SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MOUNTING OBJECTS TO A FRAME

Systems and methods are provided for mounting an object or bracket to a transportation device. A base assembly is secured to a frame of the transportation device with a flexible fastener that extends around the frame and through at least one passage of the base assembly.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for mounting objects, or brackets for holding one or more objects, on a frame. In an exemplary embodiment, the frame is part of a transportation device, and the one or more objects or brackets is mounted on the frame via a base assembly secured to the frame at a desired location.

BACKGROUND

A variety of devices have been proposed for removably carrying objects, such as locks and water bottles, on a bicycle. The objectives of such devices are to carry the lock or water bottle securely on the bicycle frame without rattling, to position the lock or water bottle inconspicuously on the bicycle frame without hindering movement of the cyclist, and facilitate convenient release of or access to the lock or water bottle whenever needed.

While some frames may include fasteners for mounting bottle holders, locks, and other devices directly to the frame, other frames do not. Even when such fasteners are provided, the fasteners may not be suitable for the desired type of device to be mounted, or may not be at the desired location on the frame. Prior devices, such as plastic straps, have been used that are secured to frames to mount objects on the frame. However, such prior devices can be bulky, lack flexibility in length and/or placement on the frame, are not readily adaptable to the frame geometry, and/or are easily overtightened and damaged. Therefore, further improvements in this area are needed.

SUMMARY

There is disclosed herein systems and methods for mounting objects and/or brackets used to carry one or more objects on transportation devices. The mounting systems and methods include a base assembly positionable at a desired location on the frame of the transportation device and a flexible fastener to secure the base assembly to the frame. The frame can be part of any suitable transportation device, such as a bicycle, motorcycle, scooter, utility vehicle, all-terrain vehicle, cart, or the like.

The base assembly is configured to allow a bracket or other object to be secured to the base assembly to securely retain the bracket or object on the transportation device in a manner and/or location that does not interfere with operation or handling of the transportation device and which also provides access to the bracket or object. The object can be, for example, a lock, container, receptacle, water bottle, compartment, electronic device, and/or a bracket for holding such objects on the frame via the base assembly. In an embodiment, the object is secured directly to the base assembly without a bracket. In an embodiment, the bracket is secured directly to the base assembly and the object is carried by the bracket. Further embodiments, forms, features, and aspects of the present application shall become apparent from the description and figures provided herewith.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

References in the specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an illustrative embodiment,” etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may or may not necessarily include that particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. It should further be appreciated that although reference to a “preferred” component or feature may indicate the desirability of a particular component or feature with respect to an embodiment, the disclosure is not so limiting with respect to other embodiments, which may omit such a component or feature. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to implement such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.

Additionally, it should be appreciated that items included in a list in the form of “at least one of A, B, and C” can mean (A); (B); (C); (A and B); (B and C); (A and C); or (A, B, and C). Similarly, items listed in the form of “at least one of A, B, or C” can mean (A); (B); (C); (A and B); (B and C); (A and C); or (A, B, and C). Items listed in the form of “A, B, and/or C” can also mean (A); (B); (C); (A and B); (B and C); (A and C); or (A, B, and C). Further, with respect to the claims, the use of words and phrases such as “a,” “an,” “at least one,” and/or “at least one portion” should not be interpreted so as to be limiting to only one such element unless specifically stated to the contrary, and the use of phrases such as “at least a portion” and/or “a portion” should be interpreted as encompassing both embodiments including only a portion of such element and embodiments including the entirety of such element unless specifically stated to the contrary.

Referring toFIGS.1A-28, there is disclosed herein systems and methods for mounting an object16and/or bracket14to a frame12of a transportation device18. The mounting system10,200includes a base assembly30,30′,230that can be secured to the frame12of the transportation device18at any one of a number of positions. The object16or bracket14can then be secured to the base assembly30,30′,230. The object16can be, for example, a lock, container, receptacle, water battle, compartment, electronic device, and/or a bracket14for holding such objects16. Additionally, while the mounting system10,200illustrated herein is shown attached to a bicycle frame, the present disclosure is not limited to such, but may be utilized in various applications and with various transportation devices18, including, but not limited to, bikes, motorcycles, scooters, all-terrain vehicles, utility vehicles, three-wheeled vehicles, and carts, for example.

Mounting system10,200mounts object16or bracket14to transportation device18. The mounting system10,200includes base assembly30,30′,230positionable against frame12of the transportation device18. The base assembly30,30′230includes at least one longitudinal passage78,278orientable along the frame12, optionally a receptacle76, and/or at least one second passage80,280that is transverse to the longitudinal passage78,278. In an embodiment, the mounting system10includes a flexible fastener20with a first end26fixedly engageable to the base assembly30,30′ in the receptacle76. Flexible fastener20includes an elongated flexible body24. The elongated flexible body24positionable around the frame12and through the at least one longitudinal passage78,278and/or the at least one second passage80,280. At least one fastener coupler44,44′,118,244couples the flexible fastener20to the base assembly30,30′,230.

A method for mounting the object16or bracket14to the transportation device18includes positioning the base assembly30,30′,230against the frame12with at least one passage78,278of the base assembly30,30′,230oriented along the frame12and at least one second passage80,280oriented transversely to the frame and flexible fastener extending through the at least one passage78,278; wrapping the flexible fastener20in a first direction around the frame12; positioning the flexible fastener20through the at least one second passage80,280transvers to the frame12; and coupling the flexible fastener20in the at least one second passage80,280to the base assembly30,30′,230.

There is shown a disassembled mounting system10inFIG.1A, and mounting system10shown schematically on transportation device18inFIG.1Bto secure object16or bracket14to frame12of transportation device18. Mounting system10includes flexible fastener20and plate assembly30. The flexible fastener20is engaged at one end to base assembly30, wrapped around frame12and through passages78,80of base assembly30to secure base assembly30to frame12. A fastener tensioner34is provided to tension or tighten flexible fastener20once positioned around frame12and coupled to base assembly30with fastener coupler44.

Referring toFIG.2, flexible fastener20is shown. Flexible fastener20includes an elongated flexible body24that extends from a first end26to a second end28. In an embodiment, body24is a cable. In an embodiment, body24is coated in a non-abrasive or soft material to protect frame12from scratching or damage from body24. In other embodiments, body24is a wire, strap, cord, or other suitable member that can be wrapped around frame12and positioned through the passages78,80of base assembly30. In an embodiment, flexible fastener20includes an end stop22at first end26. End stop22can be a flange or other structure protruding outwardly from body24so that end stop22can be positioned in receptacle76of base assembly30to fixedly secure the first end26of flexible member20to base assembly30. As used herein, “fixedly secure” means that flexible fastener20can be wrapped around frame12with end member22in receptacle76without de-coupling from base assembly30.

Referring toFIG.3, one side of a plate assembly32which comprises a portion of base assembly30is shown. Plate assembly32includes a first plate50and a second plate52(FIG.6.) First plate50forms an outer side of plate assembly32facing away from frame12, and second plate52is located at an inner side of plate assembly32and faces toward frame12. First plate50includes a rectangular-shaped body70having an inner side72(FIG.5) and an opposite outer side74. In an embodiment, second plate52is made from an elastomer, rubber, or other soft or non-abrasive material that will not scrape or damage frame12.

Outer side74of first plate50includes first passage78extending longitudinally along plate body70that is alignable along frame12, and second passage80that extends laterally across plate body70in a transverse orientation to first passage78. Passages78,80are shown as grooves or channels with an open side formed in an outer side74of plate50, but in other embodiments may be formed as bores enclosed on all sides, or a combination of grooves, channels and bores. Outer side74of first plate50also includes receptacle76for receiving end stop22of flexible fastener20, slider cavity82for receiving slider36of fastener tensioner34, and slider nut receptacle84for receiving slider nut40of fastener tensioner34. A slot77extends from receptacle76through the side of plate50and body24of flexible fastener20is positionable to extend through slot77.

First plate50includes coupler bore94in second passage80. Coupler bore94receives and engages fastener coupler44so that fastener coupler44can clamp or otherwise secure body24of flexible fastener20in second passage80. In the illustrated embodiment, second passage80is Y-shaped around coupler bore94to allow fastener coupler44to be fully seated against flexible fastener20in second passage80and/or to also provide alternative paths to feed flexible fastener20through second passage80. First plate50also includes fastener bores86,88for receiving fasteners to secure the bracket14or object16to base assembly30.

In the illustrated embodiment, slider cavity82interrupts first passage78so that slider36can engage body24of flexible fastener20. First passage78includes a first portion100and a second portion102separated by slider cavity82. Body24of flexible fastener20spans the gap between first and second portions100,102so that an inner side46of slider36(FIG.4) contacts flexible fastener20in the slider cavity82. As discussed further below, slider36can be displaced into slider cavity82with slider adjuster38to tension or tighten flexible fastener20. Slider36includes a rectangular body with a recessed inner side46to capture body24therein. Slider36includes a bore48that receives slider screw42of slider adjuster38therethrough to engage slider nut40in slider nut receptacle84.

Referring toFIG.5, first plate50of plate assembly32is further shown looking at inner side72. Inner side72is recessed and also includes first and second nut receptacles90,92to receive respective ones of the bracket nuts54,56. As shown inFIG.6, second plate52is then positioned within the recessed inner side72of first plate50to capture bracket nuts54,56between first and second plates50,52. Second plate52includes a plate body60with a concave inner side58positionable toward frame12and an opposite outer side62positioned toward first plate50. Second plate52also includes first and second holes64,66that align with nut receptacles90,92and receive the parts of bracket fasteners104,106projecting from bracket nuts54,56.

Referring toFIG.7, the fastener coupler44is provisionally engaged to plate assembly32to form base assembly30. Base assembly30is positioned at a desired position on frame12with first passage78extending along the frame12. As shown inFIG.8, end stop22of flexible fastener20is placed in receptacle76to axially secure flexible fastener20to base assembly30.

Referring toFIG.9, body24of flexible fastener20is wrapped in a first direction around frame12at a first location, and inserted through first passage78so that flexible fastener20extends along frame12to be wrapped around frame12at a second location spaced along frame12from the first location. The entrance into first passage78at first portion100, and the exit from first passage78at second portion102, can be curved and extend laterally through the sidewall of plate body70to facilitate placement of flexible fastener20into, through, and out of first passage78.

As shown inFIG.10, flexible fastener20is then wrapped in a second direction, opposite the first direction, around frame12and inserted through second passage80. Fastener coupler44is then tightened to couple flexible fastener20to base assembly30in second passage80. Any excess length of flexible fastener20extending from second passage80can then be removed.

While flexible fastener20can be tightened around frame12and then secured in the tightened position using fastener coupler44, further tensioning and tightening of flexible fastener20around frame12may be desired to ensure base assembly remains in position on frame12.FIGS.11-13further show fastener tensioner34that can be used for this purpose.

Fastener tensioner34includes a slider36in slider cavity82of base assembly30. A slider adjuster38is used to couple slider36to base assembly30and move slider36to tighten flexible fastener20. In the illustrated embodiment, slider adjuster38includes a slider nut40housed in slider nut receptacle84of base assembly30, and a slider screw42extending through slider36. Slider screw42extends through a wall83of plate50between slider cavity82and slider nut receptacle84to engage slider nut40in slider nut receptacle84. Slider screw42can extend into a bore85extending from slider nut receptacle84into first plate50as slider adjuster38is tightened.

The inner side46of slider36contacts the part of body24of flexible member20that extends through slider cavity82. As slider screw42is rotated and slider nut40is held in place, slider screw42and slider36move into slider cavity82, as indicated by slider36′ inFIG.13. In this position, flexible fastener20is tightened and tensioned around frame12.

Referring toFIGS.14-15, bracket14is shown being moved into position relative to the base assembly30after base assembly30is secured to frame12. Bracket fasteners104,106can be engaged to bracket bores86,88, respectively, in order to secure bracket14to base assembly30. In particular, bracket fasteners104,106engage respective ones of the bracket nuts54,56housed in receptacles90,92between plates50,52of base assembly30. An object16can then be placed into bracket14. Alternatively, as discussed above, object16can be secured directly to base assembly30.

Another embodiment of base assembly30′ is shown inFIGS.16-18and includes features similar to base assembly30except as otherwise noted. For base assembly30′, first passage78′ and second passage80′ are provided on second plate52′, and second plate52′ is secured to frame12with flexible fastener20. The fastener coupler44′ in this embodiment is a clamping box that is secured to second plate52′ in a recess on plate52′ in order to couple flexible fastener20to second plate52′. First plate50′, such as shown inFIG.17, is then placed over second plate52′ to form the base assembly30′, as shown inFIG.18. Plate50′ includes a recess configured to receive second plate52′, and plates50′,52′ can include features to facilitate alignment and engagement with one another, such as splines51′ and slots53′ that receive splines51′.

As shown inFIGS.19-20, bracket14is secured to base assembly30′ using bracket fasteners104,106that extend through first plate50′ and engage bracket nuts54,56located between second plate52′ and frame12. As the fasteners104,106are tightened, second plate52′ is lifted into first plate50′ to tighten and tension flexible fastener20. As a result, slider36and slider adjuster38can be eliminated in this embodiment.

InFIG.21, another embodiment of fastener coupler44is shown on second plate52′, but could also be employed with first plate50. InFIG.21, the fastener coupler includes a plurality of pins118that project into second passage80′ and cinch or crimp the body24of flexible fastener20in second passage80′.

In another embodiment shown inFIG.22, flexible fastener20is replaced by straps120,122that extend around frame12and second plate52″ to secure the base assembly to the frame. In this embodiment, the first passage78′ can be omitted from the plate.

There is shown another embodiment mounting system200inFIGS.23-28. Mounting system200can be mounted on transportation device18inFIG.1Bto secure object16or bracket14to frame12of transportation device18. Mounting system200also employs flexible fastener20, but does not employ an end stop22at first end26. The flexible fastener20extends longitudinally through a first passage278of base assembly230, is wrapped around frame12and through each of the two second passages280,282of base assembly230to secure base assembly230to frame12. A fastener tensioner234is provided to tension or tighten flexible fastener20once positioned around frame12and coupled to base assembly230with fastener couplers244,246.

A plate assembly232comprises a portion of base assembly230. Plate assembly232includes a first plate250and a second plate252. First plate250forms an outer side of plate assembly232facing away from frame12, and second plate252is located at an inner side of plate assembly232and faces toward frame12. In an embodiment, spacer270is provided between frame12and second plate252. Spacer270can be made from an elastomer, rubber, or other soft or non-abrasive material that will not scrape or damage frame12. In an embodiment, second plate252is omitted and spacer270is mounted directly to first plate250.

Outer side274of first plate250includes first passage278extending longitudinally along first plate250that is alignable along frame12, and two second passages280,282that extend laterally across plate250in a transverse orientation to first passage278. First passage278includes an enclosed bore portion300and outer first and second portions302,304that form grooves or channels extending from bore portion300to second passages280,282at opposite ends of first plate250. Second passages280,282are shown as grooves or channels with an open side formed in outer side274of plate250, but in other embodiments may be formed as bores enclosed on all sides, or a combination of grooves, channels and bores. First plate250also includes slider cavity283for receiving slider236of fastener tensioner234, and slider236includes slider nut receptacle284for receiving slider nut240of fastener tensioner234.

First plate250includes coupler bores294,296in second passages280,282, respectively. Coupler bores294,296receive and engage fastener couplers244,246and fastener coupler nuts245,247so that fastener couplers244,246can clamp or otherwise secure body24of flexible fastener20in corresponding ones of the second passages280,282. In the illustrated embodiment, second passages280,282are linear, and coupler bores294,296overlap the adjacent second passage280,282to allow fastener couplers244,246to be fully seated against flexible fastener20in second passages280,282. First plate250also includes fastener bores286,288for receiving fasteners104,106to secure the bracket14or object16to base assembly230.

In the illustrated embodiment, slider cavity283interrupts or aligns with bore portion300of first passage278so that body24of flexible fastener20can pass through bore237of slider236. Body24of flexible fastener20spans the gap between first and second portions300,302so that slider236is movable to displace flexible fastener20in the slider cavity283. As discussed further below, slider236can be displaced into slider cavity283with slider adjuster238to tension or tighten flexible fastener20. Slider236includes a rectangular body with a through bore237to capture body24therein. Slider236includes a bore248that receives slider screw242of slider adjuster238therethrough to engage slider nut240in slider nut receptacle28.

Inner side272of first plate250is recessed and also includes first and second nut receptacles290,292to receive respective ones of the bracket nuts254,256. Second plate252, if provided, is then positioned within the recessed inner side272of first plate250to capture bracket nuts254,256between first and second plates250,252. Second plate252includes a plate body260with a concave inner side258positionable toward frame12and an opposite outer side262positioned toward first plate250. Additionally or alternatively, spacer270may be secured to second plate252and/or secured directly to first plate250. Spacer270may include projections271,273that that align with nut receptacles290,292to facilitate assembly.

The fastener couplers244,246are provisionally engaged to plate assembly232with flexible fastener20positioned through bore237of slide236and enclosed bore portion300of first passage278to form base assembly230. Base assembly230is positioned at a desired position on frame12with first passage278extending along the frame12. Opposite end portions of body24of flexible fastener20are inserted into first and second portions300,302of first passage278and wrapped in a first direction around frame12at first and second locations generally aligned with respective ones of the second passages280,282. First and second fastener couplers244,246are then tightened to couple flexible fastener20to base assembly230in second passages280,282. Any excess length of flexible fastener20extending from second passages280,282and/or base assembly230can then be removed.

While flexible fastener20can be tightened around frame12and then secured in the tightened position using fastener couplers244,246, further tensioning and tightening of flexible fastener20around frame12may be desired to ensure base assembly remains in position on frame12. Fastener tensioner234that can be used for this purpose. A slider adjuster238is used to couple slider236to base assembly230and move slider236to tighten flexible fastener20. In the illustrated embodiment, slider adjuster238includes slider nut240housed in slider nut receptacle284of slider236, and slider screw242extending through slider236. Slider screw242extends through a wall of plate250into slider cavity283to engaged slider236. As slider screw242is rotated and slider nut240is held in place, slider236moves in slider cavity283so that flexible fastener20is tightened and tensioned around frame12.

In an embodiment, a method includes removing a part of the flexible fastener20extending outwardly from the second passage80,180and/or base assembly30,30′,130after coupling the flexible fastener20in the second passage80,180. In an embodiment, a method includes tensioning the flexible fastener20around the frame12after coupling the flexible fastener20to the base assembly30by adjusting a fastener tensioner34,134mounted to the base assembly30,30′,130. In an embodiment, a method includes mounting the bracket14or object16to the base assembly30,30′,130after tensioning the flexible fastener20.

In an embodiment, the first end26of the flexible fastener20is fixed to the base assembly30by restraining an end stop22of the flexible fastener20in a fastener receptacle76of the base assembly30, and extending the flexible body24of the flexible fastener20through slot77that extends from the receptacle76through the base assembly30.

Various aspects of the present disclosure are contemplated. According to one aspect, a mounting system for mounting an object or bracket to a transportation device is provided. The mounting system includes a base assembly positionable against the frame and a flexible fastener. The base assembly includes a first passage orientable along the frame and at least one second passage transversely oriented to the first passage. The flexible fastener includes an elongated flexible body extending through the first passage and positionable around the frame and through the at least one second passage. The mounting system further includes at least one fastener coupler to couple the flexible fastener in the at least one second passage.

In an embodiment, the at least one second passage of the base assembly includes two second passages that each extend transversely to the first passage. The elongated flexible body of the flexible fastener is positionable around the frame from opposite ends of the first passage and through each of the two second passages. The at least one fastener coupler includes two fastener couplers that couple the flexible fastener in respective ones of the two second passages.

In an embodiment, the mounting system includes a fastener tensioner engageable to the base assembly and the flexible fastener. The fastener tensioner is configured to tighten and tension the flexible fastener around the frame with the flexible body of the flexible fastener fixedly coupled to the base assembly with the fastener coupler and the first end of the flexible fastener fixedly engaged in the receptacle of the base assembly.

In a further embodiment, the fastener tensioner includes a slider engageable to the flexible fastener and a slider adjuster engageable to the base assembly and the slider. The slider adjuster is configured to displace the slider relative to the base assembly to tighten the flexible fastener.

In a further embodiment, the slider adjuster includes a slider nut and a slider screw. The base assembly includes a slider nut receptacle for receiving the slider nut and a slider cavity for receiving the slider. The slider screw extends through the slider and the base assembly and engages the slider nut in the slider nut receptacle.

In an embodiment, a first end of the flexible fastener includes an end stop with a flange that is positioned in a receptacle of the base assembly to fixedly engage the flexible fastener to the base assembly.

In a further embodiment, the flexible fastener includes a cable extending from the first end to an opposite second end.

In an embodiment, the at least one fastener coupler is a threaded fastener threadingly engaged to the base assembly to secure the flexible body in the at least one second passage.

In an embodiment, the at least one fastener coupler is a clamp that is engaged to the base assembly to secure the flexible body in the at least one second passage.

In an embodiment, the at least one fastener coupler is a plurality of pins that project into the at least one second passage to secure the flexible body in the at least one second passage.

In an embodiment, the base assembly includes a first plate and a second plate. The second plate is positionable against the frame and the first plate is positioned on the second plate.

In a further embodiment, the first plate includes an inner side facing the second plate and an opposite outer side. The inner side includes a first nut receptacle and a second nut receptacle.

The first plate further includes a first fastener bore aligned with the first nut receptacle and a second fastener bore aligned with the second nut receptacle.

In a further embodiment, the mounting system includes a first nut in the first nut receptacle and a second nut in the second nut receptacle.

In a further embodiment, the mounting system includes a first bracket fastener extending through the first fastener bore and in engagement with the first nut in the first nut receptacle. The mounting system also includes a second bracket fastener extending through the second fastener bore and in engagement with the second nut in the second nut receptacle. The first and second bracket fasteners secure the object or bracket to the plate assembly.

In a further embodiment, the first plate includes the first passage and the at least one second passage. The first plate includes an inner side facing the second plate, and the second plate is positioned within a recess at the inner side of the first plate.

In a further embodiment, the second plate includes the first passage and the at least one second passage. The first plate includes an inner side facing the second plate, and the second plate is positioned within a recess at the inner side of the first plate.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for mounting an object or bracket to a transportation device includes: positioning a base assembly against the frame with a first passage of the base assembly oriented along the frame and at least one second passage oriented transversely to the frame, the base assembly including a flexible fastener extending through the first passage; wrapping a first portion of the flexible fastener in a first direction around the frame; positioning the flexible fastener through the at least one second passage transversely to the frame; and coupling the flexible fastener to the base assembly.

In an embodiment, the method includes: wrapping a second portion of the flexible fastener around the frame; positioning the flexible fastener through another second passage of the base assembly that extends transversely to the frame; coupling the flexible fastener to the base assembly in the another second passage; and removing a part of the flexible fastener extending outwardly from the base assembly after coupling the flexible fastener in the another second passage.

In an embodiment, the method includes tensioning the flexible fastener around the frame after coupling the flexible fastener to the base assembly by adjusting a fastener tensioner mounted to the base assembly. In a further embodiment, the method includes mounting the bracket or object to the base assembly after tensioning the flexible fastener.

In an embodiment, the method includes fixing a first end of the flexible fastener to the base assembly by restraining an end stop of the flexible fastener in a fastener receptacle of the base assembly. A flexible body of the flexible fastener is then extended through a slot that extends from the receptacle through the base assembly.