PARE-BOUE ESCAMOTABLE POUR BICYCLETTES

RETRACTABLE MUD GUARD FOR CYCLES

Abrégé anglais

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"RETRACTABLE MUD GUARD FOR CYCLES"
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A strip of synthetic plastic is normally stored in
roll form under the saddle and can be extended manually against
the inherent rolling tension of the plastic. When extended,
it covers the upper portion of the tire and a pair of struts
are pivoted by the lower ends thereof in brackets at the wheel
axle and detachably clipped by the upper ends thereof under
the saddle when not in use. These struts can be unclipped
and swung downwardly and rearwardly to be clipped into extend-
ed our useable position under the clips whereupon the distal
end of the flexible plastic strip is clipped to the struts
thereby holding the plastic in the extended position.

Revendications

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WHAT I CLAIM AS MY INVENTION:
(1) In a cycle which includes a rear axle, a rear
wheel journalled for rotation thereon, a pair of upper wheel
forks extending upwardly from the axle and a saddle secured
to the upper ends of the wheel forks; a retractable mud guard
assembly for shielding the upper part of a wheel of said cycle,
said mud guard assembly comprising in combination a strip of
flexible synthetic plastic, means to secure same to the cycle
in alignment with the wheel to be shielded, means to extend
and retract said strip from an extended shielding position to
a stored rolled position and vice versa, at least one strut
component detachably secured by the lower end thereof to adja-
cent the axle of the wheel to be shielded, said strut being
movable from a stored position to an extended position and
vice versa and means on the distal end of said strip to de-
tachably secure said distal end to the other end of said strut
when said strut is in the extended position.
(2) The invention according to Claim 1 which in-
cludes means to secure said strip by one end thereof under-
neath the saddle of the cycle.
(3) The invention according to Claim 1 in which said
means to detachably secure said strut by the lower end thereof
includes a bracket secured to the axle, said bracket including
means to pivot said strut by the lower end thereof and retaining
means to detachably hold said strut in the extended position.
(4) The invention according to Claim 2 in which said

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means to detachably secure said strut by the lower end thereof
includes a bracket secured to the axle, said bracket including
means to pivot said strut by the lower end thereof and retain-
ing means to detachably hold said strut in the extended posi-
tion.
(5) The invention according to Claim 3 in which said
retaining means to detachably hold said strut in the extended
position includes a hooked portion on the distal end of said
bracket under which said strut engages when in the extended
position.
(6) The invention according to Claim 4 in which said
retaining means to detachably hold said strut in the extended
position includes a hooked portion on the distal end of said
bracket under which said strut engages when in the extended
position.
(7) The invention according to Claim 1 which includes
clip means securable upon the upper wheel fork of the associated
cycle to detachably hold said strut in the stored position,
said clip means including a spring clip secured to said upper
wheel fork under the saddle of the cycle, said strut being de-
tachably clipped into said spring clip adjacent the upper end
of said strut, to hold said strut in position substantially
along the side of said upper wheel fork.
(8) The invention according to Claim 2 which includes
clip means securable upon the upper wheel fork of the associated
cycle to detachably hold said strut in the stored position,

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said clip means including a spring clip secured to said upper
wheel fork under the saddle of the cycle, said strut being de-
tachably clipped into said spring clip adjacent the upper end
of said strut, to hold said strut in position substantially
along the side of said upper wheel fork.
(9) The invention according to Claim 3 which includes
clip means securable upon the upper wheel fork of the associated
cycle to detachably hold said strut in the stored position,
said clip means including a spring clip secured to said upper
wheel fork under the saddle of the cycle, said strut being de-
tachably clipped into said spring clip adjacent the upper end
of said strut, to hold said strut in position substantially
along the side of said upper wheel fork.
(10) The invention according to Claim 4 which includes
clip means securable upon the upper wheel fork of the associated
cycle to detachably hold said strut in the stored position,
said clip means including a spring clip secured to said upper
wheel fork under the saddle of the cycle, said strut being de-
tachably clipped into said spring clip adjacent the upper end
of said strut, to hold said strut in position substantially
along the side of said upper wheel fork.
(11) The invention according to Claim 5 which in-
cludes clip means securable upon the upper wheel fork of the
associated cycle to detachably hold said strut in the stored
position, said clip means including a spring clip secured to
said upper wheel fork under the saddle of the cycle, said strut

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being detachably clipped into said spring clip adjacent
the upper end of said strut, to hold said strut in position
substantially along the side of said upper wheel fork.
(12) The invention according to Claim 6 which in-
cludes clip means securable upon the upper wheel fork of the
associated cycle to detachably hold said strut in the stored
position, said clip means including a spring clip secured to
said upper wheel fork under the saddle of the cycle, said strut
being detachably clipped into said spring clip adjacent the
upper end of said strut, to hold said strut in position sub-
stantially along the side of said upper wheel fork.
(13) The invention according to Claim 1 in which
said means on the distal end of said strip to detachably se-
cure said distal end to the other end of said strut includes
an aperture formed through said strip adjacent the distal end
thereof, a resilient tip on said other end of said strut, said
tip including a conical outer end portion and an annular groove
formed around said tip spaced from the distal end thereof,
said conical outer end portion frictionally engaging through
the aperture in said strip whereby the edge of the material
forming said strip and defining said aperture, seats within
said annular groove.
(14) The invention according to Claim 2 in which
said means on the distal end of said strip to detachably se-
cure said distal end to the other end of said strut includes
an aperture formed through said strip adjacent the distal end

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thereof, a resilient tip on said other end of said strut,
said tip including a conical outer end portion and an annu-
lar groove formed around said tip spaced from the distal end
thereof, said conical outer end portion frictionally engaging
through the aperture in said strip whereby the edge of the
material forming said strip and defining said aperture, seats
within said annular groove.
(15) The invention according to Claim 3 in which
said means on the distal end of said strip to detachably se-
cure said distal end to the other end of said strut includes
an aperture formed through said strip adjacent the distal end
thereof, a resilient tip on said other end of said strut,
said tip including a conical outer end portion and an annu-
lar groove formed around said tip spaced from the distal end
thereof, said conical outer end portion frictionally engaging
through the aperture in said strip whereby the edge of the
material forming said strip and defining said aperture, seats
within said annular groove.
(16) The invention according to Claim 4 in which
said means on the distal end of said strip to detachably se-
cure said distal end to the other end of said strut includes
an aperture formed through said strip adjacent the distal end
thereof, a resilient tip on said other end of said strut,
said tip including a conical outer end portion and an annu-
lar groove formed around said tip spaced from the distal end
thereof, said conical outer end portion frictionally engaging

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through the aperture in said strip whereby the edge of the
material forming said strip and defining said aperture, seats
within said annular groove.
(17) The invention according to Claim 5 in which
said means on the distal end of said strip to detachably se-
cure said distal end to the other end of said strut includes
an aperture formed through said strip adjacent the distal end
thereof, a resilient tip on said other end of said strut,
said tip including a conical outer end portion and an annu-
lar groove formed around said tip spaced from the distal end
thereof, said conical outer end portion frictionally engaging
through the aperture in said strip whereby the edge of the
material forming said strip and defining said aperture, seats
within said annular groove.
(18) The invention according to Claim 6 in which
said means on the distal end of said strip to detachably se-
cure said distal end to the other end of said strut includes
an aperture formed through said strip adjacent the distal end
thereof, a resilient tip on said other end of said strut,
said tip including a conical outer end portion and an annu-
lar groove formed around said tip spaced from the distal end
thereof, said conical outer end portion frictionally engaging
through the aperture in said strip whereby the edge of the
material forming said strip and defining said aperture, seats
within said annular groove.
(19) The invention according to Claim 7 in which

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said means on the distal end of said strip to detachably se-
cure said distal end to the other end of said strut includes
an aperture formed through said strip adjacent the distal end
thereof, a resilient tip on said other end of said strut,
said tip including a conical outer end portion and an annu-
lar groove formed around said tip spaced from the distal end
thereof, said conical outer end portion frictionally engaging
through the aperture in said strip whereby the edge of the
material forming said strip and defining said aperture, seats
within said annular groove.
(20) The invention according to Claim 8 in which
said means on the distal end of said strip to detachably se-
cure said distal end to the other end of said strut includes
an aperture formed through said strip adjacent the distal end
thereof, a resilient tip on said other end of said strut,
said tip including a conical outer end portion and an annu-
lar groove formed around said tip spaced from the distal end
thereof, said conical outer end portion frictionally engaging
through the aperture in said strip whereby the edge of the
material forming said strip and defining said aperture, seats
within said annular groove.
(21) The invention according to Claim 9 in which
said means on the distal end of said strip to detachably se-
cure said distal end to the other end of said strut includes
an aperture formed through said strip adjacent the distal end
thereof, a resilient tip on said other end of said strut,

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said tip including a conical outer end portion and an annu-
lar groove formed around said tip spaced from the distal end
thereof, said conical outer end portion frictionally engaging
through the aperture in said strip whereby the edge of the
material forming said strip and defining said aperture, seats
within said annular groove.
(22) The invention according to Claim 10 in which
said means on the distal end of said strip to detachably se-
cure said distal end to the other end of said strut includes
an aperture formed through said strip adjacent the distal end
thereof, a resilient tip on said other end of said strut,
said tip including a conical outer end portion and an annu-
lar groove formed around said tip spaced from the distal end
thereof, said conical outer end portion frictionally engaging
through the aperture in said strip whereby the edge of the
material forming said strip and defining said aperture, seats
within said annular groove.
(23) The invention according to Claim 11 in which
said means on the distal end of said strip to detachably se-
cure said distal end to the other end of said strut includes
an aperture formed through said strip adjacent the distal end
thereof, a resilient tip on said other end of said strut,
said tip including a conical outer end portion and an annu-
lar groove formed around said tip spaced from the distal end
thereof, said conical outer end portion frictionally engaging
through the aperture in said strip whereby the edge of the

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material forming said strip and defining said aperture, seats
within said annular groove.
(24) The invention according to Claim 12 in which
said means on the distal end of said strip to detachably se-
cure said distal end to the other end of said strut includes
an aperture formed through said strip adjacent the distal end
thereof, a resilient tip on said other end of said strut,
said tip including a conical outer end portion and an annu-
lar groove formed around said tip spaced from the distal end
thereof, said conical outer end portion frictionally engaging
through the aperture in said strip whereby the edge of the
material forming said strip and defining said aperture, seats
within said annular groove.
(25) The invention according to Claims 1, 2 or 3
in which said strip is detachably securable to the cycle by
one end thereof, said means to extend and retract said strip
including said strip being formed in a rolled configuration
with the synthetic plastic forming said strip, having an in-
herent memory returning said strip to the rolled configura-
tion when the distal end thereof is released, said strip be-
ing unrolled from said one end and supplying tension to said
strut when attached thereto.
(26) The invention according to Claims 4, 5 or 6
in which said strip is detachably securable to the cycle by one
end thereof, said means to extend and retract said strip in-
cluding said strip being formed in a rolled configuration with

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the synthetic plastic forming said strip, having an inherent
memory returning said strip to the rolled configuration when
the distal end thereof is released, said strip being unrolled
from said one end and supplying tension to said strut when at-
tached thereto.
(27) The invention according to Claims 7, 8 or 9
in which said strip is detachably securable to the cycle by one
end thereof, said means to extend and retract said strip in-
cluding said strip being formed in a rolled configuration with
the synthetic plastic forming said strip, having an inherent
memory returning said strip to the rolled configuration when
the distal end thereof is released, said strip being unrolled
from said one end and supplying tension to said strut when at-
tached thereto.
(28) The invention according to Claims 10, 11 or 12
in which said strip is detachably securable to the cycle by one
end thereof, said means to extend and retract said strip in-
cluding said strip being formed in a rolled configuration with
the synthetic plastic forming said strip, having an inherent
memory returning said strip to the rolled configuration when
the distal end thereof is released, said strip being unrolled
from said one end and supplying tension to said strut when at-
tached thereto.
(29) The invention according to Claims 13, 14 or 15
in which said strip is detachably securable to the cycle by one
end thereof, said means to extend and retract said strip in-

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cluding said strip being formed in a rolled configuration with
the synthetic plastic forming said strip, having an inherent
memory returning said strip to the rolled configuration when
the distal end thereof is released, said strip being unrolled
from said one end and supplying tension to said strut when at-
tached thereto.
(30) The invention according to Claims 16, 17 or 18
in which said strip is detachably securable to the cycle by one
end thereof, said means to extend and retract said strip in-
cluding said strip being formed in a rolled configuration with
the synthetic plastic forming said strip, having an inherent
memory returning said strip to the rolled configuration when
the distal end thereof is released, said strip being unrolled
from said one end and supplying tension to said strut when at-
tached thereto.
(31) The invention according to Claims 19, 20 or 21
in which said strip is detachably securable to the cycle by one
end thereof, said means to extend and retract said strip in-
cluding said strip being formed in a rolled configuration with
the synthetic plastic forming said strip, having an inherent
memory returning said strip to the rolled configuration when
the distal end thereof is released, said strip being unrolled
from said one end and supplying tension to said strut when at-
tached thereto.
(32) The invention according to Claims 22, 23 or 24
in which said strip is detachably securable to the cycle by one

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end thereof, said means to extend and retract said strip in-
cluding said strip being formed in a rolled configuration with
the synthetic plastic forming said strip, having an inherent
memory returning said strip to the rolled configuration when
the distal end thereof is released, said strip being unrolled
from said one end and supplying tension to said strut when at-
tached thereto.

Description

6~4
"RETRACTABLE MUD GUARD FOR CYCLES"
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to new and useful improvements
in extendable and retractable mud guards for cycles and al-
though it is designed primarily for use with the rear wheel of
a bicycle, nevertheless it will be appreciated that it can
readily be adapted for use with unguarded wheels of tricycles
other
or/types of cycle vehicle. Although the drawings and descrip-
tion refer to the rear wheel of a bicycle, nevertheless it is
to be understood that all other forms of cycle vehicles are
- included in the invention.
Conventionally, rear wheels of bicycles are not pro-
vided with mud guards so that when being used in inclement
weather, the wheel picks up moisture, mud, etc. and sprays it
onto the back of the cyclist.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention overcomes this fault with the
majority of bicycles by providing a lightweight retractable mud
guard assembly normally securable under the saddle of the cycle
and which can be extended to cover the upper portion of the rear
tire when cycling in inclement weather thereby protecting the
cyclist from the aforementioned mud, moisture and the like.
In accordance with the invention there is provided in
cycle which includes a rear axle, a rear wheel journalled for
rotation thereon, a pair of upper wheel forks extending upwardly
from the axle and a saddle secured to the upper ends of the
. . .
; : ~: .. .; . :

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36Ç~4
wheel forks; a retractable mud guard assembly for shielding
the upper part of a wheel of said cycle, said mud guard as-
sembly comprising in combination a strip of flexible synthe-
tic plastic, means to secure same to the cycle in alignment
with the wheel to be shielded, means to extend and retract
said strip from an extended shielding position to a stored
rolled position and vice versa, at least one strut component
detachably secured by the lower end thereof to adjacent the
axle of the wheel to be shielded, said strut being movable
10 from a stored position to an extended position and vice versa
and means on the distal end of said strip to detachably secure
said distal end to the other end of said strut when said strut
is in the extended position.
Another advantage of the invention is to provide a
device of the character herewithin described which is stored
in an inconspicuous manner when not in use yet which can rea-
dily be extended for use when desired.
Another advantage of the invention is to provide a
device of the character herewithin described which is readily
20 attachable to existing bicycles and the like merely by attach-
ing various clips and brackets to the existing structure.
Still another advantage of the invention is to pro-
vide a device of the character herewithin described which, in
its preferred embodiment,includes a retractable strip which is
inherently in roll form and is provided with memory so that when
the roll is unrolled and then released, it immediately rolls

86~4
to the rolled configuration for storage purposes.
A still further advantage of the present invention
is to provide a device of the character herewithin described
which is simple in construction, economical in manufacture and
otherwise well suited to the purpose for which it is designed.
With the foregoing in view, and other advantages as
will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which this
invention relates as this specification proceeds, the invention
is herein described by reference to the accompanying drawings
forming a part hereof, which includes a description of the pre-
ferred typical embodiment of the principles of the present in-
vention, in which:
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a fragmentary rear view of a bicycle show-
ing the invention attached thereto and in the stored position.
Figure 2 is a view similar to Figure 1 but showing the
mud guard in the extended position.
Figure 3 is a fragmentary side view of Figure 1.
Figure 4 is a fragmentary side view of Figure 2.
Figure 5 is a fragmentary side view of a saddle show-
ing one method of attaching the invention to the saddle.
Figure 6 is rear view of Figure 5.
Figure 7 is an isometric view of one of the attaching
clips and the lower end of one of the struts.
Figure 8 is a rear view of Figure 7 with the strut in
the stored position.

3i8664
Figure 8A is a view similar to Figure 8 with the strut
in the extended position.
Figure 9 shows the upper end of the strut in the stor-
ed position against the rear fork shown in fragmentary form.
Figure 10 is an isometric view of the clip shown in
Figure 9.
Figure 11 is a fragmentary enlarged cross sectional
view of the distal end of the flexible strip showing a strut
attached thereto.
Figure 12 is a top plan view of Figure 8A showing the
strut in the extended position and detachably secured by the
clip .
Figure 13 is a view similar to Figure 1 but showing
the preferred method of attachment to the saddle.
In the drawings like characters of reference indicate
corresponding parts in the different figures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Proceeding therefore to describe the invention in de-
tail, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings in
which 10 illustrates generally, a bicycle includ~ng the rear
saddle bar 11, lower fork assembly 12, upper fork assembly 13,
rear wheel axle 14 extending between the junctions of the forks
12 and 13, a rear wheel 15 journalled for rotation upon the
axle in the usual manner and a saddle collectively designated
16 engaged within the member 11 in the usual way.
The saddle normally includes a pair of spring bars 17
one upon each side thereof with upturned rear portions 18 to
which the detachable and retractable mud guard assembly 19 may
,

~8~64
be detachably secured. However it will be appreciated that
other means of securing the invention to the bicycle immediate-
ly above the rear wheel and in alignment therewith, may be
utilized.
In the present invention, the retractable mud guard
assembly consists of a flexible strip of synthetic plastic 20
which, in the present embodiment, is provided with snap rings
21 or the like at one end 22 thereof by which it may be readily
attached to the portions 18 of the spring bars 17 of the saddle
16.
In the present embodiment, the strip of synthetic
plastic is formed in a rolled configuration shown in Figures 1
and 3 with plastic being provided with an inherent memory so
that even when extended to the position shown in Figures 2 and
4, when released, it immediately returns to the rolled position
illustrated in Figures 1 and 3. This is a well known property
of certain plastics and as the details are well known to those
skilled in the art, it is not believed necessary to describe
same further.
In the present invention, it is desired that the roll-
ed plastic roll underneath itself to the position shown in
Figure 3 whereupon the outer surface 23 adjacent the attaching
end 22, may be provided with a reflector patch 24 shown in
Figures 1 and 2.
Means are provided to retain the strip of plastic in
the extended position shown in Figures 2 and 4 whereupon the

-
strip covers the upper portion of the rear wheel 15 and pre-
vents mud, moisture, etc. from being sprayed upon the back of
the cyclist , said means comprising a pair of struts each
collectively designated 25 and moveable from a stored position
shown in Figure 3 to an extended position shown in Figure 4
and vice versa, it being understood that the plastic strip is
also moveable from the stored position shown in Figures 1 and
3 to the extended position shown in Figures2 and 4 and vice
versa.
Each strut comprises an elongated rod 26 having a
double angulated distal end 27 with the angulation first being
formed at right angles to form the portion 28 and then being
angulated again to form the extremity 29 substantially parallel
with the main portion 30 of the strut as clearly illustrated in
Figures 7 and 12.
Means are provided to detachably secure the struts by
the lower end thereof, to adjacent the rear axle 14 and to re-
tain the struts in the extended position, said means taking the
form of a clip collectively designated 31 and being shown in
detail in Figures 7 and 12. It consists of an attaching plate
32 which is apertured as at 33 to engage over the axle 14 and
to be clamped in position upon the axle by means of the conven-
tional axle nut (not illustrated) with the remainder of the
clip extending rearwardly from the axle 14. The clip is then
angulated substantially at right angles as shown by reference
character 34 whereupon it is angulated again to form the distal
~:

i~G~a
end portion 35 which lies substantially spaced from but parallel
to the plate 32 and a small aperture 36 is formed through this
distal end portion 35 intermediate the ends thereof. The outer
portion 37 of the distal end portion 35 is curled over to form
an open hook 38 as illustrated.
In use, the angulated end 28 and 29 is engaged
through the aperture 36 from the inside thereof so that it takes
up the position shown in Figure 8 when in the stored position
but may be pivoted to the extended position whereupon the main
portion 30 of the strut may be hooked under the hook 38 as illus-
trated in Figures 8A and 12.
When the struts are in the stored position, they are
engaged within a clip collectively designated 39 and shown in
Figures 9 and 10. This clip includes the main circular portion
40 which engages around the the upper end of the rear fork 13
and which is also provided with a strut engaging looped portion
41 having open jaws 42 on one side thereof with curved entrance
ends 43 to facilitate the engagement of the strut therein where-
upon it is held securely when stored.
Other forms of clips may of course be used but which-
ever type of clip is used, the struts are held in the stored
position substantially lying along the rear fork members 13.
Means are provided to detachably secure the distal end
of the strip 20, to the distal ends of the struts 25 and take
the form, in this embodiment, of apertures 44 formed through the
plastic strip adjacent the distal end 45 thereof. A flexible
-. ., ,: - . .
, .

--8--
tip 46, preferably made of rubber, synthetic rubber, or other
resilient material, is engaged over the distal ends 47 of the
struts, said tips including a main cylindrical portion 48 and
a conical distal end portion 49 with an annular groove 50 being
formed around the tip adjacent the base of the conical end por-
tion 49. The conical end portion 49 is engaged through the
aperture 44 as shown in Figure 11 whereupon the edge of the
material defining the aperture 44, within the strip 20, snap
engages into the annular groove 50.
In use, the struts are disconnected from the clips 39
and swung or pivoted downwardly to engage under the curved hook-
ed portion 38 of the brackets 31 whereupon the plastic strip 20
is unrolled against the inherent tendency of returning to the
rolled position, until the apertures 44 are uncovered whereupon
the tips 46 are engaged through the apertures 44. The strip
endeavours to return to its rolled position and therefore
applies tension to the struts maintaining them in position under
the hooks 38 and preventing any rattling from occurring.
When it is desired to store the assembly, the strip 20
is detached from the tips 46 and allowed to return to the rolled
configuration illustrated in Figures 1 and 3 whereupon the struts
are unhooked from the hook 38 and swung or pivoted upwardly to
engage the portion 41 of the clip 39 thus storing them one upon
each side of the rear fork assembly 13. Although two such
struts are shown, nevertheless it will be appreciated that,
under certain circumstances, one strut may be sufficient but
:,. :~

36~4
the preferred embodiment includes two struts, one upon each
side.
The preferred method of attaching the strip by the
attaching end 22 is shown in Figure 13. The spring bars 18
of the saddle are normally bolted to the rear of the saddle
by bolts 18A and nuts 18B.
The nuts 18B are first removed and apertures 44 are
engaged over the bolts 18A whereupon the nuts 18B are rein-
stalled thus holding the strip in position.
Since various modifications can be made in my inven-
tion as hereinabove described, and many apparently widely dif-
ferent embodiments of same made within the spirit and scope of
the claims without departing from such spirit and scope, it is
intended that all matter contained in the accompanying speci- :
fication shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not in
a limiting sense.