Patent Application
20100163589
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to storage devices, and in particular, to portable storage devices used by cyclists.
2. Description of the Related Art
Cyclists often need to carry valuables, such as wallets, money, keys, and other items, while cycling. However, carrying such items, e.g. in a pocket or bag, while cycling is often inconvenient and/or uncomfortable. Sometimes, the bicycle frame is utilized as a convenient means for attaching various items which need to be transported, including storage containers for small items. Additionally, a bicycle lock is a standard item which is also attached to the frame during transport. However, as a rider desires to minimize the bulk and number of items carried on the frame, and may also desire to leave the items with the bicycle unattended, it is advantageous to find an improved device and method for conveniently transporting items wile cycling, and for securely storing these items with an unattended bicycle.
The present invention provides a storage device having a lockable container, and bicycle attachment element which attaches to the support frame of a bicycle. Additionally, the device serves as a holder for a U-shaped bicycle lock. The device allows a user to securely store small items such as keys, a wallet, or other valuables, in the container while leaving the bicycle unattended (i.e. locked to a bicycle rack), and further can conveniently hold the bicycle lock during transportation. According to a preferred embodiment, the bicycle attachment element is lockable and attachable to the bicycle frame only when the container is in an open position. Once the lock box is locked, it cannot be removed from the bicycle frame.
a illustrates an alternate embodiment for the container of
The detailed description set forth below is intended as a description of an exemplary embodiment and is not intended to represent the only forms in which the exemplary embodiment may be constructed and/or utilized. The description sets forth the functions and the sequence of steps for constructing and/or operating the exemplary embodiment. However, it is to be understood that the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by different exemplary methods are also intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the invention.
Illustrated in
The container 102, includes a storage portion 106, and cover 107. The storage portion 106 comprises a flat rectangular back panel 108, having opposite inner and outer sides with surfaces surface 110 and 111, and side walls 114, 116, 118, and 120, extending perpendicularly from the inner side of the panel 108 to form storage portion 106.
The cover 107, comprises a flat panel having inner and outer opposite sides, 130 and 132, respectively, and is hinged to the top portion 126 of wall 120 via a hinge element 140. The cover further includes a combination lock 128. The lock 128 includes a combination pad on the outer side 132 of the cover, and latch 134 on the inner side 130, which engages a top extension panel 119 of the wall 116, when the box is locked.
The outer sides of walls 114 and 120 further include holding elements comprising retaining members 202 and 204, for engaging a standard bicycle lock, such as a Kryptonite® lock 200, as shown in
It should be understood that the geometric shape or design of the container may vary, without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the container may include a geometric configuration having a downwardly curved bottom wall 303 instead of the straight wall, as illustrated in
Referring back to
With specific reference to
According to an alternate embodiment, shown in
As illustrated in the
Tongue 603 includes a hole 609 which locks element 600 in place by insertion of a locking latch such as rod 611 extending from the inner side 130 of the cover 107. Thereby, element 600 can be affixed by closing the cover 107 with rod 611 engaged within the hole 609. Although rod 611 is shown extending from the lock 128, it may extend from any location on the cover. Other varied mechanisms for locking tongue 603 in place when the cover 107 is in closed position will be obvious to one skilled in the art, and are within the intended scope of this invention.
Preferably, a recessed track 610 extends from an insertion slot 612, provided on panel 404, through panels 220 and 108, allowing the tongue 603 to slide up and down on the track. The track is embedded through the panels, and may be entrenched and fully exposed through surface 110 of panel 108, or mostly embedded within both panels, as long as at least a section exposing the hole 609 of the tongue is exposed, such that it may be lockably engaged via rod 611 when the element 600 is in the closed position.
Similar to attachment element 104, attachment element 600 is preferably made of a rigid material, such as metal or plastic.
It should further be understood that the holding and attachment elements may vary in width and placement around the container. Additionally, the container cover may be hinged or otherwise connected at any of the walls, or may be unconnected, such that it is entirely removable when the box is opened, but still lockable. Additionally, other types of locking mechanisms, such as a key lock, are within the scope of the invention. The device 100 is preferably made of metal, but may also be made of other suitable rigid materials such as plastic, composites, etc.
In closing, it is to be understood that the exemplary embodiment described herein are illustrative of the principles of the present invention. Other modifications that may be employed are within the scope of the invention. Thus, by way of example, but not of limitation, alternative configurations may be utilized in accordance with the teachings herein. Accordingly, the description is illustrative and not meant to be a limitation thereof.
