Abstract:
In accordance with one embodiment, an adjustable accessory mount mechanism uses two arms, a mount, and two attachment connections to the support structure. The arms are pivotably connected at the mount itself and at their attachments to the support structure. This arrangement produces an adjustable triangulated mechanism with the mount at one vertex and the existing support structure as one side of the triangle. The mount can be perpendicular or parallel to the support structure. The arms may be curved or otherwise shaped to avoid other objects. The accessory mount both spreads the load on the support structure and provides an inherently strong triangulated structure for mounting the object or accessory.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    Not Applicable 
       FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH 
       [0002]    Not Applicable 
       SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM 
       [0003]    Not Applicable 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0004]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0005]    This invention generally relates to facilitating the attachment of useful things to various objects, specifically to the mounting of accessories such as lights and cycle-computers to bicycles. 
         [0006]    2. Prior Art 
         [0007]    Accessories can add enjoyment and important capabilities to bicycles, tricycles, motorcycles, and all terrain vehicles. Accessories such as lights, cycle-computers, global positioning system receivers, radios, article holders, and the like are often very desirable additions. Most accessories for such vehicles are designed to mount onto the vehicles using a clamp or a tab. If a clamp, the clamp is usually designed to attach to a cylindrical support structure on the vehicle. This is due to the fact that round tubular structures have often been common on such vehicles. The other common mounting method for accessories is a simple tab with a hole in it. This allows the accessory to be mounted to another hole on the vehicle, often using a simple bolt or other fastener. 
         [0008]    As the variety in types and methods of construction of such vehicles has expanded, it has become more difficult to attach accessories. For example, recumbent bicycles and tricycles often do not have places things like lights and cycle-computers may easily be mounted. The sizes, locations, and angles of any available support structure may not be suitable for existing mounts. Single purpose, fixed accessory mounts made for upright diamond frame bicycles are often unusable. Similarly, bicycles made of carbon fiber and other new materials often have unusual sizes and shapes, and they may not have standard sized round tubes where needed. An accessory mount that can only attach to particular sizes of round tubes has limited application. 
         [0009]    Further, an accessory mount that cannot be adjusted has limited usefulness. It is often desirable to position the accessory at a specific position relative to an available support structure on the bicycle. An example would be positioning a light on the front of a bicycle so that it is not obscured by cables. If the accessory mount is fixed, or not sufficiently adjustable, it may impossible to position the accessory in the desired location. This is especially true for bikes and trikes outside the traditional mainstream designs. 
         [0010]    What is needed is a more versatile accessory mount, one that can be attached to many support structures and is adjustable over a wide range. Further, for applications on human powered vehicles, such an accessory mount should be inherently strong and light. 
       Prior Art Category 1 
       [0011]    A first type of prior art accessory mount has an arm with two ends. One end of the arm is attached to the support structure, and there is a mount for the accessory on the other end of the arm.  FIG. 1A  shows a generic accessory mount of this type. 
         [0012]    An arm  100  is shown with an attachment end  101  and an accessory mounting end  104 . A clamp consisting of groove  102 , clamp bar  106 , and fasteners  108  allows the arm to be attached to a cylindrical support structure (not shown). Such support structure may be a part of a bicycle, tricycle, or other object. The clamp shown is only a sample of the many attachment methods that may be employed. Other types of clamps, as well as simple fasteners, may be employed. 
         [0013]    At the other end of arm  100 , a mount  110  and fastener  112  are provided for mounting the accessory. Again, the mount and fastener shown are merely representative, and are only two of the most common ways of doing it. For example, mount  110  may be integrally formed on arm  100  and fastener  112  is not required. Alternatively, mount  110  is not needed, and the accessory is mounted directly on fastener  112 . 
         [0014]    The arm  100  may come in many sizes and shapes. For instance, it may be long, short, L shaped, etc. The important aspect of the accessory mounts of this type is that there is some way of attaching the arm that is at a fixed distance from place the accessory is mounted. More than one arm  100  may be used in parallel to support mount  110 , but if the arms are the same, they share the same limitations on attaching and positioning. 
         [0015]    Examples of accessory mounts in this category include U.S. Pat. No. 1,069,160 to Meltz (1913), U.S. Pat. No. 1,660,131 to Lenfers (1928), and U.S. Pat. No. 6,293,449 to McGuire et al (2001). In the accessory mount of Meltz, a clamp attaches to a handlebar. An L shaped arm is attached to the clamp, and the accessory is attached to the other end of the arm. In the accessory mount of Lenfers, a pair of identical arms has clamps at each end. One of the ends of the arms clamp to a handlebar, while the other ends of the arms clamp to a cylindrical mount. In this way, the mount is parallel to and offset from the handlebar. In the accessory mount of McGuire et al, a band clamp attaches one end of an arm to a handlebar. The other end of the arm has a threaded post for the attachment of a camera. 
         [0016]    The accessory mounts in this category have limited applicability because of their fixed nature. There are many instances where it is desired to position the accessory at some location other than that provided by the particular length of the accessory mount arm. If the support structure is cylindrical, the accessory mounts in this category may be rotated around it, but this angular positioning is often insufficient. What is needed is an accessory mount that provides a wider range of mount locations relative to the support structure. 
         [0017]    Further, if the attachment clamp is integral to the arm  100 , the available support structure must be of a compatible size and shape. Otherwise, it may not be possible to attach the arm  100  to the particular support structure. When bicycles and other vehicles were made of round tubes in standard sizes, integral clamps were a useful simplification. As the sizes and shapes of support structures have proliferated, integral clamps and attachments often render an accessory mount unusable. What is needed are several kinds of attachment clamps that may be provided separately from the arm, in order to provide more ways of attaching an accessory mount to a variety of support structures. 
       Prior Art Category 2 
       [0018]    Another class of accessory mounts is distinguished by having the mount for the accessory immediately connected to the attachment mechanism. Typically, they consist of a clamp with a mount on one side.  FIG. 1B  shows a generic example. A clamp  113  consisting of groove  102 , clamp bar  106 , and fasteners  108  allows the mount  114  to be attached to a cylindrical support structure (not shown). The clamp shown is only a sample of the many attachment methods that may be employed. A common alternative attachment clamp for this type of accessory mount is a band clamp. 
         [0019]    Similarly, accessory mount  114  is a generic representation, and other mounts may be substituted, such as a threaded fastener. U.S. Pat. No. 4,998,652 to Champagne (1991) shows a circular clamshell type of clamp with perpendicular threaded holes for mounting an accessory, in this case a water bottle holder. U.S. Pat. No. 6,926,242 to Hall (2005) shows another clamshell type clamp with a perpendicular externally threaded mount. 
         [0020]    The accessory mounts in this category are very simple, but are useful only in certain situations. The accessory may only be mounted perpendicular and close to one side of the support structure. It is often desirable to mount an accessory in line with the support structure, and not off to one side. What is needed is an accessory mount that can provide a perpendicular mount at a variety of positions relative to the support structure, from in line to off to one side. 
       Prior Art Category 3 
       [0021]    The accessory mounts in this category include basic adjustability. A generic example is shown in  FIG. 1C . An attachment clamp  115  with groove  102 , clamp bar  106 , and fasteners  108  attaches to the support structure. An arm  116  with hinges  120  at each end connects attachment clamp  115  to a mount  118 . Angles of hinges  120  are controlled by fasteners  122 . In most cases, hinges  120  are simple friction hinges, but other forms may be used, including locking hinges with serrated teeth. The important distinction in this category is that there is pivoting adjustability at either or both of the attachment clamp end and the mount end of the arm. 
         [0022]    An example of an accessory mount in this category is the “Swing Grip SG-200” by Minoura Co., Ltd of Gifu, Japan. This accessory mount has a band clamp type attachment clamp, an arm hinged at the attachment clamp end, and a cylindrical mount at the other end of the arm. The arm attaches to the cylindrical mount at the middle of the longitudinal side of the mount, making a T shaped arrangement. The mount may be pivotally adjusted about the hinge at the attachment clamp. The position of the mount may be adjusted, but only along an arc with its center at the axis of the hinge and the radius the length of the arm. What is needed is an accessory mount that provides a wider range of positional adjustment. 
         [0023]    Since the arm attaches at the middle of the middle of the mount, and the arm is attached in line with the central axis of the attachment clamp, it is not possible to mount an accessory in line with the central axis of the support structure. Any accessory on such an accessory mount will be off to one side. This is undesirable if you would like the accessory mounted in line with the support structure. On bicycles, in many instances, it is most desirable to mount the accessory in line with a derailleur post, stem, or other support structure. If the accessory is mounted off to one side, it may interfere with other objects or with parts of the operator&#39;s body. What is needed is an accessory mount that allows the accessory to be mounted in line with the support structure and not necessarily off to one side. 
         [0024]    Since mount  118  is basically attached by a lever to the attachment clamp, the hinge at the attachment clamp must be made very strong to withstand the rotational forces at the hinge. If the accessory is heavy, or the arm  116  is long, the accessory mount may droop and go out of adjustment. This is especially true if the vehicle is used in bumpy conditions. Strengthening the hinge against such forces is costly and difficult. Also, since the accessory mount uses a single attachment clamp, the forces applied to the support structure can be high. 
         [0025]    What is needed is an accessory mount that is adjustable, yet inherently strong in supporting loads in bumpy conditions. It is further desirable to reduce the load forces at the attachment clamp so as to reduce the possibility of damage to the support structure. 
       Prior Art Category 4 
       [0026]    The accessory mounts in this category are similar to those in Category 3, but provide ball and socket joints for increased adjustability. Examples include those in U.S. Pat. No. 5,845,885 to Carnevali (1998). The accessory mount of Carnevali shows a base with a ball. An arm connects to this ball at one end and to another similar ball at the other end. The second ball is connected to a mount to which an accessory is attached. The arm may be adjusted and clamped in a variety of positions. 
         [0027]    While the accessory mounts in this category offer good adjustability, the strength needed to hold an accessory in place tends to make the accessory mount heavy. The friction required by ball and socket joints requires additional strength and additional weight. In many situations, the extreme adjustability of the ball and socket joint is not required, and a lighter, simpler way of adjusting would be preferred. 
         [0028]    Additionally, due to the leverage of the arm, the loads introduced by the attachment clamp on the support structure may be very high. What is needed is an adjustable accessory mount that reduces the loads imparted on the support structure. 
       Prior Art Category 5 
       [0029]    The accessory mounts in this category have multiple pivots. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,487,497 to Kwiatkowski (1996) shows an accessory mount with multiple slotted plates that may be pivoted as well as slidably adjusted. A central support bar has slots at each end. A pair of slotted suspension bars are bolted to the ends of the support bar via the slots, creating a pivoting double slotted connection at each end. A pair of attachment clamps are each bolted to the other ends of the slotted suspension bars, creating another pair of pivoting slotted connections. The attachment clamps are affixed to a bicycle handlebar. 
         [0030]    This arrangement creates an adjustable accessory mount, but the multiple pivots create a trapezoidal structure that is dependent on the friction in the pivotable sliding connections to maintain its shape. What is needed is an accessory mount that has an inherently stable shape. 
         [0031]    This accessory mount is also essentially planar. There is no depth or triangulation in the direction the pivot axes. To make this accessory mount rigid in the direction of the pivot axes, the suspension arms and central support bar would have to be made very stiff. This would be difficult to do without adding weight and expense. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0032]    In accordance with one embodiment, an adjustable accessory mount uses two arms with separate attachment clamps. The arms are pivotably connected at the mount element itself. This arrangement produces an adjustable triangulated structure with the existing support structure as one side of the triangle. The accessory mount both spreads the load on the support structure and provides an inherently strong triangulated structure for mounting the accessory. 
     
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
       Figures 
         [0033]      FIG. 1A  shows a prior art accessory mount having a fixed arm. 
           [0034]      FIG. 1B  shows a prior art accessory mount having a directly attached mount. 
           [0035]      FIG. 1C  shows a prior art accessory mount with a movable arm. 
           [0036]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0037]      FIG. 3A  is a side view of one embodiment, with an example of the adjustability. 
           [0038]      FIG. 3B  is a side view of a telescoping arm. 
           [0039]      FIG. 4  is a side view demonstrating how the accessory mount clears other objects. 
           [0040]      FIG. 5  is a side view showing an alternative attachment. 
           [0041]      FIG. 6A  is a cross sectional view of  FIG. 3A , taken on section line  3 - 3 . 
           [0042]      FIG. 6B  is a cross sectional view of an alternative embodiment showing mount extensions. 
           [0043]      FIG. 6C  is a cross sectional view of an alternative embodiment showing a different type of mount. 
           [0044]      FIG. 7  shows an alternative embodiment with the mount parallel to the support structure. 
       
    
    
     DRAWINGS 
     Reference Numerals 
       [0000]    
       
         
           
               100  Arm 
               101  Clamp End 
               102  Clamp Opening 
               104  Mount End 
               106  Clamp Bar 
               108  Clamp Bolts 
               110  Mount 
               112  Mounting Bolt 
               113  Clamp 
               114  Directly Attached Mount 
               115  Clamp 
               116  Pivotably Attached Arm 
               118  Mount 
               120  Friction Hinge 
               122  Fasteners 
               200  Mount 
               202  Upper Arm 
               204  Lower Arm 
               206  Attachment Clamp 
               208  Support Structure 
               210  Clamp Fastener 
               212  Spacer 
               214  Threaded Ear 
               215  Ear 
               216  Gap 
               218  Groove 
               219  Locating Ring 
               220  Mount Fastener 
               300  Telescoping Arm Assembly 
               301  Mount Arm 
               302  Hole 
               304  Slotted Arm 
               306  Slot 
               308  Control Fasteners 
               310  Attachment/Pivot Hole 
               400 A Curved arm 
               400 B Curved arm 
               404  Support Structure 
               406  Accessory 
               408  Accessory Mounting Clamp 
               410  Interfering Feature 
               412  Concave Side 
               414  Clearance 
               416  Frame Member 
               418  Bottom Bracket Shell 
               420  Convex Side 
               422  Clearance 
               500  Lower Arm 
               502  Upper Arm 
               504  Fork Blade 
               506  Dropout Plate 
               508  Axle Slot 
               510  Mounting Tab 
               512  Fastener 
               600  Coupler Nut 
               602  Clearance 
               604  Extension Mount 
               606  Cap 
               608  Spacer 
               610  Mounting Tab 
               700  Block 
               702  Arm Attachment Fastener 
               704  Mount 
           
         
       
     
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     First Embodiment 
     FIG.  2   
       [0108]    One embodiment of an adjustable mechanism for the mounting of an object to support structure, or accessory mount, is illustrated in  FIG. 2 . Attachment clamps  206  grip support structure  208 . Fasteners  210  and spacers  212  pivotably connect first ends of arms  202  and  204  to the attachment clamps  206 . Second ends of arms  202  and  204  are pivotably connected to opposite ends of cylindrical mount  200  and held by mount fastener  220 . In this way, a triangular structure is formed extending from the support structure, with the first corner of the triangle being the longitudinal axis of mount fastener  220 , and the second and third corners being the longitudinal axes of clamp fasteners  210 . Arms  202  and  204  are essentially link arms in two sides of a triangular adjustable linked mechanism, with the support structure being the third side of the triangle. Pivotable joints between the elements allows the triangle to be adjusted when either of the attachment clamps is moved. The pivot points are at the centers of the fastener holes in arms  202  and  204 . 
         [0109]    In this embodiment, attachment clamps  206  shown are of the flexible band type clamp. The C shaped clamp wraps around the support structure, with protruding ears  214  and  215  at each end. The ears are separated by a gap  216 . Clamp fastener  210  serves to pull the ears together and cause the clamp to grip the support structure. In this embodiment, the clamp shown is of the common type where fastener  210  is a threaded bolt, ear  215  has a hole for passage of fastener  210 , and threaded ear  214  threadably receives the other end of fastener  210 . 
         [0110]    In this embodiment, mount  200  is a hollow cylindrical tube. The ends of mount  200  are captured by locating rings  219  which are formed by grooves  218  in arms  202  and  204 . The indexing or locating rings  219  are present on both sides of the mount ends of arms  202  and  204 . Only one of the two locating rings in arm  202  is shown in this perspective view. The locating rings ensure the mount  200  stays in position relative to the arms. 
         [0111]    In this embodiment, mount  200  is perpendicular to support structure  208 . It is often desirable to have a mount perpendicular to the support structure, for instance, a horizontal mount on a vertical tube. Many accessories for bicycles, motorcycles, etc. are made for mounting to the handlebars, which are generally horizontal. Since space is often limited on handlebars, a mount which provides additional horizontal space is desirable. A mount which can convert an unused vertical support structure into a horizontal mount is beneficial. There are of course other instances where it is desired to convert a horizontal support structure to a vertical one. With this embodiment, it is a simple matter to do so. 
       Operation 
     First Embodiment 
     FIG.  2   
       [0112]    To install the accessory mount of  FIG. 2 , attachment clamps  206  are first placed on the support structure. The attachment clamp ends of arms  202  and  204  are then connected to the clamps using fasteners  210  and spacers  212 . The mount is adjusted by moving or sliding the clamps  206  closer together or further apart on the support structure as the arms pivot about the mount. This changes the triangle formed by the longitudinal axes of mount  200  and the clamp fasteners  210 . Once the accessory mount has been adjusted to position the mount where desired, the fasteners are tightened, fixing the triangle and making the accessory mount rigid. 
         [0113]    In operation, forces applied to mount  200  by the accessory are transferred to arms  202  and  204  and thence to clamps  206 . Since the vertical structure is that of a triangle, vertical loads on mount  200  will put the arms  202  and  204  primarily in tension and compression, not bending. This allows the arms to be made lighter and more simply than other mounts using a single arm and a single attachment clamp. Further, the forces applied to the support structure will be lower, as the moment forces are greatly decreased as compared to a mount with a single clamp. 
         [0114]    The pivot points of arms  202  and  204  are shown near their ends, but this is not a requirement. Arms  202  and  204  could extend past the pivot points in various ways if needed without affecting the essential linkage nature of the accessory mount. 
         [0115]    The ability to readily substitute a different method of attachment is a desirable feature of this accessory mount. Separating the attaching/clamping function from the arms enables a wide variety of readily available clamps to be employed. It also allows different types of clamps to be used for each arm, according to the requirements of the support structure. Other types of clamps and other methods of attachment to the support structure may readily be substituted without changing the operation of the accessory mount. 
         [0116]    Alternatively, mount  200  could be made of a solid cylinder with a lengthwise hole for passage of mount fastener  220 . In this configuration, fastener  220  would serve to ensure mount  200  stays in position relative to the arms, and grooves  218  would not be needed. In typical use, mount fastener  220  would be a threaded bolt with a nut or other way of threadably tensioning the far side of arm  204 , but other configurations would work as well, for instance, if both ends of the solid mount had threaded holes to receive bolts. 
         [0117]    If needed, the mounting surface of mount  200  can be modified to be a better place to mount various accessories. For instance, grooves or ridges may be added to keep elastic bands in place for those accessories that are held on by elastic straps or bands. 
         [0118]    Spacers  212  are shown sized to match the length of mount  200  with the width of the ears of attachment clamps  206 . The spacers may be single piece, multiple piece, or of different lengths. All that is required is that they allow the attachment ends of the arms to be spaced apart as needed. By making them different lengths, mount  200  may be moved from side to side relative to the support structure  208 . 
         [0119]    The connecting pivot axis of the mount ends of arms  202  and  204  of  FIG. 2  is shown as concentric with both the mount  200  and the mount fastener  220 . This provides a number of conveniences, but is not required. 
         [0120]    Support structure  208  is shown as a simple cylinder with constant radius. It is not a requirement that it is cylindrical or that the radius is constant. All that is required is that suitable clamps  206  be provided to attach where needed. Support structure  208  could be L shaped, for example, with one clamp  206  on the upright part of the L and the other clamp  206  on the horizontal part of the L. 
         [0121]    Support structure  208  is also shown as smooth and free of other attached objects. Because the clamps  206  may be spaced apart from each other, it is possible to span another object on support structure  208  by putting one clamp  206  on one side of it, and the second clamp  206  on the other side of it. Since each the clamps  206  do not have to be made to carry the full load of the accessory mount, they can be made smaller and narrower, to fit in places other accessory mount attachment clamps might not. 
         [0122]    Arms  202  and  204  as shown are made of a flat material but can be made in many shapes and cross sections. Contact between the ends of mount  200  and the faces of arms  202  and  204  serves to stiffen and stabilize the accessory mount against side to side and twisting forces. The width and height of the contact reduces stresses on the arms. The length of mount  200  spaces the arms apart, giving the accessory mount a wider stance and making it stiffer than it would be if the arms  202  and  204  were in the same plane. 
         [0123]    Clamps  206  control the spacing of the triangle formed by this accessory mount. Since many types of clamps are strongly resistant to slipping, it is easy to make the triangle rigid. Friction developed by the connection of mount  200  to arms  202  and  204  serves to increase the rigidity of the triangle as well. In the accessory mount of Kwiatkowski, the rigidity of its trapezoidal structure is determined only by the friction of the pivots. 
         [0124]    Mount  200  also serves to stiffen arms  202  and  204  against twisting. The circular connecting surfaces at the ends of mount  200  are broad and spaced at a distance from fastener  220 , providing bracing for the arms. If additional resistance to twisting is required, an additional arm  202  or  204  may be attached in parallel on the opposite side of mount  200 . In the configuration shown, the additional arm would then pivot on fastener  220 . The other end of the additional arm could be attached to ear  214  of the matching clamp  206  with an additional spacer  212  on an extended clamp fastener  210 . A threaded nut could then be used to secure the attachment end of the additional arm to the clamp. With the restricted forces on arms  202  and  204 , they can be made simply and economically. Additional arms can be provided at low cost. 
       Description and Operation 
     Alternative Embodiment 
     FIGS.  3 A and  3 B 
       [0125]      FIG. 3A  shows another embodiment of the accessory mount demonstrating additional adjustment. In this embodiment, attachment clamp  206 A and clamp fastener  210  serve to attach arm  204 A to one side of support structure  208 . Arm  202 A is similarly attached to clamp  206 B, but on the opposite side of support structure  208 . In other respects, the accessory mount of  FIG. 3A  is similar to the accessory mount of  FIG. 2 . Arms  202 A and  204 A are connected to Mount  200  and held by mount fastener  220 . Grooves  218  formed in the mount ends of the arms create locating rings  219  to capture circular ends of hollow cylindrical mount  200 . 
         [0126]    This alternative attachment clamp arrangement provides additional triangulation possibilities, which provides an additional range of adjustments as compared to the configuration of  FIG. 2 . No new parts are required, they are just arranged differently. In  FIG. 2 , both arms attach on the same side of the support structure. In  FIG. 3 , the arms are attached on opposite sides of the support structure. It is also possible to attach both arms on one side of the support structure, and put the mount on the opposite side of the support structure. This creates a third set of adjustment possibilities. 
         [0127]      FIG. 3A  also demonstrates how changing the positions of the attachment clamps changes the triangulation and the subsequent repositioning of the mount. As the attachment clamp  206 B is moved to the position indicted by clamp  206 C, arm  204 A moves to position  204 B, arm  202 A moves to  202 B, and mount  200  moves to  200 A. 
         [0128]    The view along Section line  3 - 3  is shown in  FIG. 6A . 
         [0129]      FIG. 3B  shows another alternative way of providing adjustment. Telescoping arm assembly  300  consists of slotted arm  304  with attachment/pivot hole  310  and slot  306 . Mount arm  301  is slidably attached to slotted arm  304  via control fasteners  308 . Control fasteners  308  pass through slot  306  and are threadably attached to mount arm  301 . Hole  302 , groove  218 , and locating ring  219  serve to connect arm  301  to a mount as in  FIGS. 2 and 3A . 
         [0130]    In operation, the distance between the pivot point at the center of locating ring  219  and the center of attachment/pivot hole  310  may be varied by sliding slotted arm  304  relative to mount arm  301 . When the desired distance has been achieved, control fasteners  308  are tightened, preventing further sliding and making the arm rigid. Such a telescoping arm, in combination with the mounts of  FIGS. 2 and 3A , creates significant additional positional adjustment possibilities. The telescoping mechanism shown in  FIG. 3B  is representative, and many other telescoping methods could also be employed. For instance, an array of holes could be used, or one part of the arm could slide inside the other. 
         [0131]    A telescoping arm functionally equivalent to the arm of  FIG. 3B  may of course be substituted for any of the arms shown in  FIGS. 2 ,  3 A,  4 ,  5 ,  6 A,  6 B,  6 C, and  7  to expand the adjustment range of the mount. 
       Description and Operation 
     Alternative Embodiment 
     FIG.  4   
       [0132]      FIG. 4  is a side view of an alternative embodiment where arms  400 A and  400 B are curved or shaped to avoid obstacles. The accessory mount of  FIG. 4  is similar in construction and operation to the mounts of  FIGS. 2 and 3A  and includes a mount  200  disposed between arms  400 A and  400 B in an analogous fashion to the way mount  200  is disposed between arms  202  and  204  in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0133]    In this embodiment, curved arm  400 A is attached to support structure  404  via attachment clamp  206  and clamp fastener  210 . Curved arm  400 B is similarly attached to the support structure via a second clamp  206 . Curved arms  400 A and  400 B are identical except for their orientation. A light or other accessory  406  is attached via accessory mounting clamp  408  to the hollow cylindrical mount connecting arms  400 A and  400 B. The hollow cylindrical mount is held in place by locating rings  219  formed by grooves  218  in both sides of flat faces of arms  400 A and  400 B. Curved arms  400 A and  400 B have concave sides  412  and convex sides  420 . 
         [0134]    Support structure  404  is part of a recumbent bicycle with frame member  416  connected to bottom bracket shell  418  and support structure  404 .  FIG. 4  is representative of interference issues encountered when mounting accessories to various vehicles and structures. 
         [0135]    Accessory  406  has an interfering feature  410  which protrudes towards arm  400 B. Arm  400 B has concave side  412  and convex side  420 . To create clearance  414 , arm  400 B is configured with concave side  412  facing upwards towards accessory  406 . To create clearance  422  between bottom bracket shell  418  and arm  400 A, arm  400 A is configured with concave side  412  facing downwards. Because locating rings  219  are formed in both sides of arms  400 A and  400 B, either arm may be flipped and used in either configuration as needed. This adds to the versatility of the accessory mount and enables it to be used in more situations. Curved arms provide similar benefits in the embodiments of  FIGS. 2 ,  3 A,  3 B,  5 ,  6 A,  6 B,  6 C, and  7 . Of course, different curved shapes, including multiple curves, may be employed as needed. 
         [0136]      FIG. 4  also further demonstrates the triangulation inherent in the mount. Even though accessory  406  is some distance from the attachment clamps  206  due to the length of arms  400 A and  400 B, the distance between clamp fasteners  210  is sufficient to create a sturdy triangle. 
       Description and Operation 
     Alternative Embodiment 
     FIG.  5   
       [0137]    The embodiment of  FIG. 5  demonstrates an alternative attachment and shows fixed length arms of different lengths. In this embodiment, attachment clamp  206  and clamp fastener  210  serve to attach upper arm  502  to a bicycle fork blade  504 . A dropout  506  with axle slot  508  and mounting tab  510  is affixed to the lower end of the fork blade. Such mounting tabs are commonly supplied for the attachment of fenders. Lower arm  500  is attached to mounting tab  510  with a fastener  512 . Arms  500  and  502  are similar to those described previously, and show a locating ring  219  formed by a groove  218  on the flat face of arm  500 . The mount  200  connects the arms. The arms are held to the mount by fastener  220  as described in  FIG. 2 . This embodiment demonstrates an alternative way of attaching the mount to a support structure, and further shows how fixed length arms of different sizes may be employed. Since mounting tab  510  is fixed to fork blade  504  and cannot move, the strength requirements of clamp  206  are reduced. 
       Description and Operation 
     Alternative Embodiments 
     FIGS.  6 A,  6 B, and  6 C 
       [0138]      FIG. 6A  is a cross sectional view of the embodiment of  FIG. 3A  taken along section line  3 - 3 . It demonstrates one way of holding mount  200  and arms  202  and  204  together. Clamps  206  are shown stacked on support structure  208 . Fasteners  210  hold ends of arms  202  and  204  to clamp ears  215  via spacers  212 . Fasteners  210  further tension clamps  206  via ears  214 . Gap  216  between ears  215  and  214  gets smaller as clamps  206  are tensioned. 
         [0139]    Arms  202  and  204  extend to hollow cylindrical mount  200 . Grooves  218  formed in the faces of arms  202  and  204  create locating rings  219  which interface with the interior of mount  200 . Fasteners  220  pass through arms  202  and  204  and are connected via a coupler nut  600 . 
         [0140]      FIG. 6A  also shows how a clearance  602  may be provided for passage of an arm past clamp  206  or other protrusion on support structure  208 . By arranging the length of mount  200  and the lengths of spacers  212 , the arms can be made to clear various obstacles. 
         [0141]    Alternatively, the coupler nut and one of the mount fasteners  220  could be eliminated, and the remaining fastener  220  extended to pass through arm  202 , mount  200 , and arm  204 . A threaded nut could complete the tensioning function against arm  204 . The coupler nut method shown is beneficial, as it does not require an additional tool to operate the mount. The same tool can operate both fasteners  220  when the coupler nut  600  is used. Other alternatives to coupler nut  600  include putting a pair of star nuts inside mount  200  or making mount  200  from a solid material with threaded holes in each end. 
         [0142]      FIG. 6B  shows an alternative embodiment of the mount of  FIG. 6A . An extension mount  604  is attached to arm  202  via an end cap  606  and mount fastener  220 . The extension mount is similar in construction to mount  200  and is captured by locating ring  219  on the outer face of arm  202 . Cap  606  is disk shaped and has a groove around it&#39;s periphery to create a locating ring  219  similar to the locating rings on the arms. In other respects, the mount of  FIG. 6B  functions similarly to the mount of  FIG. 6A . Elements numbered  204 ,  206 ,  208 ,  210 ,  212 ,  214 ,  215 ,  216 ,  218 ,  600 , and  602  are the same as those of  FIG. 6A . 
         [0143]    Extension mount  604  could also be constructed from a solid material with a hole through it for fastener  220 . In this case, end cap  606  would not be required. If desired, a second extension mount could be attached to the other side, on the outside of arm  204 . Extension mount  604  is shown as being shorter than mount  200 , but it can be of any length. If it is the same length as mount  200 , it can even be the same part. 
         [0144]      FIG. 6C  shows a cross section of another alternative embodiment. In this embodiment, a mounting tab or arm  610  from an accessory extends inside mount arms  202  and  204 . Mount fastener  612  passes through arm  202 , upper spacer  608 , mounting tab  610 , lower spacer  608 , and through arm  204 . Threaded nut  614  allows fastener  612  to squeeze everything together and hold the accessory via tab  610 . In this configuration, fastener  612  serves as the locating part of the mount, and spacers  608  serve as the anti rotation part of the mount. The ends of spacers  608  have surfaces that connect to and space apart arms  202  and  204 . The remainder of this embodiment is similar to the embodiments of  FIGS. 6A and 6B . Elements numbered  206 ,  208 ,  210 ,  212 ,  214 ,  215 ,  216 ,  218 ,  219 , and  602  are the same as those of  FIG. 6A . 
         [0145]    Of course, the features provided on arms  202  and  204  for locating a hollow cylindrical style mount are not required for this embodiment, but they do not cause problems if present. This allows one type of arm to suffice for use with more than one type of mount. Also, mounting tab  610  may be placed on the outside of arms  202  or  204 , and spacers  608  can be of different lengths without changing the essential nature of the embodiment. 
       Description 
     Alternative Embodiment 
     FIG.  7   
       [0146]    The embodiment of  FIG. 7  shows an accessory mount with the mount element parallel to the support structure. By adding cross drilled blocks  700  between the attachment lamps  206  and the arms  202  and  204 , the arms are turned perpendicular to support structure  208 . Arm attachment fasteners  702  provide pivoting attachment of the arms to blocks  700 . Mount  704  connects the other ends of the arms in a similar manner to mount  200  of  FIG. 2 . Since mount  704  is perpendicular to the arms, it is parallel to the support structure. Mount  704  is shown as an elongated version of mount  200 , but it can be any length desired. Mount fasteners  220  hold arms  202  and  204  to mount  704  in a manner similar to that in  FIG. 6A . The embodiment of  FIG. 7  is similar in most respects to that of the embodiment of  FIG. 2 , but the addition of blocks  700 , attachment fasteners  702 , and the rearrangement of the clamps  206  produces a new benefit, namely that the mount  704  is no longer perpendicular to the support structure  208 . The pivot axes of the attachment fasteners  702  and the mount  704  are now parallel to the main axis of support structure  208 . 
         [0147]    Clamps  206  are shown as band clamps but can be any suitable clamp. Clamp fastener  210  holds block  700  to clamp  206  while also tensioning the clamp. Block  700  has a clearance hole for fastener  210  and a perpendicular threaded hole to receive an arm attachment fastener  702 . Attachment ends of arms  202  and  204  are held to blocks  700  by arm attachment fasteners  702 . 
         [0148]    As described in the embodiment of  FIG. 4 , making the arms curved so they have concave sides  412  helps the arms avoid other objects. In this case, concave sides  412  also help the arms clear the support structure  208  and extend the adjustment range. 
       Operation 
     Alternative Embodiment 
     FIG.  7   
       [0149]    To install the accessory mount of  FIG. 7 , clamps  206  and blocks  700  are first installed on support structure  208 . Arms  202 ,  204  and mount  704  are then attached. The mount  704  is positionally adjusted by rotating the clamps  206  around support structure  208  while the arms pivot around mount  704 . When the desired position is reached, all fasteners are tightened and the mount becomes rigid. Arms  202  and  204  do not have to be the same length. 
         [0150]    It is beneficial to position clamps  206  around support structure  208  in such a way that the longitudinal axes of arm attachment fasteners  702  are spaced apart from each other. This provides triangulation to the accessory mount and improves its rigidity. As in the previously described embodiments, the position of the mount and the triangulation may be adjusted. 
         [0151]    While block  700  is shown as a D shaped block, the function provided by this element can take many shapes. Another common shape for such an element would be an L bracket. 
         [0152]    By rotating blocks  700  around clamp fasteners  210 , it is possible to position mount  704  at an angle between parallel and perpendicular to support structure  208 . 
       CONCLUSIONS, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE 
       [0153]    Accordingly the reader will see that, according to the embodiments of the invention, an accessory mount mechanism is provided that has an inherently rigid, triangular structure;
       is adapted for use with a variety of attachment techniques;   is positionally adjustable in several different ways, making it unusually versatile;   is able to hold accessories designed to mount to a cylinder;   is able to hold accessories designed to mount via a tab;   may be shaped to avoid obstacles;   a may be configured to provide a mount perpendicular or parallel to the support structure;   is easily reinforced if needed by adding additional similar parts;   is reconfigurable by simply changing the orientations of its parts;   is extendable;   and is easily and simply made.       
 
         [0164]    The versatility of the accessory mount described is provided by a synergistic combination of its elements. It&#39;s use of a variety of attachment types and locations; it&#39;s use of multiple, pivotable arms; and it&#39;s ability to work with a variety of mount types combine to enable it to be used in a wide range of accessory mounting situations. 
         [0165]    While the above description contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any embodiment, but as exemplifications of the presently preferred embodiments thereof. Many other ramifications and variations are possible within the teachings of the various embodiments. For example, fasteners, materials, clamps, shapes, and orientations of the parts may all be changed or substituted without changing the essential nature of the invention. 
         [0166]    Thus the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, and not by the examples given.