Mounting device for a bicycle accessory, mounting system, and method of mounting

Abstract

Mounting device for releasably mounting a bicycle accessory to a bicycle rack which comprises a grippable portion, the mounting device comprising: an attachment structure configured for attaching the mounting device to the bicycle accessory; a gripper configured for receiving the grippable portion of the bicycle rack in a receiving space of the gripper, the gripper being changeable between a closed state and an open state, wherein in the closed state the gripper is configured to retain the grippable portion in the receiving space, wherein in the open state the gripper is configured to allow the grippable portion to enter or exit the receiving space; a locking mechanism for releasably locking the gripper in the closed state. One or more of such mounting devices may be comprised by a mounting system which further comprises the bicycle accessory, the bicycle rack, a guide rail and / or a support device.

Description

[0001] Title: Mounting device for a bicycle accessory, mounting system, and method of mounting

[0002] FIELD

[0003] The invention relates to mounting of a bicycle accessory to a bicycle rack.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Various methods are known for releasably mounting bicycle accessories such as bags and baskets to a bicycle rack. Generally, a bicycle rack is provided with several grippable portions which can be used for mounting a bicycle accessory thereto. Such grippable portions may for example form part of a frame of the bicycle rack. The releasable mounting enables a user to selectively use the bicycle accessory mounted or not mounted to the bicycle rack. For example, in case of a bag or a basket, a user may thus take the accessory with them while moving away from the bicycle and may remount the accessory to the bicycle rack upon their return to the bicycle.

[0006] While mounting a bicycle accessory using such grippable portions can have many advantages, it has been found that improvements are nevertheless desirable, in particular in terms of versatility and adjustability of the mounting.

[0007] SUMMARY

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide one or more improvements in the releasable mounting of a bicycle accessory to a bicycle rack. An object is to provide improved versatility and / or adjustability regarding such mounting. An object is to provide such mounting in a relatively user friendly way and / or at relatively low cost. An object is to at least provide an alternative. To that end, an aspect of the invention provides a mounting device for releasably mounting a bicycle accessory to a bicycle rack which comprises a grippable portion. The mounting device comprises: an attachment structure configured for attaching the mounting device to the bicycle accessory; a gripper configured for receiving the grippable portion of the bicycle rack in a receiving space of the gripper, the gripper being changeable between a closed state and an open state, wherein in the closed state the gripper is configured to retain the grippable portion in the receiving space, wherein in the open state the gripper is configured to allow the grippable portion to enter or exit the receiving space; and a locking mechanism for releasably locking the gripper in the closed state.

[0009] Such a mounting device advantageously provides increased versatility and adjustability regarding mounting of a bicycle accessory to a bicycle rack, in particular for bicycle accessories which do not have integrated means for mounting to such a bicycle rack, or whose means for mounting are fixedly positioned and / or oriented during manufacturing.

[0010] For example, the mounting device can be attached to the bicycle accessory, e.g. by a user, in such a way so as to match one or more positions and / or orientations of grippable portions of the bicycle rack to which the accessory is to be mounted, and / or in such as way so as to define or adjust a desired position and / or orientation of the mounted bicycle accessory with respect to the bicycle rack.

[0011] The attachment structure can be realized in various ways, as will be explained further herein. Attaching the mounting device to the bicycle accessory may comprise fixedly attaching the mounting device to the bicycle accessory. Preferably, the mounting device is adjustably and / or releasably attached to the bicycle accessory, so that a relatively high versatility and adjustability are maintained even after initial use. Meanwhile, the attaching is preferably such that the position and / or orientation of the mounting device with respect to the bicycle accessory is at least selectively stable, e.g. by releasable fastening, so as to provide a substantially stiff connection between the mounting device and the bicycle accessory during use.

[0012] Also the gripper and the locking mechanism can be realized in various ways, as will be explained further herein.

[0013] Optionally, the gripper comprises a jaw which is movable between a closed position and an open position, wherein in the closed state the jaw is in the closed position, wherein in the open state the jaw is in the open position, wherein the gripper is changeable between the closed state and the open state by moving the jaw between the closed position and the open position.

[0014] A relatively simple yet effective gripper can thus be provided. For example, the jaw may be configured to move between the closed and open positions with respect to a counter structure, wherein the receiving space is defined between the jaw and the counter structure. Such a counter structure may be substantially fixed, in particular with respect to the attachment structure. Alternatively or additionally, a movable counter structure, e.g. a further jaw, may be provided.

[0015] Optionally, the gripper comprises a plurality of such jaws, for example opposite each other and / or acting in opposite directions.

[0016] Optionally, the jaw is configured to be movable from the open position to the closed position by moving the grippable portion into the receiving space.

[0017] In this way, when the grippable portion moves into the receiving space, the jaw automatically closes to retain the grippable portion. Thus, no further user action may be necessary to secure the grippable portion within the receiving space.

[0018] Optionally, the jaw is provided with an arm, in particular a lever arm, which extends into and / or along the receiving space in the open position so as to be engaged by the grippable portion when the grippable portion is moved into the receiving space.

[0019] Such an arm can advantageously help to convert a translational movement of the grippable portion into the receiving space to a rotational movement of the jaw. For example, the arm may be integrally formed with the a main part of the jaw so as to be rotationally coupled thereto. The arm may extend at an angle, for example about a right angle, with the main body of the jaw. A rotational axis of the jaw may extend transverse to a plane defined by main directions of the arm and the main body of the jaw. Thus, for example, when the arm is rotated back into the receiving space by insertion of the grippable portion, the main body of the jaw may thereby rotate upwards or downwards towards the grippable portion in the receiving space.

[0020] Advantageously, the gripper may be biased, at least partly biased, towards the open state. The optional jaw may then be at least partly biased towards the open position. In this way, the gripper can normally be maintained in state wherein it is ready to receive the grippable portion, thus making it particularly easy for a user to mount the bicycle accessory to the rack. Moreover, such biasing can make it easier for a user to release the bicycle accessory from the rack: when the gripper is not locked in the closed state, it may then tend to move towards the open state so that the grippable portion can thereby more easily move out of the receiving space of the gripper.

[0021] Meanwhile, to facilitate the mounting, the gripper may additionally or alternatively be at least partly biased towards the closed state. In a particularly advantageous elaboration, the gripper is partly biased towards the closed state and partly biased towards the open state, for example biased away from an intermediate state which is somewhere between the closed state and the open state, for example about halfway therebetween, or more towards the closed state, or more towards the open state. Such an intermediate state may correspond to an intermediate position of the optional jaw between its closed position and its open position.

[0022] Such biasing of the gripper, in particular of the jaw, may be provided by a correspondingly configured biasing means of the gripper and / or the jaw, for example one or more biasing springs.

[0023] Further alternatively or additionally, the gripper may be configured to change towards its open state under influence of gravity, in particular under a weight of the optional jaw. For example, when the jaw is not locked in the closed position, it may normally fall towards its open position under its own weight. Thus, a corresponding biasing means is not strictly necessary to enable the gripper to normally be in its open state, i.e. in the absence of actuation and / or locking. Advantageously, the gripper may thus be configured to normally be in its open state.

[0024] Optionally, the locking mechanism comprises a locking element which is movable between a locking position and a releasing position, wherein in the locking position the locking element is configured to retain the jaw in the closed position, wherein in the releasing position the locking element is configured to allow the jaw to move from the closed position to the open position.

[0025] Such a locking element can provide a reliable locking mechanism which is easy to use.

[0026] The locking element may be or comprise one or more of: a locking cam, a locking bolt, a locking hook, a locking lip, a locking bar, a locking arm, a locking prong and a locking ridge.

[0027] The locking element may for example be configured to engage an end of the arm of the jaw, so that the arm can be latched behind the locking element. The end of the arm may thereto be provided with a suitable engagement structure, e.g. a notch and / or an abutment face which can abut against the locking element in its locking position. Optionally, the locking element is biased towards the locking position. To that end, the locking element is preferably provided with a biasing means, for example a biasing spring, so that the locking element normally retains the jaw in the closed position, i.e. unless a deliberate user action causes the locking element to move to its releasing position, against the biasing.

[0028] Optionally, the locking mechanism comprises an operating element coupled to the locking element and configured for moving the locking element between the locking position and the releasing position from outside the receiving space.

[0029] Such an operating element may for example be formed at a second end of the locking element opposite a first end thereof which is configured to engage the jaw in the locking position. The operating element may extend outside a housing of the mounting device which housing at least partly defines the receiving space, for example extending on a side of said housing, so as to be operable by a user.

[0030] Optionally, the operating element of the locking mechanism is coupled to the jaw, for example via one or more biasing means such as the optional biasing means of the locking element and / or the optional biasing means of the jaw. In this way, the jaw may be urged towards the open state by actuating the operating element to move the locking element to its releasing position. To that end, the optional biasing means of the locking element and the jaw may be coupled, e.g. being integrally formed, so that a tensioning of the biasing means of the locking element by actuation of the operating element can be transmitted to the biasing means of the jaw, whereby a biasing of the jaw towards the open position is caused and / or increased.

[0031] Optionally, the gripper comprises at least one interchangeable fitting element which is configured to dimension the receiving space in accordance with a corresponding dimension, e.g. thickness or cross sectional width or height, of the grippable portion.

[0032] Such an interchangeable fitting element may for example be arranged at and / or opposite the jaw of the gripper. Different interchangeable fitting elements with different dimensions, e.g. thicknesses, can be provided to thereby selectively adjust a dimension, e.g. height or radius, of the receiving space, in particular in dependence of a corresponding dimension of the grippable portion. The fitting element may be interchangeably mountable to the gripper in various ways, e.g. by a resilient plug which extends from a reverse side of the fitting element into a corresponding hole in the gripper.

[0033] The mounting device may be configured to enable the gripper to be secured in the locked state, in particular to enable the locking element to be secured in the locking position.

[0034] Advantageously, a mounted bicycle accessory may thereby be secured to the bicycle rack, i.e. so that release of the accessory from the rack is made dependent on some authorization such as by a key or a code. In this way, theft of the bicycle accessory from the bicycle rack can be prevented, at least be made more difficult.

[0035] For example, the mounting device may be configured so as to allow a securing pin to be extended therethrough so as to inhibit the locking element from reaching the releasing position. Such a securing pin may form part of, and / or be configured to cooperate with, a securing mechanism, for example a padlock. Alternatively or additionally, the mounting device may itself comprise a securing mechanism which is e.g. operable by a key or a code.

[0036] Optionally, the attachment structure of the mounting device comprises a through hole which, at one end thereof, opens towards the bicycle accessory during use, and which is configured for receiving a fastening means therethrough so as to allow the received fastening means to be fastened to the bicycle accessory for thereby attaching the mounting device to the bicycle accessory.

[0037] A relatively simple yet effective and versatile attachment structure can thus be provided. Various fastening means can be used, for example a threaded bolt or a screw.

[0038] The through hole may be beveled or tapered, widening towards a front end which during use faces away from the bicycle accessory, so as to stably and centrally receive an optional beveled or tapered head of the fastening means.

[0039] Optionally, the attachment structure comprises at least one slot which is configured for slideably receiving a guide rail therein, which guide rail is attachable to the bicycle accessory so as to allow attachment of the mounting device to the bicycle accessory via the guide rail.

[0040] In this way, the mounting device can conveniently be adjusted along the guide rail to adjust its position and / or orientation with respect to the bicycle accessory. Thus, a large number of possible mounting device positions can be provided, and a user can easily and finely readjust the mounted position of the bicycle accessory with respect to the rack as desired.

[0041] Optionally, the at least one slot is provided along an outer face of the mounting device, which outer face faces away from the gripper.

[0042] Thus, the mounting device can advantageously be adjusted transversely to a direction in which the grippable portion is normally introduced into the receiving space.

[0043] The guide rail is preferably configured to be attached to the bicycle accessory, for example via one or more through holes and / or other attachment structures in the guide rail. The guide rail may comprise an entry section which is configured to introduce the mounting device to the guide rail, in particular to engage the at least one slot with a guiding structure of the guide rail. The entry section may for example be arranged centrally along the guide rail. To couple the mounting device to the guide rail, the mounting device may first be positioned at the entry section, whereafter the mounting device may be slid along the guide rail so as to cause engagement between a guiding structure of the guide rail and the at least one slot of the mounting device. Once the mounting device reaches a desired position along the guide rail, it may be fastened in position e.g. by a fastening means which extends through the through hole of the mounting device and e.g. engages a counter fastening means, for example in the form of a threaded nut which is positionable on a reverse side of the guide rail with respect to the mounting device. If and when desired, a mounting device which is thus coupled to the guide rail may subsequently be removed from the guide rail essentially by reversing the steps described above.

[0044] A further aspect provides a mounting system comprising at least one mounting device as described herein. The mounting system further comprises at least one, preferably some, more preferably each, of: the bicycle accessory, wherein the mounting device is attached, at least attachable, to the bicycle accessory via the attachment structure; the bicycle rack which comprises the grippable portion; the guide rail; and a linking device.

[0045] The optional linking device comprises a respective attachment structure configured for attaching the linking device to the bicycle accessory independently from the at least one mounting device and at least one linking structure, for example a hook, for movably, e.g. slidably and / or pivotably, linking the linking device to a further portion of the bicycle rack.

[0046] The linking device is preferably adjustable so as to be able to accommodate a variety of further portions of bicycle racks.

[0047] As a possible alternative to the linking device or the support structure, a connection and / or stabilization between the bicycle accessory and the rack may be provided by other means, in particular at a distance from the one or more mounting devices. For example, one or more hook-and- loop strips or the-like may be used to releasably and / or adjustably connect the bicycle accessory to the rack, for example at a distance below the one or more mounting devices. As a further possible alternative, the bicycle accessory may be mounted to the rack by connections between mounting devices and grippable portions only.

[0048] Optionally, the number of mounting devices of the at least one mounting device is at least two. In that case the number of grippable portions is preferably also at least two, for example two or three. Nevertheless it shall be understood that the number of grippable portions need not correspond to the number of mounting devices. Rather, many known bicycle racks may be considered as comprising many grippable portions, which may or may not be mutually distinct. For example, a single frame section of a bicycle rack may be considered as comprising two or more grippable portions.

[0049] As one example, two mounting devices may be adjustably coupled to a same guide rail, in particular mutually spaced apart along the guide rail. A particularly stable mounting of the bicycle accessory can thus be provided, in particular in combination with the optional linking device which may be positioned at a distance from the two mounting devices to provide a particularly stable three-point mounting.

[0050] Optionally, the at least two mounting devices are attached to the bicycle accessory at respective positions which correspond to positions of respective grippable portions of the bicycle rack, in particular with a mutual distance which corresponds to a distance between grippable portions.

[0051] As alluded to above, such positions can be realized by adjustment along the optional guide rail, for example. Alternatively or additionally, the position and / or orientation of the guide rail itself with respect to the bicycle accessory may be adjusted, for example by reattaching the guide rail.

[0052] Optionally, the mounting system further comprises a common handle which is coupled, at least couplable, to respective operating elements of the mounting devices so as to enable single-handed simultaneous movement of the locking elements of the mounting devices to their releasing positions by movement, in particular lifting, of the common handle.

[0053] Advantageously, such a common handle may be substantially in the form of, and / or may be used as, a general carrying handle for the bicycle accessory, so that a user can essentially release a mounted bicycle accessory form the rack by lifting and / or tilting the bicycle accessory by said common handle.

[0054] Optionally, the bicycle accessory comprises a plurality of respective attachment structures, for example threaded holes, configured for attachment of at least one mounting device and / or a linking device and / or a guide rail thereto, in particular selectively at one or more of a plurality of predefined positions and / or selectively in one or more of a plurality of predefined orientations with respect to the bicycle accessory, so as to match two or more positions and / or orientations of grippable and / or linkable portions of the bicycle rack and / or so as to enable a definition of a mounted position of the bicycle accessory with respect to the bicycle rack.

[0055] It shall be understood that the at least one mounting device may be attached to such an attachment structure of the bicycle accessory with or without a guide rail therebetween. The use of a guide rail is however preferred to enable easy adjustment, in particular without requiring a large number of attachment structures in the bicycle accessory.

[0056] Optionally, the attachment structures of the bicycle accessory are arranged in a reinforcement structure of the bicycle accessory. Preferably, the reinforcement structure is or can be fixedly or releasably arranged on an outer side of the bicycle accessory, for example on an outer back side thereof, in particular so as to be accessible and / or visible from outside the bicycle accessory.

[0057] For example, the reinforcement structure may be or comprise a reinforcement plate, one or more ribs, and / or one or more frames. The reinforcement structure preferably imposes a relatively stiff connection between the attachment structures of the bicycle accessory so as to enable said attachment structures to have relatively stable positions with respect to each other, thus aiding in easy and stable mounting of the bicycle accessory to the rack. The reinforcement structure may for example be T- shaped or I-shaped or H-shaped. The reinforcement structure provides stiffness to the bicycle accessory and provides for load distribution from the mounting devices connected thereto.

[0058] Optionally, the bicycle accessory is or comprises a container, for example a bag or a basket, for transporting goods on the bicycle rack.

[0059] Such a container can advantageously continue to be functional, in particular hold items therein, while it is mounted to and released from the rack using the mounting system. Advantageously, the bicycle accessory is provided with at least one mounting device.

[0060] A further aspect provides a method of releasably mounting a bicycle accessory to a bicycle rack which comprises a grippable portion. The method comprises: attaching at least one mounting device as described herein to the bicycle accessory using the attachment structure; and causing the grippable portion to be received in the receiving space of the gripper, wherein the gripper is releasably locked in the closed state using the locking mechanism.

[0061] Such a method provides above mentioned advantages. As alluded to above, preferably at least two grippable portions are received and releasably locked in respective receiving spaces of corresponding at least two mounting devices.

[0062] Causing the at least one grippable portion to be received in the receiving space may advantageously urge the gripper towards the closed state. In particular, the gripper may thus be urged towards the closed state against an at least partial biasing of the gripper towards the open state.

[0063] Such urging may use engagement between the grippable portion and the optional arm of the optional jaw of the gripper. In particular, when the grippable portion is moved into the receiving space, the grippable portion may thereby push the arm, e.g. against a biasing, to thereby move the jaw to its closed position. With the jaw thus in the closed position, the gripper is in the closed state and can be locked in that state by the locking mechanism. Such locking may ensue essentially automatically when the jaw reaches the closed position, in particular in case the optional locking element is biased towards the locking position.

[0064] Thus, mounting the bicycle accessory to the bicycle rack can be made particularly easy yet robust, wherein essentially a single movement of the bicycle accessory towards the bicycle rack can cause the grippable portion to be locked in the receiving space, in particular without any other user action being required.

[0065] Optionally, the method further comprises, prior to causing the grippable portion to be received in the receiving space: attaching to the bicycle accessory a linking device which comprises a respective attachment structure configured for attaching the linking device to the bicycle accessory independently from the at least one mounting device and at least one linking structure for movably linking the linking device to a further portion of the bicycle rack; and movably linking the attached linking device, and thereby the bicycle accessory, to the further portion of the bicycle rack.

[0066] If and when desired, a bicycle accessory may be secured to the rack in its mounted state, in particular by inserting the securing pin through corresponding through holes of the mounting devices and by subsequently securing the securing pin, for example by connecting a padlock to an end of the securing pin.

[0067] A particularly versatile and easy to use method is thus provided for releasably mounting a bicycle accessory, such as a basket or a bag, to a bicycle rack. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0068] In the following, the invention will be explained further using exemplary embodiments and drawings. The drawings are schematic and merely show examples. In the drawings, corresponding elements have been provided with corresponding reference signs. In the drawings,

[0069] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of an exemplary bicycle rack;

[0070] Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of an exemplary assembly comprising a bicycle accessory two mounting devices and a linking device;

[0071] Fig. 3A shows perspective view of an exemplary mounting device, wherein the gripper is in the closed state;

[0072] Fig. 3B shows a cross sectional side view of the mounting device of Fig. 3 A;

[0073] Fig. 3C shows a cross sectional side view of the mounting device of Figs. 3A-B, wherein the gripper is in the open state;

[0074] Fig. 3D shows a cross sectional side view of the mounting device of Figs. 3A-C, wherein the gripper is in an intermediate state in contact with a locking element of the locking mechanism;

[0075] Fig. 4A shows a perspective view of a further exemplary mounting device with the gripper in the closed state, the mounting device being provided with interchangeable fitting elements;

[0076] Figs. 4B and 4C each show a cross sectional side view of the mounting device of Fig. 4A;

[0077] Fig. 4D shows a side view of parts of the gripper of the mounting device of Figs. 4A-C;

[0078] Fig. 5 shows a front view of an exemplary assembly comprising a reinforcement structure of the bicycle accessory, a guide rail, two mounting devices, a common handle, a securing pin, and a linking device;

[0079] Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of an exemplary assembly comprising a guide rail and two mounting devices; Figs. 7A-C each show a perspective view of the assembly of Fig. 6, viewed from an opposite direction compared to Fig. 6, wherein one of the mounting devices is in different positions with respect to the guide rail in each of Figs. 7A-C;

[0080] Fig. 8A is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary linking device;

[0081] Fig. 8B shows a front view of the linking device of Fig. 8A;

[0082] Fig. 8C shows a top view of the linking device of Figs. 8A-B;

[0083] Fig. 9 shows a perspective view of an exemplary bicycle accessory partly mounted to an exemplary bicycle rack;

[0084] Fig. 10 shows a perspective view of the bicycle accessory and bicycle rack of Fig. 9, wherein the bicycle accessory is fully mounted to the bicycle rack;

[0085] Fig. 11 shows a perspective rear view of an exemplary reinforcement structure;

[0086] Figs. 12 and 13 each show a perspective rear view of part of the reinforcement structure of Fig. 11, wherein respectively fastening nuts and caps are arranged on fastening portions of the reinforcement structure;

[0087] Fig. 14 shows a cross sectional side view of a top section of an exemplary bicycle accessory which is provided with the reinforcement structure of Fig. 11; and

[0088] Figs. 15A and 15B each show a perspective partly opened view of a further exemplary mounting device with the gripper in the closed state.

[0089] Fig. 1 shows an exemplary bicycle rack 3 which comprises, as many known bicycle racks do, several grippable portions 4 and / or one or more linkable portions 24. A bicycle accessory 2 such as a bag can be mounted to such a bicycle rack 3 using at least the grippable portions 4 and one or more exemplary mounting devices 1, as will be explained further herein. Fig. 2 shows an assembly which includes such a bicycle accessory 2, here a bag, and two mounting devices 1 which are configured for releasably mounting the bicycle accessory 2 to the bicycle rack 3.

[0090] In this example the bicycle accessory 2 comprises a container, in particular a bag, for transporting goods on the bicycle rack 3.

[0091] The mounting devices 1 may be configured as shown in Figs. 3A-D and / or as shown in Figs. 4A-D.

[0092] Elements of the mounting device 1 as indicated in Figs. 3A-D can correspondingly be seen in Figs. 4A-D. For clarity of the drawings, not all corresponding elements have always been provided with reference signs in each of Figs. 3A to 4D.

[0093] Thus, each mounting device 1 comprises an attachment structure 5 configured for attaching the mounting device 1 to the bicycle accessory 2, which attaching can be either directly or indirectly. Here, the attachment structure 5 comprises a through hole 14 and two slots 16, as will be explained further herein.

[0094] The mounting device 1 comprises a gripper 6 configured for receiving the grippable portion 4 of the bicycle rack 3 in a receiving space 7 of the gripper 6. The gripper 6 is changeable between a closed state (see Figs. 3A-B, 4A-C) and an open state (see Fig. 3C, also Fig. 9). In the closed state, the gripper 6 is configured to retain the grippable portion 4 in the receiving space 7. In the open state, the gripper 6 is configured to allow the grippable portion 4 to enter or exit the receiving space 7. The mounting device 1 further comprises a locking mechanism 8 for releasably locking the gripper 6 in the closed state.

[0095] The gripper 6 here comprises a jaw 9 which is movable between a closed position (see Figs. 3A-B, 4A-C) and an open position (see Fig. 3C, also Fig. 9), in particular hingeable about a respective rotation axis J. In the closed state the jaw 9 is in the closed position, wherein in the open state the jaw 9 is in the open position. The gripper 6 is changeable between the closed state and the open state by moving the jaw 9 between the closed position and the open position. Fig. 3D shows the jaw 9 in an intermediate position between the closed position and the open position.

[0096] In particular, the jaw 9 is here configured to move between the closed and open positions with respect to a counter structure 44, wherein the receiving space 7 is defined between the jaw 9 and the counter structure 44, at least when the jaw 9 is in the closed position. The shown counter structure 44 is substantially fixed, in particular with respect to the attachment structure 5. Alternatively or additionally, a movable counter structure, e.g. a further jaw, may be provided.

[0097] It can be seen that the jaw 9 is here configured to be movable from the open position to the closed position by moving the grippable portion 4 into the receiving space 7. In the shown examples, the jaw 9 is thereto provided with an arm 10 which extends into and / or along the receiving space 7 in the open position so as to be engaged by the grippable portion 4 when the grippable portion 4 is moved into the receiving space 7.

[0098] In the examples shown in Figs. 3A-D and 4A-D, the jaw 9 is provided with a respective dual biasing spring 43 which is configured to bias the jaw 9 towards both the open position and the closed position, in other words biasing away from one or more intermediate positions therebetween. In this way, the jaw 9 can normally stably remain in either of said open and closed positions, unless deliberately actuated e.g. by insertion of the grippable portion 4 into the receiving space 7 and / or by a user pulling the mounting device 1 away from the rack 3.

[0099] The biasing spring 43 of Figs. 3A-D and 4A-D may be formed as a substantially C-shaped spring element, e.g. metal plate or wire, of which one end is coupled to the jaw 9 and another end is coupled to a main body or housing of the mounting device 1, and thereby in particular to a counter structure 44 for the jaw 9. In an alternative configuration shown in Figs. 15A-B, the biasing spring 43 of the jaw 9 is configured to bias the jaw 9 towards the open position away from the closed position. In this example, the biasing spring 43 is formed similar to the biasing spring 27 (also shown in Figs. 15A-B), wherein the loop or coil of this spring 27 is held in place by a hinging pin J of the jaw 9. Meanwhile one of the two arms of the spring is coupled to the jaw 9, here to the arm 10 of the jaw 9, and another one of the two arms of the spring is coupled to the main body or housing of the mounting device 1, and thereby in particular to the counter structure 44 for the jaw 9. In this way, when the arm 10 of the jaw 9 is pushed towards the closed position (shown in Figs. 15A-B), e.g. by moving the grippable portion 4 into the receiving space 7, the arms of this spring 43 are forced towards each other, thereby tensioning the central loop or coil which connects them. This tensioning in turn results in a biasing force which is directed to push the arm 10 away from the main body of the device 1, thus biasing the jaw 9 towards its open position. The biasing spring can be formed by a spring wire or a spring blade. In the example of Figs. 15A-15B there is a single spring connected to the attachment structure through the locking element 12, over the protrusion of the counter structure 44 to the hinging pin J. Alternatively, two springs may be provided, such as for example shown in Figs. 4A-4D, with a first spring 27 connected to the attachment structure and the counter structure, and a second spring 43 mounted to the hinging pin J. In a further alternative, one a single spring can be provided, or, even no spring can be provided. When there is no spring, locking is done via the interconnection of interlocking elements on locking element 11 and on arm 10, the interconnecting elements can for example be embodied as a hook on locking element 11 and a hook on arm 10 of the jaw 9. It is appreciated that other embodiments of the interlocking elements are possible, e.g. as a finger. The jaw 9 falls to the open position under influence of gravity only. Thus, various ways are shown in which the gripper 6 can be configured to normally be in its open state. Moreover, it can be seen that as an alternative or additional option, the jaw 9 of the gripper 6 may normally fall towards its open position under its own weight, i.e. unless otherwise actuated and / or locked.

[0100] In the shown examples, the locking mechanism 8 comprises a locking element 11 which is movable between a locking position and a releasing position. Figs. 3B-D and 4B-C show the locking element 11 in the locking position. In the releasing position, the locking element 11 is upwardly displaced in the view of Figs. 3B-D and 4B-C. In the locking position the locking element 11 is configured to retain the jaw 9 in the closed position, wherein in the releasing position the locking element 11 is configured to allow the jaw 9 to move from the closed position to the open position. Here, when the locking element is in the releasing position, the end of the arm 10 can pass along the locking element 11 when the jaw 9 moves between the open position and the closed position.

[0101] The locking element 11 is preferably biased towards the locking position. In the shown examples, the biasing is provided by a biasing spring 27 which can be seen in Figs. 4C-D. It shall be appreciated that the same biasing spring is present in e.g. Figs. 3A-D and 4A-B, however there the biasing spring is less or not visible due to the respective views of those figures. Meanwhile, a corresponding biasing spring 27 can be seen in Figs. 15A-B, which show a further example of a mounting device 1.

[0102] As best seen in Figs. 15A-B, the shown exemplary biasing springs 27 comprises a loop or coil and two arms extending from respective ends thereof. The loop or coil has is here retained by a pin (not shown) which also connects two lateral main body parts of the mounting device 1. One of such two body parts is shown in the partially opened views of Fig. 15A-B. One of the arms, shown towards a top of the device 1 in Figs. 15A-B, is also coupled with a main body or housing of the mounting device 1, which here comprises both the attachment structure 5 and the counter structure 44 for the jaw 9. In this way the spring 27 is essentially blocked from rotating or shifting upwardly as a whole. Another one of the arms, shown further downward in Figs. 15A-B, is coupled with the locking element 11 (as well as with an operating element 12 which is explained elsewhere in this description). In this way, when the locking element 11 moves upward, the two arms of the spring 27 are forced towards each other, thereby tensioning the central coil or loop which connects them. This tensioning in return causes a downwardly biasing of the locking element 11, i.e. towards its locking position. The biasing spring 27 is for example made from a piece of metal, e.g. a curved piece of metal wire.

[0103] In the shown examples, the locking mechanism 8 further comprises an operating element 12 coupled to the locking element 11 and configured for moving the locking element 11 between the locking position and the releasing position, in particular from the locking position to the releasing position, from outside the receiving space 7. Here the operating element 12 is formed at a second end of the locking element 11 opposite a first end thereof which is configured to engage the arm 10 of the jaw 9 in the locking position. The operating element 12 here extends outside a housing of the mounting device 1, in particular extending from a top side of said housing.

[0104] In the shown examples, as best seen in Figs. 15A-B, the operating element 12 is integrally formed with the locking element 11, thus providing a fixed coupling therebetween. Nevertheless it will be appreciated that different ways of coupling are possible, for example using a hinge or a lever.

[0105] With continued reference to Figs. 15A-B, the operating element 12 may be coupled to the jaw 9 so that the jaw 9 is urged towards its open position when the operating element 12 is actuated, here moved upward, to move the locking element 11 to its releasing position. In particular, the biasing springs 27 and 43 of the locking element 11 and the jaw 9 can thereto be integrally formed, e.g. from a continuous piece of metal. In this way, advantageously, a biasing of the jaw 9 towards its open position may be automatically strengthened when the operating element 12 is actuated to release the jaw 9, thereby making it easier for a user to release the bicycle accessory 2 from the rack 3.

[0106] Preferably, as best seen in Figs. 4A-D, the gripper 6 comprises one or more, here two, interchangeable fitting elements 13 which are configured to dimension the receiving space? in accordance with a corresponding dimension of the grippable portion 4. The fitting elements 13 may be made from a resilient material so as to promote a robust clamping of the mounting device 1 onto the grippable portion 4. As shown in Figs. 4A-D, one or more of the fitting elements 13 may additionally or alternatively be provided with a profiled contact surface to promote friction between the fitting element 13 and the grippable portion 4.

[0107] In the shown examples, the attachment structure 5 comprises a through hole 14 (indicated e.g. in Fig. 3B) which, at one end 15 thereof, opens towards the bicycle accessory 2 during use, and which is configured for receiving a fastening means, e.g. a fastening bolt or a screw, therethrough so as to allow the received fastening means to be fastened to the bicycle accessory 2, e.g. directly or indirectly, for thereby attaching the mounting device 1 to the bicycle accessory 2.

[0108] The through hole 14 here opens towards a front side of the mounting device 1 at another end thereof, so that a fastening means can be inserted in the through hole 14 from the front side. The through hole 14 is in this case beveled or tapered, becoming wider towards the end which opens towards the front side of the mounting device 1, so as to stably and centrally receive a head of a fastening bolt or screw, for example.

[0109] For clarity of the drawings, fastening means such as threaded bolts 40 have in some instances not been shown and / or indicated in the drawings. Nevertheless, the skilled person having the benefit of the present disclosure will readily understand their appropriate application in the context of the present teachings.

[0110] The shown attachment structure 5 of the mounting device 1 further comprises two slots 16 which are configured for slideably receiving a guide rail 17 therein. The slots 16 are provided along an outer face 18 of the mounting device 1, which outer face 18 faces away from the gripper 6.

[0111] With reference to Fig. 5, the guide rail 17 can be attached to the bicycle accessory 2, in particular to a reinforcement structure 25 thereof, so as to allow attachment of the mounting device 1 to the bicycle accessory 2 via the guide rail 17. To that end, two through holes are provided in the guide rail 17 as respective attachment structures 36 through which e.g. threaded fastening bolts 40 can be received.

[0112] With reference to Figs. 7A-C, the exemplary guide rail 17 comprises a central entry section 37 which is configured to introduce the mounting device 1 to the guide rail 17, in particular to engage the slots 16 with guiding structures 38 of the guide rail 17. To couple the mounting device 1 to the guide rail 17, the mounting device 1 may first be moved towards and positioned at the entry section 37, thus from the position in Fig. 7A to the position in Fig. 7B. Thereafter, the mounting device 1 may be slid along the guide rail 17 so as to cause engagement between guiding structures 38 of the guide rail 17 and slots 16 of the mounting device 1, thus from the position in Fig. 8B to the position in Fig. 8C. Once the mounting device 1 reaches a desired position along the guide rail 17, it may be fastened in position e.g. by a fastening means, e.g. a threaded fastening bolt 40, which extends through the through hole 14 of the mounting device 1 and engages a respective counter fastening means, in this example a square nut 39 (see Fig. 7C) which is positionable on a reverse side of the guide rail 17 with respect to the mounting device 1.

[0113] An exemplary mounting system comprises: two mounting devices 1; the bicycle accessory 2, wherein the mounting devices 1 are attached, at least attachable, to the bicycle accessory 2 via their attachment structure 5; the bicycle rack 3 which comprises the grippable portion 4; the securing pin 25; the guide rail 17; and a linking device 19. Alternatively, a mounting system may comprise a different number of mounting devices and may or may not comprise any, some or all of the other mentioned components.

[0114] The optional linking device 19 is shown in Fig. 5, 9 and 10, and in more detail in Figs. 8A-C. It comprises a respective attachment structure 20, here two through holes, configured for attaching the linking device 19 to the bicycle accessory 2 independently from the at least one mounting device 1. The linking device 19 further comprises at least one linking structure 21 for movably, e.g. pivotably and / or slidably, linking the linking device 19 to a further portion of the bicycle rack 3.

[0115] It can be seen e.g. in Fig. 8B that the position and / or orientation of the linking structure 21 can be adjusted using an adjustment mechanism 41. In particular, a connecting position of the linking structure 21 can thereby be adjusted along a track which extends along a trajectory between two ends of the attachment structure 20. Said trajectory is here substantially angled, having a boomerang-like shape, but may alternatively be straight and / or curved, for example. Moreover, as indicated by the dashed circle in Fig. 8B, an orientation and / or direction of the linking structure 21 can be rotatably adjusted about a rotation axis which coincides with the connecting position of the linking structure 21. Thus, a wide range of possible positions and orientations is possible, depending on an adjustment which can be performed e.g. by a user.

[0116] In Fig. 8C it can be seen that the linking structure 21 may comprise a resilient part 42 which can promote that the linkable portion 24 of the bicycle rack 3 is normally retained by the linking structure 21, i.e. unless actuated e.g. by a deliberate user action.

[0117] During use, to allow the bicycle accessory 2 to be mounted to the rack 3, the two mounting devices 1 are attached to the bicycle accessory 2 at respective positions which correspond to positions and / or orientations of respective grippable portions 4 of the bicycle rack 3, for example with a mutual distance which corresponds to a distance between grippable portions 4. As one example, as explained herein with reference to Figs. 5-6 and 7A-C, two mounting devices 1 may be adjustably coupled to a same guide rail 17, in particular mutually spaced apart along the guide rail 17.

[0118] The mounting system may further comprise a common handle 22 (see e.g. Fig. 5) which is coupled, at least couplable, to respective operating elements 12 of the mounting devices 1 so as to enable single-handed simultaneous movement of the locking elements 11 of the mounting devices 1 to their releasing positions by a lifting movement of the common handle 22. Here, the common handle 22 is in the form of, and may be used as, a general carrying handle for the bicycle accessory 2, so that a user can essentially release a mounted bicycle accessory 2 from the rack 3 by lifting and / or tilting the bicycle accessory 2 by said common handle 22.

[0119] With reference to Figs. 5 and 14, the bicycle accessory 2 preferably comprises a plurality of respective attachment structures 23 configured for direct and / or indirect attachment of: at least one mounting device 1 and / or a linking device 19 and / or a guide rail 17 thereto, e.g. using threaded bolts 40. In particular, such system components may thus be selectively attached at one or more of a plurality of predefined positions and / or selectively in one or more of a plurality of predefined orientations with respect to the bicycle accessory 2. In this way, two or more positions and / or orientations of grippable and / or linkable portions 4, 24 of the bicycle rack 3 can be matched. Additionally or alternatively, a mounted position and / or orientation of the bicycle accessory 2 with respect to the bicycle rack 3 can thereby be selected or defined, e.g. by a user.

[0120] In particular, as indicated in Fig. 5, in this example three different options A, B, C are provided for mounting the guide rail 17, on which in turn mounting devices 1 can adjustably be arranged. Depending on the selected option A, B or C, the guide rail 17 extends at a different angle with respect to the reinforcement structure 25 of the bicycle accessory 2, so that, in dependence of positions of the grippable portions 4, a desired mounted orientation of the bicycle accessory 2 may be selected by selecting a corresponding one of the options A, B, C.

[0121] The mounting devices 1 may thus be attached to the bicycle accessory 2 in various ways, at various positions and in various orientations. Thus, a highly versatile mounting solution can be provided.

[0122] The attachment structures 23 of the bicycle accessory 2 are here arranged in a reinforcement structure 25 of the bicycle accessory 2, the reinforcement structure 25 preferably being fixedly or releasably arranged on an outer side of the bicycle accessory 2, for example on an outer back side thereof as shown in Fig. 2. In the shown example, the reinforcement structure 25 is advantageously arranged in a corresponding recess which is formed between sections of padding 26 which are provided on an outer back side of the bicycle accessory 2, the padding 26 promoting user comfort when the bicycle accessory 2 is used as a back pack or the-like. Here the reinforcement structure 25 and the corresponding recess are substantially T-shaped or rotated-H-shaped, having a relatively narrow central section which during normal use extends downward from a relatively wide top section, preferably ending at a bottom section which is again wider than the narrow central section although possibly less wide than the top section.

[0123] The exemplary reinforcement structure 25 is shown in Fig. 11 from a reverse side compared to the view of Fig. 5. It can be seen in Fig. 11 that the reinforcement structure 25 here comprises a reinforcement plate with a multitude of ribs. The reinforcement structure 25 can thereby impose a relatively stiff connection between the attachment structures 23 of the bicycle accessory 2 so as to enable said attachment structures 23 to have relatively stable positions with respect to each other, which ultimately aids in easy and stable mounting of the bicycle accessory 2 to the rack 3. Figs. 11 and 14 also show the reinforcement structure 25 as comprising threaded fastening portions 28 at its reverse side, i.e. a side facing inward with respect to the bicycle accessory 2. Such fastening portions 28 may facilitate fastening of the reinforcement structure 25 to one or more other structures of the bicycle accessory 2, for example to a structure to be reinforced, which may be made from a relatively soft material such as a textile or cloth material from which a bag can generally be made. As shown in Fig. 12, such fastening may involve engaging a respective fastening nut 29 with each fastening portion 28, for example from an inside of the bicycle accessory 2. Optionally, as shown in Fig. 13, a respective cap or the-like can be arranged to cover and protect the fastening nut 29 or other fastening means, as well as to provide a smooth surface on the inside of the bicycle accessory 2. Preferably, one or more water resistant seals are provided, in particular where the reinforcement structure 25, for example the fastening portions 28, may penetrate an otherwise water resistant portion of the bicycle accessory 2, so as to restore and / or enhance a resistance of the bicycle accessory 2 against ingress of e.g. rain water.

[0124] While such a reinforcement structure 25 can often be advantageous, in particular in case of bicycle accessory 2 which is otherwise relatively soft or compliant such as a bag, the mounting devices 1 and / or the guide rail 17 may in some alternative cases be attached to the bicycle accessory 2 without use of such reinforcement structure. In that case, the mounting devices 1 and / or the guide rail 17, and optionally the linking device 19, may for example be screwed and / or glued to a suitable other structure of the bicycle accessory 2. One or more water resistant seals may then be applied at such other structure to restore and / or enhance water resistance of the bicycle accessory 2.

[0125] With particular reference to Figs. 9 and 10, an exemplary method of releasably mounting a bicycle accessory 2 to a bicycle rack 3 which comprises a grippable portion 4 comprises: attaching two mounting devices 1 to the bicycle accessory 2 using their respective attachment structures 5; and causing the grippable portion 4 to be received in the receiving space 7 of the gripper 6, wherein the gripper 6 is releasably locked in the closed state using the locking mechanism 8.

[0126] The method may further comprise, prior to causing the grippable portion 4 to be received in the receiving space 7: attaching the linking device 19 to the bicycle accessory 2; and movably linking the attached linking device 19, and thereby the bicycle accessory 2, to a further portion 24 of the bicycle rack 3. Fig. 9 shows the linking device 19 thus linked to the bicycle rack 3, wherein the mounting devices 1 can be seen to approach the bicycle rack 3 with the grippers 6 in an open state to allow the grippable portions 4 to move into the respective receiving spaces 7.

[0127] Causing the grippable portion 4 to be received in the receiving space 7 may then comprise moving, e.g. pivoting and / or sliding, the bicycle accessory 2 with respect to the bicycle rack 3, for example pivoting about a pivoting axis associated with the movable linking and / or sliding along the linkable portion 24. In this way, the grippers 6 of the mounting devices 1 can easily be aligned with and brought into engagement with the grippable portions 4 of the rack 3. In Fig. 10 it can be seen that the mounting devices 1 have thus been brought into engagement with the bicycle rack 3.

[0128] As an optional further step, best seen in Fig. 5, a user may secure the mounted bicycle accessory 2 to the bicycle rack 3 by inserting a securing pin 31 through both mounting devices 1, in particular through corresponding through holes 32 (see e.g. Fig. 6). The securing pin 31 may comprise a handle 42 at one end thereof, the handle 42 having a thickness that prevents it from moving through the mounting devices 1. At the other end, the securing pin 31 may have a through hole 34 which allows e.g. a key-operated or code-operated padlock 33 to be connected thereto, so as to secure the securing pin 31 in place. In Fig. 3B, it can be seen that the locking elements 11 are effectively blocked from moving to the releasing position (i.e. upward in Fig. 3B) when such a securing pin 31 is present in the through hole 32.

[0129] When the securing pin 31 is not used to secure the bicycle accessory 2 to the rack 3, the securing pin 31 may conveniently be stored along the mounting devices 1 by snapping the pin 31 into engagement with holding elements 35 which may be provided at a top side of the mounting device 1. In this way, the securing pin 31 can conveniently be kept within reach for a user, so that the bicycle accessory 2 can easily be secured if and when desired. In Fig. 6, such a storage position of the securing pin 31 is indicated by a dash-dot line while an operational securing position of the securing pin 31 extending through the corresponding through holes 32 is indicated by a dash-dot-dot line

[0130] To release the bicycle accessory 2 from the rack 3, if the securing pin 31 has been applied, a user first removes the securing pin 31 from its securing position, for example then storing the pin 31 in a storage position at the holding elements 35. With the optional securing pin 31 removed, the user may simply lift the handle 22 which is coupled to the operating elements 12 of the mounting devices 1. This lifting causes the locking elements 11 to move to their releasing positions, so that the user can then easily and quickly carry the bicycle accessory 2 away from the rack 3, in particular by tilting and / or lifting the bicycle accessory 2. Thus, a particularly versatile, affordable and easy to use mounting solution is provided.

[0131] While the invention has been explained herein using exemplary embodiments and drawings, these do not limit the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. For the purpose of clarity and a concise description features are described herein as part of the same or separate embodiments, however, it will be appreciated that the scope of the invention may include embodiments having combinations of all or some of the features described. For example, less or more than two mounting devices may be used to mount a bicycle accessory to a bicycle rack. The mounting devices and / or one or more associated parts or elements may be shaped differently compared to the examples shown, for example to accommodate differently shaped and / or dimensioned grippable portions. A gripper may or may not comprise a jaw. A mounting device may be attached to a bicycle accessory with or without use of a guide rail, for example in a non-adjustable way. A bicycle accessory may or may not comprise a reinforcement structure. An optional guide rail and / or an optional reinforcement structure may be arranged on an outside and / or on an inside of a bicycle accessory, for example one on the inside and one on the outside. In case of a guide rail being arranged on an inside of the accessory, a suitable opening, e.g. slit, may be provided in a wall or skin of the bicycle accessory to allow a mounting device to extend therethrough. A reinforcement structure may cover additional or alternative sections of the bicycle accessory compared to the examples shown, for example covering substantially an entire backside of the bicycle accessory. A common handle may be configured to be relatively compliant and / or relatively stiff, for example having a uniform or non- uniform stiffness along its length. Further examples have been provided throughout the description. Many variations and extensions, falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims, are possible, as will be understood by the skilled person.

[0132] LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

[0133] 1. Mounting device

[0134] 2. Bicycle accessory

[0135] 3. Bicycle rack

[0136] 4. Grippable portion

[0137] 5. Attachment structure of mounting device

[0138] 6. Gripper

[0139] 7. Receiving space

[0140] 8. Locking mechanism

[0141] 9. Jaw

[0142] 10. Arm of jaw

[0143] 11. Lockin g elem ent

[0144] 12. Operating element

[0145] 13. Interchangeable fitting element

[0146] 14. Through hole of mounting device

[0147] 15. One end of through hole of mounting device

[0148] 16. Slot

[0149] 17. Guide rail

[0150] 18. Outer face

[0151] 19. Linking device

[0152] 20. Attachment structure of linking device

[0153] 21. Linkin g structure

[0154] 22. Common handle

[0155] 23. Attachment structure of bicycle accessory

[0156] 24. Linkable portion

[0157] 25. Reinforcement structure

[0158] 26. Padding

[0159] 27. Biasing spring of locking element

[0160] 28. Fastening portion of reinforcement structure

[0161] 29. Fastening nut

[0162] 31. Securing pin

[0163] 32. Through hole for securing pin

[0164] 33. Padlock

[0165] 34. Through hole in securing pin

[0166] 35. Holding element

[0167] 36. Attachment structure of guide rail

[0168] 37. Entry section of guide rail

[0169] 38. Guiding structure of guide rail

[0170] 39. Square nut

[0171] 40. F astening bolt

[0172] 41. Adjustment mechanism of linking device

[0173] 42. Resilient part of linking structure

[0174] 43. Biasing spring of jaw

[0175] 44. Counter structure of jaw

[0176] J. Rotation axis of jaw

Claims

Claims1. Mounting device for releasably mounting a bicycle accessory to a bicycle rack which comprises a grippable portion, the mounting device comprising: an attachment structure configured for attaching the mounting device to the bicycle accessory; a gripper configured for receiving the grippable portion of the bicycle rack in a receiving space of the gripper, the gripper being changeable between a closed state and an open state, wherein in the closed state the gripper is configured to retain the grippable portion in the receiving space, wherein in the open state the gripper is configured to allow the grippable portion to enter or exit the receiving space; and a locking mechanism for releasably locking the gripper in the closed state.

2. Mounting device according to claim 1, wherein the gripper comprises a jaw which is movable between a closed position and an open position, wherein in the closed state the jaw is in the closed position, wherein in the open state the jaw is in the open position, wherein the gripper is changeable between the closed state and the open state by moving the jaw between the closed position and the open position.

3. Mounting device according to claim 2, wherein the jaw is configured to be movable from the open position to the closed position by moving the grippable portion into the receiving space.

4. Mounting device according to claim 3, wherein the jaw is provided with an arm which extends into and / or along the receiving space in the openposition so as to be engaged by the grippable portion when the grippable portion is moved into the receiving space.

5. Mounting device according to any of the preceding claims, in particular according to any of claims 2 - 4, wherein the gripper is at least partly biased towards the open state, wherein in particular the jaw is at least partly biased towards the open position.

6. Mounting device according any of claims 2 - 5, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a locking element which is movable between a locking position and a releasing position, wherein in the locking position the locking element is configured to retain the jaw in the closed position, wherein in the releasing position the locking element is configured to allow the jaw to move from the closed position to the open position.

7. Mounting device according to claim 6, wherein the locking element is biased towards the locking position.

8. Mounting device according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the locking mechanism comprises an operating element coupled to the locking element and configured for moving the locking element between the locking position and the releasing position from outside the receiving space.

9. Mounting device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the gripper comprises at least one interchangeable fitting element which is configured to dimension the receiving space in accordance with a corresponding dimension of the grippable portion.

10. Mounting device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the attachment structure comprises a through hole which, at oneend thereof, opens towards the bicycle accessory during use, and which is configured for receiving a fastening means therethrough so as to allow the received fastening means to be fastened to the bicycle accessory for thereby attaching the mounting device to the bicycle accessory.

11. Mounting device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the attachment structure comprises at least one slot which is configured for slideably receiving a guide rail therein, which guide rail is attachable to the bicycle accessory so as to allow attachment of the mounting device to the bicycle accessory via the guide rail.

12. Mounting device according to claim 11, wherein the at least one slot is provided along an outer face of the mounting device, which outer face faces away from the gripper.

13. Mounting system comprising at least one mounting device according to any of the preceding claims and at least one of: the bicycle accessory, wherein the mounting device is attached, at least attachable, to the bicycle accessory via the attachment structure; the bicycle rack which comprises the grippable portion; a securing pin, wherein at least one of the mounting devices is configured to receive the securing pin for securing the jaw in the closed state; the guide rail, wherein at least one of the mounting devices is configured according to claim 11; and a linking device which comprises a respective attachment structure configured for attaching the linking device to the bicycle accessory independently from the at least one mounting device and at least one linking structure for movably linking the linking device to a further portion of the bicycle rack.

14. Mounting system according to claim 13, wherein the number of mounting devices of the at least one mounting device is at least two.

15. Mounting system according to claim 14, wherein the at least two mounting devices are attached to the bicycle accessory at respective positions which correspond to positions and / or orientations of respective grippable portions of the bicycle rack.

16. Mounting system according to claim 14 or 15 as dependent from claim 7, further comprising a common handle which is coupled, at least couplable, to respective operating elements of the mounting devices so as to enable single-handed simultaneous movement of the locking elements of the mounting devices to their releasing positions by movement of the common handle.

17. Mounting system according to any of claims 13 - 16, wherein the bicycle accessory comprises a plurality of respective attachment structures configured for attachment of at least one mounting device and / or a linking device and / or a guide rail thereto, in particular selectively at one or more of a plurality of predefined positions and / or selectively in one or more of a plurality of predefined orientations with respect to the bicycle accessory, so as to match two or more positions and / or orientations of grippable and / or linkable portions of the bicycle rack and / or so as to enable a definition of a mounted position of the bicycle accessory with respect to the bicycle rack.

18. Mounting system according to claim 16, wherein the attachment structures of the bicycle accessory are arranged in a reinforcement structure of the bicycle accessory, the reinforcement structure preferably being fixedly or releasably arranged on an outer side of the bicycle accessory, for example on an outer back side thereof.

19. Mounting system according to any of claims 13 - 18, wherein the bicycle accessory is or comprises a container, for example a bag or a basket, for transporting goods on the bicycle rack.

20. Method of releasably mounting a bicycle accessory to a bicycle rack which comprises at least one grippable portion, comprising: attaching at least one mounting device according to any of claims 1 - 12 to the bicycle accessory using the attachment structure; and causing the at least one grippable portion to be received in the receiving space of the gripper, wherein the gripper is releasably locked in the closed state using the locking mechanism.

21. Method according to claim 20, wherein causing the at least one grippable portion to be received in the receiving space urges the gripper towards the closed state, in particular against an at least partial biasing of the gripper towards the open state and / or using engagement between the grippable portion and an arm of a jaw of the gripper.

22. Method according to claim 20 or 21, further comprising, prior to causing the grippable portion to be received in the receiving space: attaching to the bicycle accessory a linking device which comprises a respective attachment structure configured for attaching the linking device to the bicycle accessory independently from the at least one mounting device and at least one linking structure for movably linking the linking device to a further portion of the bicycle rack; and movably linking the attached linking device, and thereby the bicycle accessory, to the further portion of the bicycle rack.

Images