FULLY ADJUSTABLE BRACKET FOR REMOVABLE & STATIONARY SADDLEBAG SUPPORT SYSTEM
One embodiment of the present invention relates to a method of mounting a saddlebag using an adjustable bracket assembly. The bracket assembly comprises an integral planar attachment portion, at least one integral mounting portion separate from the planar attachment portion, at least one integral locking portion separate from the attachment portion and at least one integral keeper. The integral planar attachment portion includes a reception portion, wherein at least one of the planar attachment portion and reception portion include at least one slot. The at least one integral attachment mounting portion includes an engaging portion and a mating portion that engages the reception portion, wherein at least the engaging portion is substantially parallel to the planar attachment portion when engaged.
The present invention is a divisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/263,035, filed Oct. 31, 2008, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, which in turn relates to, and claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/984,250 filed Oct. 31, 2007, the entire document of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe invention relates to an apparatus and method for attaching a moveable, removable, adjustable bracket assembly to a vehicle. More particularly, the invention relates to a fully moveable, removable, adjustable bracket assembly for moveably, removably, adjustably attaching a saddlebag to a vehicle.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONVarious vehicles, such as, for example, motorcycles or bicycles, use saddlebags. Such saddlebags require an apparatus for mounting. Mounting these saddlebags is generally accomplished using support brackets upon which the saddlebags rest. However, support brackets for saddlebags only fit one specific type of motorcycle or bicycle and accommodate only one or a very few specific types of saddlebags. Therefore, a dealer has to stock many different varieties of mounting brackets to fit the large variety of available vehicles and different saddlebag types.
Additionally, standard brackets are permanently attached to the vehicle and cannot be easily moved to another vehicle. Not only does this force a vehicle operator to purchase extra brackets for other vehicles, but it also compels the operator to acquire only those saddlebags for which the bracket has been installed. This creates extra costs and inconvenience for both that vehicle dealer and a vehicle user.
Some brackets attempt to solve this problem by creating a bracket with a one side adjustable slider. While these brackets can accommodate different types and sizes of vehicles than non-adjustable ones, they face similar limitations. The fitment on the bracket is limited. If the saddlebag is larger than the bracket can accommodate, the saddlebags may sink to one side. If the bracket is larger then the saddlebag, it may expose sharp metal edges. Either situation can create a dangerous environment for the vehicle user. Additionally, the stationary part of the bracket, as well as the improperly fitted saddlebags, often interfere with vehicle components, such as, for example, seats, fender rails and turn signals.
It would therefore be desirable to have a fully adjustable bracket for removable and stationary saddlebag support systems that overcomes the above disadvantages.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONOne embodiment of invention relates to an adjustable bracket assembly for moveably, removably mounting a saddlebag to a vehicle. The assembly comprises a substantially planar container attachment portion, at least one attachment mounting portion and at least one locking portion. The container attachment portion is adapted to receive the container in a moveable, removeable fashion. The at least one attachment mounting portion is adapted to be moveably, removably mounted to the container attachment portion; while the at least one locking portion is adapted to be moveably, removable secured the attachment portion to the vehicle.
Another embodiment relates to an adjustable bracket assembly for moveably, removably mounting a saddlebag to a vehicle, the assembly comprising means for receiving the container in a moveable, removeable fashion and means for attaching the receiver means to the vehicle in a moveable, removable manner. In at least one embodiment, the bracket assembly further comprises means for securing the attaching means to the vehicle in a moveable, removable manner.
Still another embodiment relates to a method for moveably, removably mounting a saddlebag to a vehicle using an adjustable bracket assembly. In this embodiment, the method comprises determining a position for the saddle bag on the vehicle and moveably, removably mounting a keeper on the determined position on the vehicle. The method further comprises moveably, removably mounting at least one mounting portion to a substantially planar container attachment portion and moveably, removably mounting the saddlebag to the substantially planar container attachment portion. Additionally, the method further comprises moveably, removably attaching the at least one mounting portion to the keeper and moveably, removably securing the at least one mounting portion to the keeper using at least one locking arm.
Yet another embodiment relates to a method for swapping a differently sized (different in length, height, width, depth and/or shape) saddlebag for a mounted saddlebag mounted to or on a vehicle having a keeper using an adjustable bracket assembly. In this embodiment, the method comprises removing the mounted saddle bag mounted in a first position on the vehicle. This requires unsecuring or unlocking at least one locking arm. A position for the differently sized saddle bag on the vehicle is determined. The differently sized saddle bag is moveably, removably mounted to a substantially planar container attachment portion having at least one mounting portion attached thereto, which is turn is mounted to the keeper, using the least one locking arm.
The foregoing and other features and advantages of the invention will become further apparent from the following detailed description of the presently preferred embodiment, read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The drawings are not to scale. The detailed description and drawings are merely illustrative of the invention rather than limiting, the scope of the invention being defined by the appended claims and equivalents thereof.
Throughout the various figures, like reference numbers refer to like elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTSReferring to
Container attachment portion 12 further defines at least one, but generally a plurality of, openings or holes therein. At illustrated, container attachment portion 12 comprises a plurality of mounting means or holes 40 adapted to mount the container attachment portion 12 to the vehicle 18 in a moveable, removeable fashion and a plurality of attachment means or holes 42 adapted to attach the mounting portions 14 and 16 thereto in a moveable, removable fashion. It is contemplated that mounting and attachment holes 40 and 42 may have many different shapes including round, oval and rectangular.
As illustrated, in the bent or deformed position, first mounting portion 14 comprises a plurality of generally planar surfaces 44, 46, 48, 50, 52. First planar surface 44 is formed on a plane that, when the first mounting portion 14 is mounted to the container attachment portion 12 (using nuts and bolts for example), would be parallel, or at a predetermined angle, thereto. Second and third planar surfaces 46 and 48 are formed substantially parallel to each other and extending from first planar surface 44 at a predetermined angle. In one embodiment, second and third planar surfaces 46 and 48 extend from first planar surface 44 at about 90 degrees thereto (best viewed in
First mounting portion 14 further defines at least one, but generally a plurality of, openings or holes therein. At illustrated, first mounting portion 14 comprises a plurality of mounting means or holes 54 adapted to mount the first mounting portion 14 to the container attachment portion 12 in a moveable, removeable fashion and a plurality of attachment means, holes or slots 56 adapted to engage a keeper 82 (best viewed if
As illustrated, in the bent or deformed position, second mounting portion 16 comprises a plurality of generally planar surfaces 58, 60, 62, 64, 66. First planar surface 58 is formed on a plane that, when the second mounting portion 16 is mounted to the container attachment portion 12 (using nuts and bolts for example), would be parallel, or at a predetermined angle thereto. Second and third planar surfaces 60 and 62 are formed substantially parallel to each other and extending from first planar surface 58 at a predetermined angle. In one embodiment, second and third planar surfaces 60 and 62 extend from first planar surface 58 at about 90 degrees thereto (best viewed in
Second portion 16 further defines at least one, but generally a plurality of, openings or holes therein. At illustrated, second mounting portion 16 comprises a plurality of mounting means or holes 68 adapted to mount the second mounting portion 16 to the container attachment portion 12 in a moveable, removeable fashion and a plurality of attachment means, holes or slots 70 adapted to engage one or more keepers 82 in a slideably moveable, removable fashion. It is contemplated that mounting and attachment holes 68 and 70 may have many different shapes including round, oval and rectangular.
As illustrated, locking arm 72 comprises planar portion 74 having lip 76 extending outwardly therefrom at least a portion thereof. In at least one embodiment, lip 76 forms an angle of about 90 degrees with the planar portion 74. Locking arm 72 further comprises at least one tab 78 extending thereform proximate one end and defines a hole 80 at opposite end thereof.
The locking arm 72 is coupled to at least the second mounting portion 16 that attaches to the bracket 10 and subsequently the saddlebag. When, in at least on embodiment, the first and second mounting portions 14 and 16 moveably, slideably engage the keepers 82, the locking arm 72 (tab 78 for example) engages the slots 84 on the keepers 82 (that sit permanently on the vehicle 18), keep it from coming out or disengaging the first and second mounting portions 14 and 16.
In at least one embodiment, bolts on the fender strut corresponding with the receivers on the Ghost Bracket are removed.
While the embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are presently considered to be preferred, various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The scope of the invention is indicated in the appended claims, and all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalents are intended to be embraced therein.
Claims
1-6. (canceled)
7. A method for mounting a saddlebag to a vehicle using an adjustable bracket assembly, the method comprising: determining a position for the saddle bag on the vehicle; mounting an elongated support member on the determined position on the vehicle; mounting at least one attachment mounting portion having a mating portion to a planar attachment portion having a reception portion, wherein the mating portion mates with the reception portion; mounting the saddlebag to the planar attachment portion; mounting the at least one attachment mounting portion to the elongated support member; and securing the at least one attachment mounting portion to the elongated support member using at least one locking member.
8. The method of claim 7 wherein mounting the at least one attachment mounting portion to the planar attachment portion comprises mounting at least first and second attachment mounting portions.
9. The method of claim 7 wherein mounting the at least one attachment mounting portion to the elongated support member comprises engaging at least one of a receiving portion and radius portion.
10. The method of claim 9 wherein mounting the at least one attachment mounting portion to the elongated support member comprises at least one keeper mated to the elongated support member engaging at least one of the receiving portion and radius portion.
11. A method for changing a saddlebag mounted on a vehicle using an adjustable bracket assembly, the method comprising: removing the saddle bag mounted in a first mounting position on the vehicle, the vehicle having an elongated support member attached thereto; determining a second mounting position; mounting the saddlebag to a planar attachment portion having at least one attachment mounting portion attached thereto; mounting the at least one attachment mounting portion to the elongated support member at the second mounting position; and securing the at least one attachment mounting portion to the elongate support member using at least one locking member.
12. The method for changing the saddlebag of claim 11 wherein removing the saddlebag mounted in the first position comprises unsecuring the saddlebag using the at least one locking member.
13. The method for changing the saddlebag of claim 11 wherein the second mounting position is the first mounting position, but the saddlebag is a different saddlebag.
14. The method for changing the saddlebag of claim 13 wherein the different saddlebag is a differently sized saddlebag.
15. The method for changing the saddlebag of claim 11 wherein the second mounting position is located on the vehicle spaced from the first position.
16. The method for changing the saddlebag of claim 11 wherein the second mounting position is located on a different vehicle from the first mounting position.
17. The method for changing the saddlebag of claim 16 comprising mounting the elongated support member at the second position.
Type: Application
Filed: Jul 25, 2012
Publication Date: May 30, 2013
Inventors: Yuriy Dubinskiy (Lake Zurich, IL), Alexander Gorokhovsky (Deerfield, IL)
Application Number: 13/464,607
International Classification: B23P 11/00 (20060101);