Apparatus and method for retaining a mounting pin

Abstract

A quick release saddlebag system includes a saddlebag and a mounting structure which enables quick removal of the saddlebag from a motorcycle without the use of tools. The mounting structure typically includes a mounting bolt attached to the motorcycle, and a mounting pin carrying the saddlebag. The mounting pin is selectively attached to the mounting bolt to enable removal of the saddlebag by simply removing the mounting pin.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A quick release saddlebag system comprising: 
 a saddlebag for attachment to a motorcycle; and    a mounting structure for mounting the saddlebag to the motorcycle, the mounting structure comprising a mounting bolt and a mounting pin.    
     
     
         2 . The quick release saddlebag system of  claim 1 , wherein the saddlebag system further comprises a saddlebag frame.  
     
     
         3 . The quick release saddlebag system of  claim 2 , wherein the frame comprises an extension arm for engaging the motorcycle and supporting the saddlebag.  
     
     
         4 . The quick release saddlebag system of  claim 1 , wherein the mounting bolt has a head having a hole formed therein for receiving the mounting pin.  
     
     
         5 . The quick release saddlebag system of  claim 4 , wherein the hole has a detent formed therein for receiving a projection from the pin.  
     
     
         6 . The quick release saddlebag system of  claim 5 , wherein the detent is an annular groove.  
     
     
         7 . The quick release saddlebag system of  claim 5 , wherein the projection comprises at least one ball extending outwardly from the pin.  
     
     
         8 . The quick release saddlebag system of  claim 1 , wherein the mounting pin comprises a retaining ring and a flange.  
     
     
         9 . The quick release saddlebag system of  claim 8 , wherein the saddlebag is mounted on the mounting pin between the retaining ring and the flange.  
     
     
         10 . The quick release saddlebag system of  claim 1 , further comprising a frame and wherein the bolt comprises a head having an annular channel formed therein for receiving a portion of the frame.  
     
     
         11 . The quick release saddlebag system of  claim 1 , wherein the bolt comprises a head having an annular channel configured for receiving a sissy bar.  
     
     
         12 . The quick release saddlebag system of  claim 1 , further comprising a locking mechanism for preventing removal of the mounting pin from the mounting bolt.  
     
     
         13 . The quick release saddlebag system of  claim 12 , wherein the mounting pin has a release button for enabling release of the mounting pin from the mounting bolt, and wherein the locking mechanism prevents actuation of the release button.  
     
     
         14 . The quick release saddlebag system of  claim 13 , wherein the locking mechanism comprises a cover for covering the release button.  
     
     
         15 . The quick release saddlebag system of  claim 13 , wherein the release button has a head and wherein the locking mechanism is positioned adjacent the head to prevent movement thereof.  
     
     
         16 . A quick release saddlebag system comprising: 
 a bolt configured for mounting to a fender strut, the bolt having a head with a hole therein configured for receiving a mounting pin;    a mounting pin configured for nesting in the head of a bolt, the mounting pin having a retaining member for selectively securing the mounting pin in the head of the bolt; and    a saddlebag disposed on the mounting pin.    
     
     
         17 . The saddlebag system of  claim 16 , wherein the hole in the mounting bolt head defines an annular groove.  
     
     
         18 . The saddlebag system of  claim 17 , wherein the mounting pin has a body and wherein the retaining member comprises a pair of balls which extend from the body of the mounting pin, the balls being disposable in the annular groove of the mounting bolt head to prevent withdrawal of the mounting pin from the head of the mounting bolt.  
     
     
         19 . The saddlebag system of  claim 16 , wherein the mounting pin comprises a release button for selectively releasing the retaining member to allow removal of the mounting pin from the mounting bolt.  
     
     
         20 . The saddlebag system of  claim 16 , further comprising a locking mechanism to prevent removal of the mounting pin from the mounting bolt.  
     
     
         21 . The saddlebag system of  claim 16 , further comprising a saddlebag frame, the saddlebag frame comprising an extension arm having a generally U-shaped attachment member for engaging a foot peg of a motorcycle.  
     
     
         22 . The saddlebag system of  claim 16 , wherein the extension arm has an adjustable engagement with the generally U-shaped attachment member for thereby adjusting the length of extension arm.  
     
     
         23 . A method for mounting a saddlebag on a motorcycle, the method comprising: 
 attaching a mounting bolt having a hole therein configured to receive a mounting pin to the fender strut of the motorcycle;    selecting a mounting pin having a saddlebag disposed thereon; and    inserting the mounting pin into the mounting bolt.    
     
     
         24 . The method according to  claim 23 , wherein the method comprises selecting a mounting bolt having a head with a hole formed therein and an annular groove circumscribing the hole.  
     
     
         25 . The method according to  claim 24 , wherein the mounting pin comprises a pair of spring loaded balls configured for nesting in the annular groove and a release button for releasing the balls.  
     
     
         26 . The method according to  claim 23 , wherein the method comprises securing the saddlebag on the mounting pin between a flange of the mounting pin and a retaining ring mounted on the mounting pin.  
     
     
         27 . The method according to  claim 23 , wherein the method comprises pressing a release button on the mounting pin to insert the mounting pin into the mounting bolt.  
     
     
         28 . The method according to  claim 23 , wherein the method comprises releasing the saddlebag from attachment to the mounting bolt by pressing a release button on the mounting pin.  
     
     
         29 . The method according to  claim 23 , further comprising using a locking mechanism to prevent removal of the saddlebag from the mounting bolts.  
     
     
         30 . A method for removing a saddlebag from a motorcycle, the method comprising: 
 selecting a saddlebag carried on a mounting pin which is anchored in a mounting bolt attached to a motorcycle; and    pressing a release button on the mounting pin and pulling the mounting pin out of the mounting bolt to detach the saddlebag from the motorcycle.