Fork Patents (Class 224/424)
  • Patent number: 10351196
    Abstract: A foldable-chair carrier for a bicycle includes a frame that defines a plurality of generally planar, inclined chair-supporting surfaces over the rear wheel of the bicycle. The frame includes a pair of enlarged hooks at the forward, upper portion of the frame, with the hooks being arranged to receive opposite ends of one of the structural tubes of the chair in its folded configuration. The hooks may be sufficiently large to receive two or more of the folded chairs, in a stacked array. The hooks are configured so that even if the bicycle is running on uneven ground, the chairs will be unlikely to be thrown from the frame even in the absence of supplementary tie-downs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Inventor: Lawrence R. Bain
  • Patent number: 9821869
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a connection device for a pannier for a vehicle and a pannier having such a connection device. The connection device includes a pivotable support member having an attachment arrangement for attaching to the vehicle. The pivotable support member is adapted to be pivoted between an attachment position, in which the attachment arrangement is exposed for attachment to the vehicle, and a concealed position. The present invention provides a connection device having an attachment arrangement. The attachment arrangement can be displaced so as not to interfere with objects, e.g., getting snared or caught.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: Thule IP AB
    Inventors: Timothy Armstrong, Gary Gibson, Patrick David Maguire
  • Patent number: 8201719
    Abstract: A bicycle carrier includes a main body, at least one supporting frame, at least one side frame and at least one restrainer. The main body includes a supporting plane and a plurality of slide bases. The slide bases are located on at least one side of the main body. The supporting frame connects the main body and the bicycle. The side frame includes at least one slide rod that slides and couples to the slide bases and at least one fence connected to the slide rod to define a container space. The restrainer restrains the side frame from moving relative to the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Giant Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Li-Cheng Hsu
  • Patent number: 7621548
    Abstract: A system for carrying golf clubs on the front of a bicycle with extra wide tires, by dividing the clubs between two enclosures with 7 plastic tubes each to receive 14 golf clubs: one to the left of the bicycle's front fork and handlebar, and one to the right. This combination allows the golfer exercise while maintaining speed of play.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Inventor: David F Weber
  • Publication number: 20090188958
    Abstract: A bicycle carrying frame for mounting on a bicycle front fork comprises a first frame member configured for attachment to a first front fork, the frame member comprising a lower attachment formation and an upper attachment formation by means of which the frame member is attachable respectively to a relatively lower mounting location of the fork and a relatively higher mounting location of the fork, one of said attachment formations being a mounting assembly comprising a rotatable element including one or more fixing points, whereby, when the frame member is disposed in a desired orientation with respect to the bicycle, the rotatable element can be rotated by a user to present at least one of the one or more fixing points to the adjacent mounting location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Applicant: Zyro Ltd.
    Inventor: Andrew Bennison
  • Patent number: 7281399
    Abstract: A cycle provided with a frame and an anti-theft device comprising a cable having a first end permanently fixed to the frame and a mobile second end capable of cooperating with a bolt mounted on the frame, this bolt being movable between a locking position in which it locks the second end of the cable with respect to the frame, and an unlocking position in which it releases this second end with respect to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: JCDecaux SA
    Inventor: Jean-Claude Gagosz
  • Patent number: 7273221
    Abstract: A system for attaching bicycle accessories to the frame of a bicycle is herein disclosed. The system comprises at least two of an upper mount, a lower mount, and a support arm. The upper mount is generally secured to the frame of the bicycle adjacent the junction of the seat post and seat stay of a bicycle frame. The upper mount includes a channel for receiving a first portion of a bicycle accessory. A lower mount generally includes at least one mounting post that extends generally upward from a front or rear dropout of a bicycle frame. The mounting post is adapted to secure a second portion of a bicycle accessory to the frame of the bicycle. The support arm is constructed and arranged to couple a front fork or a seat stay of a bicycle frame to the accessory so as to create a rigid structural relationship between the accessory and the bicycle frame. The attachment system of the present invention may be adapted for attaching accessories to rigid bicycle frames or to bicycle frames that include suspensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Transbike Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Lynn Marie Ockenden
  • Patent number: 6837407
    Abstract: A storage container intended for placement into standard water bottle holders often found on bicycles. The container has a door, which can be rotated open on a hinge. This can be done without removing the container from the water bottle holder. The container has a retention feature for keeping the door closed. The container provides the user with a storage space for such articles including, but not limited to sunglasses, personal identification, emergency information, money, credit cards, patch kits, tools, writing tools, computers, cell phones, food and first aid kits. The container's shape properly orients the container in the water bottle holder and prevents the container from rotating axially in the water bottle holder or from falling out under vibration. The container may be locked closed and may also be locked to the bottle holder. The container's shape is such that it can stand vertically or horizontally, opened or closed on a flat surface, such as the ground or a tabletop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Inventors: Christopher R Towers, William P. Stiles
  • Patent number: 6634664
    Abstract: A multi-purpose mounting member for a bicycle fork, especially a front suspension fork, is provided. The multi-purpose mounting member has a rigid front support portion, a rear support portion and a recessed portion that connects the front and rear portions together. The recessed portion forms a mounting space that is sized to receive the inner side surfaces of the forks and the ridge of the fork. Preferably, the multi-purpose mounting member is designed to provide a smooth contoured connection with the front fork. In other words, the mounting space of the multipurpose mounting member is shaped and arranged to provide a very attractive integrated appearance. The front and rear portions are preferably provided with fenders that are adjustable in the longitudinal direction. Moreover, the front support portion is also designed to receive other accessory components, such as an electrical control box, a lamp or a carrier. In other embodiments, the multi-purpose mounting member can be constructed of several pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Masao Kojima
  • Patent number: 6139235
    Abstract: A lock-down assembly for securing a vehicle to a platform to prevent unauthorized removal such as an all-terrain vehicle to the deck of a trailer. The lock-down assembly includes a retractable bracket secured to the platform and a locking device securing the vehicle to the bracket. The locking device is an extendable bar having U-shaped members at both ends to engage the vehicle and bracket. The retractable bracket includes a base plate fastened to the platform and a selectively extendable U-bolt mounted to the base plate. The U-bolt is fastened to the base plate with a cylindrical bracket which prevents access to the fastening nuts of the U-bolt when the U-bolt is extended for connection to the vehicle. Accordingly, with the vehicle lockingly secured to the bracket, the bracket cannot be removed from the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Fulton Performance Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Tim Vander Koy, Todd Krzanowski
  • Patent number: 5996865
    Abstract: A container for securing a hand gun and ammunition in the passenger compartment of a vehicle, the container being foam lined and having preformed contour receptacles for accommodating a particular style of hand gun and ammunition associated therewith, the container having a securable lid and further having a hinged flap along a lower edge for insertion between the passenger seat and passenger seat back rest, the hinged flap having a securing means for attachment once so inserted, the container further having hook and loop fasteners secured to the underside for alternatively securing the container to the front passenger floor of the passenger compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Inventor: Dean C. Bissey
  • Patent number: 5924611
    Abstract: A trunk net for a vehicle has a first net area for holding luggage on a floor, and a second net area for holding the luggage between the net and an upright panel, and anchor members for holding the trunk net in a luggage compartment are distributed in the compartment so as to set the trunk net in various manners. At least one of the anchor members has a net holder for holding the net and a base which supports the net holder on a vehicle body panel and which further serves as a fastener for fastening an interior trim member to the vehicle body panel. This trunk net structure makes it possible to set the net in various manners, and facilitates the fixing of the interior trim members to the vehicle body panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuyuki Mizuno
  • Patent number: 5855309
    Abstract: Cargo boxes for trailers that support boats, jet skis, motorcycles, off road vehicles and power equipment A first embodiment has ninety degree angled channels in rectangular shape that are bolted to the front of a boat trailer frame or rear bumper of a towing vehicle. A hinged strap fits through the handle on five gallon gas cans or ice chests. One end of the strap is welded to the channels, the second end has a slot for fitting about a loop attached to a front channel. A key/combination padlock inserts through the loop locking the storage container to the channels A second embodiment has an I-Frame formed by two angled channels separated by telescoping adjustable plates wherein the storage containers, or a hinged box can be attached thereon by bolts, and BUNGEE.RTM. cords. The components of the cargo boxes can be formed from stainless steel, aluminum, galvanized steel, molded plastic, fiberglass and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Inventor: Mark E. Hallsworth
  • Patent number: 5855388
    Abstract: A springer fork assembly is provided for use on a motorcycle having handlebars. The springer fork assembly includes a springer fork and a gauge mount. The springer fork includes a non-moving portion that does not move relative to the handlebars and a moving portion that moves relative to the handlebars. The gauge mount is coupled to the moving portion of the springer fork for movement relative to the handlebars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Assignee: Bastin-Logan Water Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas A. Brewer
  • Patent number: 5832874
    Abstract: A pet carrier is provided which is adapted for use with tandem wheeled vehicles such as bicycles and motorcycles and has an open box like construction with a connecting means located in the back wall for securing a fastening device to a harness on the pet. The pet carrier includes structure to enable quick, easy and secure attachment and detachment from the associated vehicle. The connecting means in the back of the pet carrier enables the pet to be secured in comfort while being carried and transported.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Inventor: Richard L. Ravin
  • Patent number: 5667118
    Abstract: A bicycle rack for supporting panniers includes first and second laterally spaced apart frames connected to each other by a substantially U-shaped yoke. Each of the frames includes a clamp which is configured to grip a bifurcation of a steering fork of a bicycle. Each frame also includes a transverse member having a flange with an upper edge of the flange defining at least one notch for engaging an axle of the front wheel of the bicycle. The rack can be quickly and easily mounted, dismounted and remounted as desired on the same or on different bicycles. The panniers rack of the invention eliminates the need for special mounting features and does not require any permanent modifications which would alter the appearance of the bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Inventor: James P. Faasse
  • Patent number: 5577646
    Abstract: A carrier for transporting a small pet on a bicycle includes a box-like container provided with a hatch that forms the front portion of the container top. The hatch is hinged at its back side and opens upwardly to allow the pet to extend its head from the container while facing forward. A pair of rails fixed to the container bottom are arranged to detachably couple to a rack that is mounted above the rear wheel, and behind the seat of a bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Inventor: Richard D. White
  • Patent number: 5542587
    Abstract: An infant carrier is mounted on a platform located directly over the rear wheel of a bicycle, such that the infant can become a passenger along with the bicyclist. The carrier has an arcuate cradle-like configuration that causes the infant to be in a semi-prone inactive position in the carrier. A helmet is releasably retained on the carrier body to provide head protection for the infant. A retention strap encircles the helmet to stabilize the helmet position, and to reduce the loading of the helmet on the infant's head and neck muscles. The carrier is selectively positionable on the platform to face either toward the front or the rear. The carrier is detachably mounted so that it can be used for carrying the infant when the carrier is in a detached condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Inventors: Jayne I. Broz, Gordon A. Broz
  • Patent number: 5529325
    Abstract: An auxiliary seat adapted to be mounted over the wheel of a conventional bicycle includes a shock absorbing support assembly. The support assembly includes a pair of struts, one end of each being fixedly secured to the bicycle frame near the bicycle wheel axle and the other end of each being secured to the primary seat mounting bolt of the bicycle. Each strut, in turn, includes a shock absorber assembly for cushioning the axillary seat when the bicycle traverses a bump or other obstruction. The preferred shock absorber assembly comprises a helical compression spring retained between a sleeve coaxially and slidably engaging the bottom portion of each strut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1996
    Inventors: Dorothy Glog, Philip W. Coderre
  • Patent number: 5429286
    Abstract: An apparatus for securing a cart to the bed of a vehicle such as a truck or trailer consists of a first clamping apparatus having a top and a bottom. The top is formed into a "U" shape while the bottom is formed into an "L" shape. The bottom has an opening through which a bolt is inserted which passes into the bed of the truck to secure the first clamping apparatus to the truck. The Cart has an axle which is attached to a pair of wheels. The first clamping apparatus "U" shaped end is adapted to mate with the cart axil. A second clamping apparatus is attached to the bed of the vehicle. The second clamping apparatus has a central locking portion and has a handle attached to the locking portion. An end portion is likewise attached to the end portion so that when the handle is lifted, for example, the clamp will be unlocked and the end portion will be lifted. When the handle is lowered, the end portion will also be lowered with the clamp in a locking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1995
    Inventor: Victor K. Foust
  • Patent number: 5330148
    Abstract: A wheel tiedown device for securing the wheel of a trailered vehicle to the trailer. The novel device comprises a lasso which encircles the wheel. The handle member of the lasso is tethered to the trailer. The loop of the lasso contacts the sides of the wheel, and is prevented from excessive spreading and from slipping to a position too low on the wheel to secure it by a strap spanning right and left sides of the wheel. A second strap attaches to the loop and extends to the opposite side of the wheel from the lasso handle member. The wheel is secured fore and aft by the lasso handle member and the second strap, one engaging the trailer by hook and eye, and the other being held and tightened in a winch. The lasso is made from a strap, and all connection between the lasso and first and second straps is by passing one strap member through a loop terminating the corresponding strap member. Thus, adjustment is enabled by slippage of one strap through the loop of another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1994
    Inventor: H. Dennis Floyd
  • Patent number: 4367572
    Abstract: An elastic clamping apparatus utilizes an elongated rubber-like member, having a plurality of spaced apart notches disposed along the length of each opposed lateral surface. Imbedded within the length of the elastic member is a fabric-like reinforcement member which is not extensible from the tortuous path in which it occupies when the resilient elastic member is unstretched. When stretched, the reinforcement member and the elastic member both extend in length. The end of the elastic member are fitted with a plate having a hook-like end whose outer most surface is covered with a resilient rubber-like material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1980
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1983
    Inventor: Anthony L. Zielenski
  • Patent number: 4325531
    Abstract: The apparatus includes a plate which is secured to the bottom of the container and includes depending feet which are received into keyhole slots on front and rear mounting brackets separately secured to the carrier rack. When the container is lowered onto the mounting brackets and slid rearwardly, reduced neck portions on the feet of the bottom plate are received in narrowed portions of the keyhole slots; and a latch engages a pin on the bottom plate so that the container cannot be removed until the latch is disengaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1980
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1982
    Inventor: Bruce D. Omholt
  • Patent number: 4249684
    Abstract: The invention provides an easily transportable, general purpose box which may be carried about by hand and then anchored to rails and locked in place. Once the lid is locked on the box, no one without a key can move the box from the anchor rails. The invention is primarily intended as a portable trunk for mounting on a truck; however, it may be used anytime that a box is to be mounted on a chassis, such as a toolbox mounted on a wheeled dolly, a toolroom shelf, or the like, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1979
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1981
    Inventors: Kenneth Miller, Le Roy Dombeck
  • Patent number: 4227633
    Abstract: A wheel-locking device to secure vehicles on transport vehicle platforms, comprising a pivotally mounted stop member arranged to engage and hold the vehicle wheel in its raised position, a telescopic arm with controlled extension and retraction. At the outer end of said arm is pivotally mounted a bow arranged to be applied over the vehicle wheel. The telescopic arm is pivotally mounted at its lower point of attachment and so directed that in its raised position for the purpose of applying said bow over the vehicle wheel, said arm forms an acute angle to a vertical plane extending at right angles to the arm pivot axis through said point of attachment and is positioned on the opposite side of said vertical plane relative to the plane formed by said raised stop member, whereby said wheel will be firmly secured between said bow and said stop member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1979
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1980
    Inventor: Jan B. R. Sellberg
  • Patent number: 4093303
    Abstract: Apparatus retaining wheelchairs in stationary position in a bus type motor vehicle including retaining arms extending along and around the wheelchair wheels and gripping the wheelchair frame at the front, the arms being extendible and retractable, and a releasable chair clamping jaw, and being swingable upwardly to an out of the way position, the arm being articulated to swing the jaw transversely toward and away from the chair, the articulation in the arm providing locking for the extension and retraction of the arm, slide rails securing the retaining arms to the vehicle frame, the slide rails being wall mounted or floor mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1977
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1978
    Assignee: Chas. Olson & Sons and Wheel Service Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Eldrid W. Nelson
  • Patent number: 4060271
    Abstract: A three point tie down arrangement, have a quick release, for restraining wheelchairs in vehicles to prevent the chair from rotating and the wheels from leaving the floor during transit, and having sufficient strength to hold the wheelchair should the vehicle overturn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1976
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1977
    Inventor: Joseph J. Williams
  • Patent number: 4055284
    Abstract: An article carrier is mounted on an automobile body. The carrier consists of separate spaced parallel slats fastened flatly against an exterior surface of the automobile body. The slats are closed at their opposite ends by eyed end caps. The end caps enclose the hollow interiors of the slats, help to hold the slats in place and provide locations to which ropes, straps or other article securing devices may be attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1975
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1977
    Inventor: John A. Bott
  • Patent number: 3988032
    Abstract: A trunk accessory for a motor vehicle wherein at least a pair of anchors are respectively secured to the floor and closure of a trunk, and releasable strap means extends between the anchors for limiting opening movement of the closure and retaining trunk contents substantially within an open trunk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1975
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1976
    Inventor: Howard M. Weinstein
  • Patent number: 3955847
    Abstract: A person seated in a wheelchair or other wheeled patient carrier is enabled to board a vehicle while remaining in the carrier. A hold down device secured to the vehicle floor restrains the carrier against movement regardless of acceleration or emergency braking of the vehicle, and a belt arrangement can be provided to secure the passenger in the wheeled carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1975
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1976
    Assignee: Medi-Cab Inc. of New York
    Inventor: Morton I. Schiowitz