Abstract:
A performance display device comprising a base receptacle and a display unit; wherein the display unit comprises a display screen and a processor, and is operable by a mode switch; the mode switch is operated by relative pivotal motion between the display unit and the base receptacle; characterized in that the display unit and the base receptacle are complementarily shaped to cooperatively form a hinge axis about which the mode changing pivotal motion takes place. A performance display device having a hinge axis formed by the complementarily shaped display unit and base receptacle provides a simple, robust, and reliable device.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]    The present invention relates to performance display devices, and more particularly, to sports computers. More specifically, although not solely limited thereto, the present invention relates to bicycle computers. 
       BACKGROUND OF INVENTION  
       [0002]    Performance display devices such as sports computers are useful for capturing and processing sporting data for subsequent display and feedback to a user. The processed data are then displayed on an information display screen for user reference so that a user can monitor past and present performance, and to devise strategies ahead. In addition to providing performance related data such as speed, distance, cadence, etc, modern day sports computers also include physiological monitoring means such as heart-rate monitors, blood oxygen level sensors, blood pressure monitors, etc, to monitor physical performance and conditions of a user to maintain a safe and healthy exercise routine. 
         [0003]    More recently, performance display devices are increasingly equipped with telecommunications capabilities and are also configured to process ambient and/or environmental and/or weather data to provide useful information to assist users. 
         [0004]    A performance display device is frequently used outdoors under high speed environments or when a high level of concentration is required, it is desirable that the display modes of a sports computer could be easily operable so that a user would not be distracted and lose control or balance while attempting to operate the performance display device when in motion. 
         [0005]    US 2007/0170338 disclosed a sports computer having a toggle switching mechanism. However, the toggle switching mechanism is not mechanically efficient and the mechanical feedback to a user during activation of the toggle switch is not obvious enough for user detection or comfort. 
       SUMMARY OF INVENTION  
       [0006]    According to the present invention, there is provided a performance display device comprising a base receptacle and a display unit; wherein the display unit comprises a display screen and a processor, and is operable by a mode switch; wherein the processor is arranged to process performance data, to cause showing of information on the display screen, and to change the mode of display when the mode switch is operated; wherein the mode switch is operated by relative pivotal motion between the display unit and the base receptacle; characterized in that the display unit and the base receptacle are complementarily shaped to cooperatively form a hinge axis about which the mode changing pivotal motion takes place. 
         [0007]    A performance display device having a hinge axis for facilitating pivotal actuation motion between the display unit and the base receptacle which axis is formed by the complementarily shaped display unit and base receptacle provides a simple, robust, and reliable device because the axis is formed without additional moving parts joining the display unit and the base receptacle. 
         [0008]    The base receptacle and the display unit may also be complementarily shaped to form a stop to limit the maximum allowable amplitude of the relative pivotal motion between the display unit and the base receptacle. Use of such complementary shaping to also form a stop to limit the amplitude of the switch actuation pivotal movement is advantageous because the stop could be integrally formed on the device with enhanced simplicity, robustness and reliability. 
         [0009]    The guide arrangements on the base receptacle and on the display unit may be complementarily shaped and are arranged to restrict the display unit to slide along the axial direction when detaching from the base receptacle or when entering into engagement with the base receptacle. Further use of complementary shaping to also form guide arrangements to guide relative movement between the display unit and the base receptacle into or out of the mounting position is advantageous because the guide arrangements could be integrally formed on the device with enhanced simplicity, robustness and reliability. 
         [0010]    The track of one track and rail arrangement may be tapered at a closed end to form a tapered track end, and the rail of another track and rail arrangement is tapered at an open end to form a tapered rail end; and wherein the tapered track end and the tapered rail end cooperate to form the hinge axis. Yet further use of complementary shaping to also form the hinge axis to facilitate pivotal switch actuation motion between the display unit and the base receptacle is particularly advantageous because the hinge axis could be integrally formed on the device with minimum moving parts, thereby achieving enhanced simplicity, robustness and reliability. 
         [0011]    The tapered rail end is shaped as a blade edge and the tapered track end may be correspondingly shaped to receive the tapered rail end and to form a blade edged hinge when so received. A blade edged hinge axis is particularly advantageous for this application because of its better resilience, especially when there is no intermediate moving part to form the hinge. 
         [0012]    The portion of the track on the display unit proximal the tapered track end may deflect towards the base receptacle, and the corresponding portion of the rail proximal the tapered rail end is correspondingly deflected. The deflection means the tapered track end is under minimal stress when in a switch neutral state when the moveable end of the display is elevated. 
         [0013]    The moveable end of the display unit may be elevated by a portion of the base receptacle, and the deflection of the portion of the track on the display unit proximal the tapered track end and/or the deflection of the tapered rail end compensates or substantially compensates the inclination or tilting of the display unit due to the elevation of the moveable end of the display unit. This arrangement facilitates levelling of the display screen relatively to the floor of the base receptacle while providing pivotal actuation. 
         [0014]    The deflection at the portion of the track on the display unit proximal the tapered track end may correspond to the maximum pivoting amplitude of the display unit relative to the base receptacle during pivotal actuation motion. 
         [0015]    The display unit includes a hinged end and a moveable end, the moveable end being pivotally moveable about the hinge axis at a hinged end of the display unit; wherein the switch may be disposed to elevate the moveable end of the display unit above the base receptacle to allow pivotal motion of the moveable end of the display unit about the hinge axis. 
         [0016]    The switch may be a push button switch having an actuation shaft, the actuation shaft being moveable between an extended state and a retracted state to change the switching status and being under spring urge to return to the extended state; wherein the moveable end of the display unit is elevated above the base receptacle by the actuation shaft. 
         [0017]    A recess surrounding the actuation shaft may be formed on the bottom of the display unit and a complementarily shaped projection is formed at a corresponding location on the base receptacle, wherein the projection is arranged to elevate the moveable end of the display unit above a floor of the base receptacle through contact with the actuation shaft and the recess is provided to permit pivotal movement of the display unit towards the floor of the base receptacle. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0018]    Embodiments of the present invention will be explained by way of non-limiting example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0019]      FIG. 1  is a top perspective view of a bicycle computer illustrating a first embodiment of a performance monitoring device according to the present invention, 
           [0020]      FIGS. 2 to 4  are respectively a bottom perspective view, a front view, and a side view of the bicycle computer of  FIG. 1 , 
           [0021]      FIGS. 5 and 5A  are respectively a top and bottom perspective views of the bicycle computer of  FIG. 1  when the processor module is detached from the mounting base, 
           [0022]      FIG. 6  is a side view of the processor module of the bicycle computer of  FIG. 1 , 
           [0023]      FIG. 7  is a longitudinal cross sectional view of the mounting base taken along line A-A of  FIG. 4 , 
           [0024]      FIG. 8  is a longitudinal cross sectional view of the bicycle computer of  FIG. 1  taken along line B-B of  FIG. 3 , 
           [0025]      FIG. 9  is a bottom plan view of the processor module of the bicycle computer of  FIG. 1 , 
           [0026]      FIG. 10  is a top perspective view of the mounting base of the bicycle computer of  FIG. 1  viewing from the receptacle entry end, 
           [0027]      FIGS. 11-20  are views corresponding to  FIGS. 1-10 , but with reference to a second embodiment of a bicycle computer, 
           [0028]      FIG. 21  is a schematic block diagram showing a basic configuration of the sports computers of  FIGS. 1-20 , 
           [0029]      FIG. 22  is a schematic block diagram showing another configuration embodiment of the sports computers of  FIGS. 1-20 , and 
           [0030]      FIG. 23  illustrates an application of the bicycle computers of  FIGS. 1-20 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
       [0031]    The bicycle computer  100  of  FIGS. 1 to 10  as a first example of a performance display device comprises a processor module  110  as an example of a display unit and a mounting base  160  as an example of a base receptacle. The processor module  110  is detachably mounted on the mounting base and is arranged such that one longitudinal end (the moveable end) of the processor module  110  is pivotally moveable about another longitudinal end (the hinged end) of the processor module  110 , and that a pivotal motion cycle undergo by the processor unit relative to the mounting base  160  will cause a change of information on display. 
         [0032]    The processor module  110  comprises a moulded plastic main housing  112 , a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen  114 , a microprocessor or a microcontroller  116  as an example of a data processor, peripheral circuitry and an actuation switch  118 . The main housing defines a sealed enclosure having a top portion, a bottom portion and a peripheral portion interconnecting the top and bottom portions. The top portion of the main housing is moulded into a substantially rectangular window with rounded corners and mounted with a transparent screen  120  of polycarbonate so that the LCD display inside the housing is visible from above. The bottom portion of the main housing comprises a tooth  122  adapted for cooperating with a complementarily shape indentation on the base receptacle for latching the display unit in position, a lidded battery compartment  124  arranged for receiving a battery for supplying operation power to the electronics of the processor module, defines an aperture through which the actuation shaft of the actuation protrudes, and further defines a recess around the aperture. The lidded battery compartment is sized to receive a CR 2032 lithium battery for a good energy to compactness ratio. The processor module  110  is mini pocket sized or cookie sized measuring about 4 cm (length) by 3.5 cm (width) and 1.5 cm (depth). In addition to the mode switching switch  118 , a plurality of contact switches  152  for setting time or other operation modes, and a plurality of data entry parts  154  for receiving performance data from external sensors are also disposed on the undersides of the processor module. 
         [0033]    As shown in  FIG. 6 , the processor module is partly wedge-shaped and tapers towards the moveable end. More specifically, the depth (d 1 ) (1.38 cm) of the processor module at the moveable end is lesser than that (d 2 ) (1.46 cm) at the hinged end. 
         [0034]    The aperture is located on a central longitudinal axis (axis B-B of  FIG. 3 ) or the axis of symmetry of the housing at the pivotally moveable end. To achieve a good mechanical advantage and therefore a more efficient pivotal motion induced mechanical actuation, the switch actuation shaft on the moveable end of the housing is located most distal from the hinged end of the main housing. More particularly, the switch actuation shaft is located immediately underneath the edge of the LCD screen most distal from the hinged end. 
         [0035]    The aperture surrounding recess  128  is formed as an indentation extending from an edge of the main housing which is most distal from the hinged end towards the hinged end. The recess  128  is arranged such that the actuation shaft of the switch does not protrude beyond the base portion of the processor module but could be actuated by the base receptacle by means of mechanically interaction to cause change of display when the processor module undergoes a pivotal motion cycle relative to the mounting base. The portion of the recess which intersects the edge of the main housing defines an entry indentation for slide-in entry of the local projection  168  on the mounting base. 
         [0036]    The actuator shaft protrudes through the aperture on the bottom side of the main housing and is under spring bias so that the actuation shaft is always urged to return to its fully extended or non-actuation state when an actuation force is not present. The free end of the actuator shaft comprises a rounded metallic head, such as a steel head, which is arranged to urge against the mounting base to facilitate toggle or switch operation. The free end of the actuator shaft protrudes from the base of the recess but does not protrude beyond the bottom of main housing. 
         [0037]    When this recess and actuation shaft arrangement cooperates with the mounting base having a corresponding shaped locally raised projection  168  or platform, the moveable end of the processor module will be elevated above the floor of the mounting base  160  and the elevation distance is sufficient to provide the operation displacement for the switch. On the other hand, this arrangement means that the processor module will lie flat on a leveled support surface when removed from the mounting base. 
         [0038]    The peripheral portion  130  of the main housing includes an upper peripheral portion  132  which defines the window portion of the main housing and a lower peripheral portion  134  which defines the bottom surface and the battery compartment of the processor unit. The lower portion is retreated sideways from the upper portion such that a circumferential flange or shoulder portion is formed underneath the bottom surface of the top portion and surrounding the lower peripheral portion. 
         [0039]    The lower peripheral portion  134  of the processor unit is adapted for detachable mounting on the mounting base and for facilitating pivotal movement of the processor module relative to the mounting base. To facilitate detachable mounting between the processor module and the mounting base, guiding means are provided on the two outer lateral sides of the lower peripheral portion of the processor module. The guiding means are arranged such that the processor module can slide into and out of mounted engagement with the mounting base by moving in an axial direction along a cooperative guiding means formed on the mounting base. The lateral sides are both parallel to the axial direction to facilitate slide-in engagement and slide-out disengagement. 
         [0040]    As shown more particularly in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , each guiding means on the processor module comprises a track-and-rail arrangement. The track  136  is a channel or groove defined between an upper rail  138  and a lower rail  140 . The track extends substantially along the entire length of the lower peripheral portion until the upper  138  and lower  140  rails merged to define a narrowed aperture for receiving a blade edged fulcrum. The track  136  includes an open end which defines an open end aperture and a closed end. The open end is adapted for guided slide entry of the processor module into the mounting base to be explained below, and the lower rail  140  at the open end is adapted to limit the maximum allowable pivotal movement amplitude of the processor module relative to the base receptacle to be explained below in more detail. 
         [0041]    The track  136  tapers towards the closed end and the portion of the track proximal the closed end deflects towards the base receptacle. In other words, the portion of the track  136  proximal the tapered closed end is deflected or at an elevation angle to the portion of the track proximal the open end. The angled elevation of the portion of the track proximal the closed end is adapted to cooperate with a complementarily shaped rail end on the mounting base to define an end of a hinged axle. 
         [0042]    The lower rail  140  slopes upwardly as it traverses from the open end of the track towards the closed end. In other words, the lower rail  140  slopes upward as it traverses from the moveable end of the processor module towards the hinged end. It is noted that the total elevation of the lower rail  140  is substantially the same as the elevation caused by the raised projection  168  so that the display screen is substantially levelled and parallel with the floor  162  of the mounting base  160 . The levelling of the display screen is facilitated by elevation of the wedged end of the processor by the projection  168  which compensates the difference in depth at the longitudinal ends of the processor module. 
         [0043]    The mounting base  160  comprises a receptacle for detachably receiving the processor module, and an anchoring arrangement  182  underneath the receptacle for anchoring the device on a support. The receptacle comprises a levelled floor  162  and an upstanding peripheral wall  164  which surrounds the floor while leaving an entry aperture  166  at the front portion of the floor to permit entry of the processor module. As shown more particularly in  FIGS. 5 ,  7  and  10 , the peripheral wall comprises first and second lateral wall portions and a rear wall portion joining the first and second lateral wall portions. The first and second lateral wall portions are parallel and spaced apart and are arranged to receive the lower peripheral portion  134  of the processor module in a closely fitted manner. Each of the first and second lateral wall portions comprises a guiding means for guiding the processor module to enter into the receptacle and to reach a mounted position. 
         [0044]    Similar to that of the processor module, each guiding means of the first and second lateral walls comprises a track-and-rail arrangement. The track  176  is a channel or groove defined between an upper rail  178  and the floor  162 . The track extends substantially along the entire length of the receptacle. The track  176  includes an open end which defines an open end aperture and a closed end proximal the rear wall. The open end of the track is adapted for guiding slide entry of the processor module into the mounting base to be explained below. More specifically, the track on the first and second lateral walls are adapted to receive or cooperate with the lower rails of the processor module, while the upper rails  178  of the first and second lateral walls are adapted to cooperate with the tracks  136  of the processor module. The cooperative engagement between the tracks and rails of the processor module and the mounting unit provides useful interlocking against non-axial movement between the two modular components, as well as forming an efficient fulcrum arrangement to be detailed below. 
         [0045]    The end of the upper rail  178  most distal from the entry aperture  166  is adapted to cooperate with the lower rail  140  of the processor module to limit the maximum allowable pivotal movement amplitude of the processor module relative to the floor of the base receptacle. 
         [0046]    The upper rail  178  gradually tapers towards the entry aperture to form a blade edged fulcrum when in cooperation with the tapered end of the track  136 . Similar to the track  136 , the portion of the rail  178  proximal the entry aperture  166  is deflected, and the deflection is curved towards the floor  162 . 
         [0047]    A local projection  168  complementary to the shape of the recess  128  of the processor module is formed at a longitudinal end of the floor distal from the entry aperture  166 . The local projection  168  is arranged to elevate the moveable end of the processor module above the floor to facilitate pivotal actuation motion and is always in contact with the actuation shaft of the switch  118 . The projection  168  and the recess  128  are complementarily shaped such that when the moveable end of the processor module pivots towards the floor  162 , the project  168  is received within the recess  128  and would not block relative pivotal movement. In effect, the height of the projection  168  above the floor defines the maximum allowable amplitude of relative pivotal movement between the processor module and the base receptacle. 
         [0048]    To prevent accidental slipping off of the display unit from the receptacle base, a latching indentation is formed at a location corresponding to that of the latching tooth  122  on the display unit. The latching indentation is defined between a finger operable tab  180  and the floor, and the latching is releasable by operating the finger tab  180 , for example, by pushing the tab  180  towards the moveable end of the display unit. 
         [0049]    To facilitate detachable mounting of the processor module onto the mounting base, the display unit is slide into and out of the base receptacle by means of the cooperative guiding means. 
         [0050]    When the display unit  110  has been moved into the mounted position of  FIG. 1  after undergoing relative axial sliding movement relative to the base receptacle  160  along the cooperative guiding means and latched by the corresponding latching means, formed by the latching tooth and the corresponding latching indentation, the deflected and tapered rail end portion of the upper rail  178  of the base receptacle is received by the correspondingly deflected and tapered closed end of the track  136  on the display unit  110 . 
         [0051]    The mating of the tapered rail end portion of the upper rail  178  with the tapered closed end of the track  136  collectively forms a blade edged hinge axis. In addition, the direction of deflection of the tapered track portion is aligned with the elevation of the moveable end with respect to the hinged end of the display unit such that the hinge axis is under minimal stress during the rest state or non-actuated state when the moveable end is fully elevated. 
         [0052]    In use, the performance display device is mounted on a support surface, switched on and set to a preferred operation mode. The mode of display is toggled when a user press or depress the display unit  110  towards the floor of the base receptacle, thereby depressing the actuation shaft and actuating the display mode change switch. When the actuation is removed, the spring urge on the actuation shaft will return the actuation shaft to the fully extended state to await another actuation. 
         [0053]    In a modified version of the above embodiment, the device is substantially identical to that of  FIGS. 1 to 10 , except that the actuation switch is mounted on the base receptacle and protrudes upwards towards the display unit, and the local projection may be formed on the bottom of the display unit and with the corresponding shaped actuation shaft surrounding aperture formed on the floor of the base receptacle. 
         [0054]      FIGS. 11-20  show a second embodiment of a performance display device  200  which is substantially identical to that of  FIGS. 1 to 10 , except that the actuation switch  218  is mounted on the base receptacle and protrudes upwards towards the display unit plus other modifications which are apparent from the Figures. As parts of device  200  and their interrelationship are substantially identical to that of the embodiment of  FIGS. 1 to 10 , description on the parts of  FIGS. 1 to 10  and their inter-relations are incorporated herein by reference with the numerals increased by  100  without loss of generality. 
         [0055]    As shown in  FIGS. 11 to 20 , a track  236  of substantially uniform track width throughout is formed on the lower peripheral portion of the display unit, and a correspondingly shaped rail  278  is formed on a lateral peripheral wall on the base receptacle. A tooth or a rounded stub head  222  is formed at the hinged end of the display unit to form a round edged pivotal axis. This rounded stud elevates the hinged end of the display unit above the floor of the base receptacle to facilitate pivotal actuation motion. The actuator shaft of switch  218  protrudes from the floor of the base receptacle and there is a corresponding shaped recess on the bottom of the display unit  210  to cooperate with the actuator shaft. As the display unit is elevated by both the round headed stud  222  and the actuator shaft, depression of the moveable end of the display unit will depress the actuator shaft, thereby operating the switch  218 . Also, the rounded stud and the actuator shaft are disposed along a longitudinal axis on the centre of the base receptacle. 
         [0056]    Turning to  FIGS. 21 and 22  are in which schematic block diagrams of the bicycle computer. A microprocessor (also known as a microcontroller, or processor in short) is housed within the main housing and is connected to various sensors or monitors for capturing desirable performance data such as speed, cadence, distance, blood; physical data such as wind speed, air pressure, relative humidity, direction, slope inclination, positioning data or GPS data; or physiological data such as ECG signals, blood pressure, blood sugar, blood oxygen level, body temperature etc. The processor may also connect to communication interfaces so that data communications could take place between the sports computer and an external device. The data communications could be by wire or wireless means such as Bluetooth or other public data communications systems. The processor is connected to a toggle switch as an example of a switch  118  and the display and/or operation modes of the processor can be toggled by operation of the toggle switch through relative pivotal motion as explained. 
         [0057]    An exemplary operation of the bicycle computer will be explained with reference also to  FIG. 23 , in which the bicycle computer  100 ,  200  is mounted on the front portion of a bicycle with wireless communication means connecting the microprocessor to a speed sensor  402  and a cadence sensor  404 . The bicycle computer is mounted in front of the user with the information display screen facing the user. When the user wishes to toggle the display screen, the user can press the lower longitudinal edge of the main unit and such a press will bring about pivotal movement of the main unit about the pivotal hinge, more particularly the edge fulcrum. As a result of this pivotal movement, the actuator is depressed and the toggle switch actuated. Such an actuation of the toggle switch transmits a control signal to the processor which then changes the display format and information accordance with predetermined rules. 
         [0058]    While the invention has been explained with reference to a bicycle computer as an example, it will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the example is not limiting and the same and similar constructions can be applied to other sports computers without loss of generality. For example, while the main unit is detachably mounted, it will be appreciated that the main unit and the mounting base may not be detachable. Furthermore, while the bicycle computer described herein is a miniature cookie-sized bicycle computer with a display area of the screen measuring less than 2.3 cm×2.5 cm (width (W)×length (L)) and the main housing measuring less that 3.4 cm×4 cm (width (W)×length (L)), the construction can be applied to sports computer or performance display devices of other dimensions without loss of generality. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 Table of Numerals 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 100 
                 200 
                 Bicycle computer 
               
               
                   
                 110 
                 210 
                 Processor module 
               
               
                   
                 112 
                 212 
                 Main housing 
               
               
                   
                 114 
                 214 
                 Liquid crystal display (LCD) screen 
               
               
                   
                 116 
                 216 
                 Microcontroller 
               
               
                   
                 118 
                 218 
                 Actuation switch 
               
               
                   
                 120 
                 220 
                 Transparent screen 
               
               
                   
                 122 
                 222 
                 Tooth 
               
               
                   
                 124 
                 224 
                 Battery compartment 
               
               
                   
                 128 
                 228 
                 Recess 
               
               
                   
                 130 
                 230 
                 Peripheral portion 
               
               
                   
                 132 
                 232 
                 Upper peripheral portion 
               
               
                   
                 134 
                 234 
                 Lower peripheral portion 
               
               
                   
                 136 
                 236 
                 Track 
               
               
                   
                 138 
                 238 
                 Upper rail 
               
               
                   
                 140 
                 240 
                 Lower rail 
               
               
                   
                 152 
                 252 
                 Contact switch 
               
               
                   
                 154 
                 254 
                 Data entry 
               
               
                   
                 160 
                 260 
                 Mounting base 
               
               
                   
                 162 
                 262 
                 Floor 
               
               
                   
                 164 
                 264 
                 Peripheral wall 
               
               
                   
                 166 
                 266 
                 Entry aperture 
               
               
                   
                 168 
                 268 
                 Projection 
               
               
                   
                 176 
                 276 
                 Track 
               
               
                   
                 178 
                 278 
                 Upper rail 
               
               
                   
                 180 
                 280 
                 Operable tab 
               
               
                   
                 182 
                 282 
                 Anchoring arrangement 
               
               
                   
                 402 
                   
                 Speed sensor 
               
               
                   
                 404 
                   
                 Cadence sensor