Device for mounting a bicycle accessory to a bicycle rack

Abstract

Mounting device for releasably mounting a bicycle accessory to an elongate frame member of a bicycle rack, comprising: a hook body configured to receive a section of the elongate frame member in a receiving space defined by the hook body, wherein the hook body bounds the receiving space on a rear side, a top side and a front side of the receiving space; and a jaw hingeably connected to the hook body to be rotatable with respect to the hook body between an open jaw position and a closed jaw position, wherein, in the closed jaw position, a distal section of the jaw extends along at least part of the bottom side of the receiving space from the rear side of the receiving space so as to bound the receiving space on the bottom side to retain the elongate frame member in the receiving space.

Description

[0001] Title: Device for mounting a bicycle accessory to a bicycle rack

[0002] FIELD

[0003] The invention relates to a mounting device for releasably mounting a bicycle accessory to an elongate frame member of a bicycle rack, as well as to combinations and systems comprising the mounting device, and to method of using the mounting device.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Various devices and 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 elongate frame members which can be used for mounting a bicycle accessory thereto. 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] It has been found that improvements are desirable. For example, compared to a mounting device as disclosed in WO2023033644A1, it is desired to facilitate mounting of the bicycle accessory without requiring the bicycle rack to be provided with dedicated mounting plugs or other special provisions. Compared a mounting device as disclosed in US5673833, it is desired to improve stability when the bicycle accessory is mounted to the bicycle rack. Meanwhile, it is generally desired to maintain or improve user friendliness. SUMMARY

[0007] An object is to provide improvements for releasable mounting of a bicycle accessory to a bicycle rack, in particular with respect to compactness, versatility and / or user friendliness.

[0008] An aspect provides a mounting device for releasably mounting a bicycle accessory to an elongate frame member of a bicycle rack. The mounting device comprises a hook body and a jaw.

[0009] The hook body is configured to be fixed to the bicycle accessory at a rear side of the hook body and configured to receive a section of the elongate frame member in a receiving space defined by the hook body so as to be supported on the elongate frame member. The hook body bounds the receiving space on a rear side, a top side and a front side of the receiving space while allowing the elongate frame member to extend axially along a left-right axis of the receiving space and to enter or exit the receiving space via a bottom side of the receiving space in a radial direction with respect to the left-right axis.

[0010] The jaw is hingeably connected to the hook body to be rotatable with respect to the hook body about a jaw hinging axis parallel to the leftright axis between an open jaw position and a closed jaw position. In the closed jaw position, a distal section of the jaw extends along at least part of the bottom side of the receiving space from the rear side of the receiving space so as to bound the receiving space on the bottom side to retain, in cooperation with the hook body, the elongate frame member in the receiving space. In the open jaw position, the distal section of the jaw extends less or not along the bottom side of the receiving space so as to allow the elongate frame member to enter or exit the receiving space via the bottom side of the receiving space in the radial direction.

[0011] Using such a mounting device, the bicycle accessory can be mounted to the bicycle rack relatively easily yet securely, in particular without requiring special provisions such as mounting plugs on the bicycle rack.

[0012] Preferably, the mounting device, in particular the hook body, extends rearward from the receiving space by less than a distance by which the rear side of the receiving space is spaced apart from the front side of the receiving space.

[0013] In this way, the bicycle accessory, which may e.g. be a bag or basket, can be mounted in a relatively compact manner relatively close to the bicycle rack, which in turn can improve stability. In particular, such a short distance between bicycle rack and bicycle accessory can shorten moment arms and reduce overall play. Meanwhile, an overall width of the combination of the bicycle and the accessory can be reduced, which may help to reduce wind resistance during cycling.

[0014] Optionally, a receiving space center plane is defined halfway between the rear side and the front side of the receiving space, thereby defining a front section of the hook body to the front of the receiving space center plane and a rear section of the hook body to the rear of the receiving space center plane, wherein the jaw hinging axis is arranged in the front section of the hook body, at a distance from the receiving space center plane. Optionally, the jaw hinging axis is arranged to the front of a plane defined by the front side of the receiving space. Optionally, in the closed jaw position, a proximal section of the jaw extends from the jaw hinging axis along the top side of the receiving space and then further along the rear side of the receiving space. Optionally, in the closed jaw position and / or in the open jaw position, the jaw extends rearward from the receiving space by no more than a distance by which the hook body extends rearward from the receiving space. Optionally, in the open jaw position, the jaw extends up to the rear side of the hook body, in particular tangential to the rear side of the hook body. In this way, advantageously, the jaw can remain relatively close to the receiving space, even in the open jaw position. Thus, the abovementioned overall compactness can be maintained, even in the open jaw position, and without the jaw opening interfering with the bicycle accessory or vice versa.

[0015] Optionally, at least in the closed jaw position, the distal section of the jaw is directed towards a distal end of a distal section of the hook body, which distal section of the hook body bounds the front side of the receiving space. Optionally, in the closed jaw position, the distal section of the jaw bridges less than 90% of a distance between the front side and rear side of the receiving space, preferably less than 80%, more preferably less than 70%, even more preferably less than 60%, for example about 50%.

[0016] In this way, the combination of the hook body and jaw can retain the elongate frame member in the receiving space in a relatively effective and compact manner, in particular without excessive sizing of the distal section of the hook body or the distal section of the jaw.

[0017] Optionally, a hook body through hole extending parallel to the leftright axis is formed in the hook body, wherein a jaw through hole extending parallel to the left-right axis is formed in the jaw, wherein in the closed jaw position the hook body through hole and the jaw through hole are mutually aligned to allow a securing pin or bolt to extend through both the hook body through hole and the jaw through hole for locking the jaw in the closed jaw position.

[0018] Thereby, if and when desired, the mounted bicycle accessory can be secured, e.g. locked, to the bicycle rack in a relatively easy manner using the mounting devices.

[0019] Optionally, the mounting device comprises a first stop arrangement configured to stop the jaw from rotating beyond the closed jaw position from the open jaw position. Optionally, the mounting device comprises a second stop arrangement configured to stop the jaw from rotating beyond the open jaw position from the closed jaw position. Optionally, the jaw is biased towards the closed jaw position.

[0020] In this way, the jaw can be prevented from moving beyond a functional range of positions, and can be promoted to be normally in the closed jaw position, i.e. the position for maintaining the elongate frame member in the receiving space. Thus, no user action is normally needed to maintain the jaw in the closed jaw position, while the open jaw position can still be reached if and when needed.

[0021] Optionally, the jaw comprises a strap connection structure configured to have an end of a strap connected thereto so as to allow the jaw to be moved from the closed jaw position to the open jaw position by pulling of the connected strap, in particular substantially upward pulling. Optionally, the strap connection structure is configured for the connected strap to extend from the jaw along a path that extends behind a rear side of the jaw, in particular upwardly and / or rearwardly. Optionally, in the closed jaw position, the rear side of the jaw extends in a same plane as the rear side of the hook body. Optionally, in the closed jaw position, the strap, when connected, emerges from the jaw in an initial direction that is rearward and / or downward with respect to the hook body.

[0022] In this way, a user can be facilitated in moving the jaw to the open jaw position if and when needed to release the bicycle accessory from the bicycle rack by pulling a strap. By the arrangement of the strap connection structure, a relatively large effective arm length can be provided between the end of the strap and the jaw hinging axis, in particular both in the closed jaw position and the open jaw position. Thus, the user can release the bicycle accessory with relatively little effort, in particular while the mounting device can still be relatively compact. The strap may be associated with a handle for a user to lift and hold the bicycle accessory after its release, so that the releasing, lifting and holding can conveniently be part of a same continuous user action that a user would normally associate with simply lifting such a bicycle accessory.

[0023] Optionally, the mounting device is configured, e.g. the jaw is shaped, for the received elongate frame member to engage the jaw upon upward movement of the mounting device with respect to the elongate frame member to urge the jaw towards the closed jaw position when the jaw is not in the open jaw position.

[0024] In this way, additional or alternative to the optional biasing mentioned elsewhere herein, it can be further promoted that the jaw is normally maintained in the closed jaw position, i.e. is only moved to the open jaw position by a deliberate user action to that effect.

[0025] Optionally, the mounting device is configured, e.g. the jaw is shaped, for the elongate frame member to engage the jaw from below the receiving space upon downward movement of the mounting device with respect to the elongate frame member to urge the jaw towards the open jaw position.

[0026] In this way, no separate user action may be needed to move the jaw to the open jaw position, e.g. against the optional biasing, when the user lowers the mounting device onto the elongate frame member. Thus, user friendliness can be further improved. To overcome the optional biasing, either a weight of the bicycle accessory may be sufficient or the user may apply a relatively simple downward push to the bicycle accessory. Once the elongate frame member is in the receiving space, the optional biasing can advantageously return the jaw to the closed jaw position.

[0027] Optionally, the mounting device is configured for the hook body to comprise a replaceably held sizing element selectable from a set of mutually differently sized sizing elements so as to selectively determine one or more sizes of the receiving space. Optionally, the sizing element is made from a resilient material, in particular a thermoplastic elastomer. In this way, different transverse sizes of elongate frame members can be accommodated in a relatively close fitting manner so as to limit rattling during cycling. Resiliency of the sizing element additionally contributes to limiting the rattling and moreover can help to prevent damage to the elongate frame member. In use, the selected sizing element may be considered as forming part of the hook body.

[0028] Optionally, the hook body is configured to be fixed to the bicycle accessory via a first rail that is configured to be fixed to the bicycle accessory, wherein the hook body comprises a rail engagement structure at the rear side of the hook body for slidable engagement with the first rail, wherein the mounting device is configured to be clamped to the first rail so as to fix a position of the mounting device along the first rail. A main direction of the first rail is preferably substantially parallel to the left-right axis of the receiving space of the device when engaged with the first rail.

[0029] In this way, a position of the mounting device with respect to the bicycle accessory, in particular along the direction of the left-right axis, can be adjusted relatively easily, for example to accommodate an arrangement of the bicycle rack.

[0030] A further aspect provides a mounting system for releasably mounting a bicycle accessory to a bicycle rack, comprising at least one, preferably at least two, mounting device as described herein and the first rail, wherein preferably the respective mounting device is engaged with the first rail using the rail engagement structure so as to be at least selectively slidable along the first rail, wherein preferably the respective mounting device is at least selectively clamped to the first rail so as to inhibit sliding of the mounting device along the first rail.

[0031] A further aspect provides a combination of a mounting system as described herein and the bicycle accessory, wherein preferably the first rail is fixed to the bicycle accessory. A further aspect provides a combination of at least one, preferably at least two, mounting device as described herein and the bicycle accessory, wherein preferably the at least one mounting device is fixed, e.g. directly or indirectly, to the bicycle accessory, wherein preferably the bicycle accessory is supported on the bicycle rack via the at least one mounting device.

[0032] Such a mounting system or combination provides advantages corresponding to those described above.

[0033] Optionally, the mounting system or combination comprises a linking assembly configured to be fixed to the bicycle accessory independently from the at least one mounting device and to be linked to the bicycle rack at a distance from the elongate frame member, in particular at a position that is spaced apart from the elongate frame member in a radial direction with respect to the left-right axis.

[0034] In this way, stability of the mounted bicycle accessory with respect to the bicycle rack can be improved, in particular while maintaining a relatively high level of user friendliness.

[0035] Optionally, the linking assembly comprises: a second rail configured to be fixed to the bicycle accessory; and a linking arm assembly engaged or engageable with the second rail so as to be at least selectively slideable along the second rail, and preferably at least selectively clamped to the second rail so as to inhibit sliding of the linking arm assembly along the second rail.

[0036] In this way, a position of the linking assembly with respect to the bicycle accessory can be adjusted relatively easily, for example to accommodate an arrangement of the bicycle rack.

[0037] Optionally, the linking arm assembly comprises a linking arm and a base, wherein the base is engaged or engageable with the second rail so as to be at least selectively slideable along the second rail, wherein the linking arm is engaged or engageable with the base so as to be at least selectively rotatable with respect to the base about a linking arm rotation axis substantially transverse to the second rail, wherein preferably the base, the linking arm and the second rail are at least selectively clamped together so as to inhibit both the sliding of the base along the second rail and the rotation of the linking arm with respect to the base.

[0038] Optionally, the base and the linking arm are each provided with a respective series of circumferentially distributed mating elements extending substantially parallel to the linking arm rotation axis from respective mutually facing contact faces of the base and the linking arm, wherein the mutual mating elements are configured, when mated, to inhibit the rotation of the linking arm with respect to the base.

[0039] In this way, an orientation of the linking arm of the linking assembly with respect to the bicycle accessory can be adjusted relatively easily, for example to accommodate an arrangement of the bicycle rack.

[0040] Optionally, the mounting system or combination further comprises a reinforcement structure for the bicycle accessory, wherein the reinforcement structure is configured for at least one of the at least one mounting device, the first rail, the linking assembly, the second rail and the linking arm assembly to be fixed thereto.

[0041] Such a reinforcement structure can promote overall stability of the mounting system and the combination with the bicycle accessory, and can thereby facilitate easy mounting and release of the bicycle accessory.

[0042] A further aspect provides a method of releasably mounting a bicycle accessory to a bicycle rack, comprising: providing a bicycle accessory with at least one, preferably two, mounting device as described herein, wherein the respective hook body is fixed to the bicycle accessory at the rear side of the hook body; causing a section of an elongate frame member of the bicycle rack to enter the receiving space via the bottom side of the receiving space to be received in the respective receiving space; and causing the jaw to be in the closed jaw position to retain the elongate frame member in the receiving space. A further aspect provide a method of releasing a bicycle accessory mounted to a bicycle rack as described herein from said bicycle rack, comprising: causing the jaw to be in the open jaw position; and causing the elongate frame member to exit the receiving space via the bottom side of the receiving space. Such methods can provide advantages corresponding to those described above.

[0043] It shall be appreciated that aspects and options disclosed herein may be variously combined. So, for example, options disclosed in relation to the mounting device may be correspondingly applied to the system, combination and methods, and vice versa.

[0044] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] In the following, the invention will be explained further with reference to examples of embodiments and drawings. The drawings are schematic and merely show examples. In the drawings, corresponding elements are indicated with corresponding reference signs. In the drawings:

[0046] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a bicycle accessory, in particular a bag, provided with a reinforcement structure, first rail, two mounting devices, and linking assembly;

[0047] Fig. 2A shows a perspective view of a bicycle rack;

[0048] Figs. 2B-C show perspective views of bicycle racks with a bicycle accessory mounted thereon;

[0049] Figs. 3A-B show cross sectional side views of a mounting device with the jaw in the closed jaw position and the open jaw position, respectively;

[0050] Figs. 4A-B show perspective views of the mounting device with the jaw in the closed jaw position and the open jaw position, respectively;

[0051] Figs. 5 A-B show further perspective views of the mounting device with the jaw in the closed jaw position and the open jaw position, respectively; Figs. 6A-B show perspective views of, respectively, the hook body and the jaw of the mounting device, wherein in Fig. 6A a sizing element for the hook body is not shown;

[0052] Figs. 6C-D show perspective views of selectable sizing elements for the hook body;

[0053] Figs. 7A-B show a perspective view and a rear view, respectively, of a first rail with two mounting devices, wherein in Fig. 7 A additionally a securing pin is shown;

[0054] Fig. 8A shows a perspective view of a linking assembly;

[0055] Fig. 8B shows a perspective view of a linking arm of a linking arm assembly of the linking assembly; and

[0056] Figs. 8C-D show perspective views of a base of the linking arm assembly.

[0057] Fig. 1 shows a combination of two mounting devices 1 as described herein and the bicycle accessory 2, here a bag. Here, the mounting devices 1 are fixed to the bicycle accessory 2. In particular, the mounting devices 1 are fixed to a first rail 3, which in turn is fixed to a reinforcement structure 4 for the bicycle accessory 2. The reinforcement structure 4 may be considered as part of the bicycle accessory 2, or as a separate element that is e.g. fixed to the bicycle accessory 2. Here, the reinforcement structure 4 is configured for the first rail 3 and a second rail 6 of a linking assembly 7 to be fixed thereto directly, wherein the mounting device 1 can be fixed to the reinforcement structure 4 via the first rail 3, and a linking arm assembly 8 of the linking assembly 7 can be fixed to the reinforcement structure 4 via the second rail 6.

[0058] In WO2023033644A1, possible details of the reinforcement structure and first rail, there called ‘guide rail’, are described in combination with a different type of mounting device, wherein it shall be appreciated that such details may correspondingly be applied in combination with the mounting devices of the present disclosure. Advantageously, the same design of the reinforcement structure and / or first rail, for example as shown in WO2023033644A1 and / or as shown in the present disclosure, may be used with both types of mounting devices, thus providing modularity. Nevertheless, it shall be appreciated that many design variations are possible, including for the optional reinforcement structure and first rail.

[0059] It shall also be appreciated that the mounting devices 1 may alternatively be fixed to a bicycle accessory more directly, e.g. without such a reinforcement structure and / or without such a first rail. Also, the mounting device 1 may be used without such a linking assembly 7, and a different number of mounting devices 1 per accessory 2 may be used, as may be appropriate, e.g. depending on the type and size of the accessory.

[0060] Fig. 2 A shows a bicycle rack 5 on which the bicycle accessory 2 can be releasably mounted using the mounting devices 1, in particular so as to be supported via the mounting devices 1. Figs. 2B and 2C show similar bicycle racks 5 with the bicycle accessory 2 mounted and supported thereon using the mounting devices 1. Suitable elongate frame members 9 of the bicycle racks 5 have been indicated in those figures. The elongate frame members 9 preferably extend substantially horizontally during normal use, for example along a side of the bicycle rack 5. The bicycle rack is preferably configured for holding luggage, and may for example be mounted above a rear wheel of a bicycle, above a front wheel of a bicycle or on a handlebar of a bicycle.

[0061] Figs. 3A-7B show the mounting device 1 in more detail. In Fig. 3A, most or all elements and features of the mounting device 1 as described herein are indicated with a reference sign. In Figs. 3B-7B, merely for clarity of the figures, more limited sets of reference signs have been applied, wherein elements and features not provided with a reference sign can nevertheless be recognized, in particular with reference to Fig. 3 A.

[0062] As alluded to above, the mounting device 1 is for releasably mounting a bicycle accessory 2 to an elongate frame member 9 of the bicycle rack 5. The mounting device 1 comprises a hook body 10 configured to be fixed to the bicycle accessory 2 at a rear side 11 of the hook body 10 and configured to receive a section of the elongate frame member 9 in a receiving space 12 defined by the hook body 10 so as to be supported on the elongate frame member 9.

[0063] The hook body 10 bounds the receiving space 12 on a rear side 13, a top side 14 and a front side 15 of the receiving space 12 while allowing the elongate frame member 9 to extend axially along a left-right axis LR of the receiving space 12 and to enter or exit the receiving space 12 via a bottom side 16 of the receiving space 12 in a radial direction E with respect to the left-right axis LR. It shall be appreciated that the sides of the receiving space 12 are named herein essentially with reference to their arrangement or orientation during normal use, wherein the rear side 13 of the receiving space 12 is closest to the rear side 11 of the hook body 10. Adjacent sides of the receiving space 12 need not be sharply demarcated. For example, as can be seen in Fig. 3A, the top side 14 may form a continuing curved surface with ends of the rear side 13 and front side 15. The bottom side 16 is opposite the top side 14 and is preferably not bound by the hook body 10.

[0064] The mounting device comprises a jaw 17 hingeably connected to the hook body 10 to be rotatable with respect to the hook body 10 about a jaw hinging axis J parallel to the left-right axis LR between an open jaw position and a closed jaw position.

[0065] In the closed jaw position, here shown in Figs. 1, 2A-B, 3A, 4A, 5A, 7A-B, a distal section 18 of the jaw 17 extends along at least part of the bottom side 16 of the receiving space 12 from the rear side 13 of the receiving space 12 so as to bound the receiving space 12 on the bottom side 16 to retain, in cooperation with the hook body 10, the elongate frame member 9 in the receiving space 12. In the open jaw position, here shown in Figs. 3B, 4B, 5B, the distal section 18 of the jaw 17 extends less or not along the bottom side 16 of the receiving space 12 so as to allow the elongate frame member 9 to enter or exit the receiving space 12 via the bottom side 16 of the receiving space 12 in the radial direction E.

[0066] Thus, the bottom side 16 of the receiving space 12 may considered as being defined at least partly by a distal section 18 of the jaw 17 in the closed jaw position, and for example further by a shortest path between said distal section 18 and an opposite distal section 25 of the hook body 10. Alternatively or additionally, the bottom side 16 may be defined as extending between the rear side 13 and the front side 15 at a distance from the top side 14, in particular at a level of the distal section 18 of the jaw 17 in the closed jaw position.

[0067] In the shown examples, the mounting device 1, in particular the hook body 10, extends rearward from the receiving space 12 by less than a distance by which the rear side 13 of the receiving space 12 is spaced apart from the front side 15 of the receiving space 12.

[0068] In the shown examples, as alluded to above, the hook body 10 is configured to be fixed to the bicycle accessory 2 via a first rail 3 that is configured to be fixed to the bicycle accessory 2, wherein the hook body 10 comprises a rail engagement structure 19 at the rear side 11 of the hook body 10 for slidable engagement with the first rail 3, wherein the mounting device 1 is configured to be clamped to the first rail 3, for example using a nut and a threaded bolt extending through corresponding openings, so as to fix a position of the mounting device 1 along the first rail 3.

[0069] One or more of such mounting devices 1 may be comprised by a mounting system 20 for releasably mounting a bicycle accessory 2 to a bicycle rack 5, wherein said mounting system 20 further comprises the first rail 3, wherein preferably the respective mounting device 1 is engaged with the first rail 3 using the rail engagement structure 19 so as to be at least selectively slidable along the first rail 3, wherein preferably the respective mounting device 1 is at least selectively clamped to the first rail 3 so as to inhibit sliding of the mounting device 1 along the first rail 3. Different designs for the first rail 3 are possible, as can be seen for example by comparing Figs. 1, 2B and 2C on the one hand to Figs. 7A-B on the other hand. The first rail 3 is preferably configured to be fixed to the bicycle accessory 2, for example via the reinforcement structure 4. Preferably, to inhibit warping of the rail, such fixing is provided for at two, three or more different distributed positions along the length of the first rail 3 and / or at two, three or more different distributed positions along the height of the first rail 3. In Fig. 7B it can be seen that in this example, a total of six holes 35 for screws or bolts are thus formed in the first rail 3.

[0070] The figures also illustrate a method of releasably mounting a bicycle accessory 2 to a bicycle rack 5, comprising: providing a bicycle accessory 2 with at least one, preferably two, mounting device 1 as described herein, wherein the respective hook body 10 is fixed to the bicycle accessory 2 at the rear side of the hook body 10; causing a section of an elongate frame member 9 of the bicycle rack 5 to enter the receiving space 12 via the bottom side 16 of the receiving space 12 to be received in the respective receiving space 12; and causing the jaw 17 to be in the closed jaw position to retain the elongate frame member 9 in the receiving space. The figures also illustrate a method of releasing such a mounted bicycle accessory 2 from such a bicycle rack 5, comprising: causing the jaw 17 to be in the open jaw position; and causing the elongate frame member 9 to exit the receiving space 12 via the bottom side 16 of the receiving space 12.

[0071] In the shown examples, as indicated in Fig. 3A, a receiving space center plane C is defined halfway between the rear side 13 and the front side 15 of the receiving space 12, thereby defining a front section 21 of the hook body 10 to the front of the receiving space center plane C and a rear section 22 of the hook body 10 to the rear of the receiving space center plane C, wherein the jaw hinging axis J is arranged in the front section 21 of the hook body 10, at a distance from the receiving space center plane C. In the shown examples, the jaw hinging axis J is arranged to the front of a plane P, also indicated in Fig. 3A, defined by the front side 15 of the receiving space 12. Thus, the jaw hinging axis J is arranged relatively far forward in the hook body 10, allowing the rotation of the jaw 17 from the closed jaw position to the open jaw position to result in relatively little rearward movement of the jaw 17, in particular while still allowing a suitable opening for the elongate frame member 9 through the bottom side 16 of the receiving space 12 in the open jaw position.

[0072] In the shown examples, in the closed jaw position, a proximal section 23 of the jaw 17 extends from the jaw hinging axis J along the top side 14 of the receiving space 12 and then further along the rear side 13 of the receiving space 12.

[0073] In the shown examples, at least in the closed jaw position, the distal section 18 of the jaw 17 is directed towards a distal end 24 of a distal section 25 of the hook body, which distal section 25 of the hook body 12 bounds the front side 15 of the receiving space 12.

[0074] In the shown examples, in the closed jaw position, the distal section 18 of the jaw 17 bridges less than 90% of a distance between the front side 15 and rear side 13 of the receiving space 12, preferably less than 80%, more preferably less than 70%, even more preferably less than 60%, for example about 50%.

[0075] In the shown examples, a hook body through hole 26 extending parallel to the left-right axis LR is formed in the hook body 10, wherein a jaw through hole 27 extending parallel to the left-right axis LR is formed in the jaw 17, wherein in the closed jaw position the hook body through hole 26 and the jaw through hole 27 are mutually aligned to allow a securing pin 28 or bolt to extend through both the hook body through hole 26 and the jaw through hole 27 for locking the jaw 17 in the closed jaw position. Fig. 7A shows such a securing pin 28 extending through said through holes. Here, the securing pin 28 is at one end provided with a fixed stop, and is at the opposite other end lockably engageable with a lock 40 that may e.g. be operated with a key using a keyhole 41. Alternatively, such a lock 40 may be operable using a mechanical or electronic code, for example. In any case, the lock 40, when engaged with the securing pin 28, prevents retraction of the securing pin 28 from the through holes of the devices 1 due its thickness. In WO2023033644A1, a similar lockable securing pin is disclosed in combination with a different type of mounting device.

[0076] In the shown examples, the mounting device 1 comprises a first stop arrangement 29 configured to stop the jaw 17 from rotating beyond the closed jaw position from the open jaw position, and a second stop arrangement 30 configured to stop the jaw 17 from rotating beyond the open jaw position from the closed jaw position.

[0077] In the shown examples, the jaw 17 is biased towards the closed jaw position. To that end, a biasing element such as a spring (not shown) may be arranged between the hook body 10 and the jaw 17. For example, a torsion spring may helically extend around a hinging pin at the jaw hinging axis J, with opposite ends of the spring engaging respective ones of the hook body 10 and the jaw 17.

[0078] In the shown examples, in both the closed jaw position and the open jaw position, the jaw 17 extends rearward from the receiving space 12 by no more than a distance by which the hook body 10 extends rearward from the receiving space 12. In the shown examples, in the open jaw position, the jaw 17 extends up to the rear side 11 of the hook body 10, in particular tangential to the rear side 11 of the hook body 10.

[0079] In the shown examples, the jaw 17 comprises a strap connection structure 31 configured to have an end of a strap 32 connected thereto so as to allow the jaw 17 to be moved from the closed jaw position to the open jaw position by pulling of the connected strap 32, in particular substantially upward pulling. Here, the strap connection structure 31 comprises a tab with an opening formed therein for a screw or other fastening means to fasten an end of a strap inserted under the tab. Sections of such a connected strap 32, albeit without such fastening means, are shown in Figs. 3A-B. Fig. 1 shows a possible strap 32 of which opposite ends are connected to jaws 17 of respective mounting devices 1, such that the strap 32 is usable as a handle for the bicycle accessory 2.

[0080] In the shown examples, the strap connection structure 31 is configured for the connected strap 32 to extend from the jaw 17 along a path that extends behind a rear side 33 of the jaw 17, in particular upwardly and / or rearwardly. In the shown examples, in the closed jaw position, the strap 32, when connected, emerges from the jaw 17 in an initial direction that is rearward and / or downward with respect to the hook body 10. To that end, the aforementioned tab is preferably directed substantially downwardly and / or rearwardly.

[0081] In the shown examples, in the closed jaw position, the rear side 33 of the jaw 17 extends in a same plane as the rear side 11 of the hook body 10.

[0082] In the shown examples, the mounting device 1 is configured for the received elongate frame member 9 to engage the jaw 17 upon upward movement of the mounting device 1 with respect to the elongate frame member 9 to urge the jaw 17 towards the closed jaw position when the jaw 17 is not in the open jaw position. In the shown examples, the mounting device 1 is configured for the elongate frame member 9 to engage the jaw 17 from below the receiving space 12 upon downward movement of the mounting device 1 with respect to the elongate frame member 9 to urge the jaw 17 towards the open jaw position. To those ends, the jaw 17, in particular the distal end 18 thereof, may be shaped accordingly, i.e. so as to direct or deflect the engagement by the elongate frame member 9 to result in an urging of the jaw 17 in the desired direction.

[0083] In the shown examples, the mounting device 1 is configured for the hook body 10 to comprise a replaceably held sizing element 34a or 34b selectable from a set of mutually differently sized sizing elements 34a, 34b so as to selectively determine one or more sizes of the receiving space 12. In the shown examples, the sizing element 34a, 34b is made from a resilient material, in particular a thermoplastic elastomer. Figs. 6C-D show possible different sizing elements 34a, 34b, respectively. With reference to Fig. 3A, for example, it can be understood that replacement of the there shown sizing element 34a by the sizing element 34b of Fig. 6D would result in a reduced size, e.g. height, of the receiving space 12. In this way, different possible transverse sizes of the elongate frame member 9 can be accommodated, in particular in a relatively close fitting manner so as to limit rattling during cycling.

[0084] As alluded to above, the aforementioned mounting system 20 or combination may further comprise a linking assembly 7, of which an example is shown in Figs. 1 and 8A, with parts thereof being shown in Figs. 8B-D. The optional linking assembly 7 is configured to be fixed to the bicycle accessory 2 independently from the at least one mounting device 1 and to be linked to the bicycle rack 5 at a distance from the elongate frame member 9, in particular at a position that is spaced apart from the elongate frame member 9 in a radial direction E with respect to the left-right axis LR. For example, the linking assembly 7 may be linked to a further elongate frame member 42 of the bicycle rack 5, in particular at a lower level compared to the elongate frame member 9. In this way, stability of the mounted bicycle accessory 2 with respect to the bicycle rack 5 can be improved.

[0085] When mounting the bicycle accessory 2 to the bicycle rack 5, e.g. in case the further elongate frame member 42 is oriented substantially horizontally, the linking of the linking assembly 7 and the mounting using the mounting devices 1 may be performed essentially in a same substantially downward motion. Alternatively, e.g. in case the further elongate frame member 42 is oriented substantially non-horizontally, a user may first guide a lower part of the bicycle accessory 2 to the bicycle rack 5 to facilitate linking of the linking assembly 7, and then guide an upper part of the bicycle accessory 2 to the bicycle rack 5 to cause the elongate frame member 9 to be received in the receiving spaces 12 of the mounting devices 1.

[0086] In the shown examples, the linking assembly 7 comprises: a second rail 6 configured to be fixed to the bicycle accessory 2; and a linking arm assembly 8 engaged or engageable with the second rail 6 so as to be at least selectively slideable along the second rail 6, and preferably at least selectively clamped to the second rail 6 so as to inhibit sliding of the linking arm assembly 8 along the second rail 6.

[0087] In the shown examples, with continued reference to Figs. 8A-D, the linking arm assembly 8 comprises a linking arm 36 and a base 37, wherein the base 37 is engaged or engageable with the second rail 6 so as to be at least selectively slideable along the second rail 6, wherein the linking arm 36 is engaged or engageable with the base 37 so as to be at least selectively rotatable with respect to the base about a linking arm rotation axis L substantially transverse to the second rail, wherein preferably the base 37, the linking arm 36 and the second rail 6 are at least selectively clamped together so as to inhibit both the sliding of the base 37 along the second rail 6 and the rotation of the linking arm 36 with respect to the base 37.

[0088] In the shown examples, the base 37 and the linking arm 36 are each provided with a respective series of circumferentially distributed mating elements 38, 39 extending substantially parallel to the linking arm rotation axis L from respective mutually facing contact faces of the base 37 and the linking arm 36, wherein the mutual mating elements 38, 39 are configured, when mated, to inhibit the rotation of the linking arm 36 with respect to the base 37. To adjust an orientation of the linking arm 36, a user may simply slightly loosen a screw or bolt coinciding with the linking arm rotation axis L to allow a sufficient axial distance between the linking arm 36 and the base 37 for the mating elements 38, 39 to mutually disengage. Then, the user can rotate the linking arm 36 while the base 37 can remain essentially stationary with respect to the second rail 6. Once the linking arm 36 is at a desired orientation, the screw or bolt can be fastened again to reengage the mating elements 38, 39 and restore the clamping together of the linking arm 36, base 37 and second rail 6.

[0089] Although the invention has been explained herein using examples of embodiments and drawings, these do not limit the scope of the invention as defined by the claims. Within said scope, many variations, combinations and extensions are possible. Examples thereof have been provided throughout the description. All such variants are considered included in the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

[0090] LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

[0091] 1. Mounting device

[0092] 2. Bicycle accessory

[0093] 3. First rail

[0094] 4. Reinforcement structure

[0095] 5. Bicycle rack

[0096] 6. Second rail

[0097] 7. Linking assembly

[0098] 8. Linking arm assembly

[0099] 9. Elongate frame member

[0100] 10. Hook body

[0101] 11. Rear side of hook body

[0102] 12. Receiving space

[0103] 13. Rear side of receiving space

[0104] 14. Top side of receiving space

[0105] 15. Front side of receiving space

[0106] 16. Bottom side of receiving space

[0107] 17. Jaw

[0108] 18. Distal section of jaw 19. Rail engagement structure of hook body

[0109] 20. Mounting system

[0110] 21. Front section of hook body

[0111] 22. Rear section of hook body

[0112] 23. Proxim al section of j aw

[0113] 24. Distal end of distal section of hook body

[0114] 25. Distal section of hook body

[0115] 26. Hook body through hole

[0116] 27. Jaw through hole

[0117] 28. Securing pin

[0118] 29. First stop arrangement

[0119] 30. Second stop arrangement

[0120] 31. Strap connection structure

[0121] 32. Strap

[0122] 33. Rear side of jaw

[0123] 34a, 34b. Sizing elements

[0124] 35. Hole for screw or bolt in first rail

[0125] 36. Linking arm

[0126] 37. Base of linking arm assembly

[0127] 38. Mating element of base

[0128] 39. Mating element of finking arm

[0129] 40. Lock for end of securing pin

[0130] 41. Keyhole

[0131] 42. Further elongate frame member

[0132] C. Receiving space center plane

[0133] E. Radial direction with respect to left-right axis

[0134] J. Jaw hinging axis

[0135] L. Linking arm rotation axis

[0136] P. Plane defined by front side of receiving space

[0137] LR. Left-right axis of receiving space

Claims

Claims1. Mounting device for releasably mounting a bicycle accessory to an elongate frame member of a bicycle rack, comprising: a hook body configured to be fixed to the bicycle accessory at a rear side of the hook body and configured to receive a section of the elongate frame member in a receiving space defined by the hook body so as to be supported on the elongate frame member, wherein the hook body bounds the receiving space on a rear side, a top side and a front side of the receiving space while allowing the elongate frame member to extend axially along a left-right axis of the receiving space and to enter or exit the receiving space via a bottom side of the receiving space in a radial direction with respect to the left-right axis; and a jaw hingeably connected to the hook body to be rotatable with respect to the hook body about a jaw hinging axis parallel to the left-right axis between an open jaw position and a closed jaw position, wherein, in the closed jaw position, a distal section of the jaw extends along at least part of the bottom side of the receiving space from the rear side of the receiving space so as to bound the receiving space on the bottom side to retain, in cooperation with the hook body, the elongate frame member in the receiving space, wherein, in the open jaw position, the distal section of the jaw extends less or not along the bottom side of the receiving space so as to allow the elongate frame member to enter or exit the receiving space via the bottom side of the receiving space in the radial direction, wherein the mounting device, in particular the hook body, extends rearward from the receiving space by less than a distance by which the rear side of the receiving space is spaced apart from the front side of the receiving space.

2. Mounting device according to claim 1, wherein a receiving space center plane is defined halfway between the rear side and the front side of the receiving space, thereby defining a front section of the hook body to the front of the receiving space center plane and a rear section of the hook body to the rear of the receiving space center plane, wherein the jaw hinging axis is arranged in the front section of the hook body, at a distance from the receiving space center plane.

3. Mounting device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the jaw hinging axis is arranged to the front of a plane defined by the front side of the receiving space.

4. Mounting device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, in the closed jaw position, a proximal section of the jaw extends from the jaw hinging axis along the top side of the receiving space and then further along the rear side of the receiving space.

5. Mounting device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, at least in the closed jaw position, the distal section of the jaw is directed towards a distal end of a distal section of the hook body, which distal section of the hook body bounds the front side of the receiving space.

6. Mounting device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, in the closed jaw position, the distal section of the jaw bridges less than 90% of a distance between the front side and rear side of the receiving space, preferably less than 80%, more preferably less than 70%, even more preferably less than 60%, for example about 50%.

7. Mounting device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a hook body through hole extending parallel to the left-right axis isformed in the hook body, wherein a jaw through hole extending parallel to the left-right axis is formed in the jaw, wherein in the closed jaw position the hook body through hole and the jaw through hole are mutually aligned to allow a securing pin or bolt to extend through both the hook body through hole and the jaw through hole for locking the jaw in the closed jaw position.

8. Mounting device according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a first stop arrangement configured to stop the jaw from rotating beyond the closed jaw position from the open jaw position.

9. Mounting device according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a second stop arrangement configured to stop the jaw from rotating beyond the open jaw position from the closed jaw position.

10. Mounting device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the jaw is biased towards the closed jaw position.

11. Mounting device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, in the closed jaw position, the jaw extends rearward from the receiving space by no more than a distance by which the hook body extends rearward from the receiving space.

12. Mounting device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, in the open jaw position, the jaw extends rearward from the receiving space by no more than a distance by which the hook body extends rearward from the receiving space.

13. Mounting device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, in the open jaw position, the jaw extends up to the rear side of the hook body, in particular tangential to the rear side of the hook body.

14. Mounting device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the jaw comprises a strap connection structure configured to have an end of a strap connected thereto so as to allow the jaw to be moved from the closed jaw position to the open jaw position by pulling of the connected strap, in particular substantially upward pulling.

15. Mounting device according to claim 14, wherein the strap connection structure is configured for the connected strap to extend from the jaw along a path that extends behind a rear side of the jaw, in particular upwardly and / or rearwardly.

16. Mounting device according to claim 15, wherein, in the closed jaw position, the rear side of the jaw extends in a same plane as the rear side of the hook body.

17. Mounting device according to any of claims 14 - 16, wherein, in the closed jaw position, the strap, when connected, emerges from the jaw in an initial direction that is rearward and / or downward with respect to the hook body.

18. Mounting device according to any of the preceding claims, configured for the received elongate frame member to engage the jaw upon upward movement of the mounting device with respect to the elongate frame member to urge the jaw towards the closed jaw position when the jaw is not in the open jaw position.

19. Mounting device according to any of the preceding claims, configured for the elongate frame member to engage the jaw from below the receiving space upon downward movement of the mounting device withrespect to the elongate frame member to urge the jaw towards the open jaw position.

20. Mounting device according to any of the preceding claims, configured for the hook body to comprise a replaceably held sizing element selectable from a set of mutually differently sized sizing elements so as to selectively determine one or more sizes of the receiving space.

21. Mounting device according to claim 20, wherein the sizing element is made from a resilient material, in particular a thermoplastic elastomer.

22. Mounting device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the hook body is configured to be fixed to the bicycle accessory via a first rail that is configured to be fixed to the bicycle accessory, wherein the hook body comprises a rail engagement structure at the rear side of the hook body for slidable engagement with the first rail, wherein the mounting device is configured to be clamped to the first rail so as to fix a position of the mounting device along the first rail.

23. Mounting system for releasably mounting a bicycle accessory to a bicycle rack, comprising at least one, preferably at least two, mounting device according to claim 22 and the first rail, wherein preferably the respective mounting device is engaged with the first rail using the rail engagement structure so as to be at least selectively slidable along the first rail, wherein preferably the respective mounting device is at least selectively clamped to the first rail so as to inhibit sliding of the mounting device along the first rail.

24. Combination of a mounting system according to claim 23 and the bicycle accessory, wherein preferably the first rail is fixed to the bicycle accessory.

25. Combination of at least one, preferably at least two, mounting device according to any of claims 1 - 22 and the bicycle accessory, wherein preferably the at least one mounting device is fixed, e.g. directly or indirectly, to the bicycle accessory, wherein preferably the bicycle accessory is supported on the bicycle rack via the at least one mounting device.

26. Mounting system or combination according to any of claims 23 - 25, further comprising a linking assembly configured to be fixed to the bicycle accessory independently from the at least one mounting device and to be linked to the bicycle rack at a distance from the elongate frame member, in particular at a position that is spaced apart from the elongate frame member in a radial direction with respect to the left-right axis.

27. Mounting system or combination according to claim 26, wherein the linking assembly comprises: a second rail configured to be fixed to the bicycle accessory; and a linking arm assembly engaged or engageable with the second rail so as to be at least selectively slideable along the second rail, and preferably at least selectively clamped to the second rail so as to inhibit sliding of the linking arm assembly along the second rail.

28. Mounting system or combination according to claim 27, wherein the linking arm assembly comprises a linking arm and a base, wherein the base is engaged or engageable with the second rail so as to be at least selectively slideable along the second rail, wherein the linking arm is engaged or engageable with the base so as to be at least selectively rotatable with respect to the base about a linking arm rotation axis substantiallytransverse to the second rail, wherein preferably the base, the linking arm and the second rail are at least selectively clamped together so as to inhibit both the sliding of the base along the second rail and the rotation of the linking arm with respect to the base.

29. Mounting system or combination according to claim 28, wherein the base and the linking arm are each provided with a respective series of circumferentially distributed mating elements extending substantially parallel to the linking arm rotation axis from respective mutually facing contact faces of the base and the linking arm, wherein the mutual mating elements are configured, when mated, to inhibit the rotation of the linking arm with respect to the base.

30. Mounting system or combination according to any of claims 23 - 29, further comprising a reinforcement structure for the bicycle accessory, wherein the reinforcement structure is configured for at least one of the at least one mounting device, the first rail, the linking assembly, the second rail and the linking arm assembly to be fixed thereto.

31. Method of releasably mounting a bicycle accessory to a bicycle rack, comprising: providing a bicycle accessory with at least one, preferably two, mounting device according to any of claims 1 - 22, wherein the respective hook body is fixed to the bicycle accessory at the rear side of the hook body; causing a section of an elongate frame member of the bicycle rack to enter the receiving space via the bottom side of the receiving space to be received in the respective receiving space; and causing the jaw to be in the closed jaw position to retain the elongate frame member in the receiving space.

32. Method of releasing a bicycle accessory mounted to a bicycle rack according to claim 31 from said bicycle rack, comprising: causing the jaw to be in the open jaw position; and causing the elongate frame member to exit the receiving space via the bottom side of the receiving space.

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