Mounting device

An accessory mounting device 1 comprises a main body portion 2, a pair of mounting grips 3a, 3b configured to movably connect to the main body 2 from a first position substantially against the body 2, and a second position away from the main body 2, the grips 3a, 3b in the second position configured to grip and hold a secondary accessory in position on the mounting device 1, the main body portion 2 configured to connect to a vehicle fork steerer tube.

FIELD

The present invention relates to a mounting device for connecting an accessory to a bicycle, scooter, e-scooter, moped, motorcycle or similar vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to a mounting device that connects to a bicycle stem above the headset to allow secondary accessories to be mounted to the vehicle via the mounting device.

BACKGROUND

It is common for riders of bicycles to own and use a range of secondary items that do not come built into their vehicle. For example, very few makes of bicycle come with built-in lights as standard, and a rider will normally buy a set from a third-party supplier and detachably mount them on the bicycle as required, a normal mounting location for the front light being the bicycle handlebars.

Other items are frequently mounted in the same or a similar manner as required or desired by the user—for example they may mount GPS units, bicycle computers, or mobile devices such as mobile phones or pads or similar on the handlebars.

While it is common for items such as bicycle lights to contain their own mounting mechanisms such as integral straps or similar, other items such as GPS units, computers, cameras or mobile devices usually require a separate mounting device. This separate mounting device attaches to the frame or the handlebars, with the mobile device, GPS or other accessory then being connected to the mounting device.

An example of a known type of accessory mounting device is shown inFIG.1. As shown, the mounting device is configured to connect around the cylindrical body of the handlebars, and to mount an accessory on the upper part of the mounting device, facing towards the rider.

The majority of bike stems on the market today are designed for a threadless headset, of the ‘Ahead headset’ type (also known as ‘Aheadset or ‘threadless headset’). These types of headsets bolt directly onto the fork steerer tube of the vehicle. An example of a type of accessory mounting device that can be used with this type of stem/headset is shown inFIGS.2A-2C. This type of mounting device connects directly to the headset, via a bolt or similar that screws into the fork steerer tube, with the accessory mounting part extending from the top of the stem, so that an accessory can be mounted on top of the headset.

A similar device to that shown inFIGS.2A-2Cis shown inFIG.2D, showing detail of the headset bolt that in use extends into the handlebar stem and connects to the fork steerer tube.

The devices shown inFIGS.2A-2Dare produced by ‘SP Connect’.

As shown inFIGS.2A-2C, an accessory is mounted onto the mounting device via a connection mechanism, one part of the connection mechanism forming part of the mounting device connected to the stem, and the other part connected to or integrally formed with the accessory. The two parts of the connection mechanism lock together in use to mount the accessory to the bicycle.

A common type of connection mechanism for this use is a ‘quarter-turn’ or ‘bayonet’ connector, where a user connects and disconnects the accessory by first bringing the accessory into contact with the mounting part, a part-turn out of alignment. Once the locking mechanisms are aligned in the correct position, the accessory is turned (e.g. through a quarter-turn) to engage the locking mechanisms and to bring the accessory into the required alignment for the user to use it. To disengage the locking mechanism and to remove the accessory from the mount, the process is reversed. A mounting mechanism of the type made by Garmin that uses a quarter turn connector is shown inFIG.3.

SUMMARY

It is an object of the present invention to provide a mounting device which goes some way to overcoming the abovementioned disadvantages or which at least provides the public or industry with a useful choice.

The term “comprising” as used in this specification and indicative independent claims means “consisting at least in part of”. When interpreting each statement in this specification and indicative independent claims that includes the term “comprising”, features other than that or those prefaced by the term may also be present. Related terms such as “comprise” and “comprises” are to be interpreted in the same manner.

Accordingly, in a first aspect the present invention may broadly be said to consist in a mounting device, comprising: a main body portion; a pair of mounting grips configured to movably connect to the main body from a first position substantially against the body, and a second position away from the main body, the grips in the second position configured to grip and hold a secondary accessory in position on the mounting device; the main body portion configured to connect to a vehicle fork steerer tube.

In an embodiment, the main body portion is substantially circular in plan view and substantially the same outer size and shape as the outer diameter of a fork steerer tube.

In an embodiment, each of the mounting grips comprises a carriage and a flap, the carriages and main body portion configured so that the flaps can rotate from the first position where the flaps are arranged to cover the top surface of the main body, substantially through 90 degrees to an open position where the flaps are rotated upright, the mounting grips further comprising a spring adapted to hold the flap in the first position and the open position.

In an embodiment, the mounting device further comprises a grip pad on the inner surface of each mounting grip, configured to provide a high-friction gripping surface.

In an embodiment, the main body comprises a plurality of substantially parallel passageways formed through the main body portion between the cut-out portions, and a plurality of extension slider shafts configured to locate into and slide within the passages in use, the outer ends of the extension slider shafts connecting to the mounting grips.

In an embodiment, the mounting device further comprises springs configured to connect between the extension slider shafts and the mounting grips to pull the mounting grips towards the main body, so that a compressive gripping force is exerted on any object located between the mounting grips.

In an embodiment, the springs and extension slider shafts are associated with the mounting grips and are configured so that the springs associated with a mounting grip compress from a neutral position when the associated mounting grip is moved away from the main body portion.

In an embodiment, the main body portion comprises substantially identical cut-out portions at each side, extending partway down each side of the main body portion, the carriage of the mounting grip fitting substantially within the cut-out portion.

In an embodiment, the cut-out portions are disk-segment shaped.

In an embodiment, the main body portion is configured to receive a headset bolt, so that the headset bolt can connect to the top of a vehicle fork steerer tube to hold the main body potion in position.

In an embodiment, the main body portion is configured to receive the headset bolt through an aperture extending through the main body portion.

In an embodiment, the main body portion comprises one part of a bayonet or quarter-turn type connector on the lower side thereof.

In an embodiment, the bayonet or quarter-turn type connector part is bolted to the remainder of the main body.

In an embodiment, the bayonet or quarter-turn type connector part is an integral part of the main body.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the invention, and variations thereof, will now be described in detail with reference to the figures.

General

In all embodiments, the mounting device fits directly onto the vehicle headset/stem by fixing to the fork steerer tube, in the location where the ‘stem cap’ or ‘stem nut’ is normally attached. The mounting device is therefore strongly integrated with the vehicle. The mounting device provides a ‘universal’ connector, allowing a wide variety of different accessories to be connected to the bike, without requiring the use of a unique or particular type of connector. When not in use, the accessory mounting device closes up into a compact shape.

In this document, ‘fork steerer tube’ is used to refer to the equivalent location in bicycle, scooter, motorcycles, e-bikes, and all similar vehicles.

First Embodiment

A first embodiment of the mounting device1is shown inFIGS.4A to9E.

The mounting device1comprises three main parts: a main body portion2, a pair of mounting grips3a,3b, and a headset bolt4. The structure of these, and the elements that connect between them, are described in detail below.

The mounting device1is shown in a ‘closed’ position inFIGS.4A and4B. Similar views of the mounting device1in an ‘open’ position are shown inFIGS.5A and5B.

In the ‘closed’ state, the main body portion2is substantially circular when viewed in plan view, and approximately the same size as the outer diameter of the fork steerer tube of a bicycle (fork steerer tubes usually come in substantially standard sizes of 1 inch, 1⅛ inch, 1.25 inch and 1.5 inch sizes).

The headset bolt4in use screws into the top of a bicycle stem, so that the main body portion2locates flush with the top of the stem. That is, the headset bolt4extends ‘downwards’ from the main body2.

The process by which the mounting device1is mounted to the fork steerer tube of a bicycle is shownFIGS.6A and6B. First, the existing bolt and stem cap are removed as shown inFIGS.6A and6B. Then the mounting device1, in an open configuration, is positioned over the top of the stem, as shown inFIG.6C. The headset bolt4is then passed downward through the main body2and screwed into the fork steerer tube to connect the mounting device1to the headset/stem (the structure of the main body2that enables this is described in detail below).

When not in use, the mounting device1is retained in a ‘closed’ configuration as shown inFIG.6D. To mount an accessory, the device1is opened to grip the accessory as described below.

The structure of the device and it's parts will now be described in more detail.

Main Body Portion

The main body portion2in plan view appears generally circular, with a central bolt hole6that extends through the centre of the main body portion2.

The main body portion2has cut-out portions at each side, the cut-out portions shaped as disk segments, each disk segment the same size as the other, and arranged so that the secant/chord for each segment is parallel to the secant/chord of the other (i.e. the main body2is symmetrical about a central axis of symmetry that is parallel to the secants/chords). The cut-off disk segments at each side extend most, but not the entire, way down each side of the main body portion2, so that the base2aof the main body portion2forms a full circle. The upper face and lower face of the main body2are generally planar, and parallel to one another.

Four passageways7are formed through the main body portion, substantially halfway between the upper and lower faces, and in parallel to the upper and lower faces. The passageways7are aligned substantially perpendicular to the secants/chords, and extend all the way through the main body2from one cut-out portion to the other. The passageways are substantially evenly spaced across the main body2.

Mounting Grips

The mounting grips3a,3beach consist of a carriage5, a flap8, a grip pad9, and a torsion spring10and hinge pin11.

The carriages5locate at each side of the main body portion2, and are generally the same shape and size as the cut-out disk segment areas, and fit into these. Each carriage5has a pair of extensions12, each extension12sized and shaped to fit into one of the passages7. The extensions12are positioned on the carriages5so that they will fit into the first and third passages7on one side of the main body2, and the second and fourth passages7on the other. Each extension12has an end aperture, and is internally threaded.

Each carriage5is configured to receive the hinge pin11and torsion spring10so that the hinge spring10acts as an axis of rotation for the flap8, allowing it to rotate around the hinge pin11. The hinge pin11and carriage5are configured so that this axis of rotation is substantially parallel to the secants/chords. The torsion spring is configured to connect with the carriage5and hinge pin11so that the flap8will remain rotated downwards/inwards onto the top face of the main body2(the closed position), unless rotated outwards/upright substantially 90 degrees, to the open position, the flap8then retained in the open position unless rotated closed.

The grip pad9is formed of silicone elastomer or similar, and is attached to the inner surface of the flap8, and provides a high-friction grip surface.

Extension Sliders

Connection between the main body portion2and the mounting grips is achieved via extension slider shafts13and springs14.

The four extension slider shafts13extend through the four passages7. Each extension slider shaft has a flange23at one end, with the opposed end the same diameter as the remainder of the body of the shaft, and externally threaded to match the internal threading of the extensions12. The non-flanged/threaded ends of the shafts are inserted into the passages7first, two shafts13into the passages on one side of the main body section2, and the other two shafts on the other side, so that there are two threaded ends extending from each side. Each threaded end of each of the shafts13abuts an extension12, and the shafts13and extensions12are connected by screwing together. Shafts13aare connected to extensions12a, and shafts13bare connected to extensions12b.

Coil springs14are configured so that in use they wind loosely around and extend the length of each of the slider shafts13, and sit loosely around the slider shafts and in the passages7between the passage wall and the outer surface of the slider shaft in use. One end of each of the passages has a smaller/narrower end aperture than the other, the shaft13passing snugly through the smaller/narrower end aperture, but the coil of the spring having a larger diameter, and unable to pass through, so that the springs can only be inserted into a passage on one side.

When the mounting grip on one side is pulled away from the main body section2, the connection between the relevant two extensions and the connected two shafts means that the shafts are pulled through their passages—e.g. when carriage5ais pulled away from the main body, this pulls shafts13athrough the passages7. The flanges23aact so that those springs14around the shafts13awill be compressed as the shaft13is pulled through the passage7—the flange23amoves through the passage, and the spring is compressed between the flange23aand the narrower/smaller end aperture at the other end of the passage. Similarly, the threaded ends of shafts13bconnect to extensions12bfor similar operation on the opposite side.

The springs14compress from a neutral state when the carriages5are pulled outwards away from the main body2, and (re)act from this compressed position to exert a force to return to their neutral position (that is, with the carriage5located in the cut-out section).

It can be seen that the pair of carriages5will therefore exert a compressive gripping force on any item located between the carriages when they are extended away from the body2.

In use, a user will mount the mounting device1onto the bicycle headset/stem by fixing into the fork steerer tube, in the location where the ‘stem cap’ is normally attached by a headset bolt, as described above, and in the manner as shown inFIGS.6A through6D.

When they wish to mount an accessory on the bicycle, they will pivot the spring-loaded flaps upwards and outwards from the ‘closed’ position (shown inFIG.6Dand as described above), to the ‘open’ position (shown inFIGS.5and5B, and as described above), and slide the flaps away from one another and from the main body portion2.

They will locate their accessory (mobile phone, GPS, bike computer) between the flaps, and then release them so that the springs14pull the flaps8inwards, to grip the sides of the accessory, and hold it in position.

Grip is also increased by the silicone pads9which make contact with the phone bezel, a further silicone pad15can be added on the upper surface of the main body2to contact the rear of the accessory and assist with holding this in position.

The elements described above are sized and shaped so as to accommodate an accessory (e.g. a phone) of most common sizes.

The travel distance (the distance that the slider shafts13and mounting grips3a,3bmove, sliding inwards and outwards) allows the distance between the inner faces of the two flaps to be altered, so that these can in use grip the sides of a mobile device or similar accessory.

The distance can be altered, with the mounting grips3a,3bremaining in the position to which they are moved, and this allows the mounting device1to be used with accessories/devices of different sizes or widths.

When not in use, the flaps8are folded into the closed position, with the flaps8inwards towards the main body2, and the shafts13fully retracted inwards, so that the upper surface of the device1appears as a smooth disc.

Second Embodiment

The first embodiment of mounting device1described above is particularly suited for use with push bikes.

A second embodiment of mounting device100, adapted specifically for use with electric bicycles, is described below, with reference toFIG.10. Similar figure numbering is used for this embodiment, with similar items numbered in a similar fashion to that of the first embodiment—e.g. mounting devices1and100, main body portions2and102, bolts4and104, carriages5and105, etc.

The structure and operation of the mounting device100is substantially the same as for the first embodiment (mounting device1). However, in this embodiment, the body102comprises a power/data lead and adaptor passage (not shown) to one side of the central bolt aperture106, towards one of the mounting grip assemblies103a. The passage116allows a cable connected to power adaptor118to pass through from the top surface of the body102to the lower surface, and to extend roughly parallel to the bolt104. In this embodiment, a wireless charging coil117and PCB118are located on the upper surface of the main body102, between the main body102and the silicone pad115.

The cable122allows power and data to be provided to the wireless charging coil117and PCB118so that accessories using the mounting device100can be charged and communicated with.

Variation

In a variation of both of the above embodiments, as shown inFIGS.11A and11B, the mounting devices1,100are modified so that the lower side of the main body (2,102) comprises a quarter-turn or ‘bayonet’ connector121.

As shown inFIGS.11A and11B, in order to fit the quarter-turn or ‘bayonet’ connector121, the bolt1,104is replaced by a shorter bolt119and a nut120. In variations, the nut could instead be a threaded insert.

The quarter-turn or ‘bayonet’ connector adapter121of the main body2,102is configured so that it is in plan view the same size and shape as the lower surface/base of the upper part of the main body2,102. The lower side of the quarter-turn or ‘bayonet’ connector121is configured so that the nut120can fit into a nut-shaped recess on the lower side.

In use, the quarter-turn or ‘bayonet’ connector121is connected into place on the bottom face of the main body2,102by the bolt119passing through the main body from the top, and the nut120slotting into the nut-shaped recess and connecting with the bolt119.

The mounting devices1,100, fitted with the quarter-turn or ‘bayonet’ connector121, can now be used with the second part of a standard quarter turn connector, fitted to a set of bicycle handlebars, or similar.

The quarter-turn or ‘bayonet’ connector could also be integrally formed as an integral part of the main body2or102.

The quarter-turn or ‘bayonet’ connector could also replace or interface with the ‘stem nut’ or ‘steering nut’ of a motorcycle or scooter, or similar vehicle.