CANOPY ASSEMBLY FOR BICYCLES AND SIMILAR EQUIPMENT

Abstract

A canopy assembly adapted for interconnection to a wheeled vehicle and configured to be positioned over an operator of the vehicle. The canopy is tensioned to create a bowed configuration over an operator's head. The canopy is particularly suited for interconnection to a bicycle wherein the canopy is supported and tensioned with spreader bars, rods, and torsion rods that are interconnected at the front and rear of the bicycle.

Claims

1. A canopy system, comprising: an opaque or semi-opaque member having a front edge, a rear edge, a first lateral edge, and a second lateral edge, the first lateral edge and the second lateral edge interconnecting the front edge to the rear edge; a first lateral rod interconnected to the first lateral edge; a second lateral rod interconnected to the second lateral edge; a front spreader bar associated with the front edge; a second spreader bar associated with the rear edge, the front spreader bar and the second spreader bar configured to receive ends of the first lateral rod and the second lateral rod, which is configured to tension the opaque or semi-opaque member along a transverse axis thereof; a front mount adapted to interconnect to a handle bar stem of a bike; a rear mount interconnected to a clamp configured to interconnect to a block with a portion of a rear bike rack therebetween, the clamp having a first receiver and the rear mount having a second receiver and a third receiver; a front torsion member interconnecting the front spreader bar to the first receiver; a first rear torsion bar interconnecting the rear spreader bar to the second receiver; a second rear torsion bar interconnecting the rear spreader bar to the third receiver; and wherein the front torsion member, the first rear torsion bar, and the second rear torsion member are configured to tension the opaque or semi-opaque member generally along a longitudinal axis thereof.

2. The canopy system of claim 1, wherein the front torsion member is a bar and the receiver is a cavity in the clamp of the front mount that accepts an end of the rod opposite the front spreader bar.

3. The canopy system of claim 1, wherein the front torsion member is comprised of a first cable and a second cable that interconnect ends of the front spreader bar to the first receiver.

4. The canopy system of claim 1, wherein the rear mount includes a reflective surface.

5. The canopy system of claim 1, wherein the rear mount includes at least one of a light, a speaker, and a battery.

6. The canopy system of claim 1, wherein the rear mount is selectively interconnectable to the associated clamp.

7. The canopy system of claim 1, wherein the rear mount includes a third receiver configured to accept a flag post or light stick.

8. The canopy system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the front spreader bar and the second spreader bar have at least one light.

9. The canopy system of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of light elements.

10. The canopy system of claim 9, wherein the plurality of light elements are selectively controllable.

11. The canopy system of claim 1, wherein the first rear torsion rod and the second rear torsion rods employ integrated lights.

12. The canopy system of claim 1, wherein the front edge of the opaque or semi-opaque member is interconnected to the front spreader bar and the rear edge of the opaque or semi-opaque member is interconnected to the rear spreader bar.

13. The canopy system of claim 1, wherein the front torsion member, the first rear torsion member, and the second torsion member are segmented and selectively collapsible or foldable.

14. The canopy system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the front torsion member, the first rear torsion member, and the second torsion member hollow with at least one wire positioned therein.

15. The canopy system of claim 1, further comprising a second member spanning between the first rear torsion bar and the second rear torsion bar.

16. A canopy system, comprising: a member having a front edge, a rear edge, a first lateral edge, and a second lateral edge, the first lateral edge and the second lateral edge interconnecting the front edge to the rear edge; a first lateral rod interconnected to the first lateral edge; a second lateral rod interconnected to the second lateral edge; a front spreader bar associated with the front edge; a second spreader bar associated with the rear edge, the front spreader bar and the second spreader bar configured to receive ends of the first lateral rod and the second lateral rod; a front mount adapted to interconnect to a handle bar stem having a first receiver; a rear mount adapted to interconnect to a block with a portion of a rear bike rack therebetween, the rear mount having a second receiver and a third receiver; a front torsion bar interconnecting the front spreader bar to the first receiver; a first rear torsion bar interconnecting the rear spreader bar to the second receiver; and a second rear torsion bar interconnecting the rear spreader bar to the third receiver.

17. The canopy system of claim 16, wherein the rear mount includes at least one of a light, a speaker, and a battery.

18. The canopy system of claim 16, wherein the rear mount includes a third receiver configured to accept a flag post or light source.

19. The canopy system of claim 16, wherein at least one of the front spreader bar and the second spreader bar have at least one light.

20. The canopy system of claim 16, wherein the member has a plurality of light elements.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the general description of the invention given above and the detailed description of the drawings given below, serve to explain the principles of these inventions.

[0025] FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of a canopy assembly of one embodiment of the present invention interconnected to a bicycle;

[0026] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of FIG. 1;

[0027] FIG. 3 is a detailed view showing a front portion of the canopy assembly;

[0028] FIG. 4 is a detail view showing a rear portion of the canopy assembly;

[0029] FIG. 5 is a detail view showing a rear mount of one embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] FIG. 6 is a rear elevation view of the rear mount;

[0031] FIG. 7 is a top plan view of a front mount of one embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] FIG. 8 includes a front elevation and top plan view of the canopy assembly;

[0033] FIG. 9 is a detailed view showing a front portion of the canopy assembly in an alternate embodiment;

[0034] FIG. 10 is a partial plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 9; and

[0035] FIG. 11 includes multiple top plan views of the embodiment of FIG. 9.

[0036] The following component list and associated numbering found in the drawings is provided to assist in the understanding of one embodiment of the present invention:

TABLE-US-00001 # Component 2 Bicycle 6 Canopy 10 Lateral rod 14 Front spreader bar 18 Rear spreader bar 22 Front edge 26 Tensioner 30 Rear edge 34 Longitudinal axis 38 Transverse axis 42 Front torsion bar 46 Rear torsion bar 50 Bushing block 54 Front mount 58 Handlebar stem 62 Rear mount 70 Front tension rod 74 Rear tension rod 80 Rear rack 84 Rack support member 88 Block 92 Clamp block 96 Fastener 100 Knob 104 Bracket Reflective surface 106 Rack Reflective Surface 108 Receiver 112 Screw 116 Flag post 120 Knob 130 Clamp block 134 Receiver 138 Knob/Thumb Screw 142 Reduction Ferrule 146 Spreader Bar End Cap 150 Cap 154 Retainer Washer 158 Thrust Washer 162 Graphite Bushing 166 Cap 170 Insert 174 Bonded Insert 176 Threaded Insert 182 Nylon Insert 186 Self-Locking Nut 190 Washer 194 Dowel 200 Front Spreader Bar 204 Upper Flex Joint 208 Front Rod 212 Lower Flex Coupler 216 Carabineer 220 Bolt 224 Cap 228 Expandable Nut 234 Sleeve 236 Cap 240 Derailleur Stub 300 Diode Strip 340 Power Supply/Controller 400 Diode Strip 440 Power Supply/Controller 500 Diode Strip

[0037] It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale. In certain instances, details which are not necessary for an understanding of the invention or which render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It should be understood, of course, that the invention is not necessarily limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] It is Applicant's intent that this specification and the inventions described herein be accorded a breadth in keeping with the scope and spirit of the disclosure and various embodiments disclosed, despite what might appear to be limiting language imposed by certain examples described in detail below. To acquaint persons skilled in the pertinent arts most closely related to the present invention, preferred and/or exemplary embodiments are described in detail without attempting to describe all of the various forms and modifications in which the novel assembly, apparatus, components, devices, systems, and methods might be embodied. As such, the embodiments described herein are illustrative, and as will become apparent to those skilled in the arts, may be modified in numerous ways within the spirit of the disclosure.

[0039] By way of providing additional background, context, and to further satisfy the written description requirements of 35 U.S.C. 112, the following are incorporated by reference in their entireties for the express purpose of explaining and further describing the various types of equipment that may be used with the assembly and method described herein: U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2018/0057113 and 2018/0072164.

[0040] FIGS. 1-11 show a canopy assembly adapted for interconnection to a wheeled vehicle, such as a bicycle 2 or recombinant trike. Referring to FIGS. 1-7, the canopy assembly generally comprises a canopy 6 that is held taut by lateral rods 10, a front spreader bar 14, and a rear spreader bar 18. In one embodiment, a front edge 22 of the canopy 6 is interconnected to the front spreader bar 14 by at least one tensioner 26, and a rear edge 30 of the canopy 6 is interconnected to the rear spreader bar 18 by at least one tensioner 26. The lateral rods 10 are interconnected on one end to the front spreader bar 14 and on an opposite end to the rear spreader bar 18. The ends of the lateral rods 10 I received within cavities, holes, or indentations provided in the front and rear spreader bars. In this fashion, the canopy 6 is tensioned along a longitudinal axis 34 and a transverse axis 38 thereof.

[0041] The tension in the two lateral rods along with the shaped canopy material creates a uniquely shaped canopy for covering and protecting the cyclist. More specifically, the tensile pressure created by the configuration of the two lateral rods and the material, and overall shape of the canopy, allows the canopy assembly to resist wind shear and unnecessary movement. This configuration also provides a taller, wider canopy that is located well above a cyclist's head to provide protection from elements without obscuring the visibility. The configuration of the canopy, lateral rods, front spreader bar, and rear spreader bar also provides a wide shading surface positioned above a cyclist's head to provide better protection from the sun and other elements. The canopy assembly may be adjustable for use with different wheeled vehicles, such as a recumbent tricycle or tricycle, or to better suit the cyclist's preferences. For example, the front torsion bar can be replaced by two cables that pull the canopy towards the handlebars.

[0042] The canopy 6 is supported above the bicycle 2 by a front torsion bar 42 and two rear torsion bars 46. The front torsion bar 42 is interconnected to a midpoint of the front spreader bar 14 at a bushing block 50, which fixes the position of the front torsion bar 42 but allows it to rotate therein. This functionality prevents binding of the front torsion bar, which in turn ensures the canopy bows as intended. The opposite end of the front torsion bar 42 is interconnected to a front mount 54 associated with the bicycle's handlebar stem 58. Similarly, the rear torsion bars 46 are interconnected to the rear spreader bar 18 on one end and to a rear mount 62 on their opposite ends. The front and rear torsion bars are made of a rigid, yet bendable material such that when interconnected to the bicycle the spreader bars will bow the interconnected lateral rods 10, which maintains the desired canopy tension.

[0043] FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate how the front edge 22 and the rear edge 30 of the canopy 6 of one embodiment of the present invention interconnect to their respective spreader bars. Here, a front tension rod 70 is associated with the front edge 22 of the canopy 6. Similarly, a rea tension rod 74 is associated with the rear edge of the canopy 6. The front and rear edges provide openings that receive one end of a tensioner 26, wherein the second end is interconnected to the spreader bar. FIG. 3 additionally shows how the front spreader bar 14 includes an opening or channel therethrough that receives ends of the lateral rods. The front spreader bar may include one or more holes positioned to receive the two lateral rods and, along with nylon inserts and set screws (or equivalent fixtures), apply pressure to secure the lateral rods in place. In embodiments, the front spreader bar houses a cross-drilled and bushed hole that functions to facilitate the equipment's steerability, and also contributes to the overall tension and design characteristics of the canopy. Again, the front torsion bar is interconnected to the front spreader bar by way of a coupling 50. That is, the front torsion bar is inserted through a bushing (or equivalent) in the front spreader bar and may be retained by a collet. This assembly is held in place by the front mount.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 4, the opposite ends of the lateral rods are received within openings through the rear spreader bar 18, such that the rear torsion bar is directly interconnected. Stated differently, the rear ends of the lateral rods can interconnect directly to corresponding rear torsion bars, or the lateral rods and rear torsion bars may be formed of an integral unit. In another embodiment of the present invention, the lateral rods and rear torsion bars interconnect to different locations on the rear spreader bar.

[0045] FIGS. 5-7 illustrate how ends of the rear tension bars 46 are associated with the bicycle. The embodiments shown herein are designed to interconnect with a rear bicycle rack 80, e.g., racks used to support a rear-mounted basket. Such racks are very common and very include a plurality of support members 84 that extend to a hub positioned near an axle of the rear bike tire. Here, a block 88 is interconnected to a clamp block 92 with at least one fastener 96. The block 88 and clamp 90 to grasp a portion of the bike rack. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that bike rack configurations vary and the clamp block 92, i.e. the member that secures the rear mount 62, can assume various shapes to accommodate different rack configurations without departing from the scope of the invention. The rear mount 62 is interconnected to the clamp block 92 with a fastener that is tightened with a hand knob 100 that allows the rear mount 62 to be removed from the clamp block 92 easily.

[0046] FIG. 6 is a front elevation view of the rear mount 62 that may include a reflective surface 104. The rear mount 62 includes a plurality of receivers 108, i.e. channels or cavities that accept the rear torsion bars 46, which are held in place with, for example, set screws 112. Additional receivers can be employed that accept a flag post 116, which is held in place by a thumb knob 120.

[0047] FIG. 7 shows the front mount 54 employed by some embodiments the present invention that is interconnected to a clamp block 130 with a handlebar stem 58 position therebetween. The front mount 54 includes receiver 134 that accepts one end of the front torsion bar, which is secured by a fastener that is loosened and tightened by a knob 138.

[0048] In one embodiment, the canopy assembly is designed for use with a townie style bicycle, such as an Elektra townie bicycle. In these embodiments, while the assembly may share parts with assemblies for use with other equipment (such as a recombinant trike style piece of equipment); certain mounting components will be different, while other components are shared.

[0049] Referring now to FIG. 8, additional aspects of the canopy assembly for use with a two-wheel bicycle are illustrated. Reference is made to the various components of the assembly described above.

[0050] One embodiment of the present invention is for use with a recombinant trike, wherein the canopy assembly has been slightly modified to accommodate the differences in structure between the townie style bicycle and the trike style. To illustrate one of the differences, the front mount may be positioned on a tricycle's front derailleur stub adjacent the forward wheel of the recombinant trike, as opposed to against the handle bar stem.

[0051] Referring to FIGS. 9-11, multiple views of a canopy assembly are shown for use with a recombinant trike style apparatus. Various components are represented by reference in the drawings, including common elements described in greater detail above in connection with FIGS. 1-8. Particular attention is drawn to the Derailleur Stub 240 and associated assembly of FIG. 10. In this view, the front of the trike is to the right hand portion of the assembly, and the components include a Front Rod 208 and Sleeve 234 coupled to a Lower Flex Coupler 212 and thereby to a Carabineer 216 or equivalent. The Carabineer 216 is in turn fastened to a Bolt 220 coupled by a Cap 224 and Expandable Nut 228, which affixes the assembly to the Derailleur Stub 240. Additional aspects of this embodiment are shown in FIG. 11.

[0052] One having skill in the art will appreciate that embodiments of the present invention may have various sizes. The sizes of the various elements of embodiments of the present invention may be sized based on various factors including, for example, the type of cycling equipment used with the assembly, the size and style of the cycling equipment, and other dimensional variations including, for example, width, length and thickness, and the size of the associated components of the cycling equipment.

[0053] One having skill in the art will appreciate that embodiments of the present invention may be constructed of materials known to provide, or predictably manufactured to provide the various aspects of the present invention. These materials may include, for example, stainless steel, titanium alloy, aluminum alloy, chromium alloy, other metals or metal alloys, carbon fiber, ABS plastic, polyurethane, polyethylene, photo-polymers, resins, particularly fiber-encased resinous materials such as fiberglass, rubber, latex, synthetic rubber, synthetic materials, polymers, wood, and natural materials.

[0054] While various embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it is apparent that modifications and alterations of those embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. It is to be expressly understood that such modifications and alterations are within the scope and spirit of the present invention, as set forth in the following claims. Further, it is to be understood that the invention(s) described herein is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the preceding description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of including, comprising, or having and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items.