Related Applications

[0001] This application claims priority to US application No. 62/959,037 filed 9 January 2020, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to cycling luggage. More specifically, aspects of the invention provide cycling luggage systems, cycling luggage bags that are releasably attachable to bicycles and receivers for releasably attaching cycling luggage bags to bicycles.

Background

[0003] It is often desirable for cyclists to carry one or more objects while travelling by bicycle. Such objects may be carried in a body-mounted bag such as a purse, backpack, fanny-pack or the like. However, body-mounted bags can be cumbersome, uncomfortable, unwieldy, and/or may cause injury when worn while cycling. It is therefore desirable to provide bags that are attachable to the bicycle itself. Preferably, such bags are removable to allow for continued carrying of the objects by a cyclist after a cycling portion of a trip is completed.

[0004] Various systems exist for releasably attaching one or more bags to a bicycle. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a bicycle 2. Typically, bags (sometimes referred to as “panniers” or “pannier bags”) are attached to a rear rack 4 or a front rack 6 of bicycle 2.

[0005] Panniers commonly have one or more rigid hooks, clips and/or other mechanical attachment mechanisms for attaching to rear rack 4 or front rack 6. Such hooks, clips and mechanical attachment mechanisms can be awkward and unsightly when the panniers are removed from the bicycle and carried by the cyclist. Further, such rigid hooks, clips and mechanical attachment mechanisms can be uncomfortable when the pannier is being carried against the body like a backpack, duffel bag or purse. [0006] There is a general desire for a system for releasably attaching bags to rear rack 4 or front rack 6 that does not require uncomfortable, awkward or unsightly hardware on the bag when the bag is removed from the bicycle.

[0007] The foregoing examples of the related art and limitations related thereto are intended to be illustrative and not exclusive. Other limitations of the related art will become apparent to those of skill in the art upon a reading of the specification and a study of the drawings.

Summary

[0008] The following embodiments and aspects thereof are described and illustrated in conjunction with systems, tools and methods which are meant to be exemplary and illustrative, not limiting in scope. In various embodiments, one or more of the above- described problems have been reduced or eliminated, while other embodiments are directed to other improvements.

[0009] One aspect of the invention provides a cycling luggage system. The cycling luggage system may comprise a cycling luggage bag. The bag may comprise one or more storage compartments and a sleeve extending longitudinally between opposing first and second openings. The sleeve may be attached to the one or more storage compartments, the sleeve having opposing first and second openings. The cycling luggage system may comprise a receiver, the receiver mountable to a rack of a bicycle. The receiver may comprise a bar having opposing first and second ends, the bar mountable at the first end of the bar to a first location on the rack, a cradle releasably fixable to the second end of the bar, the cradle mountable to a second location on the rack spaced apart from the first location on the rack. The bar may be moveable (e.g. pivotable or translatable) between an open position in which the second end of the bar can be inserted into or removed from the longitudinally extending sleeve of the bag through the first opening and a closed position in which the second end of the bar can be fixed to the cradle thereby fixing the bag to the bar.

[0010] Another aspect of the invention provides a cycling luggage receiver mountable to a rack of a bicycle. The receiver may comprise a bar having opposing first and second ends, the bar mountable at the first end of the bar to a first location on the rack and a cradle releasably fixable to the second end of the bar, the cradle mountable to a second location on the rack spaced apart from the first location on the rack. The bar may be moveable (e.g. pivotable or translatable) between an open position in which the second end of the bar can be inserted into or removed from the longitudinally extending sleeve of a bag and a closed position in which the second end of the bar can be fixed to the cradle thereby fixing the bag to the bar.

[0011] Another aspect of the invention provides a cycling luggage bag comprising one or more storage compartments a longitudinally extending sleeve having opposing first and second openings attached to the one or more storage compartments.

[0012] In some embodiments, the bar is selectively lockable to the cradle when the bar is in the closed position.

[0013] In some embodiments, a catch protrudes from the cradle and is receivable in a first slot in the bar. In some embodiments, a catch protrudes from the cradle and is receivable in a first slot of a plurality of slots in the bar, each of the plurality of slots spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction.

[0014] In some embodiments, the bar comprises an inner component moveable between a latched configuration in which the inner component prevents insertion and removal of the catch from the first slot and an unlatched configuration in which the inner component allows insertion and removal of the catch from the first slot. In some embodiments, the inner component is rotatable between the latched configuration and the unlatched configuration.

In some embodiments, the inner component is slidable or translatable between the latched configuration and the unlatched configuration.

[0015] In some embodiments, in the open position, the second end of the bar is spaced apart from the cradle and in the closed position, the second end of the bar abuts the cradle.

[0016] In some embodiments, the sleeve comprises an outer layer and an inner layer. In some embodiments, the inner layer comprises a material selected from the group consisting of nylon, Ballistic Nylon™, Kevlar™, aramid fibers, Dyneema™, Cut-tex™, etc.

[0017] In some embodiments, the bag comprises a flap for selectively covering the sleeve.

In some embodiments, the bag comprises a compartment for selectively storing the sleeve.

[0018] In some embodiments, the sleeve comprises a plurality of apertures spaced apart in the longitudinal direction. [0019] In addition to the exemplary aspects and embodiments described above, further aspects and embodiments will become apparent by reference to the drawings and by study of the following detailed descriptions.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020] Exemplary embodiments are illustrated in referenced figures of the drawings. It is intended that the embodiments and figures disclosed herein are to be considered illustrative rather than restrictive.

[0021] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a prior art bicycle having front and rear racks.

[0022] Figure 2A is a perspective view of a bicycle with an exemplary cycling luggage system installed thereon according to one exemplary embodiment of the invention. Figure 2B shows the bicycle of Figure 2A with the cycling luggage removed.

[0023] Figure 3A is a perspective view of a portion of a rear rack and an exemplary receiver in a closed position according to one exemplary embodiment of the invention. Figure 3B is a perspective view of the rear rack and receiver of Figure 3A wherein the receiver is in an open position.

[0024] Figure 4A is a top plan cross-section of a portion of the receiver of Figure 3A. Figure 4B is a side cross-section of a portion of the receiver of Figure 3A. Figure 4C is a perspective view of a portion of the receiver of Figure 3A.

[0025] Figure 5A is a perspective cross-section of the receiver of Figure 3A in an unlatched configuration. Figure 5B is a perspective cross-section of the receiver of Figure 3A in a latched configuration. Figure 5C is a perspective cross-section of the receiver of Figure 3A in an unlatched configuration and with the outer shell removed. Figure 5D is a perspective cross-section of the receiver of Figure 3A in a latched configuration and with the outer shell removed.

[0026] Figure 6 is a top plan cross-section of a portion of an exemplary receiver according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0027] Figure 7A is a top plan view of a portion of an exemplary receiver in an unlatched configuration according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Figure 7B is a top plan view of the portion of the receiver of Figure 7A in between the latched configuration and an unlatched configuration. Figure 7C is a top plan view of the portion of the receiver of Figure 7A in the latched configuration.

[0028] Figure 8A is a perspective view of another exemplary receiver mounted on a rear rack according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention. Figure 8B is a perspective view of another exemplary receiver according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0029] Figure 9 is a perspective view of an exemplary cycling luggage bag according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0030] Figure 10A is a perspective view of a portion of another exemplary cycling luggage bag according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Figure 10B is a perspective cross-section view of the cycling luggage bag of Figure 10A. Figure 10C is another perspective view of the cycling luggage bag of Figure 10A.

[0031] Figure 11 A is a perspective view of a portion of another exemplary cycling luggage bag according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Figure 11 B is a perspective cross-section view of the cycling luggage bag of Figure 11A. Figure 11 C is another perspective view of the cycling luggage bag of Figure 11 A.

[0032] Figure 12A is a portion of a perspective view of an exemplary receiver mounted on a rear rack in an open position according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

Figure 12B is a perspective view of an exemplary cycling luggage bag being installed on the receiver of Figure 12A. Figure 12C is a perspective view of an exemplary cycling luggage bag installed on the receiver of Figure 12A. Figure 12D is another perspective view of an exemplary cycling luggage bag installed on the receiver of Figure 12A.

[0033] Figure 13A is a rear view of an exemplary cycling luggage bag installed on an exemplary receiver according to one exemplary embodiment of the invention. Figure 13B is a perspective view of the cycling luggage bag of Figure 13A being removed from the receiver of Figure 13A.

Description

[0034] Throughout the following description specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding to persons skilled in the art. However, well known elements may not have been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the disclosure. Accordingly, the description and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative, rather than a restrictive, sense.

[0035] One aspect of the invention provides a cycling luggage system. The cycling luggage system comprises a cycling luggage bag and a cycling luggage receiver. The cycling luggage bag may be releasably fixable (or lockable) to the cycling luggage receiver.

[0036] In some embodiments, the cycling luggage receiver is temporarily or permanently affixed to a rear rack 4 or a front rack 6 of a bicycle 2. In other embodiments, the cycling luggage receiver may be integrated into a rear rack 4 or a front rack 6. The cycling luggage receiver may comprise a bar that is attached to a first portion of the rack. When the bar is in an open position, the cycling luggage bag may be installed on, or removed from, the bar. When the bar is in a closed position, the cycling luggage bag may be secured to the rack by fixing (or locking) the bar to a cradle attached on a second portion of the rack. In some embodiments, the bar is moved by pivoting. In other embodiments, the bar may be translated and/or slid between the open and closed positions

[0037] The cycling luggage bag may comprise any suitable style of bag having one or more compartments for storage. For example, the cycling luggage bag may be of the style of a briefcase, a duffel bag, a backpack, a tote, or any other suitable style.

[0038] The cycling luggage bag comprises a sleeve for receiving the bar of the cycling luggage receiver therein. The sleeve may be attached to the outside of at least one of the one or more compartments of the bag. The sleeve may be coverable or stowable when not in use.

[0039] Figure 2A shows a bicycle 2 with an exemplary cycling luggage system 10 installed on a rear rack 4 thereof according to one embodiment of the invention. Cycling luggage system 10 comprises a cycling luggage bag 70 and a receiver 20. Figure 2B shows the bicycle 2 of Figure 2A with cycling luggage bag 70 removed from receiver 20.

[0040] Figure 3A shows an exemplary receiver 20 attached to rear rack 4. Receiver 20 may comprise a bar 22 and a cradle 24. In some embodiments, bar 22 and cradle 24 of receiver 24 are non-permanently fixable to rear rack 4 (as shown in Figure 3A) or a front rack 6. In some embodiments, one or both of bar 22 and cradle 24 are integrally mounted to a rear rack 4 or a front rack 6 (see, for example, Figure 8A which shows a cradle integrated with a rack or Figure 8B which shows a cradle and a bar which are each integrable with a rack).

[0041] In some embodiments, bar 22 is non-permanently mounted to rear rack 4 by a bracket 26. Bracket 26 may comprise a clamp 28 and a joint 30. Clamp 28 may be non- permanently mounted to a member of rear rack 4. For example, clamp 28 may be non- permanently mountable to a first member 4A of rear rack 4. First member 4A may comprise a structural member of rack 4 or a non-structural member of rack 4 provided for the purpose of supporting bar 22. Joint 30 may connect bar 22 to clamp 28. Joint 30 may allow movement of bar 22 relative to clamp 28.

[0042] Clamp 28 may comprise any suitable clamp for attaching to first member 4A of rear rack 4. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, clamp 28 comprises a clam shell style clamp. This is not mandatory. In some embodiments, clamp 28 is similar to a hose clamp such as a tower type clamp, worm gear clamp, or the like.

[0043] In some embodiments, bracket 26 allows for movement of bar 22 between an open position (as shown, for example, in Figure 3B) in which a second end 22B of bar 22 is spaced apart from cradle 24 and a closed position (as shown, for example, in Figure 3A) in which second end 22B of bar 22 abuts cradle 24. In some embodiments, such movement is pivoting about one or more axes. In some embodiments, such movement is translation of bar 22. In some embodiments, such movement is a combination of pivoting and translation. In some embodiments, one or more of clamp 28 and joint 30 allows for such movement.

[0044] In some embodiments, clamp 28 allows for pivoting of bar 22 about first member 4A (e.g. about a z direction axis). For example, clamp 28 may be rotatable about first member 4A. In some embodiments, an additional joint (see, for example, joint 129 shown in Figure 8A) allows for pivoting of bar 22.

[0045] In some embodiments, one or more shims 28A (shown in, for example, Figure 4A) are provided between member 4A and clamp 28. Shims 28A having different inner diameters may be provided to allow clamp 28 to fit members 4A having different outer diameters. Shims 28A may inhibit overtightening of clamp 28. Shims 28A may facilitate rotational movement of clamp 28 around member 4A.

[0046] In some embodiments, one or more secondary clamps 28B are provided to prevent undesirable axial movement of clamp 28 along first member 4A (e.g. due to the force of gravity) without preventing movement of clamp 28 about first member 4A. In some embodiments, secondary clamp 28B is provided below clamp 28 to limit undesirable axial movement of clamp 28 along first member 4A. Preventing undesirable axial movement of clamp 28 may be accomplished by tightening secondary clamp 28B sufficiently that even if clamp 28 abuts against secondary clamp 28B, secondary clamp 28B remains in position.

[0047] Figure 4C depicts an exemplary secondary clamp 28B according to one embodiment of the invention. Secondary clamp 28B may comprise any suitable clamp for attaching to member 4A of rear rack 4. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, secondary clamp 28B comprises a clam shell style clamp. This is not mandatory. In some embodiments, secondary clamp 28B is similar to a hose clamp such as a tower type clamp, worm gear clamp, or the like. In some embodiments, one or more shims are provided between member 4A and secondary clamp 28B. In some embodiments, secondary clamp 28B shares shim 28A with clamp 28, as shown, for example, in Figure 4C.

[0048] Joint 30 may comprise any suitable joint that allows pivoting of bar 22. For example, joint 30 may comprise a ball joint, one or more bearings, one or more bushings, etc. Joint 30 may allow bar 22 to pivot downward under the weight of a bag when bar 22 is in the open position to prevent bar 22 from bending or breaking under the weight of the bag (and its contents).

[0049] As shown in Figure 4A, bar 22 may be attached to clamp 28 by a fastener 30A. In some embodiments, fastener 30A functions as joint 30 by allowing bar 22 to pivot or rotate about fastener 30A. One or more bearings or bearing surfaces may be provided to facilitate pivoting of bar 22 about fastener 30A and/or reduce other undesired movement. By tightening fastener 30A, it may be possible to prevent or reduce movement of joint 30 to thereby fix bar 22 relative to bracket 26 if desired.

[0050] While Figure 3A depicts clamp 28 being attached to a member (e.g. member 4A) that is perpendicular to the direction of extension of bar 22, this is not mandatory. Joint 30 may allow clamp 28 to be attached to a member of rack 4 that is arranged at any angle relative to the direction of extension of bar 22 when bar 22 is in the closed position. As such, clamp 28 may be attached to members of rack 4 that are arranged at any angle relative to a desired position of bar 22 when bar 22 is in the closed position. This allows clamp 28 to be attached to a wide variety of rear racks 4 (or front racks 6) which may have members oriented in different directions.

[0051] In some embodiments, cradle 24 is non-permanently mounted to rear rack 4 by a bracket 32. Bracket 32 comprises a clamp 34 and a joint 36. In some embodiments, clamp 34 is non-permanently mounted to a second member 4B of rear rack 4 spaced apart from first member 4A. In other embodiments, clamp 34 may be mounted to first member 4A at a location spaced apart from bracket 26. Joint 36 may connect cradle 24 to clamp 34. Joint 36 may allow movement of cradle 24 relative to clamp 34.

[0052] Clamp 34 may comprise any suitable clamp for mounting to a member of rear rack 4. In some embodiments, clamp 34 comprises one or more clam shell clamps or one or more clamps similar to a hose clamp such as a tower type clamp, worm gear clamp, or the like.

[0053] For example, in the illustrated embodiment, clamp 34 comprises two tower type clamps 34-1 , 34-2, one of which is shown in detail in Figure 4B. Each tower type clamp is tightened or loosened by rotating fastener 34A. As fastener 34A is rotated, nut 34B moves up or down the length of fastener 34A. A band 34C is attachable to nut 34B and moves with nut 34B to allow a user to adjust a spacing between a distal end of band 34C and bracket 32 to thereby tighten or loosen clamp 34 around member 4B.

[0054] In some embodiments, joint 36 allows for rotation of cradle 24 about one or more axes. For example, joint 36 may allow for rotation of cradle 24 to align cradle 24 with bar 22.

[0055] Joint 36 may comprise any suitable type of joint that allows for rotation of cradle 24. For example, joint 30 may comprise a ball joint, one or more bearings, one or more bushings, etc.

[0056] As shown in Figure 4A, cradle 24 may be attached to bracket 32 by a fastener 36A.

In some embodiments, fastener 36A functions as joint 36 by allowing cradle 24 to pivot or rotate about fastener 36A. In some embodiments, one or more spherical washers 36B are employed to allow cradle 24 to be arranged at any desirable orientation. By tightening fastener 36A, it may be possible to prevent movement of joint 36 to thereby fix cradle 24 relative to bracket 32 if desired.

[0057] Cradle 24 may comprise a cradle surface 24A. Cradle surface 24A may be complementary in shape to at least a portion of bar 22. For example, bar 22 may be circular in cross-section (e.g. in the yz-plane as shown in Figure 4B) and cradle surface 24A may be curved to receive bar 22. Cradle surface 24A may support at least some of the weight of bar 22 and of a bag supported by bar 22.

[0058] Cradle 24 may comprise a catch 38. Catch 38 protrudes from or through cradle surface 24A. As shown in Figure 4A, catch 38 may comprise a shaft 38A which protrudes from or through cradle surface 24A and a protrusion 38B located at a distal end of shaft 38A. Protrusion 38B has a larger cross-sectional area (e.g. in the xz-plane) than shaft 38A. Protrusion 38B may have any suitable cross-sectional shape (e.g. in the xz-plane or the yz- plane). In some embodiments, protrusion 38B comprises one or more portions which extend generally perpendicular to shaft 38A. Catch 38 may have a “T” shape cross-section (as shown in Figure 4A), an “L” shape cross-section or the like. In some embodiments, protrusion 38B is round (e.g. generally circular in cross-section or spherical) in shape.

[0059] Bar 22 may comprise a latching mechanism for releasably latching onto catch 38. The latching mechanism may be any suitable latching mechanism for releasably latching bar 22 and catch 38. The latching mechanism may comprise an inner component located at least partially within an outer component of bar 22. The inner component or the outer component may be moveable between a latched configuration in which the inner component prevents insertion and removal of catch 38 from a first slot in bar 22 and an unlatched configuration in which the inner component allows insertion and removal of catch 38 from the first slot in bar 22.

[0060] In some embodiments, the outer component comprises an outer shell 40 and the inner component comprises an inner shell 44. Outer shell 40 may be hollow such that outer shell 40 defines a chamber 40A. Outer shell 40 may define one or more apertures 42 that open into a chamber 40A of shell 40. Each aperture 42 may be sized and shaped to allow protrusion 38B to pass through, as shown in Figure 4A. Apertures 42 may be spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction (e.g. the x direction in Figure 3A). Having multiple apertures 42 spaced apart in the longitudinal direction allows for bracket 26 to be spaced apart from bracket 32 by different distances to accommodate rear racks 4 having different geometries. While the depicted embodiments have five apertures 42, this is not mandatory. Outer shell 40 could have fewer or more than five apertures 42. Outer shell 40 may be circular in cross-section (e.g. in the yz-plane in Figure 3A). [0061] Inner component 44 may be located partially or completely within chamber 40A of outer shell 40. Inner component 44 may be hollow such that inner component 44 defines an inner component chamber 44A. Inner component 44 may define one or more inner component apertures 46 that open into inner component chamber 44A of inner component 44. Apertures 46 may correspond generally in number, location and spacing to apertures 42. Inner component 44 may be circular in cross-section (e.g. in the yz-plane in Figure 3A).

[0062] A first portion 46A of each aperture 46 may be sized and shaped to allow protrusion 38B to pass through when catch 38 protrudes through aperture 42, as shown in Figure 4A.

A second portion 46B of each aperture may be sized and shaped to allow at least a portion of shaft 38A to pass through without allowing protrusion 38B to pass through.

[0063] In some embodiments, inner component 44 is moveable between a latched configuration and an unlatched configuration. Such movement may comprise translation of inner component 44 (e.g. along its longitudinal axis). In some embodiments, inner component 44 is rotatable about its longitudinal axis (e.g. an x direction axis in Figure 3A) within chamber 40A of outer shell 40.

[0064] In the unlatched configuration, first portion 46A of aperture 46 is aligned with aperture 42 of outer shell 40 such that protrusion 38B and at least a portion of shaft 38A can pass through. In contrast, in the latched configuration, second portion 46B of aperture 46 is aligned with aperture 42 of outer shell 40 such that protrusion 38B cannot pass through.

[0065] When inner component 44 is in the latched configuration and bar 22 is in the closed position, bar 22 is prevented from moving relative to cradle 24 by the abutment of protrusion 38B and an inner surface 44B of inner component 44. When inner component 44 is in the latched configuration and bar 22 is in the open position, bar 22 is prevented from closing by the abutment of protrusion 38B and an outer surface 44C of inner component 44.

[0066] When inner component 44 is in the unlatched configuration and bar 22 is in the closed position bar 22 is not prevented from moving into the open position. When inner component 44 is in the unlatched configuration and bar 22 is in the open position, bar 22 is not prevented from being moved into the closed position. [0067] For example, Figures 5A to 5D show inner component 44 rotating about its longitudinal axis between an unlatched configuration (see Figures 5A and 5C) and a latched configuration (see Figures 5B and 5D).

[0068] In some embodiments, inner component 44 is rotated by an amount between approximately 45 ^e and 180 ^e to move between the latched configuration and the unlatched configuration. In some embodiments, inner component 44 is rotated approximately 90 ^e to move between the latched configuration and the unlatched configuration.

[0069] One or more bushings, bearings or the like may be provided between outer shell 40 and inner component 44 to facilitate relative movement of (e.g. reduce friction between) outer shell 40 and inner component 44. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of bushings 40B is provided to reduce friction between outer shell 40 and inner component 44.

[0070] In some embodiments, inner component 44 is rotated about its longitudinal axis by a knob 48. Knob 48 may be located at a first end 22A of bar 22 (as shown in Figure 4A) or at a second end 22B. Knob 48 may be connected to inner component 44 and may be accessible by a user.

[0071] In some embodiments, inner component 44 is rotated about its longitudinal direction axis by rotating a key 50 in a lock mechanism 52. Lock mechanism 52 may be located at a first end 22A of bar 22 (as shown in Figure 6) or at second end 22B. Lock mechanism 52 may be connected to inner component 44 and be accessible by a user. Lock mechanism 52 may comprise any suitable locking mechanism such as an interchangeable locking key cylinder. In such embodiments, inner component 44 can only be rotated between the latched configuration and the unlatched configuration by insertion of key 50 into lock mechanism 52 and rotation of key 50. The latched configuration may be described as a locked configuration and the unlatched configuration may be described as an unlocked configuration.

[0072] In some embodiments, knob 48 and lock mechanism 52 are interchangeable by a user. In other embodiments, bar 22 is either fabricated with knob 48 or lock mechanism 52 and they cannot be interchanged.

[0073] A detent mechanism 54 may be provided to facilitate switching between the unlatched and latched configurations (or the locked and unlocked configurations as the case may be). Detent mechanism 54 may provide a tactile response to a user to indicate that inner component 44 has sufficiently rotated (or otherwise moved) between the unlatched and latched configurations. Detent mechanism 54 may also further inhibit unintended movement of inner component 44 between the latched and unlatched configurations.

[0074] Figures 7A to 7C show an exemplary detent mechanism 54 according to one embodiment of the invention. Detent mechanism 54 may comprise a spring 54A, a washer 54B, one or more bearings 54C, a groove 54D for the latched configuration and a groove 54E for the unlatched configuration. In the unlatched configuration, spring 54A biases bearing 54C into unlatched groove 54E as shown in Figure 7A. As inner component 44 begins to rotate toward the latched configuration, unlatched groove 54E rotates relative to bearing 54C (which is held in place by washer 54B). As bearing 54C leaves unlatched groove 54E, a user is provided with tactile feedback to indicate that inner component 44 is no longer in the unlatched configuration. While inner component 44 is being rotated, spring 54A compresses to create space for bearing 54C to exist outside of unlatched groove 54E and latched groove 54D, as shown in Figure 7B. When inner component 44 approaches the latched configuration, bearing 54C will be biased into latched groove 54D. As bearing 54C enters latched groove 54D, a user is provided with tactile feedback to indicate that inner component 44 is in the latched configuration, as shown in Figure 7C.

[0075] In some embodiments, one or more stops are incorporated into inner component 44 and/or outer shell 40 to prevent rotation of inner component 44 beyond the latched or unlatched configurations. Such stops may prevent damage to inner component 44 and may provide further tactile feedback to users.

[0076] Figure 8A shows an exemplary receiver 120 according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention. Receiver 120 is substantially similar to receiver 20 except as follows.

[0077] Receiver 120 is configured to be attached to a rack 4’ that has a mount 4C for attaching to cradle 124. Specifically, cradle 124 is mounted directly to mount 4C of rack 4’ without a bracket 32 or a clamp 34. Cradle 124 may instead be attached to mount 4C by one or more fasteners such as screws, bolts or the like or by welding, adhesive or the like. Cradle 124 may be allowed to rotate about said one or more fasteners (e.g. about a y direction axis) similar to how cradle 24 rotates about fastener 36A. One or more spherical washers may be provided to allow additional non-axial movement of cradle 124. Cradle 124 may be otherwise similar to cradle 24.

[0078] Bracket 126 may be substantially similar to bracket 26 except that bracket 126 employs a tower type clamp 128 similar to clamp 34, described herein and bracket 126 comprises an additional joint 129. Joint 129 may comprise any suitable joint that allows pivoting of bar 122. For example, joint 129 may comprise a ball joint, one or more bearings, one or more bushings, etc. By employing a tower type clamp 128, bracket 126 may be attachable to members of rack 4’ that extend in various directions and not just the z- direction as shown in Figure 3A. Further, tower type clamps are adjustable to accommodate members of racks having various diameters without employing shims (although shims could be employed).

[0079] Figure 8B shows an exemplary receiver 220 according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention. Receiver 220 is substantially similar to receiver 120 except as follows. Bracket 226 comprises a tube 228 that is configured to be mounted to a rack while the rack is fabricated without requiring any superfluous clamps, fasteners or the like. Tube 228 may rotate directly on a surface of the rack to thereby allow pivoting of bar 22. Tube 228 may not be adjustable. Instead, tube 228 may be installed on a member having a reduced diameter section. Such a rack may have a detachable portion that allows access to the reduced diameter section to install tube 228 before reattaching the detachable portion to fix tube 228 on the reduced diameter section. The detachable portion may be screwed together, or attached together using any suitable method. In some embodiments, the detachable portion is welded to the reduced diameter section after tube 228 is installed.

[0080] Figure 9 shows an exemplary cycling luggage bag 70 according to one embodiment of the invention. Bag 70 may comprise one or more storage compartments. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, bag 70 comprises a storage compartment 72. Bag 70 comprises a sleeve 74 for receiving bar 22.

[0081] Bag 70 may be made from any suitable material such as leather, nylon, faux-leather, etc. or a combination thereof. One or more portions of bag 70 may have a waterproof or water-resistant coating. One or more portions of bag 70 may be reinforced or coated to reduce wear caused by abutment with rear rack 4 (or front rack 6). [0082] In some embodiments, sleeve 74 is located near a top portion of bag 70. For example, sleeve 74 may be located in the upper quarter of the height of bag 70, or even in the upper tenth of the height of bag 70. This may facilitate access to sleeve 74 for a user when installing bag 70 on receiver 20. Further, by locating sleeve 74 near a top portion of bag 70, the center of gravity of bag 70 will be lower on bicycle 2 which improves stability of bicycle 2. Further still, by locating sleeve 74 near a top portion of bag 70, the top portion of bag 70 may be less likely to interfere with objects mounted on top of rack 4 or rack 6 when bag 70 is installed.

[0083] In some embodiments, sleeve 74 extends longitudinally between opposing first and second openings 74A, 74B that provide access to a channel 74C defined by sleeve 74. In some embodiments, only one end of sleeve has an opening 74A and the other end is closed. Sleeve may comprise a single part or a plurality of parts (e.g. rings) spaced apart in the longitudinal direction. One or more sleeve apertures 74D may also provide access to channel 74C along the longitudinal length of sleeve 74 in Figure 9.

[0084] Sleeve 74 may be made of any suitable material. In some embodiments, sleeve 74 comprises one or more layers. For example, sleeve 74 may comprise an outer layer that is aesthetically pleasing and an inner layer that increases strength and security of sleeve 74. In some embodiments, the outer layer is the same material or is a similar material to that of storage compartment 72. For example, the outer layer may comprise leather, faux-leather, nylon, etc. or a combination thereof. In contrast, at least a portion of the inner layer of sleeve 74 may comprise a more robust material such as nylon, Ballistic Nylon™, Kevlar™, aramid fibers, Dyneema™, Cut-tex™, etc. or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, sleeve 74 comprises one or more reinforcements. For example, metal wire loops, Kevlar™ loops, Cut-tex™ loops, etc. may be provided around the circumference of one or both of first and second openings 74A, 74B (and/or at other positions along sleeve 74) to prevent failure or cutting of sleeve 74.

[0085] In some embodiments, sleeve 74 remains visible/accessible at all times. In some embodiments, sleeve 74 is selectively hidden in a pocket or under a flap to improve the aesthetics of bag 70.

[0086] Figure 10A depicts a portion of a bag 170 that is substantially similar to bag 70 except that bag 170 comprises a flap 176 for covering sleeve 174 when sleeve 174 is not in use. Flap 176 may be moveable between a first position in which it covers sleeve 174 (see Figure 10A) and a second position in which sleeve 174 is accessible (see Figure 10C).

[0087] Figure 10B is a cross-section of bag 170 in the yz-plane that shows how and where sleeve 174 is stowed beneath flap 176 when not in use. Flap 176 may be held closed (as shown in Figures 10A and 10B) by one or more fasteners 176. Fasteners 176 may comprise, for example, magnets, hook and loop fasteners, a zipper, snaps, buttons, or the like. When flap 176 is opened, sleeve 174 is accessible and may be employed similar to sleeve 74 as discussed further herein. Flap 176 may be held open (as shown in Figure 10C) by one or more fasteners (not shown) such as, for example, magnets, hook and loop fasteners, a zipper, snaps, buttons, or the like.

[0088] Figure 11 A depicts a portion of a bag 270 that is substantially similar to bag 70 except that bag 270 comprises an access 278 for allowing sleeve 274 to be stored in storage compartment 272 of bag 270 (or another internal compartment of bag 270) when sleeve 274 is not in use. Figure 11 B is a cross-section of bag 270 in the yz-plane that shows how sleeve 274 is hidden in storage compartment 272 when not in use. Access 278 may comprise an opening from an outer surface 270A of bag 270 into an interior volume 272A of storage compartment 272.

[0089] Access 278 may be sealed by one or more fasteners 280. While fastener 280 is depicted as being a zipper, this is not mandatory. Fastener 280 may comprise, for example, magnets, hook and loop fasteners, snaps, buttons, or the like. When access 278 is opened and sleeve 274 is removed from storage 272, sleeve 274 is accessible as shown in Figure 11C and may be employed similar to sleeve 74 as discussed further herein. While the depicted embodiment shows sleeve 274 being hidden within interior volume 272A of bag 270, this is not required. In other embodiments, a separate storage compartment may be provided within bag 270 for storing sleeve 274 when sleeve 274 is not in use.

[0090] Bag 70 may be mounted to receiver 20 as shown, for example, in Figures 12A to 12D. When bar 22 is in the open position (see Figure 12A), sleeve 74 may slide onto bar 22 by inserting second end 22B of bar 22 into first opening 74A of sleeve 74. One or more sleeve apertures 74D may be aligned with one or more apertures 42, as shown, for example, in Figure 12D. In particular, one of sleeve apertures 74D should be aligned with an aperture 42 to allow protrusion 38B of catch 38 to be inserted through said sleeve aperture 74D, through said aperture 42, through a corresponding inner component aperture 46 and into inner component chamber 44A when bar 22 is moved from the open position to the closed position, as shown in Figures 12C and 12D. Once bar 22 is in the closed position, inner component 44 may be moved from the unlatched configuration to the latched configuration thereby fixing (or locking) bag 70 to receiver 20.

[0091] When bag 70 is fixed (or locked) to receiver 20, interaction between cradle 24 (e.g. catch 38) and edges 74E of sleeve apertures 74D prevent or reduce movement of bag 70 along the longitudinal axis of bar 22. In some embodiments, the longitudinal length of sleeve 74 is shorter than the longitudinal length of bar 22 and the positioning in the longitudinal direction of bag 70 relative to receiver 20 may be adjusted and fixed by choosing which sleeve aperture 74D is aligned with cradle 24 (e.g. catch 38).

[0092] Advantageously, cycling luggage system 10 can be employed and bag 70 can be fixed to receiver 20 even when one or more items are fixed on top of rear rack 4 (or a front rack 6). For example, as shown in Figures 13A and 13B, bag 270 can be installed on or removed from receiver 20 despite a basket 8 already being installed on top of rear rack 4. This remains true even if basket 8 (or another item) extends over the edge of rack 4 (e.g. in the y direction).

[0093] Even when receiver 20 is installed on a front or rear rack 4, 6, traditional pannier bags may still be installed. For example, traditional pannier bags may be installed directly onto bar 22 as if bar 22 were a part of the rack. Bar 22 may facilitate installation of traditional pannier bags when one or more items are fixed on top of rear rack 4 (e.g. as shown in Figure 13A) since bar 22 is located outward from rack 4 such that a basket 8 wouldn’t interfere with installing a traditional pannier bag on bar 22.

[0094] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims:

• “comprise”, “comprising”, and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to”;

• “connected”, “coupled”, or any variant thereof, means any connection or coupling, either direct or indirect, between two or more elements; the coupling or connection between the elements can be physical, logical, or a combination thereof; elements which are integrally formed may be considered to be connected or coupled;

• “herein”, “above”, “below”, and words of similar import, when used to describe this specification, shall refer to this specification as a whole, and not to any particular portions of this specification;

• “or”, in reference to a list of two or more items, covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list, and any combination of the items in the list;

• the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” also include the meaning of any appropriate plural forms.

[0095] Words that indicate directions such as “vertical”, “transverse”, “horizontal”, “upward”, “downward”, “forward”, “backward”, “inward”, “outward”, “vertical”, “transverse”, “left”, “right”, “front”, “back”, “top”, “bottom”, “below”, “above”, “under”, and the like, used in this description and any accompanying claims (where present), depend on the specific orientation of the apparatus described and illustrated. The subject matter described herein may assume various alternative orientations. Accordingly, these directional terms are not strictly defined and should not be interpreted narrowly.

[0096] Although the operations of the method(s) herein are shown and described in a particular order, the order of the operations of each method may be altered so that certain operations may be performed in an inverse order or so that certain operation may be performed, at least in part, concurrently with other operations. In another embodiment, instructions or sub-operations of distinct operations may be in an intermittent and/or alternating manner.

[0097] Where a component (e.g. a cup, container, etc.) is referred to above, unless otherwise indicated, reference to that component (including a reference to a "means") should be interpreted as including as equivalents of that component any component which performs the function of the described component (i.e. that is functionally equivalent), including components which are not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure which performs the function in the illustrated exemplary embodiments of the invention.

[0098] Various features are described herein as being present in “some embodiments”.

Such features are not mandatory and may not be present in all embodiments. Embodiments of the invention may include zero, any one or any combination of two or more of such features. This is limited only to the extent that certain ones of such features are incompatible with other ones of such features in the sense that it would be impossible for a person of ordinary skill in the art to construct a practical embodiment that combines such incompatible features. Consequently, the description that “some embodiments” possess feature A and “some embodiments” possess feature B should be interpreted as an express indication that the inventors also contemplate embodiments which combine features A and B (unless the description states otherwise or features A and B are fundamentally incompatible).

[0099] While a number of exemplary aspects and embodiments have been discussed above, those of skill in the art will recognize certain modifications, permutations, additions and sub-combinations thereof. It is therefore intended that the following appended claims and claims hereafter introduced are interpreted to include all such modifications, permutations, additions and sub-combinations as are consistent with the broadest interpretation of the specification as a whole.

[0100] Specific examples of systems, methods and apparatus have been described herein for purposes of illustration. These are only examples. The technology provided herein can be applied to systems other than the example systems described above. Many alterations, modifications, additions, omissions, and permutations are possible within the practice of this invention. This invention includes variations on described embodiments that would be apparent to the skilled addressee, including variations obtained by: replacing features, elements and/or acts with equivalent features, elements and/or acts; mixing and matching of features, elements and/or acts from different embodiments; combining features, elements and/or acts from embodiments as described herein with features, elements and/or acts of other technology; and/or omitting combining features, elements and/or acts from described embodiments. For example:

• Despite the illustrated embodiments showing cycling luggage system 10 being mounted on a rear rack (e.g. rear rack 6) of a bicycle, cycling luggage system 10 may also or alternatively be installed on a front rack (e.g. front rack 6) or directly on bicycle 2.

• Despite the illustrated embodiments showing cycling luggage system 10 being mounted on a drive side of a bicycle, cycling luggage system 10 may also or alternatively be installed on a non-drive side of a bicycle. • Despite the illustrated embodiment showing second end 22B of bar 22 being pointed toward the rear of bicycle 2, this is not mandatory. Receivers 20, 120, 220 may be arranged such that second end 22B of bar 22 may point toward the front of bicycle 2.

• While bags 70, 170, 270 are depicted as being of a particular size, style or shape, it should be understood that bags 70, 170, 270 can be any suitable size, style or shape of bag such as, for example, duffle bags, briefcases, backpacks, purses, totes, etc. having any desirable number of storage compartments, straps or other features or accessories.

• While bags 70, 170, 270 are depicted as only be attached to rear rack 4 by sleeve 74, it should be understood that additional mounting mechanisms may be employed at other locations on bag 70 and rear rack 6 (or front rack 4) to stabilize bag 70 relative to rear rack 6 (or front rack 6).

• While bar 22 is depicted in Figure 3A as extending in the xz-plane when bar 22 is in the closed position (as shown in Figure 3A), this is not necessary. Joints 30 and 36 allow for various orientations of bar 22 and cradle 24. For example, clamp 28 of bar 22 could be higher or lower in the z direction as compared to cradle 24 such that bar 22 extends non-parallel to the x direction. Similarly, Clamp 28 of bar 22 could additionally or alternatively be offset from cradle 24 in the y direction. For example, the geometry of the members of a particular bicycle rack may not allow for bar 22 to extend in the xz-plane when bar 22 is in the closed position.

• While bar 22, outer shell 40 and inner component 44 are depicted as being round in cross-section, this is not mandatory. They can each have different cross-sectional shapes.

• While inner component 44 is depicted as being of a similar shape to outer shell 40, this is not mandatory, inner component 44 may be replaced with a relatively flat plate having apertures therein, a flat plate or bar with one or more protrusions that serve to latch with catch 38, or another suitable geometry.

• While cycling luggage system 10 is described as comprising both a receiver and a cycling luggage bag, it should be understood that the receiver and the cycling luggage bag may be provided separately. In some embodiments, sleeve 74 of luggage bag 70 does not comprise any apertures 74E and sleeve 74 is installed on bar 22 between cradle 24 and bracket 26 so as not to interfere with cradle 24.

While latch 38 is described and shown as interacting with an interior portion of bar 22, it should be understood that in some embodiments, latch 38 could interact with an outer surface of bar 22. For example, latch 38 could comprise a clamping mechanism that clamps over or around bar 22.

While the active latching mechanism (e.g. inner component 44, knob 48 etc.) are depicted and described as being part of bar 22 and the passive portion of the latching mechanism (e.g. latch 38) is depicted as being part of cradle 24, it should be understood that this could be reversed and latch 38 could be active (e.g. moveable between a latched and unlatched configuration) while the components of bar 22 are passive.