Abstract:
A stereophonic fairing accessory is provided for mounting to handlebars of bicycles and like vehicles. A fairing body with windshield engages and partially covers an elongated component frame for containing stereo componentry. Audio player is integrated into inner fairing body door, alternatively audio source is a joggers type portable player. Options include headlight, tail light, horn/theft alarm and a handlebar mounted joystick thumb remote for easy control of audio functions. Electrical components receives power from a selectively mounted DC (Direct Current) source. Speakers mount thru component frame&#39;s two rearwardly forward tilted speaker panels. The component frame has two rearwardly protruding side angle adjust panels, having angled slots, for fairing and handlebar angle adjustment by means of two L-brackets with clamping mechanisims that engage handlebar&#39;s two upwardly diverging tubes, I-bracket(s) with clamping mechanisim(s) secures bottom of fairing to handlebar&#39;s lower mount portion.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     The field of the Invention relates generally to audio accessories which are adapted to be mounted to vehicles with handlebars, like bicycles.  
         [0002]     Prior patented bicycle audio systems have not attempted to produce a sound quality that today&#39;s sophisticated consumers have come to expect. Previous bicycle audio systems especially, have not had “bass ports”. Today many modern stereo systems have bass ports, these ports allows the release of deep resonance sound waves from the system&#39;s speaker enclosure—thus satisfying today&#39;s bass hungry audience.  
         [0003]     The only two patents (at time of applying for this patent) that were found comparable to stereophonic fairing&#39;s capabilities or functions, regarding mountable bicycle audio accessories, were U.S. Pat. No. 4,754,901 to Villanueva, et al., displaying a main body for carrying audio equipment, a pair of speakers permanently mounted to the main body, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,222,752 to Hewitt displaying a fairing and utility assembly: Featuring a complete car audio source (amp and audio player combined into one unit) and rear storage and battery assembly.  
         [0004]     Neither offered bass ports or a means of enhancing bass output, nor have they included a means of adjusting the angle of mounted accessory, thus no high-rise handlebar mounting adjustments are claimed, which also denotes no individual choice of accessory&#39;s mounting style, or “look” is possible. The stereophonic fairing accessory provides for these type of adjustments, and more so the invention provides a means thru a few alterations, the ability to utilize it&#39;s integrated audio configuration, or alternatively embody the use of a self contained portable audio source configuration.  
         [0005]     The stereophonic fairing accessory invention allows for another caveat, not previously claimed. The utilization of either an on-board power source, or an externally mounted power source.  
         [0006]     Finally: No bicycle audio accessory patents found claimed the control of audio source functions with a remote, more so, the unique intuitive thumb remote claimed for this stereophonic fairing accessory invention.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0007]     The goal of creating stereophonic fairing accessory was to invent a mountable bicycle and like vehicle audio system, with sound performance rivaling and surpassing the best portable stereo “boom box” system. A bicycle and like vehicle audio system on par with small premium home shelf systems. Consumers should not have to “settle” for lessor sound quality when they leave their automobiles at home.  
         [0008]     A fairing body that would mute any weight gains that the stereophonic fairing accessory would add to bicycle. In fact at speeds even with the added weight riders performance would best the performance of a rider without the added fairing on level and downhill terrain.  
         [0009]     The current invention provides a stereo fairing with windshield, the windshield provides a degree of air deflection and allows the cyclist a greater view of the road directly in front of the vehicle, as it extends just above the inner fairing body&#39;s component frame door. The fairing mounts to the high-rise handlebars of a bicycle and like vehicles.  
         [0010]     The stereophonic fairing accessory has two main components, fairing body and component frame—that when combined give speakers an enclosure and close ability of inner component frame—thus forming the whole fairing.  
         [0011]     Angle slot tilt adjustment, means cyclist can have their high-rise style handlebars at riders most comfortable angle without altering the Stereophonic fairing accessory&#39;s aerodynamic performance (or merely to give fairing a personal style on bicycle). Handlebars lower neck mount portion become central axis of adjustment, accomplished by I-brackets and adjoining clamps which tighten at the handlebar lower mount area, angling of fairing is achieved via angled slots located thru component frames rearwardly protruding angle adjust panels—centrally located above I-bracket&#39;s clamp center of rotation—L-brackets tighten at each side thru angled slots in component frame adjust panels and to upwardly extending handlebar tubes. L-bracket&#39;s adjoining clamps fix the assembly rigidly to handlebars. L-brackets are slotted for varied handlebar width adjustment.  
         [0012]     The clamps for L and I brackets will have inner rubber grips to prevent handlebar scratching and absorb minor vibrations and reduce shock to amp and like componentry.  
         [0013]     An alternative audio source configuration is provided: instead of the standad integrated audio source, an audio configuraton is claimed allowing fairing to utilize a self contained portable joggers type of stereo source by means of a Y-cable connection from headphone jack of portable player to amp, amplifying players audio headphone signal.  
         [0014]     Design incorporates bass resonance sub-space enhancement, of percieved sound output, achieved by nose wells and bass wave deflection under bass resonance panels, the fairng&#39;s roound shape creates a corner at the inner nose, this corner produces a “sub-space” this sub-space acts as a resonance well—sound reverberations creates a high bass wave which channels out rearwardly directed bass ports. True stereo seperation is achieved by body of compnentry frame and a center panel divider at fairing body&#39;s inner nose, thus fully seperating left and right stereo sound output.  
         [0015]     Accessory is configureabe to receive DC electrical power from either on-board power or the mounting of a DC external power source, either will supply power to all electrical devices.  
         [0016]     Stereophonic fairing accesssory as embodied, is not claimed to be water proof, as such it could include a fitted UV and thermal protective plastic cover with elastic rim for tight fit (not claimed or shown), that bears the manufacturers logo. At the manufacturers descretion a weather proof model could be made, utilizing the same general embodiment of fairing&#39;s main design, but rubber and foam liners are incorportated with fairing body and door(s)—also instead of the speakers mounted as is, a thin lite film intergrated with speakers grill could filtrate water droplets away from speakers or the speaker cone, woofer and tweeter could be designed as such to be water proof, this waterproof version could be called a “SPORT” or “BEACH” mode. Water proofing does not change inventions primary embodiment and is within related manufacturers technological field of the art.  
         [0017]     Consequently the Stereophonic fairing accessory provides not only the enjoyment of music—but has adjustable angle mount positioning for consistent maximum aerodynamic performance, offsetting the added weight of fairing, when cycling to speed, giving the cyclist lessor air resistance and greater speed potential maximums. Exercise and fun are made symbiotic. And it looks kool! 
         [0018]     Two methods of manufacture are observed below; 
        1. “Mass Production”: Stereophonic fairing accessory is ideally mass produced, by manufacturer of like accessories. Manufacturer produces fairing shell by blow molding/vacuum bagging/injection molding or cast light metal forming. Manufacturer produces component frame as one piece, or combined injection molded individual parts. It would be ideal to produce component frame and L &amp; I brackets of cast polished aluminum, because aluminum is a light and rust proof metal. I-brackets may also be molded in plastic as part of component frame, even I-bracket clamp mechanisim can be molded as part of frame. This would save tooling costs, said clamps for L-brackets are also preferably injection molded. Becuse the weight of a durable plastic-like ABS multiplys rapidly, it should be observed that component frame has large holes to reduce weight and allow air/sound flow—these holes will also reduce the volume of casting material required—thus also reducing cost per unit. Manufacturer mounts all electrical/audio componentry. Entire stereophoinic fairing accessory is sold pre-assembled.        
 
         [0020]     2. “Master Kit”: Stereophonic fairing accessory is produced in a model style kit, by manufacturer. Much like “Mass Production” above except major portions, parts and panels are left on the injection molding tree when possible—giving the purchaser the joy of doing it themselves and equally important saving the manufacturer thousands, to potential millions &amp; billions of dollars in production assembly costs. Actual fabrication is similar to above except purchaser will assemble major components and panels by snap, snap/glue and or fasteners etc. Only electrical components will be as complete in wiring and connecton as possible to afford purchaser as safe and easy an assembly as possible. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0021]     Other objects and caveats of the invention will become mo obvious from the following description and accompanying drawings.  
         [0022]      FIG. 1  is a front view of the stereophonic fairng accessory;  
         [0023]      FIG. 2  is a side view of the mounted stereophonic fairng accessory;  
         [0024]      FIG. 3  is a back (rider) view of stereophonic fairng accessory;  
         [0025]      FIG. 4  is a back (rider) view of an alternative embodiment of stereophonic fairng accessory;  
         [0026]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of portable audio media inserting into stereophonic fairng accessory;  
         [0027]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a battery cell inserting into stereophonic fairng accessory;  
         [0028]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of stereophonic fairng accessory revealing a portable player as audio source;  
         [0029]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a battery cell inserting into an alternative embodiment of stereophonic fairng accessory;  
         [0030]      FIG. 9  is a partial detailed view of integrated media door;  
         [0031]      FIG. 10  is a partial exploded, perspective view of brackets and clamps detail;  
         [0032]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of invention mounted to handlebars;  
         [0033]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of invention as depicted in  11  with handlebars in an alternative angle position;  
         [0034]      FIG. 13  is a back (rider) view of invention mounted to narrow “SPORTSTER” style high-rise handlebars;  
         [0035]      FIG. 14  is a back (rider) view of invention mounted to wider “APE HANGER” style high-rise handlebars;  
         [0036]      FIG. 15  is an exploded perspective, back view of stereophonic fairing accessory&#39;s alternative embodiment;  
         [0037]      FIG. 16  is an exploded perspective, front view of stereophonic fairing accessory&#39;s alternative embodiment;  
         [0038]      FIG. 17  is a cross sectional, side view of standard and alternative embodiments of invention&#39;s component frame&#39;s inner details;  
         [0039]      FIG. 18  is cross sectional, side view of stereophonic fairing&#39;s body, bass enhancement details;  
         [0040]      FIG. 19  is cross sectional, top view of stereophonic fairing&#39;s body, bass enhancement details;  
         [0041]      FIG. 20  is a perspective view of stereophonic fairing accessory and options, mounted to a partial bicycle;  
         [0042]      FIG. 21  is a perspective, partially exploded view of intuitive thumb remote;  
         [0043]      FIG. 22  is a perspective, exploded view of intuitive thumb remote mounting to a partial handlebar;  
         [0044]      FIG. 23  is a perspective view of intuitive thumb remote mounted to a partial handlebar;  
         [0045]      FIG. 24  is a close up layout of intuitive thumb remote&#39;s head vector function label;  
         [0046]      FIG. 24  is a side view of intuitive thumb remote;  
         [0047]      FIG. 26  is a side view of intuitive thumb remote&#39;s head in an alternative “volume up” position;  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0048]     First it should be made clear that references  1  and  2  in any of the FIGS shall mean;  1  to mean the standard audio source embodiment of invention; and  2  to mean the alternative audio source embodiment of the invention. Both in all cases shall be powered, entail bass enhancement and shall mount, angle adjust, fit widths to handlebars  109  by the same means in either embodiment. Using  FIGS. 11-14  for example, applies to both embodiments of invention.  
         [0049]     As depicted in FIGS.  1  thru  26 , the invention relates to an audio accessory created to mount vehicles with high-rise handlebars, like bicycles. The invention is ideally constructed of an injection molded plastic and or cast and formed aluminum alloys, Windshield  7  is perferably die cut from scooter grade, tranlucent plastic. Observing  FIGS. 2-4  and  10 - 14  it will become apparent as to the premise by which the stereophonic fairing accessroy  1  and  2  mounts to bicycle  122 . A better understanding is made by looking first at  FIG. 2  and then  10 - 14 , stereophonic fairing accessory  1  and  2 , mounts to handlebars  109  by means of left and right L-brackets  46 ,  47 , that fasten to component frame  23 , and it&#39;s rearwardly protruding side panels  30  and  31  angled slots  32 , by means of fastners  52  shown in  FIG. 10  and I-brackets  48 ,  49  shown in  FIGS. 3-4  and  10 - 14 , with adjoining conduit clamps  55 , that clamps and tightens by fastners  59  shown in  FIG. 10 , to handlebrs  109 , extension tubes  111  and handlebar&#39;s lower mount portion  110  shown in  FIGS. 11-14 ,  17 .  
         [0050]     Angle adjustment is shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12 , in  FIG. 11  shows handlebars  109  fully verticle,  FIG. 12  shows handlebars  109  in an alternative angled position. Notice: component frame  23  rearwardly protruding left  30  and right  31  side panels, has angled slots  32 , that are centrally located above I-bracket&#39;s  48 ,  49  adjoining conduit clamps  55  that are clamped to handlebars  109 , lower mount portion  110 , allowing high-rise extension tubes  111  to be tilt adjusted by left  46  and right  47  L-brackets and their adjoining conduit clamps  55 , bringing handgrips  113  closer to vehicle operator.  
         [0051]     Varied style high-rise handlebars  109  width adjust mounting is shown in  FIGS. 13 and 14 . In  FIG. 13  handlebars  109  is a “SPORTSTER” style of high-rise handlebar, and in  FIG. 14  handlebars  109  is a wider “APE HANGER” style of high-rise handlebar. Notice that in  FIG. 13 . L-brackett&#39;s left  46  and right  47  width adjust slots  53  as shown closely in  FIG. 10 , allows adjoining conduit clamp  55 , to mount to the further apart extensiion tubes  111 , of wider “APE HANGER” handlebars  109 . Conduit clamp  55  detail in  FIG. 10  shows the resin encapsulated “potted” mount bolt  56  of conduit clamp  55  that matches and seats at clamp base  57 , clamp grips  60  will be affixed by scratching inner clamp  55  (smooth inner clamp  55  may detriment affixing grips  60 ), glue or heat will bond the grips  60  that prevent handlebar  109  scratching when mounting invention and reduce minor vibrations to amp  85  and it related components.  
         [0052]     The standard integrated audio embodiment of invention as shown in  FIGS. 3, 5 ,  6  and  9 , entails the incorporation of an integrated media door  14 , that is hinged to the component frame  23  door  11 , that is hinged to inner fairing body  4 , just below windshield  7 . In  FIG. 5  it is shown that by opening  14  allows the insertion of portable pre-recorded media  121 , Turning to  FIG. 6  opening component frame door  11 , opens  14  also which must be closed so that  11  may open adequetly to allow access to component frame  23 , second level  94 , as seen in  FIG. 17 , that is a small glove compartment and configuralbe for in-fairing power: alternatively in  FIG. 6  allows the installation of battery holders  95 , and required DC (direct current) power cell(s)  96 , shown inserting into holders  95 . Conversly a single large cell (not shown) may also be mounted to  94 .  
         [0053]     The standard integrated audio embodiment of invention as shown in  FIGS. 3, 5 ,  6  and  9 , entails the incorporation of an integrated media door  14 , the door&#39;s controls and digital display  62 , are elaborated in  FIG. 9 , illustrating it&#39;s various indicators are: miles per hour  73 , miles traveled  74 , calendar  75 , time  76 , power  77 , volume Iwvel  78 , base level  79 , surround  80 , track/station  81 , lights  82  and alarm state  104 . The control buttons of the integrated media door  14 , are: volume on/off knob  63 , forward track/station etc.  64 , backward track/station etc.  65 , mode button  67  ((selects base, esp, surround and alarm) the selection made is adjusted with the volume knob  63  and or forward  64 , backwrd  65  buttons), clock/calander button  68 , cd player on/off  69 , radio-fm/am on/off, lights on/off  71 , miles per hour/miles traveled  72 . Finally regarding the integrated media door; an analogy to comprehend it&#39;s creation is simply the taking of a current multi-function, portable, self contained joggers stereo and placing the entire unit on a hinge, thus clearly the manufacturing technology required, is well within the field of the art.  
         [0054]     The alternative portable self contained audio embodiment of invention  2  as detailed in FIGS.  4 ,  7 - 9  and  15 - 17 . Notice in  FIG. 4  component frame  23 , door  11  has no control buttons etc. Opening door  11 , grants access to portable player  100 , that is mounted to a third hinged level  97  shown closely in  FIG. 17 , player  100  sends audio signals to amp  85  shown in  FIG. 17 , by way of a headphone plug and cord  101  with phono plugs  88 . In  FIGS. 16 and 17  is shown how player  100  mounts and is removed from hinged level  97 , player  100  belt clip  102 , fastens to hinged level  97 , by fastners  103 , player  100  is removed from hinged level  97 , by pushing lock hook  105  this allows lwvel to be lifted open by it&#39;s hing  99 , then finger(s) can reach thru large removeal access hole  98  shown in  FIG. 15 , from bottom of hinged level  97  to un-clasp player  100 , from fastened belt clip  102 .  
         [0055]     Power is supplied to amp  85  shown in  FIG. 17  and optional devices shown in  FIG. 20 ; head light  118  mounted to front fender  126 , and tail light mounted to rear fender  127  and horn/alarm siren  120  (refer to  FIGS. 2 and 20  for mounting locations) by one of two means: in-fairng battery holders  95  and required cells  96  shown in  FIG. 17 , alternatively from a typical electric bicycle  122  battery &amp; mount kit  115  shown in  FIGS. 2, 20  mounted to frame seatpost tube  123 .  
         [0056]     By no means all inclusive:  FIG. 17  shows a basic means of electrical power and audio signal distribution. Notice: all ghosted parts are alternative embodiments—selectively embodied when applicable, wires  93  lead to external battery  115  and or optional devices shown in  FIGS. 2, 20 , wires  93  connect to barrier strip(s)  92  that has multi terminal places which centrally distributes power, shown  FIG. 17  is the removeable level  94  which is held and monted a distance from amp  85  atop  4  mount dowels  39  shown mounted on this level is the alternative in-fairing power battery holder(s)  95  and required cells  96  it&#39;s wires are shown connected to barrier strip(s)  92 , see that wires from  92  lead to amp  85  power terminal  90  providing power to amp, wire  91 , Iwads to switches of integrated control door  14  shown in  FIG. 9 , or alternative embodiment 2 light switch  44  and amp power switch  45  shown in  FIG. 4  to turn on/off selected device. Speakers receive boosted audio signals from amp  85  speaker terminal  89  wires. Amp  85  is perferably supplied with rubber shocks  86  (grommets or O-rings) to protect amp from rough terrain riding. Amp  85  shown in use for simplicity is a mini car amp, but at manufacturer&#39;s descretion in place of this self contained amp  85  will likely be typical portable stereo type circuitry and circuit boards, barrier strips  92  will likely be replaced with a far more sophistcated electrical terminal inputs/outputs with external jacks (not shown) on component frame  23  that devices can plug into (not shown), all of these implied upgrades are within the related manufacturers technological field of the art.  
         [0057]     A method of mounting windshield  7 , to invention is shown in  FIGS. 1, 3  windshield  7  mounts to inner body  4 , by fastners  8 , and is supported to inner fairing body  4  by large washers  9 .  
         [0058]     Assembling the main parts of invention as shown in  FIG. 15  the component frame  23  attaches to inner fairing  4  left and right mount framer  20 ,  21  by component frame  23  and its left and right speaker panels  33 ,  34  mate with the mount framers  20 ,  21 , then fastners  22  tightens the assembly. Observe vents  5  at bottom of outer fairing  3  match location of holes  25  in component frame  23  bottom amp level  28  so that when unit is assembled air flow circulates thru bottom of outer fairiing  3  and holes  25 , providing required heat reduction to amp  85  shown in  FIG. 17  cooling affect is thus increased as cyclist riding speeds increase.  
         [0059]     Stereophonic sound seperatiion method is shown in  FIGS. 15, 16  and  19 , the inner fairing  4  has a bulkhead panel  15  that mates with component frame  23  front panel  24  shown in  FIG. 15 , lips  19  seals sound in by fitting snugly onto component frame  23 , side panels  30 ,  31 ,  FIG. 19  shows a nose divider  15 , at front of inner fairing  4 , thus component frame  23  body and nose divider  15  fully seperates inner fairig body,  4  sound.  
         [0060]     Base resonance enhancement is shown in  FIGS. 18, 19 , sound waves B 19  from rear of speaker  40  is directed to front of component frame  23 , where there is corner pockets called a resonance wells B 17 , B 18  for left and right speakers  30 ,  31 , the resonance wells B 17 , B 18  is where bass enhancement occurs, then enhanced sound reverberations B 20  base waves B 21  flows under left and right base resonance dividers  35 ,  36  shown in  FIG. 15  and out left and right base ports  17 ,  18  shown also in  FIGS. 3-8 .  
         [0061]     Standard embodiment 1 of invention&#39;s basic audio and accessory functions are alternatively controlled by an optional intuitive thumb remote R 1  shown in  FIGS. 20-26 , remote R 1  has a main body R 3 , multi pivotal thumb stick R 2  to control audio functions, a horn button R 6  at back of body R 3 , a light button R 7  at bottom of body R 3 , affixed to main body R 3  is a tube clamp R 4  (notice that tube clamp R 3  is very narrow, perferrably about 0.375″ or less, allowing space for mirriors, hand brakes etc. on handlebars), clamp R 3  tightens over tube by means of fastner R 5  shown in  FIG. 21 , handgrip  113 , is rempved from handlebar  109  to mount remote R 1  to handlebar  109 .  
         [0062]     Control of intuitive thumb remote R 1  audio functions is achieved by pushing thumb joystick head R 2  in one of eight directional vectors (like todays video game system joy sticks), the indication function label R 11  detailed in  FIG. 24  shows eight vector directoion funtions that are: push stick south=volume down R 13 , push stick north=volume up R 12 ( FIG. 26  shows an example of thumb stick R 2  in a vollume up position), push stick northeast and northwest=on-play/pause, push stick east=track/station forward R 14 , push stick west=track/station backward R 15 , push stick southeast and southwest=stop/off R 17 —pushing once enables the first function/pushing twice (within 3 seconds) enables the second function (this does not apply to track/station which is selected by use of the integrated media door  14 , choosing radio button  70  or cd button  69  shown in  FIG. 9 . Without flinching, vehicle operator by means of the intuitive thumb remote R 1  can keep his/hers eyes on the road, while safely turning up the volume or searching for a desired track/station.