NL2026326B1

NL2026326B1 - Adapter for attaching a bicycle accessory and bicycle accessory therefor

Info

Publication number: NL2026326B1
Application number: NL2026326A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Van Es Diederick
Original assignee: Greensenz B V
Priority date: 2020-08-24
Filing date: 2020-08-24
Publication date: 2022-04-14
Also published as: EP4200197A1; WO2022045880A1

Abstract

An adapter for attaching a bicycle accessory to a luggage carrier of a bicycle comprising: a support surface for supporting the bicycle accessory which comprises a coupling element configured to cooperate with a corresponding bicycle accessory coupling part for attaching the bicycle accessory to said coupling element; and a mounting system positioned opposite the support surface, adapted for attachment ofthe adapterto the bicycle luggage carrier, wherein the support surface has at least two planes of symmetry, which are perpendicularto one another, and wherein the coupling element is a protruding element extending perpendicular into and/or away from the support surface in a fixed position, and having a polygonal cross-section parallel to the support surface. And a bicycle accessory comprising a coupling part for attaching to such an adapter.

Description

1- Adapter for attaching a bicycle accessory and bicycle accessory therefor Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to an adapter for attaching a bicycle accessory to a luggage carrier of a bicycle comprising: a support surface for supporting the bicycle accessory which comprises a coupling element configured to cooperate with a corresponding bicycle accessory coupling part for attaching the bicycle accessory to said coupling element; and a mounting system positioned opposite the support surface, adapted for attachment of the adapter to the bicycle luggage carrier, and a coupling part for a bicycle accessory therefor. The invention further relates to a bicycle accessory comprising such a coupling part and to a set of an adapter and a bicycle accessory. Background art

[0002] WO2018203743 discloses a mounting system which is mountable on a bicycle luggage carrier, and comprises a clamping system for clamping on the bicycle luggage carrier and a carrier coupling part mountable on the clamping system. The carrier coupling part is configured to cooperate with a corresponding luggage coupling part of a bicycle accessory. The clamping system comprises at least two clamping sets, each clamping set including a first clamping hook and a second clamping hook, which hooks are each arranged to clamp a longitudinal rod of the bicycle luggage carrier. The clamping set further includes an adjustment member extending between said first clamping hook and said second clamping hook such that a distance between said first and second clamping hook is adjustable. The upper side of the carrier coupling part is arranged to face a corresponding luggage coupling part of a bicycle accessory and comprises a substantially V- shaped connecting opening arranged to receive a corresponding guiding element of a coupling element of a corresponding luggage coupling part of a bicycle accessory.

[0003] In order to securely connect the bicycle accessory to the mounting system and keep the accessory stable thereon, the mounting system is clamped on the opposing longitudinal rods of the luggage carrier and the accessory has multiple coupling elements connecting in at least two openings which are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction ofthe rods. The accessory is movable with respect to the mounting system for (dis)connecting thereto in a direction corresponding to the longitudinal rods of the luggage carrier. Some bicycles, however, have a luggage carrier at the front, which shape requires the clamping system to clamp on rods which are in the width direction of the bicycle. The known mounting system cannot be used for securely mounting a bicycle accessory to such a luggage carrier.

[0004] The present invention seeks to provide an adapter for attaching a bicycle accessory to the luggage carrier of a bicycle, which can be used with both rear and front bicycle carriers for securely mounting a bicycle accessory to a bicycle.

[0005] It is a further object of the invention to provide an adapter for attaching a bicycle accessory to the luggage carrier of a bicycle, which is easy and quick to use.

-2- Summary of the invention

[0006] Hereto, according to a first aspect of the invention, an adapter for attaching a bicycle accessory to a luggage carrier of a bicycle is provided comprising: a support surface for supporting the bicycle accessory which comprises a coupling element configured to cooperate with a corresponding bicycle accessory coupling part for attaching the bicycle accessory to said coupling element; and a mounting system positioned opposite the support surface, adapted for attachment of the adapter to the bicycle luggage carrier, wherein the support surface has at least a first and a second plane of symmetry, which are perpendicular to one another, and wherein the coupling element is a protruding element extending perpendicular into and/or away from the support surface in a fixed position, and having a polygonal cross-section parallel to the support surface.

[0007] Through the coupling element being a perpendicularly protruding element, a bicycle accessory with corresponding coupling part can be attached to the adapter by simply vertically lowering said accessory onto to adapter . The bicycle accessory may, for example, be a basket or crate for carrying items or animals, a child bicycle seat or a bag, such as a sports bag, a rucksack or a school bag. The surrounding structure of the bicycle, regardless of the adapter being mounted to a rear or a front luggage carrier does not interfere with this motion, unlike for example, may occur with adapters which require a sliding motion for achieving connection. The corners of the polygonal cross-section provide rotational stability of a bicycle accessory with respect to the adapter, such that the use of a single coupling element is sufficient for maintaining a fixed orientation of the bicycle accessory with respect to the adapter. A range of different accessories may be used with a single adapter, which may be semi-permanently attached to the luggage carrier of the bicycle.

[0008] The support surface with the coupling element having at least two planes of symmetry, which are perpendicular to one another, ensures that the coupling element is centered onto the support surface. As a result, the coupling part of the accessory is always mounted to the center of the adapter, regardless of the adapter being mounted with a longitudinal axis thereof parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bicycle, or perpendicular thereto. Thus the same adapter may be used on a rear and on a front luggage carrier of the bicycle.

[0009] Where the coupling element is a protruding element extending away from the support surface, the coupling element has a lower end which is substantially planar with the support surface and an upper end at a predetermined height above the support surface, and the matching bicycle coupling part may have a flat bottom surface with an opening for receiving the protruding element. Advantageously, this allows the bicycle accessory to be easily and comfortably used when not attached to the adapter. For example, when the coupling part is incorporated in the bottom surface of a crate or basket, the crate or basket can be stably placed on other surfaces, such as the floor, without requiring additional stability features. Where the coupling part is incorporated in a back or bottom surface of a bag, furthermore, the coupling part does not pose an unwanted snagging risk and may comfortably be worn against a user's body.

[0010] Where the coupling element is a protruding element extending into the support surface, the support surface comprises a recess in which the protruding element is attached, with the lower end 40 being below the support surface and the upper end at a predetermined height above the recess,

-3- such that the upper end may be substantially planar with the support surface. The recess allows the support surface to form a flat upmost surface of the adapter. As a result, when no matching bicycle accessory is attached thereto, the adapter does not form an obstacle for other use of the luggage carrier whilst still being attached thereto.

[0011] In an embodiment, the polygonal cross-section of the coupling element is is square, hexagonal or octagonal. These shapes are relatively easy to manufacture and to provide a corresponding coupling part for, whilst maintaining a relatively large surface area between each of the corners of the polygonal shape. The larger the surface area between each of the corners, the better the protruding element is at maintaining a fixed orientation of the bicycle accessory with respect to the adapter when this is mounted thereon.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the adapter is rotation symmetric at least in the two axes of symmetry of the support surface. Hereto, the preferred shape of the coupling element is preferably square, this being the easiest shape to manufacture, providing the largest surface area between corners. As a result of beign rotation symmetric at least in the to axes of symmetry of the support surface, the bicycle accessory can be attached to the adapter both with a longitudinal axis of the coupling part parallel to the longitudinal axis of the support surface and with the longitudinal axis of the coupling part perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the support surface. Thus the user is provided with additional freedom to attach a bicycle accessory to their bike with a longitudinal axis thereof in parallel or perpendicular orientation with respect to the longitudinal axis of the adapter, regardless of the mounting position of the adapter onto the bicycle.

[0013] In an embodiment, the coupling element is tapered along at least part of a height direction, extending from an upper end of the protruding element which is first engaged by a corresponding coupling part during attachment thereof with the adapter. The tapered section guides the coupling part over/into the protruding element during attachment of the bicycle accessory. The sides of the protrusion are slanted inwards towards the upper end, such that a cross-section of the upper end is smaller than a cross-section there below. The coupling element thus has a conical shape or conical shaped section.

[0014] To prevent the accessory being disconnected from the adapter unwantedly, a locking mechanism may be included. Hereto, according to an embodiment the coupling element comprises a first part and a second part adjacent to one another in a longitudinal direction of the protruding element, wherein the first part extends between the upper end of the protruding element and the second part, and wherein a cross-sectional area of the second part parallel to the support surface is smaller than a parallel cross-sectional area of the the first part abutting the second part and/or wherein said second part comprises at least a recess or through-opening in each one of the side surfaces of the polygonal cross-section which are perpendicular to one of the at least two planes of symmetry. The first part forms a ridge behind which a locking element of the coupling part may clamp when engaging the second part, either through the second part forming a coupling recess which extends along the circumference of the second part or through the second part having at least four coupling recesses or through-holes on at least two pairs of opposite sides. The second 40 part may extend over the entire height of the coupling element between the first part and the

-4- attachment to the support surface or only over a part of this height and/or abut another part having a cross-sectional area larger or smaller than the second part.

[0015] In an embodiment, the support surface comprises at least four clamping elements, each clamping element being positioned substantially parallel to and at a predetermined distance from one of the side surfaces of the polygonal cross-section of the coupling element having a recess or through-opening. The clampig elements may be protruding from the support surface, partially surrounding the coupling element. Preferably, the clamping elements each have a surface facing the coupling element having a shape substantially equal to a surface of the couping element opposite from the faced surface, for allowing the adapter being engaged by two locking elements which are arranged to synchronously move in the same direction. In a preferred embodiment, the clamping elements are recesses or through-openings which are formed in a circumferential sidewall of a recessed area in the support surface which surrounds the coupling element. Such clamping elements are less susceptible to wear and snagging during use.

[0016] In an embodiment, wherein the mounting system comprises at least two clamping sets attached to a bottom side of the support surface, spaced apart along a longitudinal direction of one plane of symmetry of said support surface, each clamping set comprising a pair of clamping hooks, which are arranged to clamp onto two substantially parallel, longitudinal rods of the luggage carrier, and an adjustment member extending between the pair of clamping hooks, adapted to adjust a distance between the pair of clamping hooks such that each clamping set remains substantially symmetrical with respect to the first plane of symmetry of the support surface. This ensures that the clamping hooks of the adapter are always symmetrically extended from the support surface, and thus from the coupling element, which is preferred to obtain a stable mounting position for the accessory onto the luggage carrier as forces from the coupling element are evenly distributed over the mounting system and luggage carrier. The clamping hooks of each clamping set moving synchronously around the first plane of symmetry makes the adapter easy and quick to install for a user.

[0017] According to a second aspect of the invention, a coupling part for being comprised in a bottom or side surface of a bicycle accessory is provided for attaching the bicycle accessory to an adapter acording to the first aspect of the invention, the coupling part, said coupling part comprising a bottom plate having an opening, for receiving the coupling element of the adapter therein, said opening being substantially perpendicular to the bottom plate and having a length and a width corresponding to a length and a width of the coupling element of the adapter, said length and width being equal to one another. The length and width of the opening being equal to each other and corresponding to the length and width of the coupling element of the adapter enables the coupling part being positioned onto the adapter both with a length direction of the botom plate extending along the length direction of the adapter and with the length direction of the botom plate extending perpendicular to the length direction of the adapter. A bicycle accessory having the coupling part integrated into a bottom or side surface thereof can therefore be attached to the adapter in at least two positions, depending on the positioning of the adapter onto a luggage carrier of the bicycle 40 and/or a user preference. The opening having a length and a width corresponding to the length and

-5- the width of the coupling element of the adapter ensures two sets of opposite walls of the coupling element are engaged by side walls of the opening, preventing rotation of the coupling part around an axis extending perpendicular to the support surface of the adapter. The opening may have an equally polygonally shaped cross-section parallel to the bottom plate to the cross-section of the coupling element parallel to the support surface, or be square shaped.

[0018] In an embodiment, the bottom plate has at least one plane of symmetry. This allows for easy positioning with the plane of symmetry overlapping a plane of symmetry of the bottom or side surface of the bicycle accessory, such that the accessory itself is held centralised onto the adapter. This results in balanced loading of the coupling part and good load transfer therefrom to the adapter and luggage carrier.

[0019] In order to prevent the coupling part coming off the adapter during use unwantedly, in an embodiment, the coupling part further comprises a locking mechanism, which comprises a first locking element, positioned in a side of the opening and adapted to be movable between a locked position in which the first locking element protrudes from the side-wall into the opening such that, when the coupling element is received in the opening, the first locking element engages a part of a side thereof, thereby restricting movement of the coupling part along the height direction of the coupling element, and an unlocked position in which the locking element does not extend into the openingl, such that movement of the coupling part along the height direction of the coupling element is unrestricted, and a handle which is moveable with respect to the bottom plate between a first and a second position and connected to the first locking element such that movement of the handle between the first position and the second position moves the first locking element between the locked position and the unlocked position.

[0020] The locking element may hold the coupling part in place through an increase of friction, but prefrably the coupling element of the adapter is provided with a recess or through-opening in the surface part which is engaged by the locking element for receiving the locking element therein. Preferably the opening has a plane of symmetry in which the locking element is located, ensuring the locking element engages the side of the surface part of the coupling element in the centre. Due to the adapter’s support suface with the coupling element having two axes of symmetry, thus having at least four sides with a recess or through-opening, the locking element can engage each surface, thus reliable locking can be achieved with the coupling part in each of four orientations with respect to the adapter.

[0021] In an embodiment, the coupling part further comprises a spring element, arranged between the locking mechanism and the bottom plate to automatically move the first locking element in the locked position. The spring element ensures the coupling part is naturally in the locked position, increasing ease of use and safety. Following the connection of the coupling part to the adapter, the user does not need to remember locking the coupling part.

[0022] In an embodiment, the handle is with a first end positioned at a side of the bottom plate and with a second end rigidly attached to the first locking element slidably, said handle being movable

-6- parallel to the bottom plate, perpendicular to the side of the opening where the locking element is positioned. The handle being positioned at a side of the bottom plate results in a compact coupling part design with an easily accessible handle position for users. The coupling part can be integrated into the bottom or side surface of the accessory with the handle at the edge of said surface, such that the handle is reachable by the user, also when the coupling part is attached to the adapter on the bicycle, without requiring significant alterations to any other surface of the accessory. The first end is the operational end, which needs to be pulled away from the accessory for unlocking said accessory from the adapter. Through the locking element being directly connected to the handle, the coupling part has a relatively simple design with few parts, which is easy to assemble and has a low risk of wear.

[0023] In an embodiment, the coupling part further comprises a blocking element, arranged to be movable between a blocking position in which movement of the handle with respect to the bottom plate is prevented from being moved into the second position, for preventing the first locking element being moved into the unlocked position , and an unblocked position in which the free end of the handle is moveable with respect to the bottom plate. The blocking element can be used to prevent unwanted uncoupling of the bicycle accessory from the adapter. The blocking element may, for example, be operational with a key. The coupling part and/or side of the accessory comprising the coupling part may be designed such that, when attached to the adapter, the clamping hooks are at least partially held inside the accessory. This configuration prevents the accessory being taken from the bicycle when the blocking element is in the blocking position, since neither the accessory can be uncoupled from the adapter, nor the adapter can be uncoupled from the bicycle.

[0024] In an embodiment, the bottom plate of the coupling part comprises at least two ridge elements having a height substantially corresponding to a height of the coupling element of the adapter and being positioned to form the opening there between, each ridge element having a sufaces facing the opening for abutting at least a part of a side of the coupling element of the adapter. Rather than the opening in the bottom plate being formed as a recessed area, the bottom plate may be provided with at least two of ridge elements, protruding perpendicular ot the bottom plate, forming the openign there between. A distance between surfaces of ridge elements positioned opposite one another of the opening is equal to the width and length of the opening, corresponding to the width and length of the coupling element. A cross-section of the ridge elements parallel to the bottom plate has a shape corresponding to part of the circumferential surface of a cross-section of the coupling element parallel to the support surface, ensuring opening facing surfaces of the ridge elements abutting parts of the side of the coupling element in at least two orientations of the coupling part with respect to the adapter when connected thereto. Preferably, the ridge elements are longitudinal elements, having their longitudinal direction parallel to the bottom plate, each shaped to abut at least two side surfaces of the poligonal cross-section of the coupling element. Such longitudinal elements require a relative low wall-thickness, whilst providing good rotational stability to the coupling element when inserted into the opening. Preferably, the ridge elements are shaped to match a recess in the support surface of the adapter, adding strength

-7- to the connection between the coupling part and the adapter as well as resulting in a decreased combined height for the coupling part and adapter when connected. This decreased combined height is beneficial if the surface of the bicycle accessory is to be shaped to surround the adapter when connected thereto, as the overall size of the accessory does not have to be increased a lot for this feature and/or the impact on storage space therein is minimal.

[0025] In an embodiment, the locking mechanism comprises a second locking element positioned parallel to the first locking element, in between two ridge elements on an opposite side of the opening from the first locking element, and adapted to be synchronously movable with the first locking element, between a locked position in which the second locking element protrudes outwards from the opening out from between the two ridge elements for engaging one of the clamping elements when the coupling element is received in the opening, and an unlocked position in which the second locking element is positioned in between the two ridge elements, not engaging one of the clamping elements when the coupling element is received in the opening. In order to facilitate the locking position, a distance between the first and second locking element is equal to the length or width of the coupling element plus the predetermined distance at which the clamping element is positioned from a parallel, facing side of the coupling element, at least in the locking position. Preferably, the second locking element is fixedly attached to the handle, such that the sliding movement of the handle parallel to the bottom plate between the first and second position moves both the first and the second locking elements between the locked and the unlocked positions. This being a mechanically simple design of the locking mechanism. In the simplest of designs, the first and, if present, second locking elements are longitudinal elements, having a longitudinal length extending perpendicular to the direction of movement of the handle and parallel to the bottom surface, which longitudinal elements are fixedly attached to the handle, having an opening substantially corresponding to the opening of the bottom plate therebetween.

[0026] The first locking element preferably comprises a hook-shaped surface facing the coupling element, said hook-shape having a main surface substantially perpendicular to the handle and a hook-surface substantailly parallel to the bottom plate, spaced from the bottom plate by the main surface to have a distance therebetween correspond to a height of the first part of the coupling element such that the hook engages the second part of the coupling element in the locked position.

When present, the second locking element preferably comprises a hook-shaped surface facing away from the first coupling element, for engaging one of the clamping elements, said hooks- shaped surface being similarly shaped to the hook-shaped surface of the first coupling element, a distance between the bottom plate and the hook being such that the hook engages the recess or opening of the clamping element.

[0027] According to a third aspect of the invention, a bicycle accessory comprising a coupling part according to the second aspect of the invention in a side or bottom surface thereof is provided, wherein the bicycle accessory is any one of a basket, a crate, a bag or a child's seat.

[0028] The adapter, coupling part and the bicycle accessory may comprise recycled material, such as a bio-plastic. Furthermore, when the accessory is a basket or a crate, the basket or crate may

-8- comprises a surface area on a circumferential outer wall, which is provided with an optical design via printing, stickering or inmoulding. This allows the basket or crate being provided with a desirable optical pattern, such as a fashion design or a commercial print.

[0029] According to a fouth aspect of the invention, a set of an adapter according to the first aspect of the invention and a bicycle accessory according to a fourth aspect of the invention, is provided. The set may further comprise a tool for manually adjusting the adjustment member. This may for example be a hex key having a size corresponding to a socket head of a bolt of the mounting system. Brief description of the drawings

[0030] Embodiments of the adapter and a bicycle accessory according to the present invention will be described by way of example, with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

[0031] Figs. 1A and 1B respectively show a perspective view of a bicycle with a rear luggage carrier having an adapter and bicycle accessory set according to an embodiment of the invention attached thereto and a close-up view of the rear luggage carrier with the adapter of the set;

[0032] Figs. 2A and 2B respectively show a perspective view of a bicycle with a front luggage carrier having the adapter and bicycle accessory set of Figs 1A and 1B attached thereto and a close-up view of the front luggage carrier with the adapter of the set;

[0033] Fig. 3 shows a perspective bottom view of an adapter according to an embodiment of the invention, providing a more detailed view of the mounting system for attachment of the adapter to the bicycle luggage carrier,

[0034] Fig. 4 shows a perspective top view of the adapter shown in Fig. 3;

[0035] Fig. 5 shows a perspective top view of another adapter according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0036] Fig. 6 shows a perspective bottom view of a basket having a bicycle accessory coupling part according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0037] Fig. 7 shows a cross-sectional view along a symmetry plane of the basket shown in Fig. 6 and the adapter shown in Fig. 5;

[0038] Fig. 8 shows a perspective view of a basket having a bicycle accessory coupling part according to an embodiment of the invention; and

[0039] Fig. 9 shows a set of a basket, an adapter and a tool according to an embodiment of the invention; Description of embodiments

[0040] Figs. 1A and 1B respectively show a perspective view of a bicycle 1 with a rear luggage carrier 2 having an adapter and bicycle accessory set 100 according to an embodiment of the invention attached thereto and a close-up view of the rear luggage carrier 2 with the adapter 20 of the set 100. The bicycle accessory of the set 100 is attached to the rear luggage carrier 2 via the adapter. Hereto, as shown in Fig. 1B, the adapter 20 has a support surface 23, which is provided

-9- with a connector element 25 and clamping hooks 214, 21b, 224, 22b. The clamping hooks 214, 21b, 224, 22b form two sets of opposing hooks, located at a predetermined distance from either longitudinal end along a length L of the support surface and hooked around two parallel longitudinal bars, symmetrically positioned on both sides of a longitudinal axis A of the bicycle, fixedly attaching the adapter to the rear luggage carrier 2. A width W of the support surface is substantially equal to a width between the parallel longitudinal bars of the rear luggage carrier 2. The width W and length L may be such that the adapter fits multiple sizes of luggage carriers, allowing the same adapter being used, for example, for both children's and adult bicycles. The connector element 25 is provided in the center of the support surface. The geometry of the support surface and distribution of the clamping hooks provides a stable connection for the bicycle accessory on the luggage carrier of the bicycle 1 and even distribution of forces.

[0041] Figs. 2A and 2B respectively show a perspective view of a bicycle with a front luggage carrier 3 having the adapter and bicycle accessory set 100 of Figs 1A and 1B attached thereto and a close-up view of the front luggage carrier 3 with the adapter 20. Due to the larger width of the frond luggage carrier 3, the adapter 20 is mounted with its clamping hooks 21a, 21b, 22a, 22b hooked around two parallel longitudinal bars 5 which are perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A of the bicycle 1.

[0042] Alternative known front luggage carriers for bicycles have a geometry similar to the rear luggage carrier 2 of Figs. 1A and 1B. It will be obvious to the skilled person that the adapter 20 is equally suitable for attachment to this type of front luggage carriers, whereby the adapter 20 is to be installed with the length L of the support surface in the longitudinal direction A of the bicycle.

[0043] Figs. 3 and 4 respectively show a perspective bottom and top view of an adapter 20°, which only differs from the adapter 20 in Figs. 1 and 2 in that the support surface 23’ is slightly differently shaped. The overall length L and width W of the support surface 23’ are the same. The support surface 23’ has a first symmetry plane Aa, extending along the longitudinal direction having length L, and a second symmetry plane Ba, perpendicular to the first symmetry plane and extending in a width direction of the support surface 23’.

[0044] The bottom view in Fig. 3 provides a more detailed view of the mounting system for attachment of the adapter 20 to the bicycle luggage carrier 2, 3. The mounting system is provided at the underside of the support surface and has two sets of opposing clamping hooks 21a, 21b; 22a, 22b, interconnecting rods 21c, 22c and tooling-inserts 21d, 22d. The two sets of opposing clamping hooks are each interconnected through one of the interconnecting rods 21c, 22c, and located at opposing longitudinal ends of the underside of the support surface 23’, substantially symmetrically positioned on both sides of second symmetry plane Ba, with the interconnecting rods extending parallel there to. The interconnecting rods 21c, 22c are internally threaded rods, which are connected to the bottom of the adapter at the first symmetry plane Aa, such that each interconnecting rod 21c, 22c with a set of clamping hooks 21a, 21b; 22a, 22b is symmetrical with respect to the first symmetry plane Aa. The interconnecting rods 21c, 22c both have a tooling-insert 21d 22d provided at one end, extending through the clamping hook attached to that end 21b, 22b. 40 The internal threading of the interconnecting rods 21c, 22c is arranged such that, when the tooling-

-10- insert 21d, 22d is rotated in a first direction, the opposing clamping hooks 21a, 21b; 22a, 22b attached to the interconnecting rod move towards one another, symmetrically with respect to the first symmetry plane Aa, and when the tooling-insert 21d, 22d is rotated in an opposite direction, the opposing clamping hooks 21a, 21b; 22a, 22b move away from one another, symmetrically with respect to the first symmetry plane Aa. A tool matching the tooling-inserts 21d, 22d may be a screwdriver or a hex key, also known as Allen key. The opposing clamping hooks 21a, 21b; 22a, 22b in each set have hook-shaped surfaces facing one another, each hook-shaped surface having a radius of curvature that fits around common pipe diameters found in luggage carriers.

[0045] This is a preferred embodiment, however, it will be obvious to the skilled person that alternative mounting systems for attachment of the adapter to the bicycle luggage carrier may be equally effective for attaching the adapter to a luggage carrier. The clamping hooks may, for example, be individually adjustable with respect to the first symmetry plane Aa of the support surface and/or instead of being interconnected be independently connected to the underside of the support surface .

[0046] The top view shown in Fig. 4 shows the support surface 23’ comprising a coupling element 25’ which is configured to cooperate with a corresponding bicycle accessory coupling part. The coupling element 25’ is a protrusion, extending upward, away from the support surface 23’, having a lower end attached to the support surface 23’ and an upper end free for being engaged by the corresponding bicycle accessory coupling part. The coupling element 25’ has a square cross- section, when seen from the top, and is positioned in the centre of the support surface 23’, coinciding with the first and second symmetry planes Aa, Ba of the support surface 23’. In order to provide sufficient rotational stability to a bicycle accessory attached onto the coupling element 25’, a length x and width y of the coupling element 25’ are equal to or more than 20% of the width W of the support plate 23’. The coupling element 25’ consists of a conical shaped upper part 26 and a recessed lower part 27’ along has a conical shaped first part. The upper part 26’ extends from the free upper end to a predetermined height and has a tapered circumferential outer wall, such that a cross-sectional area of the upper end is smaller than a parallel cross-sectional area there below. This tapering is for guiding a bicycle accessory into an interlocking position onto the adapter. The recessed lower part 27' is shown as being circumferential, such that a cross-section of the recessed lower part 27° parallel to a lowest part of the conical shaped upper part 26’ is smaller than said lowest part of the conical shaped upper part 26°, for receiving a locking element of a corresponding bicycle accessory coupling part. Said locking element engages the recessed lower part 27’ of the coupling element 25’, being prevented from moving along the height direction of the coupling element 25’ due to the upper part 26’ blocking said movement.

[0047] Fig. 5 shows a perspective top view of another adapter 20” according to an embodiment of the invention, which differs from the adapters in Figs. 1 to 4 in that the support surface 23” is provided with a coupling recess 24” in which the coupling element 25” is positioned, such that the upper end of the coupling element 25" is substantially planar with the support surface 23”. The coupling recess 24" has a length and a width which are larger than the length x and width y of the 40 coupling element 25”, such that the coupling recess 24” surrounds the coupling element 25”, for

-11- receiving at least part of a matching bicycle accessory coupling part therein. Furthermore, rather than the recessed lower part 27” of the coupling element 25” being circumferentially recessed, the lower part 27” is provided with a reces or through-opening in each side surface, for receiving a locking element of the matching bicycle accessory coupling part therein. Said recesses or through- openings of the lower part 27” are positioned around the centre of each side surface, such that the support surface 23” remains symmetrical with respect to the first and second symmetry planes Aa, Ba. Additionally, in the depicted adapter, the coupling recess 24” is in a circumferential side wall provided with matching recesses 28” or through-openings, each matching recess 28” or through- opening facing a recess or through-opening in the lower part 27” of the coupling element 25”, for allowing two parallel locking elements of a coupling part to engage with the adapter through anti- symmetric movement, rather than requiring a symmetric motion, and/or a claw-like locking element system. Such a matching bicycle accessory coupling part and the manner of interlocking with the adapter 20” is described in further detail with reference to Figs. 6 and 7. As a result, the circumferential side wall of the coupling recess, along the height direction, also has a first part and a second part, formed by the recess 28” or through-opening such that the first part extends further into the coupling recess 24”, said division in sections being similar to the coupling element 25” and preventing a locking element which abuts the second part from being moved upwards with respect to the support surface 23”. In addition to the upper part 26” of the coupling element 25" being conical shaped, the circumferential side wall of the coupling recess 24” is provided with a tapered upper section 29", extending between a planar section of the support surface 23” and a predetermined height of the coupling recess 24” and being tapered inwards from the planar section of the support surface 23" towards the lower part 27” of the coupling element 25". This is an optional feature, for added guidance of the matching bicycle accessory coupling part during placement of the bicycle accessory onto the adapter 20”.

[0048] Fig. 6 shows a perspective bottom view of a basket 40 having a bicycle accessory coupling part 30 according to an embodiment of the invention, said bicycle accessory coupling part 30 corresponding to the adapter 20” shown in Fig. 5. The basket 40 has a bottom with a recessed area 100a wherein the coupling part 30 is incorporated, a height of the coupling part 30 being equal or less than a thickness of the bottom of the basket such that a bottom surface of the basket 40 with the incorporated coupling part 30 is flat and allows stable placement on a surface such as the ground or a table. The recessed area 100a is centrally located in the bottom of the basket 40, and delimited by sides of the bottom surface of the basket on three sides.

[0049] The coupling part 30 in Fig. 6 comprises a bottom plate (not visible), a handle 35, first and second ridge sections 34a, 34b, first and second locking elements 32a, 32b and a cover plate 100b.

The bottom plate abutts and/or forms a part of the bottom of the accessory in the recessed area 100a. The first and second ridge sections 34a, 34b are substantially perpendicular to and rigidly attached to the bottom plate. The first and second locking elements 32a, 32b are substantially perpendicular to and rigidly attached to the handle 35. The handle 35 is parallel to the bottom plate, positioned opposite from the side thereof which faces the bottom of the accessory, and slidingly 40 moveable with respect to said bottom plate. The cover plate 100b is positioned parallel to the bottom

-12- plate, on the opposite side of the handle 35, substantially closing off the recessed area 100a and comprises openings through which the first and second rigid sections 34a, 34b and the first and second locking elements 32a, 32b protrude.

[0050] The first and second ridge sections 34a, 34b are each U-shaped protruding elements, having a U-shaped cross-section parallel to the bottom plate. Preferably, the ridge sections 34a, 34b and the bottom plate form a single component of the coupling part 30. The first and second ridge sections 34a, 34b together form part of a square outline which is sized corresponding to the size and shape of the coupling recess 24" of the adapter 20” shown in Fig. 5. Hereto, a distance between the legs of each U-shaped ridge section corresponds to the length, a width of the coupling element 25” and a width of each ridge corresponds to a width of the recess 24” and a height of the ridge sections 34a, 34b perpendicular to the bottom plate, protruding from the cover plate 100b is equal or less than a height of the recess 24" perpendicular to the support surface 23". The ridge sections 34a, 34b are symetrically positioned around a symmetry plane Ab of the bottom plate, a distance between a section of each ridge section which is interconnecting the legs also corresponding to the length and width of the coupling element 25”. Side-wall sections of the ridge sections facing one another together form an opening for receiving the coupling element therein. The opening is centrally located in the bottom surface of the basket 40, such that the symmetry plane Ab of the bottom plate overlaps with a symmetry plane of the basket. Although the opening defined by the ridge sections preferably corresponds both in size and shape to the cross-sectional shape of the coupling element, a square opening may also be used with a hexagonal or octagonal shaped coupling element.

[0051] Adjacent facing ends of legs of the U-shaped protruding elements are spaced apart, having first and second locking elements 32a, 32b moveably located therebetween. Said locking elements are shown as longitudinal elements, extending between the adjacent facing ends of legs of the ridge sections 34a, 34b. The first and second locking elements 32a, 32b are jointly moveable, parallel to the bottom surface in the direction of the plane of symmetry Ab, between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the unlocked position, both locking elements are entirely positioned between the adjacent facing ends of the legs of the ridge sections 34a, 34b, substantially closing the square cross-section formed by said ridge sections. In the locked position, the first locking element 32a extends into the opening formed by the ridge sections 34a, 34b and the second locking element 32b extends outward from the square cross-section formed by the ridge sections 34a, 34b. Through their rigid connection, the first and second locking elements 32a, 32b move jointly in the same direction and by the same amount.

[0052] The handle 35 extends from the bottom plate to an outer edge of the coupling part 30, delimiting the recessed area 100a on a fourth side, with an outer edge of the handle being accessible from a side of the basket 40. This allows the handle 35 being easily accessed by a person, even when the basket is connected to the adapter, and being moved between a first position and a second position. The handle is rigidly connected to the first and second locking elements 32a, 32b, together forming part of the locking mechanism of the coupling part 30. During movement 40 between the first and second positions, the handle 35 slidingly moves parallel to the bottom plate

-13- and the symmetry plane Ab, the first position corresponding to the first and second locking elements 32a, 32b being in the locked position and the second position corresponding to the first and second locking elements being in the unlocked position. Preferably, at least in the first position, the outer edge of the handle does not extend beyond the outer edge of the bottom surface of the basket 40, ensuring the handle is protected by the basket. The handle as shown is symmetrical with the symmetry plane Ab of the bottom plate, such that the symmetry plane Ab is also a symmetry plane of the coupling part 30. It will be obvious to the skilled person that non-symmetric handles and non- symmetric coupling parts may result in a coupling part being compatible with an adapter in the same manner and therefore also form part of the scope of the invention.

[0053] The coupling part 30, and how it is connectable to an adapter is described in more detail with reference to Fig. 7, which shows a cross-sectional view along symmetry plane Ab of the basket shown in Fig. 6 and a cross-sectional view of along the first symmetry plane Aa of the adapter shown in Fig. 5. In the cross-sectional view of the basket 40, an upper side of both the first and second locking elements 32a, 32b is shown as being flush with an upper side of the handle 35, allowing the elements being rigidly connected (not visible in this cross-sectional view) to form part of the locking mechanism, such that the sliding movement of the handle parallel to the bottom plate between the first and second position moves both the first and the second locking elements between the locked and the unlocked positions. A spring element 36 is arranged between the bottom plate and the locking mechanism, for generating a spring force parallel to the bottom plate which automatically forces the first and second locking elements 32a, 32b into the locked position. Both the first and second locking elements 32a, 32b have an engaging surface, for lockingly engaging the coupling element 25”, extending substantially perpendicular to the handle, facing away from the side of the basket 40 from where the handle is accessible. Each engaging surface is provided with a hooking surface 33a, 33b, protruding from the engaging surface of the locking elements. In the depicted design, the hooking surfaces 33a, 33b are substantially perpendicular to the engaging surface, but differently oriented or shaped hooking surfaces may be equally suitable.

[0054] The coupling element of the adapter 20” is extended into the support surface, having an upper end substantially flush with an upper surface of the support surface. In order to allow the coupling part 30 being with the cover plate 100b supported onto the support surface whilst the lower surface of the basket 40 surrounds the adapter 20”, a height h3 of the support surface of the adapter 20" is substantially equal to a height h4 of the recessed area in the bottom surface of the basket 40, extending from a lower edge of the recessed area to the cover plate 100b. The length and width of the recessed area 1004 are equal or larger than the length L and width W of the adapter 20". The length x of the coupling element 25”, defined at the largest cross-section parallel to the support surface in the first part 26” of the coupling element 25”, is larger than the width z of the recessed second part 27", and substantially equal to the length and width of the opening defined by the first and second ridge section 34a, 34b (not shown in Fig. 7). A distance X32 between the first and second locking elements 32a, 32b, parallel to the cover plate 100b, is substantailly equal to a combined width W31 of the length x of the first part 26” of the coupling element and a parallel width 40 of the recess 24” in the support surface. A height h2 of the first part 26” of the coupling element of

-14- the adapter 20” corresponds to a height h1 of the coupling part 30” between the cover plate 100b and each of the hooking surfaces 33a, 33b, such that the hook engages the second part 27” of the coupling element directly below the first part 26” in the locked position, thereby preventing movement of the coupling part 30 with respect to the height direction of the coupling element.

The coupling part 30 may be an integral part of the accessory, for example with the bottom plate being part of the botom surface of the crate as depicted, or be a modular component which is to be fitted into the recessed area 100a entirely.

[0055] Fig. 8 shows a side view of a basket 40’ having a bicycle accessory coupling part 30’ according to an embodiment of the invention incorporated in a bottom plate thereof. The bicycle coupling part 30° thus forms part of the bottom surface. The coupling part 30’ has a handle 35’ extending into a side surface of the bottom plate of the basket 40’, for being accessed for manually bringing the coupling part 30’ in an unlocking position by pulling the handle 35’ outwards from the bottom plate, substantially parallel to the bottom surface. Additionally, in Fig. 8 the coupling part 30’ is shown to comprise a blocking element 38, in the form of a lock which can be operated with a key. The blocking element 38 prevents the handle 35 from being moved, such that the handle 35 cannot be moved to the unlocking position. This is an optional feature of the coupling part.

[0056] Fig. 9 shows a set 100’ of a basket 40, an adapter 20, according to an embodiment of the invention, further including a tool 50, a key 60 and handle 70. The tool 50 matches the tooling- inserts 21d, 22d of the mounting system. The key 60 matches the lock of the basket and the handle 70 is for optionally attaching to the basket 40. Obvious variations of the set 100" may include the aforementioned possible variations in adapter and coupling part design, as wel ass for example fewer items or a different accessory such as a seat or bag having a coupling part matching to the adapter incorporated in a bottom or side surface thereof.

[0057] The present invention has been described above with reference to a number of exemplary embodiments as shown in the drawings. Modifications and alternative implementations of some parts or elements are possible, and are included in the scope of protection as defined in the added claims. Examplary modifications falling within the scope of protection include but ar not limited to: the bicycle accessory coupling part not being located with a symmetry plane coinciding with a symmetry plane of the accssory, or the accessory itself not having a symmetry plane, or the adapter support surface or handle being altered to remove visual symmetry of the adapter and/or coupling part whilst maintaining the functionality of being able to attach the coupling part to the adapter in at least two orientations thereto via a single coupling element.

Claims

Conclusions

An adapter (20; 20'; 20') for attaching a bicycle accessory to a luggage carrier (2, 3) of a bicycle (1), comprising: a support surface (23; 23'; 23'') for supporting the bicycle accessory comprising a coupling member (25; 25"; 25") configured to cooperate with a corresponding bicycle accessory coupling part {30) for attaching the bicycle accessory to the coupling element; and a mounting system positioned opposite the support surface, adapted for attachment of the adapter to the bicycle luggage carrier, the support surface (23; 23'; 23'") having at least a first and a second plane of symmetry (Aa, Ba) perpendicular to each other and wherein the coupling element (25; 25'; 25") is a projecting element extending perpendicular into and/or away from the support surface (23; 23'; 23'') in a fixed position, and of polygonal cross-section parallel to the support surface.

The adapter (20; 20'; 20") of claim 1, wherein the polygonal cross section of the coupling element (25; 25''; 25''} is square or octagonal.

An adapter (20; 20"; 20") according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the coupling element (25; 25'; 25") tapers along at least a portion (26'; 26'"} of a height direction, extending from an upper end of the projecting member which is first engaged by a corresponding coupling member during its attachment to the adapter.

An adapter (20; 20; 20") according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the coupling element (25; 25"; 25") has a first part (26'; 26") and a second part (27'; 27" ) adjacent to each other in a longitudinal direction of the coupling member (25; 25"; 25"), the first portion (26'; 26") extending between the upper end of the protruding element and the second portion (27: 27" ), and wherein a cross-sectional area of the second portion (27) parallel to the support surface is less than a parallel cross-sectional area of the first portion (26" abutting the second portion (27) and/or wherein the second portion (27") is at at least one recess or through-opening in each of the side faces of the polygonal cross-section that are perpendicular to one of the at least two planes of symmetry (Aa, Ba).

The adapter (20") of claim 4, wherein the support surface (23") comprises at least four clamping elements (28"), each clamping element being substantially parallel to and a predetermined distance from one of the side surfaces of the polygonal cross-section of the coupling member (25") with a recess or through-opening.

An adapter (20; 20'; 20") according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mounting system comprises at least two clamp sets secured to an underside of the support surface, spaced from each other along a longitudinal direction of one plane of symmetry (Aa). of the support surface, each clamping set comprising a pair of clamping hooks (21a, 21b; 22a, 22b) arranged to clamp on two substantially parallel longitudinal bars (4; 5) of the luggage carrier (2, 3), and an adjuster (21c; 22c) extending between the pair of clamp hooks (21a, 21b; 22a, 22b) adapted to adjust a distance between the pair of clamp hooks such that each clamp set remains substantially symmetrical with respect to the first plane of symmetry ( Aa) of the support surface.

A coupling member (30; 30") for being received in a bottom or side surface of a bicycle accessory (40; 40') for attaching the bicycle accessory to an adapter (20; 20; 20") according to any of the foregoing claims, wherein the coupling part (30; 30"), wherein the coupling part (30; 30') comprises a bottom plate with an opening for receiving therein the coupling element (25; 25'; 25") of the adapter, said opening is substantially perpendicular to the bottom plate and has a length and width corresponding to a length (x) and a width (y) of the coupling element (25") of the adapter (20"), said length and width being equal together.

Coupling part (30; 30") according to claim 7, wherein the bottom plate has at least one plane of symmetry (Ab).

The coupling member (30; 30% according to claim 7 or 8, further comprising a locking mechanism comprising a first locking member (32a) positioned in a side of the opening and adapted to be movable between a locked position in which the first locking member ( 32a) protrudes from the side wall into the opening so that when the coupling member is received in the opening, the first locking member (32a) engages a part of a side thereof, allowing movement of the coupling member (30; 30") along the height direction of the coupling member is restricted, and an unlocked position in which the locking member does not extend into the opening so that movement of the coupling member (30; 30) along the height direction of the coupling member is unrestricted, and a handle (35; 35") that is movable is relative to the bottom plate between a first and a second position and connected to the first locking element (32a) so that movement of the h grip (35; 35') between the first position and the second position, the first locking element (32a) moves between the locked position and the unlocked position.

The clutch member (30; 30") of claim 9, further comprising a spring member (36) disposed between the locking mechanism and the bottom plate to automatically move the first locking member (32a) into the locked position.

The coupling member (30; 30" of claim 9 or 10, wherein the handle (35; 35") is positioned with a first end on a side of the bottom plate and is rigidly secured with a second end to the first locking element (32a). slidable, said handle (35; 35") being movable parallel to the bottom plate, perpendicular to the side of the opening where the locking element is positioned.

The clutch member (30; 30") of claim 9, 10 or 11, further comprising a locking element (38) arranged to be movable between a locking position in which movement of the handle (35; 35") relative to is prevented. the bottom plate is moved to the second position to prevent the first locking element (32a) from being moved to the unlocked position, and an unlocked position in which the free end of the handle is movable relative to the bottom plate.

Coupling part (30; 30") according to any one of claims 7-11, wherein the bottom plate comprises at least two cam elements (34a, 34b) with a height which substantially corresponds to a height of the coupling element of the adapter and are positioned to form the opening therebetween, each cam member having a surface facing the opening for abutting at least a portion of one side of the coupling member of the adapter.

The coupling member (30; 30" of claim 13, for use with an adapter of claim 5, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a second locking element (32b) positioned parallel to the first locking element (32a), between two cam elements (34a, 34b). ) on an opposite side of the opening of the first locking element (32a), and adapted to be synchronously movable with the first locking element (32a), between a locked position in which the second locking element (32b} projects outwardly from the opening, between the two cam elements (34a, 34b) for engaging one of the clamping elements (28") when the coupling element is received in the opening, and an unlocked position in which the second locking element (32b} is positioned between the two cam elements (34a) 34b) and not engaging any of the clamping members (28") when the coupling element is received in the opening.

A bicycle accessory comprising a coupling member (30; 30") according to any one of claims 7 to 14 in a side or bottom surface thereof, wherein the bicycle accessory is a basket, a crate, a bag or a child seat.

A set (100) of an adapter according to any one of claims 1 to 6 and a bicycle accessory according to any one of claims 7 to 14.