Abstract:
A cell phone holder for mounting to bicycle handlebars. The cushion includes a front socket for receiving a cell phone positioning the cell phone in front of the face of the bicyclist when in a racing position. A left and right socket provided on the cell phone holder allow for the mounting of the cell phone adjacent the left and right ear of the bicyclist.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0002]     The present invention relates generally to the field of bicycles and more specifically, cell phone holders for mounting to bicycle handlebars.  
         [0003]     2. Description of the Prior Art  
         [0004]     In order to maximize the comfort and safety of the bicyclist, it is desirable to provide a bicycle construction to accommodate the various positions of the bicyclist. For example, the bicyclist may assume an erect position or may bend forwardly to reduce air resistance when racing or bicycling at a fast pace. Likewise, when riding long distances, the bicyclist may want to change the position of his or her hands relative to the handlebars. The hands may be spread apart a great distance on the handlebars when negotiating difficult terrain or when in traffic whereas the hands may be placed relatively close together on the handlebars when traversing relatively flat terrain without traffic. Further, in order to apply maximum pressure to the pedals, it is desirable that the bicyclist grip the handlebars in a location to exercise maximum force. In my U.S. Pat. No. 6,564,673 I have disclosed a bicycle construction including a handlebar design allowing the bicyclist to grip the handlebar in four completely different positions.  
         [0005]     It is desirable for a bicyclist to be able to communicate via a cell phone; however, verbal communications become difficult when the bicyclist is bending forward to reduce air resistance when racing or bicycling at a fast pace. For example, in my aforementioned U.S. patent, there is disclosed a chin rest upon which the bicyclist may place his or her chin when in the racing position. Use of a cell phone in such a position becomes awkward plus difficult for the bicyclist to hear the phone audio. I have therefore designed a cell phone holder that is mounted to the handlebars in such a manner to allow the bicyclist to communicate while in the forward racing position. Disclosed herein is such a cell phone holder. Further, the holder may be utilized to receive various types of communication devices including a global positioning transmitter and receiver.  
         [0006]     A number of U.S. patent and published U.S. patent applications disclose a variety of holders for securing cell phones. For example, in the U.S. Pat. No. 6,481,684 issued to Farmer et al., there is disclosed a cell phone holder that is mounted by brackets directly to the handlebars. U.S. Pat. No. 6,463,385 issued to Fry discloses a sports computer with a global positioning receiver mounted to a bicycle handlebar. U.S. Pat. No. 6,315,182 issued to Chen discloses a pouch assembly for holding a cell phone that is adapted to mount to a variety of bases including a cylindrical bar. U.S. Pat. No. 5,406,816 issued to Thomas discloses a basket for mounting a container to a bicycle handlebar.  
         [0007]     U.S. Patent Application Publication U.S.2003/0106919A1 of Chuang discloses a device mountable on a bicycle handlebar for attaching a cell phone bag. U.S. Patent Application Publication U.S.2003/0140727A1 of Chuang also discloses a bracket for attaching to the handlebar collar to allow for attachment of a cell phone bag.  
         [0008]     Further, in U.S. Patent Application Publication U.S.2002/0131606A1 of Stanberry et al., a mounting arrangement is disclosed for securing a storage pouch to the windshield of a motorcycle. A cell phone mounting arrangement is disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication U.S.2002/0113185A1 of Ziegler and includes a holder for securing a phone to the handlebars or frame of a bicycle. In addition, U.S. Patent Application Publication 2002/0020249A1 of Darland et al. discloses a cell phone holder mountable to the handlebars. Despite the above constructions, there is a need for a cell phone holder construction mounted to the bicycle handlebars in such a manner to allow the bicyclist to communicate via the cell phone when in the forward leaning or racing position. Further, the holder should be adaptable to place the cell phone in front of the face of the bicyclist and also adjacent the left ear and/or right ear of the bicyclist.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0009]     One embodiment of the present invention is a cell phone holder for a handlebar of a bicycle for use by a bicyclist riding the bicycle including a base for mounting to the bicycle handlebar. A flexible soft cushion is mounted to and extends over the base with a fastening device holding the cushion to the base. A hard cover is mounted to the cushion and extends at least partially over and atop the flexible soft cushion. The cover includes a hole formed therein through which a cell phone may be inserted. A sleeve is aligned with the hole and extends downwardly there from against the flexible soft cushion. The sleeve has an interior passage into which a phone may be inserted and releasably held thereby. Additional side pockets to hold the cell phone may be provided.  
         [0010]     It is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved handlebar construction allowing for the mounting of a cell phone.  
         [0011]     A further object of the present invention is to provide a cell phone holder mounted to a chin rest secured to bicycle handlebars.  
         [0012]     A further object of the present invention is to provide a bicycle cell phone holder construction locating the cell phone forward of the face of the bicyclist and also adjacent the left ear and/or right ear of the bicyclist.  
         [0013]     An additional object of the present invention is to provide a bicycle handlebar construction having a cushion portion upon which the chin of the bicyclist may rest while the bicyclist communicates via a cell phone mounted adjacent the chin rest.  
         [0014]     In addition to the prior objects, it is an object of the present invention to provide a cell phone holder mounted to the handlebars of a bicycle wherein the handlebars have a variety of configurations to allow different positions assumed by the bicyclist.  
         [0015]     Related objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0016]      FIG. 1  is a side view of a bicycle incorporating the present invention.  
         [0017]      FIG. 2  is an enlarged fragmentary view of the handlebars looking in the direction of arrows  2 - 2  of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0018]      FIG. 3  is an enlarged fragmentary view of the handlebars looking in the direction of arrows  3 - 3  of  FIG. 2 .  
         [0019]      FIG. 4  is a top view of the handlebar construction with cell phone holder.  
         [0020]      FIG. 5  is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along a line and viewed in the direction of arrows  5 - 5  of  FIG. 4 .  
         [0021]      FIG. 6  is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along a line and viewed in the direction of arrows  6 - 6  of  FIG. 4 .  
         [0022]      FIG. 7  is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along a line and viewed in the direction of arrows  7 - 7  of  FIG. 4 .  
         [0023]      FIG. 8  is an enlarged fragmentary top view of the left cell phone holder.  
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0024]     For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.  
         [0025]     Referring now more particularly to  FIG. 1 , there is shown a conventional road bicycle  10  having a bicycle frame  11  with a front wheel  12  and rear wheel  13  rotatably mounted thereto. A conventional chain sprocket combination  14  is mounted to frame  11  and is engaged with the driving mechanism of the rear wheel  13 . The front of the frame includes a cylindrical tube  15  through which the bicycle fork  16  extends and is attached to the downwardly extending steering column  17  in the conventional manner.  
         [0026]     Attached to the top of steering column  17  is handlebar construction  18  ( FIG. 2 ). Construction  18  includes a pair of mutually opposed and oppositely extending horizontal handlebars  19  and  20  integrally attached to the steering column or handlebar mounting stem  17  rotatably mounted to tube  15 . Stem  17  extends upwardly from bars  19  and  20  forming a stem extension  21  having a pair of oppositely directed, aligned and horizontally extending bars  22  and  23 . Yet a further pair of mutually opposed handlebars  24  and  25  have respectively proximal ends  26  and  27  mounted to bars  19  and  20 . The distal end portions  28  and  29  ( FIGS. 3 and 6 ) of bars  24  and  25  are integrally connected together and meet at a center portion  30  in line with stem  17 . A pair of handles  31  and  32  are attached and project upwardly from respectively distal end portions  28  and  29  of bars  24  and  25 . Proximal end portions  26  and  27  may either be integrally attached to bars  19  or  20  or may be fastened thereto by conventional clamping fasteners.  
         [0027]     Handlebars  19  and  20  are the conventional handlebars provided on a bicycle. The end portions may be provided with cushioned grips to grab when mounting the bicycle and for use in tricky or difficult conditions requiring more stability. When the distal ends of bars  19  and  20  are gripped, the hands of the bicyclist are located far apart allowing greater control of stem  17  and wheel  12 . Handlebars  19  and  20  are particularly useful when negotiating traffic or over difficult rocky terrain.  
         [0028]     Head support  40  ( FIG. 6 ) is cantileverly mounted to center portion  30  of bars  24  and  25  by bracket  41  having one end attached to center portion  30  and the opposite end of bracket  41  attached to head support  40 . Head support  40  has a rectangular shaped block configured main body  95  with a distal end  42  and a foam cushion  43  secured to the upper horizontally extending surface of end  42 . Cushion  43  is positioned approximately over bars  19 ,  20 ,  22 , and  23  thereby allowing the bicyclist to rest his or her chin thereon as handles  31  and  32  are gripped with the forearms resting on portions  37  and  44  of bars  24  and  25  and the elbows resting on bars  22  and  23 . Head support  40  is thereby located between the arm receiving portions  37  and  44  of bars  24  and  25 . Further construction details concerning handlebar construction  18  and head support  40  is disclosed in my U.S. Pat. No. 6,564,673 which is hereby incorporated by reference.  
         [0029]     Cell phone holder  50  is mounted atop head support  40 , in turn, secured by bracket  41  to center portion  30 . Holder  50  ( FIG. 4 ) includes a center socket  51 , a left side socket  52  and a right side socket  53  for releasably holding a cell phone. Thus, as the bicyclist rests his or her chin atop holder  50 , the cell phone will be positioned either immediately in front of the bicyclist or to the side of the left ear or right ear of the bicyclist.  
         [0030]     Holder  50  includes a cushion  54  ( FIGS. 5 and 6 ) which extends across the length and width of the rectangular shaped block configured main body  95  of the head support  40  and also across the length and width of the foam cushion  43  secured to the upper horizontally extending edge portion  42  of the main body  95 . Bracket  41  ( FIG. 3 ) is attached to main body  95  and then is secured to center portion  30  by conventional means. Cushion  54  extends past the proximal end  55  ( FIG. 6 ) of main body  95  with end  56  of the cushion extending over and forward of center portion  30 . Likewise, the end portion  57  of cushion  54  extends over and rearwardly of cushion  43 . Cushion  54  may be produced from a variety of materials, including synthetic rubberized material enclosed in a suitable cloth. For example, the cloth may be synthetic and produced in such a manner that the cloth is both washable and immune to ultraviolet radiation resulting from the bicycle being in the sun for long periods of time.  
         [0031]     Cushion  54  may be mounted to headrest main body  95  by a variety of means including a strap  58  that extends over and across cushion  54  and then to the side and beneath the main body  95 . For example, a strap may be utilized having opposite ends with conventional fastening means whereby the opposite ends of the strap may be releasably secured together allowing for the removal and installation of the cushion. Strap  58  is located between the center socket  51  and the two side sockets  52  and  53 . A pair of slots  59  and  60  extend through cushion  54  and main body  95  to allow strap  58  to extend through both slots to the bottom side of main body  95  where the opposite ends of the strap are fixed together.  
         [0032]     A hard or rigid plastic cover  61  extends over and atop cushion  54  surrounding center socket  51 . Cover  61  may be produced from relatively rigid sheet material thereby adding rigidity to the forward portion of the cushion. Cover  61  has a forward edge  62  ( FIG. 6 ) located approximately over the proximal end  55  of main body  95  with the rear edge portion  63  of cover  61  located between strap  58  and cushion  54 . Portion  63  of the cover is located forward of the left and right ear sockets  52  and  53 . The side portions  64  and  65  ( FIG. 5 ) of cover  61  extend approximately to the side edges of main body  95  ( FIG. 5 ). The edge portions of the cover including the front edge portion  62 , the rear portion  63  and side portions  64  and  65  may have a decreased thickness with a plurality of holes extending therethrough to enable the cover to be stitched to cushion  54 .  
         [0033]     A pair of straps  75  and  76  ( FIG. 4 ) have proximal ends  77  ( FIG. 3 ) fixedly attached to cushion  54  and extend forwardly around handles  31  and  32 . The distal ends  78  of each strap  75  and  76  meet forwardly of handles  31  and  32  and have mating fastening means thereon to secure ends  78  together thereby securing the cell phone holder to handles  31  and  32 .  
         [0034]     Cover  61  includes a hole  66  ( FIG. 5 ) defining the entrance for cell phone socket  51 . A rubber sleeve  67  surrounds the socket and defines a hole  68  into which the cell phone may be inserted. The front wall  69  and back wall  70  of sleeve  67  ( FIG. 6 ) converge at the bottom of hole  68  providing a general decreasing taper to the socket thereby allowing the front wall  69  and back wall  70  of the sleeve to grip the cell phone as it is inserted downwardly into the socket. The sidewalls  71  and  72  of the sleeve may either be parallel or converge in a manner similar to walls  69  and  70 . The tapered socket allows for different size cell phones to be inserted into the socket. Further, thin cell phones will lean toward the front of the bicycle whereas a relatively thick phone will stand upright in the socket. Cushion  54  is provided with a suitable cavity to receive sleeve  67 .  
         [0035]     The left ear socket  52  and right ear socket  53  are formed in an identically constructed left ear cell phone holder  80  and right ear cell phone holder  81 . Holder  80  will now be described it being understood that an identical description applies to holder  81 . Holder  80  includes a pair of spacers  82  and  83  ( FIG. 8 ) fixedly mounted to headrest main body  95  by a pair of conventional fastening devices  93 . A plastic plate  84  is positioned between the heads of fasteners  93  and the outer ends of spacers  82  and  83 . A cloth fabric  85  extends around the spacers and includes an opening  86  through which a cell phone may be inserted. Fabric  85  extends across the bottom of the spacers thereby providing a cell phone pocket into which the cell phone may be inserted via opening  86 . The spacing or distance  90  ( FIG. 8 ) between plate  84  and headrest main body  95  is selected to allow a slight interference fit with respect to the thickness of the cell phone as the cell phone is inserted into the socket. Thus, depending upon the thickness of the cell phone, fasteners  93  may be removed allowing for different lengths of spacers  82  and  83  to accurately control distance  90 . Distance  90  should be approximately equal to or slightly greater than the thickness of the cell phone.  
         [0036]     The cell phone holder disclosed herein provides for hand-free listening and talking while riding utilizing the headrest. The side cell phone holders support the phone close to the ear and mouth while the center cell phone holder enables the bicyclist to focus on the road ahead while dialing a phone number.  
         [0037]     The prior art devices that mount phones to bicycles do not adequately locate the phone near the bicyclist. In noisy environments it becomes difficult to carry on a conversation. Further, those prior art devices utilizing pouches are not sufficiently firm for holding the phone when the key buttons are depressed. In the case of rainy conditions, the cell phone must be removed quickly from the headrest and enclosed in a container. The headrest mount disclosed herein solves all of these problems. A particular advantage of my holder is that due to the proximity of the cell phone to the ear, relatively small batteries may be utilized.  
         [0038]     The flexible soft cushion  54  is particularly advantageous in that accidental impact by the head of the bicyclist with the cushion absorbs force of the impact. Likewise, the relatively rigid and thin hard cover  61  extending over the front portion of the cushion maintains the configuration and mounting of the cushion.  
         [0039]     While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiment has been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected.