Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a bicycle bag for storage and transport of a bicycles, the bag comprising a bottom wall; a top wall; a rear wall suitable for covering the rear side of the bicycle; a front wall suitable for covering the front side of the bicycle; and two side walls or panels suitable for covering the sides of the bike, each of the sidewalls being configured for attachment of laterally extending protective pods for containment of laterally extending parts of a handle bar mounted on the bicycle.

Background of the invention

Todays bicycles and in particular bicycles used in races are more and more advanced and comprise sophisticated technical and sensitive or fragile equipment, such as gear equipment. Bicycles, especially when used in the professional racing sector, represent high price sports equipment.

The bicycles as such and especially certain parts of these bicycles, such as the brake system, the rear derailleur, brake handles and gear shifter/gear control etc., are known to be sensitive for mechanical handling and damages. This is particularly a risk during transport of bicycles, such as by airplane, train, or car, when the bicycle will be exposed to mechanical forces and rough handling.

For a better protection during transport and in order to facilitate the handling and storage during transport, different types of bicycle bags have been developed.

The disadvantage of the known bicycles bags is that they generally afford or require dismounting of the handle bar, the wheels and/or the saddle with the seat post to reduce the afforded size of the bag. Without demounting of one or more of these parts, a bag containing the bicycle is voluminous and difficult to store, transport, and handle. More over, prior art bags are designed in such way that the handle has to be removed, due to vulnerable bags. On the other hand, many cyclists do prefer to keep the handle bar or saddle in their tuned position. This is particularly relevant in the professional racing sector, as this has the risks that individual adjustments of the equipment can be lost. Transport in bags typically requires removing of the back wheel. However, the disassembling of the back wheel does usually not include the rear derailleur as this is generally too time consuming and considered as complicated. The rear derailleur is therefor typically left in assembled position on the bicycle during transport, making it particularly exposed to mechanical or physical damages.

Another challenge with known bicycle bags is their storage when not in use. The afforded space for storage of a bicycle bag, in particular of bags which are rigid to achieve a high level of protection for the bicycle during transport, is high. Rigid bags with a high protection are typically not compressible, meaning that large space is needed for storage when not in use.

Thus, there is a need for an improved transport bag for bicycles which overcomes the above mentioned problems and simplifies the transport. Furthermore, there is a need for an improved protection of the fragile parts of bicycles in particular for the rear derailleur, both when transported in bags and without a bag.

Summary of the Invention

An object of the present invention is to reduce the risk of causing damage or loss of offset adjustments made to such fragile or vulnerable part(s) of a bicycle for example during storage or transport.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a protective system that easily may be affixed or removed from the vulnerable or fragile parts, providing proper protection of the bicycle without having to affect or cause impact of any kind to the fragile or vulnerable part(s).

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved transport container for bicycles which has a high protective level at the same time being effective to store when not in use.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a transport container for bicycles which reduces the need to demount parts of the bicycle and thus the time and work necessary for packing and mounting the bicycle after transport.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a protective device that may be incorporated into and/or co-act or co-function with or fit into other types of protective devices, such as a bag suitable for containing a bicycle during periods where the bicycle is not in use, such as for example during transport or storage.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a protective device that may, with or without minor justifications to the device, be used for protecting several different parts on a bicycle, such as for example the rear derailleur or the brake handles or gear shifter/gear control or a combined brake and gear handle on the handle bar.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a protective device that is easy to fabricate and simple in construction, the device also being configured to facilitate quick release and fixture.

A further object of the invention is to provide a protective device configured to co-functioning or intended to be fixed to the bicycle without having to modify the bicycle as such, thus being fixed to existing relevant part(s) of the bicycle.

Another object of the invention is to provide a protective device suitable for use both, in bicycles for track racing, road racing and mountain biking.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a protective device securing that the rear derailleur is protected while the rear wheel is off, for example during transport, storage or when not in use.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide a transport container for a bicycle which allows flexibility in use and degree of afforded demounting of parts for packing of the bicycle for transport.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a transport container for bicycles solving one or more of the above mentioned objects and which is at the same time optimized in respect to the volume of the bag when in use and for later storage.

The objects are obtained by a bicycle bag as further defined by the

independent claim, while embodiments, variants or alternatives are defined by the dependent claims.

According to the present invention it is provided a bicycle bag for storage and transport of bicycles. The bag comprising a bottom wall;, a top wall; a rear wall suitable for covering the rear side of the bicycle; a front wall suitable for covering the front side of the bicycle; and two side walls suitable for covering the sides of the bike. Each of the sidewalls may be as an alternative be configured for attachment of laterally extending protective pods for containment of laterally extending parts of a handle bar mounted on the bicycle, the laterally extending protective pods being removably attached on the side walls, preferably, but not necessarily attached in a recess of the sidewalls by circumferentially arranged fastening means around said recesses and/or that at bag is foldable, suitable for converted to a flat packed state, at least the bottom wall being rigid, while at least the rear wall, the front wall and the side walls are flexible and foldable, allowing the bag to be flat packed.

According to an embodiment, the bicycle bag may be configured such that the pods can be replaced by a sheet or plate fitting and attachable to said recess in the sidewalls.

According to another embodiment the pods may be provided with flexible sidewalls for extraction and compression.

According to yet another embodiment, may be attached to the bottom plate, but may be are releaseably attached to the top plate; or to the rear wall and/or the front wall, allowing the side walls), alternatively the rear wall and/or the front wall to be partly released from its corresponding attachment, allowing the bag to be folded preferably in one piece from the top towards the bottom plate.

The sidewalls may as an alternative be removable fastened to the bag and preferably be folded separately.

Further, each of the sidewalls may comprise a plurality of reinforcement ribs, preferably longitudinal extending a distance between the bottom and top of the bag.

Moreover, the sidewalls have flexible sections between the reinforcement ribs, allowing the sidewalls to be folded and compressed when removed from the bag.

According to another embodiment, the top wall may comprise a rigid structure.

At least a support for the fork and preferably a the largest chain ring may be supported by a preferably removably arranged support.

The publication describes a bicycle bag for storage and transport of a bicycle is provided, the bag comprising a bottom wall; a top wall; a rear wall covering the rear side of the bicycle; a front wall covering the front side of the bicycle; and two side walls covering the sides of the bike. Each of the sidewalls are provided with laterally extending protective pods for containment laterally extending parts of a handle bar mounted on the bicycle.

According to one embodiment, each pod may be removable attached in a recess of the sidewalls by circumferentially arranged fastening means around said recesses.

Moreover, the pods may be replaced by a sheet or plate fitting and attachable to said recess in the sidewall. Further, it should be appreciated that the pods may be provided with flexible sidewalls for extraction and compression.

According to the present invention a collapsible bicycle bag for storage and transport of a bicycle is provided, the bag comprising a rigid bottom; a top wall; a flexible rear wall covering the rear side of the bike; a flexible front wall covering the front side of the bike; and two reinforced side walls covering the sides of bike, whereby the sidewalls are removable fastened to the bag.

According to an embodiment, each of the sidewalls may comprise a plurality of reinforcement ribs, preferably longitudinal extending a distance between the bottom and top of the bag. Moreover, the sidewalls may be provided with flexible sections between the reinforcement ribs, allowing the sidewalls to be folded and compressed when removed from the bag. According to an option, at least the bottom wall comprises a rigid structure.

The present invention relates also to a protective device for fragile parts of a bicycle, such as the rear derailleur and/or a combined brake handle and gear controller, wherein the protective device comprises one or more protecting surfaces or bars configured to cover or surround the fragile parts at least on one side; and an attachment system configured for attaching the protective device to the part of the bike being provided with such fragile parts.

According to one embodiment, the protective device may comprise

interconnected surfaces protecting at lest two sides of the fragile parts. Moreover, the attachment system may also be configured to be attached to a derailleur associated with a rear wheel on the bike. The attachment device may also be provided with a quick release device, enabling removal without having to

disassemble the protective device. Thus, a main advantage of the rear derailleur protection is that when the wheel is removed, the protective device according to the present invention may be fastened to the same mounting systems and devices as used for attaching the wheel to the frame of the bike. The protective device provides a strong housing surrounding the entire rear derailleur, providing protection against impact from all sides. Such effect is very important as the derailleur is fragile, is finely tuned and gets easily damaged.

Short Description of the Drawings

Reference is made to the attached drawings showing exemplary embody- ments of the present invention, wherein:

Figure 1 shows schematically a side view of a bag according to one

embodiment of the invention and indicating schematically a bike placed inside the bag;

Figure 2 shows schematically a frame with wheels and chain removed, and with protective devices mounted around the rear derailleur and around the combined break handle and gear control attached to the handle bar;

Figure 3 shows schematically an end view of an exemplary embodiment of the protective device for the rear derailleur, seen from behind, i.e. towards the front of the bike;

Figure 4 shows schematically a side view of the protective device for the rear derailleur shown in Figure 3;

Figure 5 shows schematically the a top view of the protective device for the rear derailleur shown in Figures 3, and 4;

Figure 6 shows schematically a view in perspective of the rear lower part of a bicycle frame, also showing the protective device as disclosed in Figures 3 to 5 in an assembled state, fixed and locked to said rear end region of the bike, covering the rear derailleur;

Figure 7 shows schematically another, second exemplified embodiment of the protective device for the rear derailleur;

Figure 8 shows schematically yet another, third exemplified embodiment of the protective device for the rear derailleur; Figure 9 shows schematically yet another, fifth exemplified embodiment of the protective device for the rear derailleur;

Figure 10 shows schematically an end view of the protective device for the rear derailleur shown in Figure 3, seen from the front, i.e. towards the rear of the bike;

Figure 1 1 shows schematically a view in perspective of a corresponding handle bar with yet a third exemplary embodiment of the protective device according to the present invention used for protecting the brake handle and gear control;

Figure 12 shows schematically in perspective the handle bar with a fourth exemplary embodiment of the protective device being attached to the brake handles/gear control handle;

Figure 13 shows schematically in perspective another view of the fourth exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 14, seen from the opposite side.

Figure 14 shows schematically another side view of a bag according to one embodiment of the invention, indicating schematically a bike placed inside the bag, wherein the rear derailleur and the steering handle are protected by protective devices;

Figure 15 shows schematically a perspective view of bag according to an exemplified embodiment of the present invention wherein the bag is provided with pods for containment of the side parts of a handle bar;

Figure 16 shows schematically a side view of another embodiment according to the present invention showing a sidewall of a bag, wherein the sidewall has a recess for a pod;

Figure 17 shows schematically a perspective view of a bag with a sidewall according to Figure 16;

Figure 18 shows schematically a view of a pod in perspective being another exemplified embodiment of the present invention, whereby the pod is seen from the side facing away from the bag;

Figure 19 shows schematically yet another perspective view of the pod of Figure 18 seen from the side facing towards the bag, also showing a zipper for attachment of the pod to the bag; Figure 20 shows schematically a side view of a sidewall with a replacement sheet for a pod inserted into the recess of the sidewall;

Figure 21 shows schematically in perspective a view of another exemplified embodiment with extractable pods which are permanently attached to the sidewalls and are in an extracted stage;

Figure 22 shows schematically in perspective another view of the embodiment shown in Figure 21 , wherein the pod is compressed;

Figure 23 shows schematically in a perspective view another exemplified embodiment of a sidewall according to the present invention in partly folded stage;

Figure 24 shows schematically in a perspective view the embodiment of

Figure 23 in folded stage secured by straps;

Figure 25 A-D show schematically cross sectional views of different exemplified embodiments for sidewall constructions;

Figure 26 shows schematically a perspective view of a further exemplified embodiment for a bag, wherein the bag is in collapsed stage for storage.

Detailed Description of the Embodiments

The following description of the exemplary embodiment refers to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numbers in different drawings identify the same or similar elements. The following detailed description does not limit the invention. Instead, the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims. The following embodiments are discussed, for simplicity, with regard to various forms of protective means used in connection with a road racing bicycle. It should be appreciated, however, that the referenced protective devices and systems are also applicable and suitable for use in respect to any other type of bicycles, requiring protection during storage and transport, as well as other stages. Reference throughout the specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the subject matter disclosed. Thus, the appearance of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout the specification is not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. In the description relative terms such as front, rear, top, bottom, side, left and right, etc. are all related to the bike when in upright position and seen in the normal direction of riding. Furthermore in the following description, certain elements and parts may only be exemplified and described for one sidewall of the bag. Even though only exemplified for one side, it is to be understood that the features will correspondently also apply for the opposite side of the bag.

Figure 1 shows schematically a side view of a bag 50 according to one exemplary embodiment of the invention and indicating schematically a bike 10, with the wheels removed, placed inside the bag 50. The bag 50 comprises a rigid or reinforced bottom wall 60, protecting the lower parts of the bicycle 10 from below during transport and a top wall 64 on the opposite side of the bottom wall. The top 64 wall protects the upper parts of the bicycle 10 from above such as the saddle and the handle bar. The bag further comprises a rear wall 66 on the rear side of the bag protecting the rear side of the bike and a front wall 68 protecting the front side of the bicycle. Furthermore, the bag comprises two side walls 62 and 62' on the right and left side protecting the sides of the packed bike 10 during transport. The structure, various elements and functions, and the build-up of the bag 50 will be described below in further detail. It should be appreciated, however, that a bottom plate 54 may preferably be positioned or inserted into the void or internal room of the bag 50. As indicated the bike 10, when stored inside the bag 50, for example during storage and/or transport, is preferably supported inside the bag 50 by means of a fork support 55 arranged at one end of the bag 50. The fork support 55 may preferably, but not necessarily form an integral part of the bottom plate, and may at its upper end be provided with a supporting and centering surface, preventing the bike 10 from moving with respect to said front support 55, either back and from, or up or down. Moreover, the largest chain ring 13 may be supported by and resting on a profile 56 on the bottom plate 54, the largest chain ring 13 preferably being inserted, and possibly locked in a recess (not shown) in profile 56 at the middle part at the bottom of the bag 50. The rear part of the bike 10, i.e. the rear recess for receiving and locking the wheel shaft in position and the protected rear derailleur 19 may be supported at the rear end of the bag 50. The supporting elements for the bike in the bag are optional features and if present, they are preferably removable from the bag to allow the bag to be folded or flat packed as described in detail below. As indicated the pedals may be removed from the crank arms 14 during the storage in the bag 50, while the handle bar 15 preferable being maintained in its adjusted position.

Moreover, the bike 10 may be stored in the bag 50 with its saddle 16 and the seat post 17 arranged in its pre-installed and tuned position, adjusted to the body of the rider. When stored in a bag 50, the saddle 16 is positioned at the top rear end of the bag 50. The handle bar 15 may also be maintained in its tuned position. In such case the bag is provided with a pair of pods 52, extending laterally out from the bag 50 at the front top of the bag 50. In addition, the rear end of the bag 50 at its lower end, may be provided with wheels 53, easing transfer of the bag 50, either with a stored bike 10 or in a flat packed state. The bag may further be provided with one or more handles (not show) on the front or top wall for lifting the bag as wells as rolling the bag by use of the wheels 53. Handles and/or straps 72 may further be provided on the top wall, the front, the rear and/or the side walls for lifting or securing/fixation of the bag during transport (see e.g. Figure 1 ).

Moreover, as also indicated in Figure 1 and Figure 14, an exemplary embodiment of a derailleur protection device 18 is mounted around the derailleur, said derailleur and its protection device 18 being positioned at the lower, rear end of the bag 50.

The handle bar 15 extends sidewise and is protected by means of pods 52,

52', extending sidewise out from the bag 50. Moreover, as also indicated the width of the bag 50 in folded out and erected state is sufficient to house the bike 10 with saddle 16 and handle bar 15 in their permanent, tuned positions.

Figure 2 shows schematically a frame 20 with a top tube 21 , down tube 22, seat tube 23, seat stay 24, chain stay 25, head tube 26. As shown, the wheels, pedals intended to be mounted in the internally threaded hole 49 on the pedal arm 14, and chain are removed. It should be appreciated, however, that usually the chain is maintained on the bike 10 also during storage and transport. Moreover, as shown protective devices 18 mounted around the rear derailleur 19 and around the combined break handle and gear control 27, attached to the handle bar 15. As shown, the protective device 18 for the derailleur 19 and the protective device 30 for the brake handle 27, possibly combined with the gear control, are of a type where a mechanical arrangement is used for locking the protective device 18, 30 to the rear end of the bike 10 and the handle bar 15, respectively.

Figure 3 shows schematically an end view of an exemplary embodiment of the protective device 18 for the rear derailleur 19, seen from behind, i.e. towards the front of the bike, while Figure 8 shows an end view of the same exemplary embodiment seen from the front, i.e. towards the back of the bike. Figure 4 shows schematically a side view of the protective device 18 for the rear derailleur 19 shown in Figure 3 and 10.

Figure 5 shows schematically a top view of the protective device for the rear derailleur shown in Figures 3 and 4. The protective device 18 shown is configured to be positioned on the right side of the bike 10 and is configured to protect the derailleur 19 (not shown in the Figure). The protective device 18 comprises two side panels 29 and an end panel 31. Moreover, the protective device 18 comprises also a locking pin, intended to be inserted into the centrally arranged hole 35 of the first rod 32 and fixed to the second rod 33 by. The two side panels 29 are distanced apart with a distance which exceeds the entire and maximum width of the derailleur, the width being chosen to ease mounting of the protective device 18.

Also the height and the width of each panel 29 are chosen so as to secure sufficient space between the derailleur and each of the inner surface of the side panels 29. The protective device 18 disclosed in Figure 3 is also provided with an end plate 31 , extending along the entire height of the side panel 29. According to the embodiment shown in Figures 3 to 5 the end plate is only arranged at one end, i. e. at the rear end of the derailleur 19. It should be appreciated, however, that also the protective device 18 may also be provided with a protective surface arranged between the two side panels 29 at its lower and/or upper side of the panels 29. In order to attach the protective device in a secure manner around the derailleur 19, the protective device 18 is provided with a device for attaching the protective device 18 to the extreme rear, lower end of the bike 10. The side panels 29 may be provided with rounded corners. Moreover, the side panels 29 may be provided with a number of openings 28.

According to the embodiment shown in Figure 3 to 5, the attachment device comprises a first laterally arranged rod 32, arranged perpendicularly to both sides panels 29, one part of the rod 32 extending outwards to the left from the protective device 18 when fixed to a conventional bike 10; while another part extends laterally into and is terminated inside the space between the two side panels 29. Moreover, the protective device 18 is also provided with a second laterally arranged rod 33, fixed to the outer side panel 29', i.e. the side panel 29' facing outwards away from the from the bike 10 when mounted. The second rod 33 extends into the space between the two side panels 29,29' and is terminated within said space, leaving a gap 34 between the inner terminated end of the rod 32 and the inner terminated end of the rod 33. Both the rods 32 and 33 are provided with a centrally arranged bore 35 extending through the entire rods 32, 33. The two ends 36,36' are provided with a part with a reduced diameter, configured to be positioned inside the corresponding recess (not shown) at the lower end of the junction between the seat stay 24 and the chain stay 25, said recess also serving as attachment point for the rear wheel.

The length of the second rod 33 is chosen to allow the derailleur 19 to be protected, leaving ample space between the exposed side of the derailleur 19 and the inner wall surface of the adjacent side panel 20. The bore 35' of the second rod 33 is provided with inner threads and preferably with a flanged entrance 37 with wider diameter on the surface facing inwards. As indicated in the Figure, the first rod is provided at both end with an end portion 36,36' having a shape and a diameter corresponding to the recesses at the free end of the joint between the seat stay 24 and the chain stay 25, intended for fixing the wheel to the bike 10. One end of the locking pin 38 is provided with external threads corresponding to the internal threads second rod. The locking pin 38 is made long enough to extend through the first rod 32 and into the second rod 33, enabling the free end of the locking pin 38 to be screwed sufficiently into the threaded bore 35' of the second rod to provide a sufficient and adequate engagement. At the opposite end of the locking pin 38, the pin 38 is provided with a locking handle 39, rotatable arranged around an axis of rotation perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 40 of the locking pin 38. The handle 39 is shown in a locked position. By rotating the handle 39 in anticlockwise direction, the locking effect is suspended. The locking pin is also provided with a spring 41 or a more or less yielding or buffering device such as for example a rubber disc or the like, associated with the rotatable handle. The locking device used may be of a conventional type similar to the ones used for locking wheels to a bike 10. The locking mechanism may be of a convention quick release type.

Figure 6 shows schematically a view in perspective of the rear lower part of a bicycle frame, also showing the protective device 18 as disclosed in Figures 3 to 5 in an assembled state, fixed and locked to said rear end region of the bike 10, covering the rear derailleur 19. As shown the protective device 18 is brought into position around the rear derailleur 19. Each end of the first rod 32, i.e. the end part with reduced diameter, is inserted into the recess at the junction between the chain stay 25 and the seat stay 24. Once the ends of the first rod are in position, the locking pin 38 is inserted into the bore of the first rod 32 and then screwed into the threaded hole of the second rod. During this phase, the locking handle is in its open position, i.e. with the handle pointing more or less in the same direction as the longitudinal axis of the locking pin 38. In order to lock the protective device 18 to the rear end, the handle 39 is rotated around the axis 40, whereby the pin 38 is tended to be pulled outwards because of the shape of the handle, causing a tension in the pin and forcing the locking end of the pin against the spring force from the spring 41 into locking engagement with the jointed end of the bike. If the protective device 18 is to be removed the procedure is reversed.

According to the embodiment shown in Figure 6, only the sides and the vertical surface between the side panels are protected.

Figure 7 shows schematically another, second exemplified embodiment of the protective device 18 for the rear derailleur 19. The locking device used, i.e. the first and second rod 32,33 and locking pin 39 correspond to the one disclosed previously. It should be noted however, that the shape of the protective device is given a different configuration. According to the embodiment shown the protective device is provided with a pair of side panels 29, interconnected at their lower side by a lower protecting surface. Contrary to the embodiment disclosed in Figure 6, having a vertical protective end wall 31 , the embodiment disclosed in Figure 7 being provided with a protective bottom surface 42. Moreover, the embodiment disclosed in the Figure is also provided with two slots 43 extending from the side panel 43 on one side to the side panel on the opposite side. The protective device may be stamped out from a flat plate including stamping out the two openings and formed by bending into the required shape as shown.

Figure 8 shows schematically yet another, third exemplified embodiment of the protective device 18 for the rear derailleur 19. According to this embodiment the protective device 18 comprises a number of separate U-shaped elements 44, provided with a hole at the upper end, each element 44 being rotatably arranged on a common axis 44 which may coincide with or actually be the end of the first rod with reduced diameter on the one side and a corresponding part with reduced diameter on the end of the second rod 33. This solution may, when not in use, be made compact by folding the unit together into a single compacted unit. Again, each unit or element 44 may be stamped out from a flat plate or sheet and bent by a tool to the required shape.

Figure 9 shows schematically yet another, fifth exemplified embodiment of the protective device 18 for the rear derailleur 19. According to the embodiment shown, the protective device 18 for protection of the derailleur 19 is in the form of a continuous bar 45, bent into a shape surrounding the outer border of and creating a protection around the derailleur 19. The free ends of the bent rod may be welded to the steel tube forming the first and second bar. The continuous bar is attached to both the first and second rod 32,33.

Figure 1 1 shows schematically a view in perspective of a handle bar 15 for a bike 10 suited for road racing, the different exemplary embodiments shown may be used for protecting the brake handles and the gear control 27; the remaining part of the bike 10 being omitted. According to the embodiment disclosed for protecting the combined brake handle and gear control 27 shown on the left side of the Figure, the protective device is provided with a general shape corresponding to the shape of the protective device 18 disclosed in Figure 9.

Figure 12 shows schematically in perspective the handle bar with a fourth exemplary embodiment of the protective device which is attached to the brake handles/gear control handle. Again the protective device 18 and the device for locking the protective device to the handle bar and/or the combined brake handle and gear control correspond to the device disclose in Figure 8, while the protective device 18 corresponds to the one disclosed in Figure 10. Figure 13 shows schematically in perspective another view of the fourth exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 12, seen from the opposite side.

The protective devices can be made of any hard/rigid material having enough mechanical strength to protect the rear derailleur and/or the handlebar e.g. metal or hard plastic. Preferably a light weight material is used such as aluminum.

Figure 14 shows schematically a side view of a bag according to an embodiment of the present invention with a bike inside the bag. The rear derailleur and the drop handle bar are protected by the protections as described above. The side wall 62 comprises a pod 52 for containment of a laterally extending part of the handle bar 15 (also shown in Figure 1 ).

Figure 15 shows schematically a perspective view of the embodiment shown in Figure 14 where the bag is provided with a pair of pods 52,52' extending on each side of the side walls 62, 62' for containment of the handle bar 15 during transport whereby the handle bar 15 is maintained and tuned in its normal position on the bicycle while contained in the bag 50. This preferred embodiment comprising said pair of pods 52,52' is particularly suitable for racing bicycles having a racing drop handle bar as indicated in Figure 15. The dimensions of the pods 52, 52' thereby typically correspond to the size afforded to house the laterally extending handle bar 15. Apart from the area where the pods 52 extend laterally from the bag 50, the width of the remaining parts of the bag 50 can be the same as afforded for a bag 50 which house a bicycle 10 without a mounted handle bar. In the area where the pods 52,52'are arranged on the bag 50, the width of the bag 50 corresponds typically at least to the width necessary to house the handle bar 15. Thereby the volume and dimensions of the bag are optimized even though the handle bar 15 is maintained in its normal position. Thus, the pods 52,52' protect the handle bar 15 and allow transporting a racing bicycle with the racing handle bar 15 in its tuned position, without removing the handle bar 15 or turning it sideways in relation to the stem 17. The pods 52,52' can be an integrated part of the side walls 62,62' or can be permanently attached to the sidewalls 62,62'.

Figure 16 shows schematically a side view of the side wall 62, which is another exemplary embodiment. In this embodiment, the side wall 62,62' have a recess (here illustrated for side wall 62) to which said pods 52,52' for housing of the handle bar 15 can be attached on each side of the side walls 62,62' by a surrounding zipper 70. Said pods can be removed from the bag 50 if not in use. Instead of a zipper 70, other circumferentially arranged fixing means for fixing the pods 52 to the side walls 62,62' may be used such as velcro™ fasteners, clip fasteners or the like. One advantage of the removable pods 52,52' is a simplified and less space demanding storage of the bag 50 when not in use. Preferred embodiments in relation to the storage of the bag will be explained in more detail below.

Figure 17 shows schematically a perspective view of the bag 50, wherein the pods 52, 52' are removed on both sides from the side walls 62,62', leaving an open recess 76 on each side provided with circumferentially arranged zippers 70 for attachment of pods 52,52'.

Figure 18 shows schematically a pod 52 in a perspective view from the side pointing away from the bag 50.

Figure 19 shows schematically a perspective view of the pod 52 from the other side (as shown in Figure 18), from the side facing towards the bag 50 with a circumferentially arranged zipper 70 for attachment of the pod 52 to the recess in the sidewall 62.

Figure 20 shows schematically a side view of another preferred embodiment wherein the removable pod 52 is replaced by a flat protective plate or sheet 74 fitting into the recess/opening 76 for the pod 52, whereby the recess 76 is effectively covered and closed by the plate or sheet 74. Correspondently a sheet/plate 74' will be attached to other sidewall 62'. The covering sheet/plate 74 is preferably affixed to the circumference of the recess 76 by the corresponding fixing means used to fasten the pods 52, 52' to the circumference. Thus, preferably a zipper 70 is used to fix the pods 52 or alternatively the plate or sheet 74. An advantage of this preferred embodiment is that said bag 50 can optionally be used with or without the

attachment of said pods 52,52'. When the replacement plates 74 are attached at each side of the bag 50, the bag can be used for a bicycle 10 with a demounted handle bar 15 and will thereby require less space/width during transport and storage. If the pods 52,52' are attached to the sidewalls 62,62', the bicycle 10 can be transported with the handle bar 15 maintained and tuned in its normal position.

Furthermore, the pods 52,52' can, as described above, be removed for storage of the bag 50 when not in use or in particular when the bag 50 shall be collapsed and flat packed as described below.

Typically dimensions for the pod 52, 52' are about 40 cm in length and in height and about 1 1 cm in width. The dimensions of the replacement sheets 74,74' correspond in height and length to the pods 52,52' and the recess. Other dimensions and also alternative forms of pods to the ones shown in the Figures are possible depending on the type and dimension of the handle bar 15 to be housed.

The replacement plates or sheets 74,74' are preferably made of the same material as the side wall panels 62,62'. However, they may also be made of a different material. Preferably, the replacement sheets 74,74' are made of one or more materials allowing it to be fold or rolled it not in use such as a textile e.g.

polyester or nylon.

Preferably, the pods are made of an elastomeric polymer such as ethylene- vinyl acetate (EVA). The pods may also be made by other materials such as silicon, polyester, rubber, metal or combinations thereof. Depending on the choice of the material used for the pods 52, 52' their hardness, robustness against mechanical stress, thickness etc. can be adjusted and as a consequence the degree of protection obtainable.

Figure 21 and 22 show schematically a perspective view of another preferred embodiment of the present invention wherein the pods 52, 52' are permanently attached to the side walls 62,62'. The sides 81 of the pods in this embodiment are telescopic extractable/foldable such that the pods can be extracted to their full size or compressed. When compressed the pods partly or totally align with the sidewalls 62,62' of the bag 50. Figure 21 shows the bag 50 with extracted pods 52,52', while Figure 22 show an example where the pods 52,52' are compressed to a reduced size and align partly with the sidewalls 62,62'. The advantage of this embodiment is a flexible use of the bag 50 with or without the enlarged space by means of the pods 52,52' for housing of the handle bar 15 of a bike 10. Furthermore, the pods may be adjusted in their degree of extraction to the actual width of the handle bar 15, thereby the volume and maximal necessary width of the bicycle bag 50 can be optimized in relation to the actual necessary space for housing of different sized handle bars 15. The extractable pods 52,52' can be made of any material which is suitable for the purpose of extraction. Preferably, the sidewalls 81 of the pods are made of a flexible silicone or rubber material, while the top 82 of the pods 52,52' can be made of a hard plastic or metal providing a maximum protection of the sides of the handle bar 15.

Preferably, the pods 52,52' are combined with a collapsible bag 50 according to the present invention and as described below. However, the skilled person would understand that the pods may be combined with any other type of known bicycle bag, which other wise would require demounting of the handle bar 15 for transport in said bag. Thus, the different types of pods, being permanently fixed or removable as well as being extractable may also be combined with a typical hard shell bicycle bag or other types of known soft or reinforced bags. Pods are particularly useful in bags designed for transport of (street) racing bicycles having drop handle bars.

Another preferred embodiment of the present invention allows the bag 50 to be collapsed when not in use. In this preferred embodiment the side wall 62 of the bicycle bag is attached to the bag by a circumferentially arranged zipper 51 surrounding the whole circumference of the sidewall 62 (see Figure 1 ). Thereby the sidewall 62 can be removed from the bag 50. Other suitable fastening means, allowing to remove the side walls 62,62' from the bag 50, may be used instead of a zipper 51 such as a Velcro® fastener, although a zipper is preferred.

The side walls 62,62' are provided with oblong embedded, enclosed, or affixed reinforcements elements 90 in form of inserted or integrated ribs, preferably partly or wholly extending in direction between the bottom wall 60 and the top wall 64 providing vertical integrity and stiffness when the bag 50 is standing on the rigid or reinforced bottom wall 60 independently of the content or of being empty or with a bike 10 inside (see e.g. Figure 1 or 15). The reinforcement elements 90 are typically spaced along the whole side wall 62. Between the reinforcement ribs 90, the sidewall 62 comprise flexible sections 92, which allow the sidewall 62 to be folded and compressed by concertina folding when removed from the bag 50 (Figures 23 and 24).

Figure 23 shows schematically in a perspective view a sidewall 62 removed from the bag 50 and partly folded in a concertina folding. The side wall 62 can be provided with one or more elastic bands/loops 98 to be tightened around the folded sidewalls 62 for securing the folded state. Figure 24 shows schematically a perspective view of the same sidewall 62 when completely folded in a concertina way and secured by two loops 98. Other means for tightening may be used instead such as a Velcro® fastener.

The ribs 90 provide extra strength and rigidity to the bag 50 to give a better protection. Furthermore, the ribs 90 provide a structural integrity such that the bag is form stable with or without a packed bicycle 10 inside.

The reinforcing ribs 90 may be made from any suitable rigid material and are typically made of a light weight material such as plastic. Preferably the ribs 90 are made of polyethylene. Other known reinforcement materials may be used such as carbon or metal, in particular aluminum.

The side walls 62,62' reinforced with ribs 90 can be constructed and produced in different ways and examples for their construction are shown in Figure 25 A-D. Figure 25 A shows schematically a cross sectional view of a first embodiment of the sidewalls 62,62' were the rib 90 is embedded in a pocket 91 in the side wall. Each sidewall thereby has a plurality of such pockets 91 alternating with intermediate sections 92. The pockets 91 in Figure 25 A are thereby divided from each other in the flexible intermediate section 92 by stitching/sewing 80 (indicated as striped lines). Depending on the material used in the side walls and intermediate sections 92, other techniques for dividing the pockets 91 may be used e.g. hot plastic welding or gluing. The ribs 90 may be removable, or the pockets 91 can be shut to

permanently retain the ribs 90 such as by sewing (not shown). In Figure 25 A the side wall 62 comprises one or more layers of a foam 93, e.g. ethylene-vinyl acetate foam (EVA), laminated with a first thin protective membrane/cloth 94 on the outside. The function of the foam 93 is an improved mechanical protection of the bag. EVA may be replaced by other suitable foam materials known in the field. Said first protective membrane 94 can be made of any suitable material. Preferably, a textile is used such as polyester, or nylon. The other side of the sidewall 62 keeping the ribs 90 in place and circumscribing the pocket 91 on the side opposing the foam, can simply be made of a second membrane/cloth 96 as shown in Figure 25 A. This second cloth/membrane 96 can be a suitable textile such as polyester and fixed to the other layers by stitching it in the flexible section 92. Figure 25 B shows schematically a cross sectional view of a second embodiment for the side wall where the foam 93 is form shaped to provide space for the rib pockets 91 and ribs 90. The flexible part 92 is thereby thinner resulting in a panel shaped structure of the foam and sidewall 62. The thinner flexible parts 92 simplify the folding of the sidewall compared to the embodiment shown in Figure 25 A. The remaining features are as described for Figure 25 A.

Figure 25 C shows a cross sectional view of a third embodiment for the sidewalls 62 where the rib pockets 91 are obtainable by laminating the form shaped foam 93 of Figure 25 B to the membrane 96 in the flexible sections 92 intermediating the rib pockets 91 . The remaining features are as described for Figure 25 A.

Figure 25 D show a cross sectional view of a fourth embodiment of the side wall 62, where the reinforcement ribs 90 in the pockets 91 are enclosed on both sides by a form shaped foam layer 93, 93'. Each of the foam layers is provided with a membrane 94, 96 which is laminated to the foam 93, 93'. The remaining features are as in Figure 25 C.

The combination of the reinforcement ribs 90 with the foam results in an increased protection and is therefor a preferred embodiment. The ribs construction creates a protection cage for the equipment inside the bag 50. This cage will hold the same shape creating the same level of protection regardless of whether the bag is fully packed or not. The rib protection offers extensive protection at very low weight. This allows a significant reduction in fabric and padding, resulting in lower production costs and total weight compared to solid bags without the disadvantage of a reduced protection.

Furthermore, the panel formed construction of the side walls 62,62', in particular when the foam is additionally form shaped to panels, allow the side walls to be flat packed by concertina folding when removed from the bag 50. Folding as a concertina is a preferred mode of folding as this is very space-reducing. However the skilled person would understand that alternative ways of folding or even rolling may be used instead depending on the particular construction of the sidewalls 62 and their reinforcement.

Figure 26 shows schematically in a perspective view a preferred embodiment according to the present invention where the empty bag is in a collapsed state for storage. For storage, the side walls 62,62' are removed from the bag. If pods 52, 52' are present in the side walls 62,62' the pods 52,52' are likewise removed from the side walls 62, 62' as described in connection with Figures 15 to 19. The side walls 62, 62' are thereafter folded as described above in connection to Figures 22 and 23. After removal of the reinforced side walls 62,62', the flexible rear wall 66 and front wall 68 can be collapsed and laid together with the top wall 64 onto the bottom wall 60. The folded side walls 62, 62', as well as optionally the pods 52, 52' if present can be placed between the bottom 60 and top wall 64 (pods 52,52' are not shown in Figure 26). Alternatively the folded sidewalls and/or pods may be placed on top of the top wall 64 after the bag is flat packed (not shown). The collapsed stage of the bag 50 can be secured by one or more locking straps 99 whole or partly

circumventing the collapsed bag 50 (Figure 26). The straps 99 can either be permanently fixed to the bag e.g. on each side of the bottom wall 60. Alternatively, they may be removable attached for example by clips or Velcro® fasteners or they are loose. When collapsed the bag 50 may be transported by means of wheels 53 arranged on the bottom wall 60. The bag 50 is typically provided with handles and/or straps for lifting and/or rolling (not shown).

The rear wall 66, front wall 68, and the top wall 64 are typically made of materials which allow them to be flexible for folding and flat packing as described above e.g. textiles such as nylon or polyester. To obtain a better protection, the rear wall 66, front wall 68, and top wall 64 may comprise embedded or enclosed reinforcement elements 90. Preferably, said walls are constructed correspondingly to the side walls 62,62' in figure 25 A to D using the same exemplified layered constructions and materials. However, as shown in Figure 26 instead of using longitudinal extending ribs of the side walls 68,68', the rear wall 66, front wall 68, and top wall 64 preferably comprise series of shorter, in pockets embedded or enclosed reinforcements plates intermediated by cross wise extending flexible, intermediate parts 92 which allow said walls to be folded and laid down onto the bottom when the bag 50 is collapsed for storage. Typically, each of the embedded or reinforcement elements 90 can be in rectangular or more preferred in square format. The size of one element, preferably a square formed element, may thereby more or less correspond to and define the height of the bag when flat packed (see also Figure 26).

As indicated in the Figures 23 to 26, the bicycle bag may be configured to allow it to be folded into a compact, flat packed state. This may be achieved in different ways without thereby deviating from the inventive idea

According to the various embodiments, the bottom plate 60 may be preferably rigid and may for such purpose for example be provided with wheels for enhancing transport of a bag with one or more bicycles contained therein, or in a flat packed, compact state. .

According to one embodiment, the side walls 62,62' may be decoupled and removed and the front wall 68 and the rear wall 66 may be foldable while the top wall 64 may be rigid or flexible. By folding each of the removed sidewalls 62,62' and positioning these on the bottom plate 60, and then allow the front wall 68 and the rear wall 66, with or without being attached to the top wall 64 be folded down onto the top of the folded sidewalls 62,62', a flat packed unit is obtained. The unit may then be strapped to preserve the flat packed state. The top wall 64 may be rigid or flexible.

According to another embodiment the side walls 62,62' are attached or fixed to the bottom plate 60 and attached at both sides to both the front wall 68 and the rear wall 66, the side walls 62,62' at their top side and the rear wall 66 and the front wall 68, being disconnected or decoupled from the top wall 64, whereupon the sidewalls 62., 62' and the rear and front wall being allowed to be folded down, whereupon the top wall 64 is placed on top of the flat packed unit, which then is strapped to preserve the flat packed state. The top wall 64 may be rigid or flexible.

According to yet another embodiment, the bottom plate 60, the side walls

62,62' and the top wall 64 are attached to each other, while at least the top end and/or the bottom end of both the front wall 68 and the rear wall 66 are disconnected or decoupled from engagement with the top wall 64 and/or bottom wall 60

respectively. According to this embodiment, provided the top side and the sides of the rear and front walls are detached from the top wall 64 and the side walls 62,62', the rear wall 66 and front wall 68 may be folded and positioned inside the bag, whereupon the side walls 62,62' are folded and covered by the top wall 64. The flat packed unit may then be strapped to preserve the flat packed state. The top wall 64 may be rigid or flexible.

Other embodiments are also possible, depending on which side or part to be disconnected from its adjacent connection line.