotate relative to the block 720. This enables the retaining member 704 to align with the geometry of non- uniformly shaped cycle components 301, such as a cycle component having a tapered cross-section or a bent portion. This arrangement may provide a more secure connection to components having a non-uniform cross-section compared with known methods of connecting accessories to cycle components. The hooks 716 can also be rotated so that the retaining member 704 is positioned to avoid or accommodate variations in the geometry of cycle components, for example, lugs protruding from the rear stays of a bicycle frame. The cycle baggage mounting system 100 described above may enable loads to be carried on cycles for various applications, including leisure, touring on and off-road, computing and work purposes. The cycle baggage mounting system 100 may also enable loads to be carried on different types and styles of cycles, including bicycles, tricycles, road bikes, mountain bikes, urban bikes, cross bikes, e-bikes, e-tricycles, motorcycles, and four- wheeled ‘quad’ bikes. The cycle baggage mounting system 100 may provide a modular system 100 that allows waterproof baggage 200 of various capacities to be interchangeably mounted in various positions on cycles, offering versatility to a user. For example, the baggage 200 may have a volume of about 9 litres, about 11 litres, or about 14 litres. The baggage 200 may be lightweight, robust and waterproof. The baggage 200 may be adapted to contain a range of goods, including compact tents, bed rolls, sleeping bags, cookers, food items and clothing that may be required by a user, for example, while touring. In addition, the baggage 200 may be adapted to carry work-related goods such as laptops, tablets, books, food, and work tools, such as shovels, trail tools, chainsaws, and the like. Furthermore, personal goods that may be required by a user, for example, for urban use such as commuting with work may be carried. Military or hunting goods can also be carried, including guns or bows. Emergency service goods can also be carried, such as first responder rescue kits or first aid equipment. Finally, the baggage 200 may be adapted to carry large or oversized goods, such as skis, snowboards and surfboards. The mounting bracket 400 may be securely and releasably mounted to a portion of the cycle 300, including the forks, handlebars and rear stays, or to a rack 800 operatively connected to a portion of the cycle 300. Preferred embodiments of the invention have been described by way of example only and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the claimed invention.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A cycle baggage mounting system for detachably mounting baggage to a cycle, the mounting system comprising: a mounting bracket adapted for mounting to the cycle or a rack attached to the cycle; a clamp member; and a load carrier adapted for rotation about a first axis and having a load-carrying surface to engage with the baggage, a support surface to cooperate with the mounting bracket, and a locator to cooperate with at least one engagement element on the mounting bracket and / or the clamp member to locate the load carrier on the mounting bracket, the locator comprising a cylindrical aperture sized and configured to rotationally receive the engagement element(s), the clamp member being selectively moveable between a released position in which the load carrier can rotate about the first axis and a clamped position in which the load carrier is clamped in any one of a non-finite number of angular adjustment positions relative to the mounting bracket.

2. The cycle baggage mounting system according to claim 1, wherein the mounting bracket comprises a sleeve defining a cylindrical bore that is sized to receive a portion of the cycle or rack attached to the cycle that is aligned with a second axis, the first and second axes being transverse to each other.

3. The cycle baggage mounting system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the mounting system includes one or more adjustment members that can be adjusted to move the clamp member from the released position to the clamped position.

4. The cycle baggage mounting system according to claim 3, wherein the adjustment member(s) also secure the mounting bracket to the cycle or the rack attached to the cycle.

5. The cycle baggage mounting system according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the adjustment member(s) are one or more fastener(s).

6. The cycle baggage mounting system according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein the load carrying surface defines a plane, and the clamp member, locator and mounting bracket are each offset from the plane to avoid abutting baggage on the load carrying surface.

7. The cycle baggage mounting system according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein the load carrier comprises a plurality of interconnected bars and the load carrying surface is formed from a portion of the surface of at least one of the bars.

8. The cycle baggage mounting system according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein the load carrier comprises a sheet or plate and one or more bars and the load carrying surface is formed at least partially from the bar(s).

9. The cycle baggage mounting system according to claim 8 when dependent on claim 6, wherein at least a portion of the plate is offset from the plane to avoid abutting baggage on the load carrying surface.

10. The cycle baggage mounting system according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the locator comprises the cylindrical aperture in the sheet or plate of the load carrier.

11. The cycle baggage mounting system according to any one of claims 1-10, wherein the locator comprises a collar on the load carrier that defines the cylindrical aperture.

12. The cycle baggage mounting system according to claim 11, wherein the collar is formed from a bar having a generally rectangular cross-section.

13. A mounting assembly comprising a cycle baggage mounting system as claimed in any one of claims 1-12 and a rack.

14. The mounting assembly according to claim 13, wherein the mounting assembly includes an attachment device for attaching the rack to a cycle. ^ 15. The mounting assembly according to claim 14, wherein the attachment device comprises: a body defining a slot and having a surface for engaging with a cycle component; a substantially linearly slideable block received in the slot, a portion of the block extending out of the slot; a retaining member connected to or connectable to the block, the retaining member forming or configured to form a loop extending at least partially around a cycle component, wherein an end of the retaining member is engageable with the portion of the block that extends out of the slot; and an adjustment mechanism for changing the linearposition of the block relative to the body to adjust the size of the loop to grip the cycle component; wherein the adjustment mechanism comprises a rotatably mounted threaded member and rotation of the rotatably mounted threaded member about its axis causes movement of the block along the axis of the rotatably mounted threaded member, wherein turning the rotatably mounted threaded member in a first direction moves the block in a direction towards the surface for engaging with a cycle component to increase a size of the loop, and wherein turning the rotatably mounted threaded member in a second direction moves the block in a direction away from the surface for engaging with a cycle component to reduce the size of the loop.

Images