Improvements in or relating to bicycle accessory mountings

Field of the invention

The present invention relates in general to the field of bicycle pannier racks and parts and fittings therefor. Preferred embodiments include a modular mounting device for attaching bicycle luggage and accessories. Some embodiments of the invention include a mounting device which enables cyclists to attach and if required lock bicycle luggage and accessories to their bikes. Some embodiments of the invention comprise a modular platform that can be fixed to any bicycle due to a clamping means for adjustably attaching any conceivable stay design to best fit the specific geometry of the bicycle to which the unit is to be attached.

Background to the invention

Bicycle pannier racks have been in use for many years as disclosed in the prior art e.g. US Patent 4,562,944 (Jackson and Bohm). Typically, bicycle pannier racks are fabricated using tubular steel or aluminium tubing and comprise a framed horizontal platform to which bicycle luggage can be attached. This generally horizontal platform has not changed in design or function since the rack was first conceived more than 100 years ago. In the prior art, the platform provided is fixed to the bicycle via two vertical struts that are commonly known as stays and which fix to a point on the rear of a bicycle frame just above the wheel axle. Further support to the horizontal platform is provided by a mount which connects the pannier to a point just below the saddle pin. There are, in effect, three key component parts to a conventional rack, namely the main horizontal support, the stays and the upper support mount.

One problem associated with conventional bicycle pannier racks is that the horizontal platform provided for attaching and securing luggage does not provide a rigid, stable, versatile and easy access mount for bags and other accessories to be attached.

Another problem is that current racks are generally welded in construction and are therefore very difficult to ship. Furthermore if the rack fails in the field of use it is extremely difficult for the user to effect repairs. Another problem related to the welded and fixed nature of the conventional pannier rack is that the stays cannot be adjusted and angled to fit a range of different bicycles

Another problem with conventional bicycle pannier racks is that bags and other accessories cannot be locked securely to the rack. All the existing designs provide bag mount systems that fit to existing tubular racks via a hook and/or quick release hook device that is both complicated and under-engineered to carry weight effectively. The result is that often these systems fail in the field causing the user to seek replacement or affect a repair in the field.

Another problem is that the design of the stays does not allow for a suitable means of locking any sway on the bags which can cause the user to loose control of his/her bicycle when travelling and carrying heavy loads

Another problem is that the stays of current panniers place the carried side pannier bags to far away from the rear wheel which can cause obstructions to cycling in heavily congested traffic. This can put the rider at an aerodynamic disadvantage with the carried luggage acting as a negative factor to efficient travel which is especially evident in head winds.

While these devices may be suitable for the particular purposes which they address, they are not as suitable for providing a platform which enables users to locate, attach and if required lock all manner of bicycle luggage and accessories to their bicycles effectively and efficiently. Furthermore current devices do not provide a platform that can be fixed to any bicycle due to their failure to provide a clamping means for orientating and/or supporting a range of stay designs to best fit the specific geometry of the end user's bicycle.

Some aspects of the present invention include an accessory mounting which substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art.

The present invention aims to provide improved bicycle accessory mounting apparatus and bicycle accessories.

Summary of the invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a bicycle accessory mounting for demountably attaching bicycle accessories to a bicycle rear carrier rack, the mounting comprising one or more attachment formations adapted to receive one or more cooperating formations on a bicycle accessory, wherein the one or more attachment formations are configured so that the one or more cooperating formations may be lowered onto the attachment formations, such that the cooperating formations rest on a support surface of the attachment formations so that they are aligned to be slid relative to each other to a position where the cooperating formations are demountably attached to the attachment formations thereby demountably attaching a bicycle accessory to the bicycle accessory mounting.

Thus, the invention enables an accessory to be lowered into a position where it is aligned to be slid into a position where it is demountably attached to the accessory mounting. Where the accessory is heavy (for example, where the accessory is a heavily laden pannier basket) it is much easier for a user to lower the accessory into a position from which it can be slid into position than it would be for a user to have to adjust the orientation of the accessory, without it being supported by a support surface, as is the case for the pannier mounting arrangement disclosed in US 4,562,944 (Jackson and Bohm).

Preferably, the accessory mounting is oriented in use so that the accessory and the accessory mounting are slid horizontally relative to each other to demountably attach the accessory. More preferably, the accessory is slid forward relative to the accessory mounting to attach the accessory. The one or more attachment formations may be configured such that when the cooperating formations rest on the support surfaces, the one or more attachment formations and the one or more cooperating formations can be slid relative to each other without vertical movement, however one skilled in the art will appreciate that a small amount of vertical movement could be involved. The support surface may therefore include a shallow indentation for receiving and locating the one or more cooperating formations before they are slid relative to the one or more attachment formations.

Preferably, the one or more attachment formations and the one or more cooperating formations are configured so that when the cooperating formations of an accessory rest on a surface of the attachment formations, they do so at at least two spaced apart locations, thereby resisting rotation of the accessory relative to the accessory mounting. For example, a plurality of attachment formations and a plurality of cooperating formations may be provided.

Typically, a plurality of sets of one or more attachment formations are provided, each set being located for use in detachably retaining a separate accessory. Typically, a set of one or more attachment formations is provided on each side of the accessory mounting. One or more attachment formations may also, or alternatively, be provided on the top of the accessory mounting. One or more attachment formations may be provided underneath the accessory mounting. The attachment formations may each comprise channels (discussed further below) with the same cross-section. The accessory mounting may comprise a hollow extrusion or a hollow mould and may have detachable end covers at one or both ends.

The accessory mounting may comprise one or more retaining means, such as catches to releasably retain the accessory when it is attached to the accessory mounting. Typically, the one or more catches are resiliently biased, for example by a spring. A catch may be provided to releasably prevent the accessory from sliding relative to the accessory mounting by blocking the movement of the one or more cooperating formations relative to the one or more attachment formations.

Alternatively, one or more retaining means, such as one or more catches may be provided on their own or in combination with the abovementioned one or more retaining means, to releasably retain the accessory by preventing sliding movement of the accessory relative to the accessory mounting. One or more catches may comprise a portion which is part of the accessory mounting (for example an aperture) and a

portion which is part of the accessory (for example an aperture engaging member). For example, the accessory mounting may comprise an aperture for receiving a plunger mounted on the accessory which may be located in use within the aperture preventing the accessory moving relative to the accessory mounting. The plunger may be resiliently biased. The aperture may comprise a well nut. The aperture may be threaded, for example the aperture may comprise a threaded well nut.

The aperture may be located at a position on the accessory mounting which is obscured by an accessory when an accessory is attached to the accessory mounting. Thus, if the accessory is configured such that the plunger (or another type of retaining means) is provided within a lockable compartment of the accessory then, if the lockable compartment is locked, the accessory cannot be removed from the accessory mounting without unlocking the lockable compartment. A catch may comprise an elongate stem extending outward from the catch which may be pulled to disengage the catch.

Preferably, the one or more attachment formations comprise one or more slots for slidably retaining a plurality of connecting members (being part or all of the cooperating formations), wherein the one or more attachment formations further comprise a plurality of openings into the slots and corresponding support surfaces, allowing the plurality of connecting members to be supported on the corresponding surfaces inline with the slots so that the plurality of connecting members can be slid into the slots and retained therein.

The plurality of openings is typically adapted to enable the plurality of connecting members to be brought inline with the one or more slots by lowering the accessory. The plurality of openings may be adapted to enable the plurality of connecting members to be brought inline with the one or more slots horizontally. This enables an accessory having a plurality of connecting members to be demountably attached to the accessory mounting when an accessory or other object is attached to the top of the accessory mounting. Preferably, the plurality of openings are adapted to enable the plurality of connecting members to be brought inline with the one or more slots either horizontally or by lowering, such that the cooperating formations rest on a support surface of the attachment formations and then slid into the one or more slots.

The connecting members will typically comprise a neck adapted to fit through the slot in use and a retaining portion attached to the neck which is retained by the slot.

Preferably also, the one or more attachment formations comprise one or more channels, each of which has one of the said slots in a side thereof.

Alternatively, the one or more attachment formations each comprise one or more connecting members comprising a neck and a retaining member attached thereto. In this case, the one or more cooperating formations comprise one or more slots for slidably retaining the one or more connecting members and the one or more cooperating formations comprise one or more openings into the slots. In use, the one or more openings are lowered onto the connecting members where one or more support surfaces (such as

the neck of the connecting members) supports the one or more cooperating formations which can then be slid relative to the connecting members so that the connecting members are retained by the slots.

The accessory mounting is preferably generally planar and is generally adapted to be substantially horizontal when it is attached to a bicycle rear carrier rack. The accessory mounting may comprise means for attaching the mounting to a bicycle rear carrier rack. The accessory mounting may comprise left and right mounting portions, each of which comprises one or more attachment formations, and means for joining the left and right mounting portions to a bicycle rear carrier rack. The left and right mounting portions preferably comprise one or more pairs of elongate clamping members which extend inwards and substantially horizontally in use, each elongate clamping member comprising upper and lower arms which extend above and below longitudinal (i.e. parallel to the length of the bicycle) tubular members (top rods) of a bicycle rear carrier rack and means for securing the upper and lower arms in place around the longitudinal tubular members. The means for securing the upper and lower arms in place may comprise holes in the upper and lower arms for receiving fixing means (such as screws). The holes may comprise slots allowing the location of the screws to be varied depending on the width of the bicycle rear carrier rack to which the accessory mounting is attached. Preferably, the spacing between the upper and lower arms of one mounting portion is less than the spacing between the upper and lower arms of the other mounting portion and the mounting portions are configured such that the arms of one mounting portion may be fitted into the arms of the other mounting portion in use. Thus, the arms of one mounting portion may be attached with fixing means (such as screws) to the arms of the other mounting portion, retaining the mounting accessory mounting in place.

The accessory mounting may be an integral part of the bicycle rear carrier rack. The accessory mounting may be in the form of a platform which connects left and right bicycle rear carrier stays. The accessory mounting may comprise attachment means for attaching the accessory mounting to bicycle rear carrier stays.

Preferably, the attachment means comprise rows of clamps locatable in use around the top rods of bicycle rear carrier stays. Typically, the rows of clamps are located towards either side of the accessory mounting. Each row of clamps preferably comprises three clamps.

This arrangement enables the same accessory mounting to be usable with a range of bicycle rear carrier stays.

The or each clamp preferably comprises a fixed portion attached rigidly to the accessory mounting and a moveable portion which can rotate around a longitudinal axis (i.e. an axis parallel to the length of the bicycle when the accessory mounting is attached horizontally to bicycle rear carrier stays), wherein the fixed portion and the moveable portion together extend around and clamp the top rod of a bicycle rear carrier rack stay in use. Typically, connection means (such as a screw hole in either the fixed portion or the moveable portion and a corresponding thread in the either the moveable portion or the fixed portion respectively) are provided to allow the fixed portion and moveable portion to be joined. The moveable

portion typically opposes the fixed portion. Typically, the moveable portion is located inward of the fixed portion.

The accessory mounting may comprise one or more longitudinal grooves inward of the fixed portions of the clamps and the moveable portions of the clamps may comprise a pivot portion which is retained within one or more longitudinal grooves in use, around which the moveable portion of the clamp pivots. The accessory mounting may be assembled by threading the pivot portions into the longitudinal grooves. An end cap at one or both ends of the longitudinal grooves may retain the pivot portions.

The accessory mounting may further comprise a spacer or adapter which can be fitted within the clamps to enable them to work with a range of sizes of bicycle rear carrier stays.

Bicycle rear carrier stays will typically comprise front and rear bicycle rear carrier stay risers attached by a top rod.

The clamps allow the bicycle rear carrier stay risers to be fitted at a range of angles relative to the vertical. This is beneficial in its own right as it allows bicycle rear carrier stays to be used on bicycles with different rear wheel widths. However, it is also beneficial in that it enables the rear carrier stay risers to be fitted such that they are further apart where they are connected to the rear fork than where they are connected to the accessory mounting, enabling panniers to be fitted closer to the sides of the bicycle wheel than would be the case if, as is conventional, the stays were vertical or closer together at the rear forks than the accessory mounting. This can reduce aerodynamic drag.

In a preferred embodiment, the spacing between rows of clamps on either side (i.e. to the left and right sides of the accessory mounting when it is attached to bicycle rear carrier stays in use) of the accessory mounting is narrower than the distance between the fitments for receiving the base bicycle rear carrier stay risers on either side of a bicycle wheel.

Preferably, the distance between the rows of clamps is less than the distance between the fitments for receiving the bicycle rear carrier stay risers on the rear wheel forks of a bicycle. Preferably also, the distance between the rows of clamps is less than the width of a rear bicycle wheel.

Preferably, the width of the accessory mounting is narrower than the distance between the fitments for receiving the base bicycle rear carrier stay risers on the rear wheel forks of a bicycle. Preferably also, the width of the accessory mounting is narrower than the width of a rear bicycle wheel.

The accessory mounting is preferably less than 130mm wide, more preferably the accessory mounting is less than 100mm wide. Most preferably, the accessory mounting is 75-85mm wide. In use, the bicycle rear carrier stay risers are preferably fitted so that they are 135 to 145mm apart where they are fitted to the rear forks, such that the rear carrier stay risers (which are typically straight) slope outwards towards their base at an angle of approximately 20 degrees.

Consequent adaptations to other features are discussed below.

The invention also extends in a second aspect to a bicycle rear carrier rack comprising means for attaching the bicycle rear carrier rack to a bicycle and an accessory mounting according to the present invention.

The attachment means for attaching the accessory mounting to bicycle rear carrier stays are applicable to the attachment of other types of apparatus to a bicycle and so the invention also extends in a third aspect to apparatus for attachment to a tubular member of a bicycle (such as a tubular top rod of a bicycle rear carrier stay) comprising one or more rows of clamps, some or all of which comprise a fixed portion attached rigidly to the apparatus and a moveable portion which can rotate around a longitudinal axis (i.e. an axis parallel to the length of the tubular member in use) wherein the fixed portion and the moveable portion together extend around and clamp the tubular member in use.

The apparatus may be a bicycle accessory such as a light, bell, pump, mudguard etc., but preferably the apparatus is an accessory mounting. More preferably, the apparatus is an accessory mounting for demountably attaching bicycle accessories to a bicycle rear carrier rack as discussed above. Preferred features of the rows of clamps correspond to those discussed above.

The concept of a catch which can be used to releasably retain an accessory attached to the accessory mounting by slidably cooperating attachment formations and cooperating formations is more generally applicable, and in a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a bicycle accessory mounting for demountably attaching bicycle accessories to a bicycle rear carrier rack, the mounting comprising one or more attachment formations adapted to receive one or more cooperating formations on a bicycle accessory, wherein the attachment formations and cooperating formations are adapted to slidably engage thereby demountably attaching the bicycle accessory to a bicycle rear carrier rack, wherein the bicycle accessory rack comprises one or more catches which releasably retain the accessory when the attachment formations and cooperating formations are slidably engaged.

Typically, the one or more catches are resiliently biased, for example by a spring. A catch may be provided to releasably prevent the accessory from sliding relative to the accessory mounting by blocking the movement of the one or more cooperating formations relative to the one or more attachment formations. The one or more catches may comprise a resiliently biased camming surface which is preferably angled and which can be displaced by the action of sliding the cooperating formations relative to the one or more attachment formations such as to demountably attach the one or more cooperating formations to the one or more attachment formations, but which blocks detachment of the one or more cooperating formations from the one or more attachment formations until the camming surface is displaced by a user.

Alternatively, one or more catches may be provided on their own or in combination with the abovementioned one or more catches, to releasably retain the accessory by preventing sliding movement of the accessory relative to the accessory mounting. For example, the accessory mounting may comprise an aperture for receiving a plunger mounted on the accessory which may be located in use within the aperture preventing the accessory moving relative to the accessory mounting. The plunger may be resiliency biased. The aperture may comprise a well nut. The aperture may be threaded, for example the aperture may comprise a threaded well nut. A catch may comprise an elongate stem extending outward from the catch which may be pulled to disengage the catch.

Further preferred features of the accessory mounting correspond to those discussed above.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a bicycle accessory comprising one or more cooperating formations adapted to be received by the one or more attachment formations of a bicycle accessory mounting according to the first aspect of the present invention.

Where the one or more attachment formations comprise one or more slots for slidably retaining a plurality of connecting members, the one or more cooperating formations comprise a plurality of connecting members which comprise a neck adapted to fit through the slot in use and a retaining portion attached to the neck which is retained by the slot.

Where the one or more attachment formations comprise one or more connecting members comprising a neck and a retaining member attached thereto, the one or more cooperating formations comprise one or more slots for slidably retaining the one or more connecting members and the one or more cooperating formations comprise one or more openings into the slots.

The bicycle accessory may comprise a pannier basket, a light, a toolkit or a connector for a bicycle trailer. A bicycle accessory may comprise more than one set of one or more cooperating formation for attachment to more the one set of one or more attachment formations, for example, the bicycle accessory may be a child's seat which preferably attaches to one or more attachment formations on either side and typically also the top of the bicycle accessory mounting.

The bicycle accessory may comprise a lockable compartment (typically including a lock) and means to disengagably retain the accessory on the accessory mounting (for example, a resiliently biased plunger), wherein means to disengage the means to disengagably retain the accessory on the accessory mounting is located within the lockable compartment, thereby preventing the accessory from being removed from the accessory mounting when the compartment is locked.

The means to disengage the means to disengagably retain the accessory may comprise an elongate stem which extends into the lockable compartment, so that it may be more conveniently accessed. The means to disengage the means to disengagably retain the accessory may be attached to a zip for opening or

closing the lockable compartment such that the action of opening the zip disengages the means to disengagably retain the accessory.

The aperture may be located at a position on the accessory mounting which is obscured by an accessory when an accessory is attached to the accessory mounting. Thus, if the accessory is configured such that the plunger (or another type of retaining means) is provided within a lockable compartment of the accessory then, if the lockable compartment is locked, the accessory cannot be removed from the accessory mounting without unlocking the lockable compartment.

The invention also extends in a sixth aspect to a bicycle accessory fitting adapter for retrofitting to an accessory, the bicycle accessory fitting adapter comprising one or more cooperating formations adapted to be received by the one or more attachment formations of a bicycle accessory mounting according to the first aspect of the present invention, and means for attaching the accessory fitting adapter to an accessory. Preferred features correspond to those discussed in relation to the second aspect of the invention above.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention there is provided a kit comprising a bicycle accessory mounting according to the first, second, third or fourth aspect of the present invention and a bicycle accessory according to the fifth aspect of the present invention or a bicycle accessory fitting adapter according to the sixth aspect of the present invention.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fitting for retaining a pannier basket to the risers of bicycle rear wheel stays, the fitting comprising an attachment formation configured to slidably engage with and demountably retain a cooperating formation at or near the base of a pannier basket.

Thus, the fitting can be attached to the risers of bicycle rear wheel stays and, in combination with an accessory mounting for demountably attaching a cooperating formation at or near the top of a pannier basket, a pannier basket can be demountably attached to the side of a bicycle rear wheel stays without wobbling.

Preferably, the fitting is configured such that the sliding motion is horizontal on an assembled bicycle.

The fitting may comprise means for attaching the fitting to the risers of bicycle rear wheel stays. Alternatively, the invention extends in an ninth aspect to bicycle rear wheels stays with the fitting of the seventh aspect attached thereto part way up the risers of the bicycle rear wheel stays.

Preferably, the attachment formation is configured so that the cooperating formation may be lowered onto the attachment formation, such that the cooperating formation rests on a support surface of the attachment formation so that they are aligned to be slid relative to each other to a position where the cooperating formations are demountably attached to the attachment formations.

Preferably, the attachment formation and cooperating formation correspond to those discussed in relation to the first aspect of the invention above. Most preferably, the attachment formation comprises a plate with a slot having an opening, rearward or forward of the slot in use, which extends upwards of the slot, for lowering the cooperating formation into in use.

The invention also extends in an tenth aspect to a kit comprising an accessory mounting according to the first, second, third or fourth aspect of the present invention and a fitting according to the eighth or ninth aspect of the present invention (or bicycle rear wheels stays with the fitting attached thereto part way up the risers of the bicycle rear wheel stays). Preferably, the accessory mounting and fitting are configured such that, in use, a bicycle pannier can be lowered simultaneously so that cooperating formations of the bicycle pannier rest on support surfaces of the attachment formations of both the accessory mounting and the fitting so that the said cooperating formations and attachment formations can then be slid relative to each other into a position where the bicycle pannier is thereby demountably attached to a bicycle rear wheel stays.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided apparatus comprising a bicycle accessory mounting having one or more attachment formations on opposite sides thereof for demountably retaining one or more cooperating formations on bicycle panniers located on either side of a bicycle in use, and a bicycle pannier having an inward surface which faces towards the bicycle accessory mounting in use, and a top surface, and one or more cooperating formations located at the top of the inward surface, wherein the bicycle accessory mounting and the top surface of the bicycle pannier are substantially flat and substantially level with each other when the bicycle pannier is attached to the bicycle accessory mounting.

The top surface of the bicycle accessory mounting and the bicycle pannier together provide a broad support surface for supporting objects. The apparatus may further comprise one or more attachment formations for demountably attaching a further bicycle pannier to the top surface of the bicycle accessory mounting. Preferably, the apparatus is configured so that bicycle panniers may be individually mounted on and demounted from either side and the top surface of the bicycle accessory mounting without blocking the mounting or demounting of any other of the said bicycle panniers.

Preferred features of the bicycle accessory mounting and the bicycle panniers correspond to the features discussed in relation to the first ten aspects of the invention.

As discussed above, the invention envisages that bicycle rear carrier stay risers could be fitted at an angle such that they are further apart where they are attached to the rear wheel forks than where they are attached at their top end to an accessory mounting.

Accordingly, the invention extends in an eleventh aspect to an accessory mounting for demountably attaching bicycle accessories to a bicycle rear carrier rack, the accessory mounting comprising bicycle

pannier retaining means (such as attachment formations) located on either side of the accessory mounting and rear carrier stay attachment means for attaching the accessory mounting to rear carrier stays having rear carrier stay risers, adapted such that the rear carrier stays may be attached to the accessory mounting with the rear carrier stay risers at any of a range of angles to the vertical. Preferably, the rear carrier stays may be attached to the accessory mounting with the rear carrier stay risers angled outwards towards the base of the rear carrier stay risers.

The accessory mounting is preferably less than 130mm wide, more preferably the accessory mounting is less than 100mm wide. Most preferably, the accessory mounting is 75-85mm wide. In use, the bicycle rear carrier stay risers are preferably fitted so that they are 135 to 145mm apart where they are fitted to the rear forks, such that the rear carrier stay risers (which are typically straight) slope outwards towards their base at an angle of approximately 20 degrees.

Preferably, the bicycle pannier retaining means are adapted to retain bicycle panniers resting in contact with rear carrier stay risers which slope outwards towards their base. For example, the bicycle pannier retaining means may comprise attachment formations as described in relation to the first aspect of the invention, oriented to retain bicycle panniers resting in contact with rear carrier stay risers which slope outwards towards their base.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a bicycle pannier having an inward surface which faces towards a bicycle wheel in use and which has a top and a base, and one or more cooperating formations located at the top of the inward surface, wherein the cooperating formations are adapted to be attached to attachment formations of a bicycle accessory mounting when the inward surface is oriented so that the base of inward surface is further from the midline of a bicycle than the top of the inward surface. Preferably, the cooperating formations are adapted to be attached to attachment formations of a bicycle accessory mounting only when the inward surface is oriented so that the base of inward surface is further from the midline of a bicycle than the top of the inward surface. Preferred features correspond to those discussed in relation to the other aspects of the invention.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention there is provided a bicycle pannier having an inward surface which faces towards a bicycle wheel in use and which has a top and a base, and one or more cooperating formations located at the top of the inward surface and adapted to be attached to attachment formations of a bicycle accessory mounting in use, wherein the bicycle pannier further comprises a top surface which is substantially flat and horizontal when the bicycle pannier is attached to a bicycle such that the base of the inwards surface is further from the midline of a bicycle than the top of the inward surface. Preferred features correspond to those discussed in relation to the other aspects of the invention.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention there is provided a bicycle pannier having an inward surface which faces towards a bicycle wheel in use, and a top surface, wherein the angle between the inward surface and the top surface is less than 90 degrees. Preferably, the top surface is substantially

flat. Preferably, the angle between the inward surface and the top surface is less than 80 degrees. More preferably, the angle between the inward surface and the top surface is between 75 and 65 degrees. Thus, the top surface will be substantially flat when the bicycle pannier is attached to a bicycle with bicycle rear carrier rack stay risers which slope outwards from the bicycle wheel towards their base at a corresponding angle. Preferred features correspond to those discussed in relation to the other aspects of the invention.

Thus the invention extends in a fifteenth aspect to a kit comprising a bicycle pannier according to the fourteenth aspect and a bicycle accessory mounting having one or more attachment formations for demountably retaining one or more cooperating formations on bicycle panniers located on either side of the bicycle in use, wherein the bicycle accessory mounting and the top surface of the bicycle pannier are substantially flat and substantially level with each other when the bicycle pannier is attached to the bicycle accessory mounting and the bicycle accessory mounting is attached (whether demountably or permanently) to bicycle rear career rack stays having risers which slope outwards from the bicycle wheel towards their base. Preferred features correspond to those discussed in relation to the other aspects of the invention.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a bicycle comprising bicycle rear carrier stays having at least one riser located on either side of a rear wheel of the bicycle, wherein the risers are attached at a top end to an accessory mounting suitable for retaining bicycle panniers and at their bottom end to bicycle rear wheel forks, wherein risers located on either side of a rear wheel of the bicycle are further apart at their bottom ends than their top ends. Preferred features correspond to those discussed in relation to the other aspects of the invention.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a bicycle rear carrier stay for attachment to a bicycle rear fork, the bicycle rear carrier stay including one or more risers, the one or more risers having a top portion and a bottom portion, the bottom portion including means for attaching the bicycle rear carrier stay to the bicycle rear fork, wherein the bicycle rear carrier stay is adapted to be fitted to a bicycle such that the bottom portion of the riser is further from the central axis of the bicycle than the top portion.

Preferably, the bicycle rear carrier stay is adapted to be fitted at an angle of at least 5 degrees (more preferably at least 10 degrees) to the vertical. More preferably, the bicycle rear carrier stay is adapted to be fitted at an angle of between 15 and 25 degrees to the vertical.

The adaption preferably comprises an adaption to the means for attaching the bicycle rear carrier stay to the bicycle rear fork. For example, the means for attaching the bicycle rear carrier stay may include an aperture for receiving a screw or bolt and the aperture may oriented so that the screw or bolt is horizontal when the bicycle rear carrier stay riser is angled relative to the vertical.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The invention will be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of apparatus according to a first example, with a top bag attached to an accessory mounting and a side pannier bag shown in its position prior to being attached to an accessory mounting;

Figure 2 is a partially exploded perspective view of apparatus according to a first example, without accessories attached thereto;

Figure 3A is perspective view of bicycle rear carrier stays with an accessory mounting according to a first example attached thereto;

Figure 3B is an exploded view of bicycle rear carrier stays with an accessory mounting according to a first example attached thereto;

Figure 4 is a rear view of apparatus according to a first example, with accessories attached thereto;

Figure 5 is a side view of the apparatus of Figure 1;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of side pannier bags according to a first example;

Figure 7 is a cross-section through channels provided in apparatus according to a first example including a cam system;

Figure 8 is an exploded view of a bicycle fitted with apparatus according to a second example;

Figure 9 is a perspective view of a bicycle fitted with apparatus according to a second example;

Figure 10 is an exploded perspective view of a bicycle fitted with apparatus according to the second example, with corresponding formations which are part of the panniers shown attached to attachment formations of the accessory mounting;

Figure 11 is a perspective view of a bicycle fitted with apparatus according to the second example, with corresponding formations which are part of the panniers shown attached to attachment formations of the accessory mounting;

Figure 12 is an exploded perspective view of bicycle stays with an attached accessory mounting according to the second example;

Figure 13 is a perspective view of bicycle stays with an attached accessory mounting according to the second example, with corresponding formations which are part of the panniers shown attached to attachment formations of the accessory mounting;

Figure 14 is a perspective view of bicycle stays with an accessory mounting attached thereto, partially exploded to show the removable front and rear end caps.

Figure 15 is a detail of the perspective view of Figure 14, showing the rear end cap;

Figure 16 is a detail of the perspective view of Figure 14, showing the front end cap;

Figure 17 is a cross-section through an accessory mounting according to the second example, attached to bicycle stays;

Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view through the accessory mounting above one of the stays;

Figure 19 is a perspective view of the underside of the accessory mounting of the second example attached to one of the stays, partially exploded to show the rear end cap separately.;

Figure 20 is a perspective view of the underside of the accessory mounting according to the second example;

Figure 21 is a perspective view of the lower cooperating formation near the base of the inside surface of the side pannier according to the second example;

Figure 22 is a perspective view of the rear of the accessory mounting according to the second example;

Figure 23 is a perspective view of the rear of the accessory mounting according to the second example;

Figure 24 is a perspective view of the attachment members for attaching the accessory mounting to the frame, below the bicycle rear seat post, according to the second example; and

Figure 25 is a perspective view of an accessory mounting for retrofitting to a conventional bicycle rear carrier rack;

Figure 26 is a plan view from underneath of an accessory mounting retrofitted to a conventional bicycle rear carrier rack; and

Figure 27 is a plan view of an accessory mounting retrofitted to a conventional bicycle rear carrier rack.

Detailed Description of Example Embodiments

Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways.

Example One

A first example embodiment generally comprises a main platform that encompasses a unique mounting system that enables bags and/or other accessories to be attached and easily removed from a bicycle. The mounting means includes an opening that has a major dimension which comprises the support attachment member and a minor dimension which refers to the channelled member. The overall dimension between the outer ends of the attachment member is greater than the minor dimension of the channelled member so that the channelled member can be inserted in the opening by aligning it with the major dimension of the opening. The design of the main platform also includes a unique clamping feature that enables pannier stays to be positioned and angled so that the unit can fit to any design of bicycle.

Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout Figures 1 to 7, the Figure 1 to 7 illustrate a first example support platform for bicycle accessories, which comprises a main platform 3 that encompasses a unique mounting system 4 that enables bags 25 and 26 and/or other accessories to be attached and easily removed from a bicycle.

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the device attached to a bicycle. It also shows example side bags 25 and top bag 26 at various states of attachment to the extruded platform 3. Looking closer at Figure 1 , it can be appreciated that the stays 6 support both the extruded platform 3 and the bags 25 and 26 to the bicycle. The stays 6 connect to the bicycle via a lower stay mount 2 and then attach to the extruded platform via the upper stay mounts 5 located on the lower base of the extruded platform 3. Further support for the extruded platform 3 is offered by connection of the central mount attaches 12 which connects to the bicycle via a central mount fastener 1. The stays 6 are made more rigid by the introduction of an anti-sway section 7a which is fixed horizontally across the stays 6 approximately equidistant from the upper stay mounts 5 and the lower stay mounts 2. Also illustrated in Figure 1, the bags 25 and 26 are seen at various stages of attachment and release. The side bags 25 attach to the extruded platform 3 on two outboard extruded sections 4. Located on the back face of each side bag 25 is attached an extruded channel 11 which locates with the extruded section 4 on the extruded platform 3. Location is achieved when the channel 11 slides the length of the section 4 and meets with the end stop for the channel 8 which forms the back face of the end cap seal 9.

Figures 6 and 7 gives a more detailed perspective on the quick release cam device which locks the bags 25 and 26 to the extruded platform 3. Figure 7 shows the extruded channel 11 approx one inch (approx 2.5cms) away from locating with the end stop 8. At this point the cam end point 27 is picking up the cam

angle 28 which automatically pushes the cam operating end 14 up and locates the cam end point 27 into the cam surface hole 18. This operation retains the channel 11 firmly to the extruded platform 3 until the cam operating end 14 is operated by means of remote release via a toggle 10 which connects to the cam operating end 14 inside the bags 25 and 26. Looking at the channel 11 , along it length the channel 11 is slightly offset to provide a biting point to the section is locates to.

Referring now back to Figure 1 the side bags 25 are further supported via an anti-sway section 7a and an incorporated anti-sway channel 7b which is located on the bag face of the side bag 25. The channels locate with the section in tandem with the operation detailed above and illustrated in Figure 7.

Referring now to Figure 4, which shows a rear view of the device, it can be seen that the extruded platform 3 supports all bags 25 and 26 via the extruded sections 4. The stays 6 are angled in relation to the geometry of the bicycle to which the unit is attached. The stays 6 are fastened to the frame via the lower stay mounts 2.

Taking a look at fig 3a and more specifically at fig 3b showing a perspective view of the unit exploded, it can be appreciated how the stays 6 are located and angularly adjusted to the extruded platform 3. There is provided on the lower base of the extruded platform 3 two slide sections 19 a means for locating and fixing the adjustable stay mounts 20a. The stay mount shape 20b locates with the internal shape of the slide section 19 on the lower part of the extruded platform 3. Each individual stay mount 20a is shaped to capture the profile shape of the stays 6. The stay mounts 20a locate with the upper stay mounts 5 and secure the stays 6 by way of stay fasteners 17 provided.

Also with reference to Figure 3b it can be seen that the end of the extruded platform 3 has an aperture central to its internal profile. The fixing point for the end cap 21 provides a releasably secure means for removing the end cap 9 from the extruded platform 3. The end cap 9 serves three purposes: It blocks the path of the channels 11 sliding of the extruded platform 4; it seals the internal section 31 of the extruded platform 3; and its releasable nature allows for the adjustable stay mounts 20a being positioning on the slide sections 19 and locked in place.

Also illustrated is the detail of the central mount attach 12 which includes a slot 23 that provides an adjustable and locating means for securing the central mount attach 12 to the extruded platform via a beam adjust fastener 24 and adjusting block 22 which locates and slides on to the lower extruded section 16 providing a further adjusting means for orientating the total assembly.

Referring now to Figure 2, and Figure 5 which illustrates the front cap 29 showing that it is permanently connected to the extruded platform 3, the profile of the front cap 29 is the same as the outside profile of the extruded platform 3 enabling the extruded channels 11 to locate through the front end cap 29 and onto the extruded sections 4. Also provided on the front cap 29 is the cam angle 28 which is evident on the side and top faces of the front cap 29.

In use, the user will first attach the main attach brake beam 12 section to the bicycle and then fix the main extruded platform 3 to the beam. This is done by positioning the block slide 22 on the lower extruded section 16 of the extruded platform 3 and locating the fastener nut 24 through the slot 23 on the beam to captivate the beam attach 12 onto the extruded platform. With the beam attach 12 in place and adjusting the extruded platform 3 to sit generally horizontal the user will then attach and adjust the stays 6 to the bicycle via the upper stay mount fixers 5. Sliding the stay mount fixers 20a on to the two slide sections 19 provided on the lower edge of the platform the stays 6 are adjusted and held in place by special fasteners 17 that can be easily locked and released. Once in place, the end cap 9 can be located in place to seal the main internal section 31 of the extruded platform 3. With the pannier in place the channels 11 are then placed on the bags 25 and 26 and/or accessories. Generally the channel 11 will be positioned along the top back face of the product allowing for the user to operate the cam device 14 which will protrude through the inners of the bag. With the channel 11 in place the cam release mechanism will be placed through a hole provided in the software which will enable the user to operate the cam op end 14 from within the bag. If required and for easier access a toggle 10 can be used which connects the cam operating end 14 making it easier to remotely release the cam when in place. The toggle end will protrude to a point just behind the front access zip of the bag and or could be attached to the zip top operate in tandem with that feature, e.g. when the user operates the zip it would also release the cam. In operation then the user would orientate the channel 11 in line with that of the extruded section 4 on the extruded platform 3 and then slide the channel 11 into the section until the cam end point 27 picks up the cam angle 28 on the front cap 29 and slides into the cam surface hole 18 provided on the extruded platform 3 at this point there is no need for the user to operate the cam as the design of the surfaces apparent on the extruded platform 3 and front cap 29 allow remote attachment. The end cap 9 provided also provides a further locating means as the channel cannot slide beyond that point as the end cap provides a stopping means 8 for the channel and therefore any accessory attached to same. In use and to release the bag and/or accessory the user pushes the toggle 10 or cam operating end 14 out which releases it from the cam surface hole 18 this allows the channel 11 to slide clear of the sections 4.

In a more complex embodiment, with locking means in use the user would first have to unlock the bag via the front zip and then operate the second release zip backwards a little to release the cam operating point 27 from the cam surface hole 18. Other bags and accessories can be attached securely to the other remaining sections including the lower section 16 which although occupied in part by the attachment block 22 for the beam attach 12 can still be utilized due to the available sectional area unused on the base of the extruded platform 3. It should also be noted that the offset dimensional nature of the channels 11 provide for a non shake assembly.

All manner of different accessories can be placed on the channels and attached to the extruded platform 3 for example a child seat 3 point upper support with two lower supporting elements utilizing the antis-way bag sections. Integrated lighting source in the bag units powered from internal battery located within the extruded platform 3 and sealed via the end cap 29, lighting safety feature removable mudguards, tool case, trailer mount fixing to all four sections of extruded platform 3 and 4 via connection to sealed internal

battery connectors in extruded platform 3, and all manner of different stay designs which can be clamped and integrated on the main platform to suit any particular bicycle.

Example Two

A second example embodiment will be illustrated with reference to Figures 8 to 24. The same numeral is used to denote the same feature throughout Figures 8 to 24.

Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view of a bicycle shown generally as 100 fitted with apparatus according to the second example. Figure 9 is a corresponding collapsed perspective view. The bicycle includes a frame 102, front wheel 104 and a rear wheel 106 attached between rear wheel forks 108 which include conventional fitments 110 which retain the lower end of bicycle rear carrier stays 112. The fitments are typically 135 - 145mm apart. The top end of the bicycle rear carrier stays are attached to an accessory mounting shown generally as 200. The top ends of the bicycle rear carrier stays are typically 85mm apart meaning that the bicycle rear carrier stays are angled with their lower ends further apart than their top ends. The bicycle rear carrier racks stays are oriented at an angle of around 20 degrees to the vertical. Anti-sway retaining bars 114 extend between front and rear portions of the stays, roughly three- quarters of the way down the length of the stays, and include slots 116 for receiving formations on bicycle panniers. There are also provided two side panniers 117 and a top pannier 118. Side panniers have an inward surface 119 and a top surface 120 angled such that the top surface is horizontal and inline with the top surface of the accessory mounting in use. In order to fit with the angled stays, the inner surface and top surface are connected by an acute angle. The side panniers are flat and in line with the top surface of the accessory mounting, together providing a supporting base for the top pannier which can be wider than the top accessory mounting.

Figure 10 is an exploded perspective view of a bicycle fitted with apparatus according to the second example, with corresponding formations which are part of the panniers shown attached to attachment formations of the accessory mounting. Figure 11 is a collapsed view, with corresponding formations which are part of the panniers shown attached to attachment formations of the accessory mounting. The stays are attached to the bicycle frame, just below the rear seat, by mount attachment members 122 which are pivotably attached to the bicycle frame by screws or bolts at one end and attached to a front portion of rear stays by virtue of a pin 124 extending through elongate slots 126 and 128 provided on the rear stays and mount attachment members respectively. The top tube 130 of each stay, which connects the front and rear portions of each stay is clamped by a mechanism enabling them to be clamped at a range of angles to the vertical. This arrangement as a whole allows the same stays to be used with bicycle of a range of dimensions.

Figure 12 is an exploded perspective view of bicycle stays with an attached accessory mounting according to the second example. Figure 13 is a collapsed view, with corresponding formations which are part of the panniers shown attached to attachment formations of the accessory mounting. Accessory mounting 200 has a top surface 202 which is substantially flat and horizontal in use. The accessory

mounting has attachment formations included channels 204 which are located on either side of the accessory mounting and include slots 206 having openings 208. A top channel 210 has a corresponding cross-section to the side channels and also has slots 212 having openings 214. A further channel with a corresponding cross-section located on the underside of the accessory mounting is not visible in Figures 12 and 13.

Each side pannier (not shown in Figures 12 and 13) has, at the top of its inner surface, a bar 216 including cooperating formations which cooperate with the attachment formations of the accessory mounting in use. The cooperating formations comprise a retaining member 218 which is attached to the bar 216 by a stem. The retaining members fits within the channels and includes flanges which extend upwards and downwards within the channel to retain the cooperating formations in contact with the attachment formations. The slots in the channels need to be sufficiently narrow to retain the retaining members and the opening in the slots are such that the retaining members can be inserted into and rested on the base of the channel before being slid into the channels. The openings in the slots are configured so that the retaining members can be lowered into a position where they rest on the base of a channel to make them easy to align with the channels when the panniers are heavy. The openings also include a cutaway side portion 222 enabling the cooperating formations to be inserted sideways into a position where they are inline with the channels and slots and rested on the base of the channels before they are slid into position. This enables the side panniers to be brought inline with the channels horizontally, so that they are not blocked when the top pannier is in place.

Correspondingly, the top pannier includes a bar 224 with corresponding cooperating formations, including corresponding retaining members attached to the bar by stems, which fit into the openings in the top channel, allowing the bar or retaining members to rest on either the top surface of the accessory mounting or the bottom of the channels (depending on the precise dimensions of the component parts), such that the retaining members are inline with the top channel and can be slid therein.

In use, the side panniers are located inline with the channels by lowering the panniers, or moving them horizontally so that the retaining members are inline with the channels horizontally and the weight of the panniers is resting partially on the base of the channels. The panniers are then slid forward into a position where they are demountably attached to the accessory mounting and thus the bicycle.

In use, the top pannier is lowered into position, such that the retaining members of the top pannier pass through the openings in the top slots, and the top pannier is allowed to rest on either the top surface of the accessory mounting or the bottom of the channels (depending on the precise dimensions of the component parts). The top pannier is then slid forward into a position where it is demountably attached to the accessory mounting and thus the bicycle.

Anti-sway retaining bars 114 provide additional support. Each includes a slot 116 which has an opening 226 at the rear end thereof. A lower cooperating formation shown generally as 228 attached to a side pannier has a retaining member 230 attached by a stem 232 to a short bar 234 which is in turn attached to

the inner surface of the side pannier, at or near its base. The cooperating formation corresponds to the cooperating formations at the top of the inner surface of the side pannier. The opening 226 may include a slight cutaway to below the level of the slot 116.

In use, the lower cooperating formation is lowered into the opening on the retaining bar and slid forward into the slot during the same movement which is used to fit the side panniers. The opening on the retaining bar is sufficiently large to enable the retaining bar to be inserted sideways into the opening so that the side panniers can also be fitted using a horizontal motion when the top pannier is in place.

Figures 12 and 13 also illustrate spring-loaded catches which are used to retain the panniers in place. Side catches comprise a recess 236 in the side walls of the accessory mounting and a plunger 238 biased by a spring (not shown) to slide into the recess when the side panniers are fitted, holding the side panniers in place. Each plunger has a ring 240 at the end of the plunger for a user to grasp to release the catch by pulling the plunger. A further catch for retaining the top pannier comprises a recess 242 in the top channel. A sprung plunger 244 slides into the recess when the top pannier is fitted. The plunger has a ring 246 attached to the plunger which is in turn attached to a stem 248 which can be pulled to disengage the plunger from the recess. A rear end cap 250 includes spring-loaded buttons 252 which blocks the removal of the side panniers until the buttons are pressed in by a user.

Figure 14 is a perspective view of bicycle stays with an accessory mounting attached thereto, partially exploded to show the removable rear end cap 250 and front end cap 254. It will be seen that the accessory mounting comprises a hollow extruded main portion and that the channels are closed off by the front and rear end caps. Figures 15 and 16 are details of Figure 14 which better illustrated the ends of the accessory mounting. They also show elongate grooves 256 which cooperate with corresponding elongate tongues on the underside of the top pannier, to further retain the top pannier in place.

Figure 17 is a cross-section through an accessory mounting according to the second example, attached to bicycle stays. Figure 17 illustrates springs 237 which bias buttons 252 outwards. Further springs (not shown) are located in the gaps 239 around the plungers, to bias the plungers. Figure 17 shows the lower channel 258 which, in use, can retain T clips which can be slid along the lower channel and held in place by means of a screw and used to attach items to the accessory mounting.

Figure 17 also illustrates the clamps used to retain the top rods of the stays. Each comprises a fixed portion 260 and a moveable portion 262. The moveable portion 262 includes a pivot 264 which fits into and is pivotably retained by a corresponding groove in the accessory mounting. In order to fit the clamps, the fixed portions are aligned with the top rod of the stays and the moveable portions are brought into contact with the top rod of the stays, opposite the fixed portions. The moveable portions may be slid along the grooves which retain them if required. The moveable portion is then attached to the fixed portion by a screw 266, thereby retaining the top rods of the stays. A gap 268 may be left between the bottom ends of the fixed and moveable portions of the clamps and so the clamps can be used with top rods of different widths. A spacer, such as a flexible piece of rubber, may be provided to adapt the clamps

to work with rods of different widths. The moveable portions of the clamps may be fitted into the grooves in the accessory mounting before both the front and rear end caps are attached to the accessory mounting.

Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view through the accessory mounting above one of the stays, illustrating sloped camming surface 270 which is spring-biased and which retains the side panniers in position by blocking egress of the cooperating formations from the side channels. When the side panniers are slid into place the rearmost cooperating formation pushes the sloped camming surface downwards enabling the cooperating formation to enter the side channel. A hexagonal capped screw 271 attaches the front end cap to the extruded body of the accessory mounting.

Figures 19 to 24 are close-ups of various details. Figure 19 is a perspective view of the underside of the accessory mounting attached to one of the stays, partially exploded to show the rear end cap separately. A T clip 270 is shown located in the lower channel. Figure 20 is a perspective view of the underside of the accessory mounting. Figure 21 is a perspective view of the lower cooperating formation near the base of the inside surface of the side pannier. Figure 22 is a perspective view of the rear of the accessory mounting. Figure 23 is a perspective view of the rear of the accessory mounting showing the buttons 252 pressed in while a cooperating formation is slid past and recess 236, including a well nut. Figure 24 is a perspective view of the attachment members for attaching the accessory mounting to the frame, below the bicycle rear seat post.

Example Three

The accessory mounting may also be provided in the form of a kit suitable for retrofitting to a conventional bicycle rear carrier rack, as illustrated in Figures 25 to 27.

Figure 25 is a perspective view of an accessory mounting for retrofitting to a conventional bicycle rear carrier rack shown generally as 300 and comprising stays 302 and top rods 304. The accessory mounting comprises mirror image left and right mounting portions 306, 308, each of which comprises attachment formations corresponding to the attachment formations of the second example. In particular, they comprise side channels 310 having slots 312 in their sides and including openings 314 allowing cooperating formations to be lowered or moved horizontally into a position where they rest on the base of the channels and can be slid into the channels to demountably attach an accessory to the accessory mounting. v Each mounting portion includes front and rear elongate apertures 316 on the inward side of the mounting portion, into each of which elongate clamping members 318, 320, may be introduced such that the elongate clamping members point inwards. The elongate clamping members comprise upper and lower arms which have elongate slots 322 therein. The elongate clamping members for use with one mounting portion have their upper and lower arms closer together than the other elongate clamping members and the whole apparatus is configured so that, in use, the upper and lower arms of the elongate clamping

members of one mounting portion fit between the upper and lower arms of the elongate clamping members of the other mounting portion.

To retrofit the accessory mounting to a rear bicycle carrier rack, each mounting portion is fitted around the top rod of one side of a rear bicycle carrier rack, the elongate clamping members of one mounting portion are fitted within the elongate clamping members of the other mounting portion, and the mounting portions are fixed in place by a screw or bolt inserted through the slots of interdigitating arms, fitted into a nut and tightened. As the slots are elongate, the same accessory mounting can be retrofitted to rear bicycle carrier racks of a variety of widths.

An upper mounting 324 can also be included. The upper mounting has a channel 326 for receiving cooperating members. The upper channel may correspond to the upper channel of either the first or second example above. The upper mounting channel includes two elongate slots 328 and a single screw or bolt can be is inserted through each slots in the upper mounting channel and extend through corresponding slots in the upper and lower arms of overlapping elongate clamping members. Figure 26 is a plan view from underneath of the accessory mounting retrofitted to a conventional bicycle rear carrier rack and Figure 27 is a plan view of the accessory mounting retrofitted to a conventional bicycle rear carrier rack.

Accessories

Although the examples above related to the attachment of side panniers, the accessory mounting can be used to attach many different types of accessory, such as a light (for example, a light with cooperating formations may be attached directly to the top channel of the accessory mounting), toolkit, mudguard or child seat. Some accessories may be attached to two or more attachment formations, for example, a child seat or a trailer may be attached to both side channels, or both side channels and the top channel of the accessory mounting.

As illustrated in Figure 1, the stem attached to the top catch may protrude through an aperture in the top pannier bag. The stem may be associated with the zip of a pannier bag so that the action of opening the zip disengages one or more catches which retain an accessory on the accessory mounting.

The plungers 238, 244 may be part of the side panniers or top pannier and included within lockable compartments of the side panniers. When the side panniers or top pannier are locked, it is therefore not possible to operate the plungers and demount the side panniers.

The components of the accessory mounting are typically made from plastics materials. The parts which slide in use (the attachment formations and cooperating formations) are typically made form so-called oiled plastics materials.

The invention has therefore provided a modular system which can be readily adapted for use with different sizes of bicycle, and with different types of accessories. Any combination of parts may be provided as a kit.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.