Patent Document

FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present disclosure generally relates to apparatuses and methods for mounting a motor vehicle accessory on a motor vehicle, and more specifically to apparatuses and methods for mounting a motor vehicle accessory near a motorcycle windshield for easy access by a motorcycle rider while driving the motorcycle. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Automobile accessories such as Global Positioning System (“GPS”) devices have become increasingly popular for drivers of automobiles due to the convenient navigation directions that they provide to a driver. Such GPS devices are most easily used when positioned so that the driver can quickly glance at the GPS screen. It can be dangerous for the driver to look away from the road if the GPS device is not conveniently located. 
         [0003]    Automobile GPS attachment devices are not suitable for motorcycles. GPS devices can be attached to automobile windshields using one or more suction cup. This placement allows a driver to quickly glance at the GPS screen while driving without looking away from the road. Suction cups, however, cannot be used with motorcycles because the vibration of the motorcycle overcomes the suction ability of the cups. Another automobile GPS attachment device is a weighted device, such as a sandbag, that weights the GPS device to a desired spot on the driver&#39;s dashboard. Weighted GPS devices will not work with motorcycles again due to their vibration, and to the turning and leaning of the motorcycles. 
         [0004]    Due to the limitations of automobile GPS attachment devices, motorcycles have accordingly mounted GPS devices on the motorcycle&#39;s handlebars, which provide a solid base for attachment of the GPS device. This placement, however, requires the driver to look downward at the handlebars while driving to view the GPS device, which can be dangerous. This placement also causes the GPS device to move when the handlebars are turned, further impairing the viewing of the GPS device. A need therefore exists for an improved GPS attachment device for motorcycles. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    The present disclosure provides a mounting device that can position a GPS device or other motorized vehicle accessory, so that the rider of the motorized vehicle can view the device easily while driving the motorcycle, without obstructing the rider&#39;s view of the road. The GPS attachment device and method are described herein as being attached to a windshield. While the windshield can be that of a motorcycle, it is contemplated that the windshield can be for any type of motorized vehicle, including motorcycles, scooters, mopeds, snowmobiles, boats, and the like. Also, while a GPS device is a preferred motor vehicle accessory for use with the mounting apparatus of the present disclosure, the apparatus could be a different structure, such as a cup holder, a radar detector, a camera, a cell phone, a compass, a clock and/or a speedometer. 
         [0006]    The GPS mounting device described herein can, for example, be attached to a vent cover positioned on a motorcycle windshield. The GPS mounting device does not require that any additional holes be drilled into the windshield in one embodiment, but instead takes advantage of the vent cover already provided at the windshield. The GPS mounting device is secured to the vent cover in one embodiment using pivotally attachable first and second members, which are positioned around and clamped onto one of the horizontal surfaces of the vent cover. A motorcycle accessory can then be attached to the mount and viewed by the rider with a slight glance downward. In an embodiment, a separate accessory mount for the accessory is provided, which is mounted to the GPS mounting device of the present disclosure. The accessory is then mounted to the accessory mount. 
         [0007]    The mounting device described herein also advantageously reduces vibrations and the bouncing of the GPS device while the motorcycle is being ridden. In an embodiment, the mounting device includes a stabilization mechanism that applies pressure against the windshield and the mounting device, tending to push the mounting device away from the windshield. The stabilization mechanism causes the mounting device to press against the vent cover in one embodiment to reduce vibrations and bouncing. 
         [0008]    It is therefore an advantage of the present disclosure to provide an apparatus and method for mounting a GPS device to a motorized vehicle, so that the GPS device is easily viewable. 
         [0009]    It is another advantage of the present disclosure to provide an apparatus and method for mounting a GPS device to a motorized vehicle, so that the GPS device is easy to install and requires no holes to be formed in the motorized vehicle. 
         [0010]    It is a further advantage of the present disclosure to provide an apparatus and method for mounting a GPS device to a motorized vehicle, so that the GPS device is readily removeable. 
         [0011]    It is yet another advantage of the present disclosure to provide an apparatus and method for mounting a GPS device that is relatively inexpensive, yet durable. 
         [0012]    Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following specification taken in conjunction with the following drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0013]      FIG. 1  is a top, perspective view of one embodiment of a mounting device of the present disclosure. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is a top view of one embodiment of a member of the mounting device illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is a front view of one embodiment of a member of the mounting device illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is a side elevation view of one embodiment of a member of the mounting device illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  is a top view of one embodiment of another member of the mounting device illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0018]      FIGS. 6 and 7  are perspective views illustrating one embodiment for mounting a GPS device of the present disclosure to a motorized vehicle windshield. 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  is a front view of one embodiment of an accessory mount. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0020]    Referring now to  FIGS. 1 to 7 ,  FIG. 1  shows an example embodiment of a motorized vehicle mounting device  10  according to the present disclosure. In the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , mounting device  10  includes a first member  14  removeably connected to a second member  16 . As explained in more detail below, second member  16  can be pivotally attached to first member  14 , so as to clamp device  10  to a vent cover or other projection located adjacent to a windshield of the motorized vehicle. The clamping as discussed below is performed in such a way that additional mounting holes do not need to be formed in the vent cover or elsewhere in the motorized vehicle. 
         [0021]      FIG. 1  shows mounting device  10  in the orientation in which it will be installed. The terms top, bottom, front, rear, left side, right side, up and down will be used consistently below and as they have been designated via arrows in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0022]    Viewing  FIGS. 1 and 7 , mounting device  10  mounts to the motorized vehicle by clamping to a horizontal, or substantially horizontal, vent rung or member  96  of a vent cover  90  ( FIG. 6 ) of the motorized vehicle. First member  14  sits on top of the top surface  96  of vent cover  90 . Projections  26  of first member  14  extend down into the top surface  96  of vent cover  90 . 
         [0023]    Second member  16  slides in beneath the top surface  96  of vent cover  90 , so that tabs  60  of the second member  16  fit into slots  62  of projections  26  of first member  14 . The fit of tabs  60  into slots  62  is loose so that second member  16  can rotate slightly relative to first member  14  and the horizontal top surface  96  of vent cover  90 . The user can thereby clamp first member  14  and second member  16  together at their front ends so that aperture  68  ( FIG. 2 ) of first member  14  comes together with aperture  70  of second member  16 . The user can then clamp mounting device  10  to the vehicle by inserting fastener  66   a  through aligned holes  68  and  70  and securing a nut  66   b  to the fastener. Fastener  66   a  can alternatively be formed with or attached to either first member  14  or second member  16  to further simplify the mounting of mounting device  10  to the vehicle. 
         [0024]    The user then adjusts a stabilizing screw  80  within a threaded hole  78  of first member  14 , so that a soft tip  82  located on the distal end of screw  80  abuts windshield  92  ( FIGS. 6 and 7 ) on its inside surface. Screw  80  applies pressure to mounting device  10 , reducing vibration and movement, so that mounting device  10  tends not to work its way loose, and so that the accessory remains stable for viewing. 
         [0025]      FIGS. 2 to 4  show first member  14  in more detail. First member  14  can be made of any suitable material, for example, steel, stainless steel, aluminum, carbon fiber, plastic, or fiberglass. The finish of first member  14  depends on the material being used. 
         [0026]    In the illustrated embodiment, first member  14  includes a base plate  20 , a mount  22 , a stabilization arm  24  having a side tab  28 , and two projections  26 , each forming tab receiving slots  62 . Base plate  20  has a front side  30 , a back side  32 , a top side  34 , a bottom side  36 , a left side  38  and a right side  40  (from the point of view of  FIG. 1 ). Mount  22  projects upwardly from the front side  30 , and while projections  26  project downwardly at an angle from back side  32  (from the point of view of  FIG. 1 ). The angle is intended to correspond to the angle of a motorized vehicle windshield  92  ( FIGS. 6 and 7 ). In the illustrated embodiment, there is a single stabilization arm  24  projecting towards windshield  92  from right side  40 . Stabilization arm  24  can be located alternatively on either side of base plate  20 , or multiple stabilization arms  24  can be located on both sides of base plate  20 , projecting towards windshield  92 . 
         [0027]    The dimensions of first member  14  can vary. In one embodiment, base plate  20  is about 8.5 inches (21.6 cm) from left side  38  to right side  40 , and about 2.375 inches (6.0 cm) from front side  30  to back side  32 . Stabilization arm  24  projects about 2.5 inches (6.4 cm) from bottom side  36  and is about one inch (2.5 cm) wide. Mount  22  is about 2.375 inches (6.0 cm) wide and about one inch (2.5 cm) tall. In the illustrated embodiment, projections  26  and stabilization arm  24  are angled as they project downwardly from base plate  20  so as to approximately match the slope of motorized vehicle windshield  92 . Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that different dimensions and bend angles can and should be used with different types of motorized vehicles. 
         [0028]    Mount  22  in  FIGS. 1 to 4  projects outwardly from base plate  20  and includes a face plate that is configured to receive a motor vehicle accessory, or a mount therefore, and position the motor vehicle accessory (or its mount) for ready viewing by a motor vehicle driver. In the illustrated embodiment, mount  22  includes two apertures  46 , which can be used for bolting a motor vehicle accessory or its mount to device  10 . One of ordinary skill in that art will recognize that more or less than two apertures or other mounting mechanisms can be used alternatively to attach the motor vehicle accessory, for example, clamps, springs and the like. Mount  22  can be integrally formed with base plate  20  ( FIG. 2 ), or can be a separate piece that is removably or permanently attached to base plate  20 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , in an embodiment mount  22  is configured to receive an accessory mount  100  (e.g.  FIG. 8 ) for mounting the motorized vehicle accessory. 
         [0029]      FIG. 5  illustrates second member  16  in more detail. Second member  16  can be made of any suitable material, for example, steel, stainless steel, aluminum, carbon fiber, plastic, or fiberglass. The finish of second member  16  depends on the material being used. 
         [0030]    Second member  16  includes a base plate  50  having (according to  FIG. 1 ) a front side  52 , a rear side  54 , a right side  56  and a left side  58 . In the illustrated embodiment, second member  16  is symmetric, so the top and bottom views of second member  16  look the same. Two tabs  60  project outwardly from rear side  54 , near right side  56  and left side  58 . 
         [0031]    Like first member  14 , the dimensions of second member  16  can vary. In one embodiment, base plate  50  is about six inches (15.2 cm) from right side  56  to left side  58 , and about 2.375 inches (6.0 cm) from front side  52  to back side  54 . Tabs  60  are about 0.75 inch (1.9 cm) wide and project out about 0.25 inch (0.6 cm) from back side  54 . Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that different dimensions can and should be used with different types of motor vehicles. Second member  16  is dimensioned to mate with first member  14 . 
         [0032]    First member  14  and second member  16  are configured to be positioned around a fixture of a motorized vehicle. In the illustrated embodiment, first member  14  and second member  16  are configured to be positioned around a top surface  96  of vent cover  90 , located adjacent to a motorized vehicle windshield  92 . Those of ordinary skill will understand, however, that mounting device  10  can be positioned instead around other motorized vehicle fixtures, and in particular any type of flat, plate-like surface. 
         [0033]    Again, in use, first member  14  is placed on top of top surface  96  of a vehicle vent cover  90 , with bottom side  36  of member  14  resting against the top surface  96 , while second member  16  is placed beneath top surface  96 . The tabs  60  of second member  16  fit into slots or apertures  62  of projections  26  of first member  14 , so that second member  16  can be pivotally attached to first member  14 , and hinge at the back side  32  of first member  14 . In the illustrated embodiment, the two projections  26  are sized and angled to project through upper vent holes in top surface  96  of an existing vent for a Honda™ Goldwing™. Those of ordinary skill in the art will further understand that the projections  26  and/or the tabs  60  can be placed on either or both of first member  14  and second member  16 . 
         [0034]    Fastener securement mechanisms  66   a  and  66   b  are used to secure first member  14  to second member  16  at the front side  30  of first member  14 . In the illustrated embodiment, the securement mechanism includes a nut  66   b  and a bolt  66   a , such as a wingnut and screw, respectively, which pass through aperture  68  of first member  14  and aperture  70  of second member  16 . Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that first member  14  can be secured to second member  16  at the front side  30  in other ways, for example, by clamps or other attachment means. As the nut and bolt are tightened, the front side  30  of first member  14  and the front side  52  of second member  16  are drawn together to clamp down onto top surface  96  of vent cover  90  of the motorized vehicle, fixing mounting device  10  removeably to the vehicle without having to drill any mounting holes in the vehicle. 
         [0035]    As discussed above, stabilization arm  24  and screw  80  prevent mounting device  10  from vibrating when the motor vehicle is being driven. In the illustrated embodiment, stabilization arm  24 , having tab  28 , is formed integrally with base plate  20 . Stabilization arm  24  can alternatively be formed as a separate piece that is removably or permanently attached to first member  14  or second member  16 . In a preferred embodiment, side tab  28  is angled to at least substantially match the angle of windshield  92 . 
         [0036]    After first member  14  and second member  16  have been secured to vent cover  90  adjacent to windshield  92 , stabilization arm  24  allows pressure to be applied against windshield  92  (or another part of the motor vehicle) and against mounting device  10  to stabilize the mounting device, preventing vibration during use. In the illustrated embodiment, screw  80  is part of a stabilization mechanism  76  used in conjunction with aperture  78  on side tab  28  of first member  14 . Screw  80  is threaded through mating female threads in aperture  78  to apply pressure against windshield  92  and mounting device  10 . A soft tip  82 , such as a plastic or rubber tip, can be placed on the distal end of screw  80 , so that the screw does not scratch windshield  92 . 
         [0037]    As screw  80  is screwed into aperture  78  and soft tip  82  presses against windshield  92  or another feature of the motorized vehicle, a force provided by windshield  92  tends to push mounting device  10  away from windshield  92  and slightly upwardly to push second member  16  against the bottom side of top surface  96  of vent cover  90 . The force stabilizes mounting device  10 , so that it does not come loose or vibrate as the motor vehicle is being driven. Stabilization mechanism  76  can also include a locking screw that jams against arm  24  to hold fastener  80  at a set position. 
         [0038]    Although in the illustrated embodiment stabilization mechanism  76  includes a screw  80  and a soft tip  82 , those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that other stabilization mechanisms  66  can be used to press against windshield  92  or another vehicle fixture, so as to stabilize mounting device  10 . For example, the stabilization mechanism could instead include a shim that fills the gap between stabilization arm  24  and windshield  92  or other vehicle fixture. Alternatively, screw  80  can be screwed into the windshield or other part to push or pull mounting device  10  away from or towards the windshield or other part. 
         [0039]      FIGS. 6 and 7  illustrate mounting device  10  secured to a vent cover  90  and stabilized against a motor vehicle windshield  92 . As illustrated, mounting device  10  can be secured against the vent cover  90  without obstructing the top surface  96  or vents  94  of vent cover  90 . In the configuration illustrated, mounting device  10  places mount  22  in position to receive a motor vehicle accessory and position the motor vehicle accessory directly in front of the motor vehicle driver for easy access while driving. In one preferred embodiment, the motor vehicle accessory is a GPS device that the driver can use to navigate the motor vehicle. The GPS device can be bolted to mount  22  via apertures  46 . As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , mount  22  positions the GPS device to be easily viewed by a motor vehicle driver, such that the motor vehicle driver simply needs to look slightly downwardly to view the GPS device. 
         [0040]    One of ordinary skill in the art will understand that mount  22  can also be used for other types of motor vehicle accessories, for example a cup holder, a radar detector, a camera, a cell phone, a compass, a clock and/or a speedometer, for example. It has been determined that the mounting device  10  as illustrated herein works particularly well with the stock vent of a Honda™ Goldwing™ windshield. Other motorized vehicles suitable for mounting device  10  include other types of motorcycles, scooters, mopeds, snowmobiles and boats, etc., having a windshield. 
         [0041]    A vent cover  90  is just one type of motorized vehicle fixture that can be used for attaching mounting device  10 . Other features are envisioned. For example, mounting device  10  can be attached instead to a plate bolted to windshield  92 . Mounting device  10  can be attached to such a plate in the same manner described above with respect to the upper surface  96  of vent cover  90  or be bolted to the plate, which is in turn bolted to windshield  92 . 
         [0042]    In a further alternative embodiment, one or more pair of powerful magnets is used to firmly but releasably attach a mounting device  10  to the windshield  92  of a motorized vehicle. An accessory mount  100  illustrated below could slidingly attach or be bolted to the windshield mounting device, which can be moved to a desired location via the releasably securable magnet pair. 
         [0043]      FIG. 8  shows an example of an accessory mount  100  that is configured to be mounted to mount  22  of mounting device  10 . Accessory mount  100  includes apertures that align with the apertures  46  of mount  22  so that accessory mount  100  can be mounted to mount  22 . Accessory mount  100  also has additional apertures  104  for receiving and/or mounting a motor vehicle accessory. 
         [0044]    It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present subject matter and without diminishing its intended advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.

Technology Category: 7