GB2379862A

GB2379862A - Display support for tubular items

Info

Publication number: GB2379862A
Application number: GB0213865A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Richard Schumacher
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2001-06-18
Filing date: 2002-06-18
Publication date: 2003-03-26
Anticipated expiration: 2022-06-18
Also published as: GB0213865D0; GB0505682D0; GB2379862B; GB0114720D0

Abstract

An article comprising a tubular member, eg the steerer tube 7 of a bicycle fork, is mounted for display on a wall bracket 1 which includes an elongate threaded rod 4 which passes through the tube and is clamped to it by a pair of opposing conical members 6,6', the lower of which is threaded on the rod. In alternative embodiments, conical members may be replaced by expanding grippers (12, Fig 4) or by a simple cylindrical sheath (15, Fig 5) which is gripped by a retaining member, eg a quick release lock, of the tubular member. The rod 4 may be replaced by a simple shaft, which may be pivotally mounted in its support bracket and may penetrate only one end of the tubular member.

Description

MOUNTING SYSTEM The invention relates to a mounting system for tubular items, in particular for tubular components of variable diameter and length, for use in mounting thereof, for the purpose of presentation, storage or theft prevention, component parts thereof, a method for the manufacture thereof and the use thereof in mounting tubular components.

It is conventional in the retail industry to mount certain items for display.

Items may be of all shapes and sizes and innumerable mounting systems have been devised suited for particular items. In some cases however it is still common simply to stand or lean items against the wall, or stack them etc. This is not only untidy but runs the risk of customers tampering with items, and makes theft easier.

In the case of front fork assemblies for bicycles, in particular suspension fork assemblies which include heavy steerers and crowns it is conventional to stand these on the stanchion or fork ends. This damages the paintwork and can damage the stanchions. There is at present no satisfactory mounting system for these which does not in some other way damage the paintwork. Similarly, mounting systems exist for bicycle frames but these damage the paintwork, or can be cumbersome to dismount. An improved mounting system would be desirable.

There is therefore a need for a mounting system for bicycle steerers, frames and the like.

We have now surprisingly found that a mounting system can be provided which overcomes the above problems in admirable manner and which is suited for mounting any desired item comprising an elongate tubular component having at least one open end. In a first embodiment the tubular component to be mounted lacks any inherent means which may be adopted for engaging the component on a mounting, for example a bicycle steerer, and engaging mounting means are provided by the mounting system of the invention. In a second embodiment the tubular component to be mounted comprises inherent means which may be adopted for engaging the component on a mounting, for example a quick release on a bicycle frame for engaging a seat post, and cooperating mounting means are provided by the mounting system of the

invention which are adapted to be engaged by the component.

JL I t :) In its broadest aspect there is provided according to the present invention a mounting system for an item comprising an elongate tubular component comprising at least one elongate bracket providing projecting support means supporting or adapted to support mounting means, which mounting means are adapted to be at least partially received within at least one open end of the tubular component to be mounted, and to engage or be engaged by the component by engaging means on the mounting means or on the component.

In a particular advantage the system of the invention makes use of a wall, ceiling or floor mounting or like principle, and of a single or double open ended tubular component of the item to be supported and mounts the item by means of its tubular component, providing or making use of a clamp, bias or like engaging means at one or both ends thereof, the mounting system being both variable to securely mount tubular components of any diameter and length and moreover adapted for ready mounting and dismounting of the item.

The system may be envisaged for supporting items comprising free ended shaft components by modified clamp means.

The bracket may be any suitable bracket for wall, ceiling or floor mounting for mounting one or a plurality of items. The bracket is preferably for wall mounting but may be for floor mounting, comprising a base and being free standing for displaying in the centre of a room. Optionally the bracket supports a plurality of support means radially thereabout, projecting from the same point on the bracket or distributed along the length thereof, each for mounting a separate item, for example providing a wall mounted, ceiling mounted or free standing carousel for mounting a plurality of bicycle steerers or frames. Alternatively the bracket provides a plurality of support means projecting from points spaced along its length and moveable along the length thereof to allow the items to be slid along the bracket for ease of viewing or selection, optionally additionally rotatable about their projection from the bracket.

One or more support means project outwardly from the bracket as hereinbefore defined, and may be fixed or moveable with respect to the bracket. Moveable support means may comprise a rotatable head joint extension from the bracket or may comprise an angled bar which aligns with and is rotatably secured against the bracket in a first portion and extends therefrom in a second portion which is adapted to rotate in a plane perpendicular to the elongate bracket for example to allow the item to be mounted to be laid against a wall or angled into a room. This is particularly useful for displaying a number of items on adjacent mounting systems.

In the first embodiment of the invention the mounting system is suited for mounting a component having no inherent engaging means, and provides

projecting support means, adapted to support at least two opposing substantially variable diameter mounting means, spaced apart by a variable distance together with means for biasing these towards one another and thereby engaging the component therebetween. Preferably mounting means comprises cones or discs and optionally a shaft connection therebetween. Alternatively the mounting system comprises projecting support means supporting at least one substantially variable diameter mounting means together with engaging means for expanding the mounting means to internally clamp the component and thereby engage a component located thereabout.

In the second embodiment of the invention the mounting system is suited for

mounting a component having inherent engaging means and comprises engaging means an cooperating mounting means but has no engaging means, and the mounting means are adapted to cooperate with clamp means or biasing means on the component to be mounted. Preferably the cooperating mounting means comprise a shaft of uniform or stepped cross section or a pair of fixed opposing cones or discs or a combination thereof.

Mounting means may be separate from or integral with the supporting means or bracket as hereinbefore defined.

Mounting means providing engaging means are preferably selected from: a pair of mounting means adapted to be biased towards one another as hereinbefore defined in which case either at least one means is separate from the supporting means or bracket or both means are integral and the bracket is extensible; and one or two mounting means adapted to be expanded as hereinbefore defined in which case they may be separate from or integral with the supporting means or bracket.

Mounting means which cooperate with engaging means on the component to be mounted are preferably selected from: one or two mounting means adapted to be clamped by a contractable tubular component in which case at least one is integral with the supporting means or bracket.

The mounting system of the invention may comprise a combination of biasing and clamping engaging means as hereinbefore defined.

Preferably a first embodiment of the invention is as follows. In the first embodiment the support means support the mounting means on one or two shafts. In a preferred embodiment one or two support means support a single shaft which is adapted to be received within the tubular component being open at both ends and the mounting means are spaced apart along the length of the shaft and are adapted to be at least partially received within or to abut against the open ends of the tubular component; in an alternative embodiment two support means support two opposing shafts each supporting one of the opposing mounting means, adapted to be at least partially received within the tubular component being open at both ends.

The opposing substantially variable diameter mounting means may be the same or different and are preferably the same.

In a preferred first embodiment, at least one of the mounting means is adapted to engage the shaft thereby securing the tubular component by clamping between the two mounting means which are biased towards each other. The other of the mounting means may be integral with the shaft or separate therefrom, and preferably freely slideably along the length thereof, or may also be adapted to engage the shaft. In the case that the shaft is adapted to be vertically oriented preferably the upper mounting means is slideable and the lower mounting means is engageable ; in the case that the shaft is adapted to be horizontally oriented, preferably both mounting means are engageable.

In order to engage the mounting means, for example the shaft may be threaded in order to engage 4. 1 and the mounting means comprises a threaded means which can be rotated to position along the shaft ; or the shaft is smooth and the mounting means comprises clamp means to engage the shaft ; or the shaft is smooth and the two mounting means are biased towards each other by pneumatic means or by an elastic or other resiliently deformable tie and can be distanced apart by applying a force greater than the weight of an item to be supported, in opposite direction to the bias, i. e. by pulling apart ; or the shaft comprises a plurality of notches or apertures along the length thereof to receive a pin, peg or other securing means to abut the mounting means and thereby secure the mounting means against the desired notch or aperture along the length of the shaft ; or the shaft comprises a plurality of notches or seats to receive the mounting means itself in a desired fixed position along the length of the shaft.

The engageable mounting means may be of any form providing variable diameter and is preferably an annular or slide means having an annulus or part annulus respectively adapted to provide a sliding fit on the shaft and to be received on the shaft via an end thereof or along the length thereof.

Variable diameter mounting is preferably provided by means of a continuous or stepped profiled outer surface of the mounting means. The mounting means is preferably at least in part frusto conical or stepped conical whereby a tube end can seat around the cone or a step at a part thereof having matching diameter to the tuber inner. Alternatively the variable diameter mounting may be provided by a series of concentric recessed grooves or the like provided in a mounting means in the form of a washer or the like. Alternatively the variable diameter mounting means may be provided by a rod or bar having a uniform external cross section and profile, adapted to be received within the tubular component and expanded to engage the component at its inner surface. In this case the expansion may be pneumatic expansion of an outer sheath such as a rubber ring or by longitudinally compressing an outer sheath of metal or rubber or the like causing it to expand outwardly, or by expanding an annular ring seated within an annular recess, by longitudinally shifting to a less recessed position as known in the art.

For receiving circular cross section tubular components the cone or groove, bar or rod section is preferably circular, and for square, elliptical and the like cross section tubular components the cone or groove, bar or rod is of matching square, elliptical or the like outer surface profile.

The shaft may be integral with or separate from the bracket. In the case that the shaft is suspended therefrom in vertical orientation and the bracket has one projecting support means engaging the upper end of the shaft and either the lower end of the shaft is free, or is slideably received in a recess in a lower projecting support means, the shaft may be integral with the bracket, and the upper mounting means integral with the shaft or projecting support means.

In the case that the shaft is suspended in vertical orientation, and the shaft is received via an end thereof in apertures in opposing projecting support means, the shaft is preferably separate from the bracket, a shaft head seats against the upper projecting support means preventing relative movement in one direction, and the shaft is slideable in the respective apertures, to allow the shaft end to be passed though apertures.

Preferably the bracket provides projecting supports at both ends thereof distance apart by a distance a, each support providing an aperture adapted to freely receive the elongate shaft having a shaft head and having a total length greater than a, by an end thereof.

The shaft head may be any suitable head to retain the shaft in the bracket, and is preferably shaped to assist in manually gripping the head to raise the shaft within the bracket for mounting or dismounting a tubular component.

The shaft may include means to lock it in place, such as a pin or the like locked through an aperture in the shaft preventing it being withdrawn from the aperture in the support means.

Preferably a second embodiment of the invention is as follows. The at least one support means supports at least one mounting means directly, as an extension thereof. In a preferred embodiment the mounting means comprises a bar or rod projecting from the support means and having an outer cross section and profile adapted to be slideably received within the tubular component to be mounted. An additional mounting means, if present, may comprise a projecting means adapted to be inserted under or between a part or parts of the item to be mounted thereby carrying some of the weight of the item which

rests on the additional mounting means. Preferably however there is only one mounting means.

The mounting means is adapted to be received within the tubular component which is adapted to be contracted thereabout, thus engaging the mounting means as hereinbefore defined. Suitable contracting means include a nut and bolt or quick release intended to secure a seat post or the like. Anti-theft means are available for quick release mechanisms, such as"cam-locks"on which the quick release lever is detachable, and this combination provides an excellent security system for mounting cycle frames.

The mounting system of the second embodiment is suitably adapted to be vertically oriented, with the bracket vertical, the support means at an upper end or lower end thereof projecting outwardly and the mounting means projecting vertically or inclined therefrom. Preferably the support means is at an upper end and the mounting means projects downwardly, more preferably at an angle matching the inclination of the tubular component to be engaged, for example the seat post of a bicycle frame, projecting out wardly at an angle of 65-75 degrees.

The mounting means may be adapted to mount tubular components of different diameters by providing stepped external cross section portions of greater cross section adjacent the support means and lesser cross section at the remote end of the mounting means whereby the mounting means is inserted within the tubular component to a depth at which the cross section is slideable within the tubular component; or by providing a number of annular sheaths to be located between the mounting means and the tubular component. Suitable annular sheaths have a rand at one end which projects outwardly to give a sheath cross section greater than the cross section of the open end of the

tubular component and is adapted to be located projecting outwardly from the open end of the tubular component, facilitating retrieval.

The bracket, shaft and mounting means of the system may be constructed of any suitable materials depending on the intended use thereof. Suitably they are made of metals such as stainless steel or aluminium, plastic such as polymer or fibre reinforced composite or the like. The bracket and shaft are commercially available or are made in known manner.

Preferably the bracket is of the order 10 cm to 60cm in length, and the support means projects by approximately 10 to 20 cm from the bracket.

In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method for the assembly of a mounting system of the invention as hereinbefore defined.

The method for assembly of the mounting system of the first embodiment comprises sliding a tubular component to be mounted onto the shaft, with upper mounting means in place, and having its apex towards the tubular component, locating the lower mounting means on the shaft and adjusting by biasing the mounting means towards each other or by expanding the mounting means within the tubular component until the tubular component is clamped between or about the respective mounting means, and fixing the lower mounting means in position as hereinbefore defined.

Preferably the method comprises sliding the shaft through the upper support means, sliding the upper mounting means, then tubular component onto the shaft and finally threading lower mounting means onto the shaft and seating the shaft end in the lower aperture. The lower mounting means is screwed onto

the shaft until it holds the head, support means, mounting means and tubular component in engagement.

A corresponding method is envisaged for the system comprising two shafts.

The method for assembly of the mounting system of the second embodiment comprises sliding a tubular component to be mounted about the rod or bar mounting means to a desired depth and engaging the engaging means of the tubular component, by levering or screwing a quick release or nut and bolt. To adapt for different cross section tubular components the mounting means is either inserted to a desired depth, or is sheathed by an appropriate number of sheaths or an appropriate thickness sheath, prior to or subsequent to insertion.

In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a novel mounting means of the system as hereinbefore defined.

In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method for the manufacture of a variable diameter mounting means as hereinbefore defined comprising turning an aluminium, polymer or composite cylinder or disc or moulding a resin in a suitable mould to bore or mould an aperture and profile a continuous or stepped conical outer surface, In a further aspect of the invention there is provided the use of a mounting system as hereinbefore defined in mounting a tubular component for retail, workplace, warehousing, display or other use. Preferably the use is for mounting sporting goods comprising tubular components, more preferably the bike steerer of a front fork assembly, the seat post of a bike frame assembly and the like.

It is a particular advantage of the invention that the system can be used to support bike steerers, which are usually of different diameters in the range 1.5 - 3 cm, and of different lengths in the range 15-25 cm, usually 17-20 cm, or frames, which are usually of regular or oversized cylindrical or oval cross section in the range 1 to 8 cm and of sizes, classed as length of cross bar position to pedal position usually 50 to 80 cm, in manner that the stanchions of the steerer or forks of the frame are held off the ground, avoiding damage, and usefully, hindering tampering with the steerer or frame or theft thereof. In a further advantage the mounting system avoids contacting the outer surface of such items thereby avoiding damaging or marring the appearance thereof.

The invention is now illustrated in non limiting manner with reference to the Figures in which: Figure 1 is a side elevation of the bracket, shaft and mounting means of the first embodiment of the mounting system of the invention; Figure 2 is a side elevation of the assembled system of Figure 1 comprising conical mounting means; Figure 3 is a side elevation of a bike fork mounted on the system of Figure 1.

Figure 4 is a side elevation of an alternative expandable mounting means for use in the system of Figure 1; Figure 5 is a side elevation of the bracket, support means and mounting means of the second embodiment of the invention, the sheath for diameter variation and the tubular component of the bicycle frame to be mounted; Figure 6 is a cross section of the brqcket, support means and mounting means of the second embodiment of the invention, for swivel ceiling mounting.

In Figure 1 the mounting system of the first embodiment comprises bracket (1) which provides two projecting support means (2,2') each having an aperture

(3,3') to receive shaft (4). The head (5) of shaft (4) seats against the support means (2), and the free end of the shaft slides in the lower aperture (3'). Upper and lower mounting means (6,6') comprise annular unthreaded and threaded cones.

In Figure 2 the system is shown in assembled form, the bracket (1) is screwed to a wall in conventional manner. The system is assembled by sliding the shaft (4) through the upper support means, sliding the mounting means (6), then tubular component (7) onto the shaft and finally threading mounting means (6') onto the shaft and seating the shaft end in the aperture (3'). The mounting means (6') is screwed onto the shaft until it holds the head (5), support means (2), mounting means (6) and tubular component (7) in engagement.

In Figure 3 the system is shown mounting a tubular component in the form of the steerer of a bike fork. The system is universal for steerers of any diameter and length, with one or two crowns (8), and can be operated without encumbrance by the stanchions (9), brake and caliper mountings (10), in manner to prevent damage to paintwork, tube profile etc.

In Figure 4 the alternative mounting means is shown comprising a two part cylinder (11,11') having a flexible central portion (12), with screw means (13) therebetween, for drawing the cylinder portions together thereby causing the central portion to expand outwardly, and separating apart again to cause the central portion to retract back to position.

In Figure 5, the mounting system of the second embodiment comprises bracket (1), which provides angular pivoting support means (2) pivoting in retainers (14), and having mounting means (6) of diameter projecting therefrom at an angle of 70 degrees. Optionally sheath (15) serves to vary diameter, for

insertion into frame (16) and clamping therein by quick release (17) in a bicycle frame, in the manner used to secure a bicycle seat post. Alternatively the system is provided in a number of sizes suited for regular and oversize frames for example.

In Figure 6 a and b, the mounting system of the second embodiment comprises bracket (1), which provides angular pivoting support means (2) projecting at 90 degrees to the bracket and pivoting in aperture (14), and having mounting means (6) projecting therefrom at an angle of 20 degrees for insertion into frame (16) and clamping therein by quick release (17), in the manner used to secure a bicycle seat post.

Claims

1. A mounting system for an item comprising an elongate tubular component comprising at least one elongate bracket providing projecting support means supporting or adapted to support mounting means, which mounting means are adapted to be at least partially received within at least one open end of the tubular component to be mounted, and to engage or be engaged by the component by engaging means on the mounting means or on the component.

2. Mounting system as claimed in Claim 1 which provides a bracket for wall, ceiling or floor mounting of one or a plurality of items wherein the or each support means may be fixed or moveable with respect to the bracket.

3. Mounting system as claimed in any of Claims 1 and 2 wherein mounting means are separate from or integral with the supporting means or bracket.

4. Mounting system as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 3 suited for mounting a component having no inherent engaging means, which provides projecting support means, adapted to support at least two opposing substantially variable diameter mounting means, spaced apart by a variable distance together with means for biasing these towards one another and thereby engaging the component therebetween; or which provides projecting support means supporting at least one substantially variable diameter mounting means together with engaging means for expanding the mounting means to internally clamp the component and thereby engage a component located thereabout.

5. Mounting system as claimed in any of Claims I to 3 suited for mounting a component having inherent engaging means, which comprises cooperating mounting means but has no engaging means, wherein the mounting means are adapted to cooperate with engaging means such as clamp means or biasing means on the component to be mounted, preferably the cooperating mounting means comprise a projecting rod of uniform or stepped cross section or a pair of fixed opposing cones or discs or a combination thereof.

6. Mounting system as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 4 wherein the support means support the mounting means on one or two shafts at least one of the mounting means is adapted to engage the shaft thereby engaging the tubular component by biasing between the two mounting means.

7. Mounting system as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 4 and 6 wherein variable diameter mounting is provided by means of a continuous or stepped profiled outer surface of the mounting means.

8. Mounting system as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 4 and 6 to 7 wherein the mounting means is at least in part frusto conical or stepped conical whereby a tube end is adapted to seat around the cone or a step at a part thereof having matching diameter to the tuber inner ; or the variable diameter mounting is provided by a series of concentric recessed grooves or the like provided in a mounting means in the form of a washer or the like.

9. Mounting system as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 4 and 6 to 8 wherein the shaft includes means to lock it in place, such as a pin or the like locked

through an aperture in the shaft preventing it being withdrawn from the aperture in the support means.

10. Mounting system as claimed in any of Claims I to 3 and 5 wherein the mounting means comprises a bar or rod projecting from the support means and having an outer cross section and profile adapted to be slideably received within the tubular component to be mounted component which is adapted to be contracted thereabout, thus engaging the mounting means.

11. Mounting system as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 3,5 and 10 which is adapted to mount tubular components of different diameters by providing a mounting means having stepped external cross section portions of greater cross section adjacent the support means and lesser cross section at the remote end of the mounting means whereby the mounting means is inserted within the tubular component to a depth at which the cross section is slideable within the tubular component; or by providing a number of annular sheaths to be located between the mounting means and the tubular component 12. Method for the assembly of a mounting system as hereinbefore defined in any of Claims 1 to 11 comprising locating a tubular component with respect to mounting means and engaging as hereinbefore defined.

13. Method as claimed in Claim 12 for the assembly of a mounting system as claimed in any of Claims 6 to 9 comprising sliding a tubular component to be mounted onto the shaft, with upper mounting means in place, and having its apex towards the tubular component, locating the lower mounting means on the shaft and adjusting until the tubular component is clamped between the respective mounting means, and fixing the lower mounting means in position as hereinbefore defined.

14. Method as claimed in Claim 13 which comprises sliding the shaft through the upper support means, sliding the upper mounting means, then tubular component onto the shaft and finally threading lower mounting means onto the shaft and seating the shaft end in the lower aperture; the lower mounting means is screwed onto the shaft until it holds the head, support means, mounting means and tubular component in engagement.

15. Method as claimed in Claim 12 for the assembly of a mounting system as claimed in any of Claims Ito 3,5 and 10 to 11 which comprises sliding the mounting means within a tubular component of an item to be mounted and engaging with means provided on the component.

16. Use of a mounting system as hereinbefore defined in any of Claims 1 to 15 in mounting a tubular component for retail, workplace, warehousing, display or other use.

17. Use as claimed in Claim 16 for mounting sporting goods comprising tubular components, more preferably the bike steerer of a front fork assembly, the seat post of a bike frame assembly and the like.

18. Use as claimed in any of Claims 16 and 17 for mounting a range of bike steerers of different diameters in the range 1. 5-3 cm, and of different lengths in the range 15-25 cm, or frames, which are usually of regular or oversized cylindrical or oval cross section in the range 1 to 8 cm and of sizes, classed as length of cross bar position to pedal position usually 50 to 80 cm, in manner that the stanchions of the steerer or forks of the frame are held off the ground, avoiding damage, and usefully, hindering tampering with the steerer or frame or theft thereof.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows CLAIMS 1. A mounting system for mounting and retrieval of an item comprising an elongate tubular component open at both ends, comprising at least one elongate bracket providing projecting support means supporting or adapted to support at least two opposing substantially variable diameter mounting means spaced apart by a variable distance and adapted to be at least partially received within the open ends of the tubular component to be mounted, together with means for biasing the mounting means toward one another and thereby engaging the component therebetween, wherein the support means support the mounting means on one or two shafts adapted to be at least partially received within the tubular component being open at both ends, and wherein at least one of the mounting means is adapted to engage the shaft thereby engaging the tubular component by biasing between the two mounting means.

2. Mounting system as claimed in Claim 1 wherein one or two support means support a single shaft which is adapted to be received within the tubular component being open at both ends and the mounting means are spaced apart along the length of the shaft and are adapted to be at least partially received within or to abut against the open ends of the tubular component; in an alternative embodiment two support means support two opposing shafts each supporting one of the opposing mounting means, adapted to be at least partially received within the tubular component being open at both ends.

3. Mounting system as claimed in Claim 1 or 2 wherein the one or more support means is fixed or moveable with respect to the bracket.

4. Mounting system as claimed in Claim 3 wherein either at least one mounting means is separate from the supporting means or bracket or both mounting means are integral and the bracket is extensible.

5. Mounting system as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 4 wherein variable diameter mounting is provided by means of a continuous or stepped profiled outer surface of the mounting means.

6. Mounting system as claimed in any of Claims I to 5 wherein the mounting means is at least in part frusto conical or stepped conical whereby a tube end is adapted to seat around the cone or a step at a part thereof having matching diameter to the tuber inner; or the variable diameter mounting is provided by a series of concentric recessed grooves or the like provided in a mounting means in the form of a washer or the like.

7. Mounting system as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 6 wherein the shaft includes means to lock it in place, such as a pin or the like locked through an aperture in the shaft preventing it being withdrawn from the aperture in the support means.

8. Mounting system for mounting and retrieval of an item comprising an elongate tubular component open at one end, comprising at least one bracket providing projecting support means supporting or adapted to support mounting means, which mounting means are adapted to be at least partially received within the open ends of the tubular component to be mounted, wherein the mounting means comprises a bar or rod projecting from the support means and having an outer cross section and profile adapted to be slideably received within the tubular component to be mounted which is adapted to be contracted thereabout, thus engaging the mounting means or wherein mounting means

comprises engaging means for expanding the mounting means to internally clamp the component and thereby engage a component located thereabout.

9. Mounting system as claimed in Claim 8 which is adapted to mount tubular components of different diameters by providing a mounting means having stepped external cross section portions of greater cross section adjacent the support means and lesser cross section at the remote end of the mounting means whereby the mounting means is inserted within the tubular component to a depth at which the cross section is slideable within the tubular component; or by providing a number of annular sheaths to be located between the mounting means and the tubular component.

10. Mounting system as claimed in Claim 8 or 9 adapted for mounting a tubular component comprising contracting means in the form of a nut and bolt or quick release intended to secure a seat post or the like.

11. Mounting system as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 10 which provides a bracket for wall, ceiling or floor mounting of one or a plurality of items wherein the or each support means may be fixed or moveable with respect to the bracket.

12. Mounting system as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 11 which is variable to securely mount tubular components of any diameter and length and adapted for ready mounting and dismounting of the component.

13. Method for mounting a tubular component on a mounting system as hereinbefore defined in any of Claims 1 to 12 comprising locating a tubular component with respect to mounting means and engaging as hereinbefore defined in manner facilitating retrieval thereof.

14. Method for the assembly of a mounting system as hereinbefore defined in any of Claims 1 to 12 comprising locating a tubular component with respect to mounting means and engaging as hereinbefore defined.

15. Method as claimed in Claim 14 for the assembly of a mounting system as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 7 and 11 to 12 comprising sliding a tubular component to be mounted onto the shaft, with upper mounting means in place, and having its apex towards the tubular component, locating the lower mounting means on the shaft and adjusting until the tubular component is clamped between the respective mounting means, and fixing the lower mounting means in position as hereinbefore defined.

16. Method as claimed in Claim 15 which comprises sliding the shaft through the upper support means, sliding the upper mounting means, then tubular component onto the shaft and finally threading lower mounting means onto the shaft and seating the shaft end in the lower aperture; the lower mounting means is screwed onto the shaft until it holds the head, support means, mounting means and tubular component in engagement.

17. Method as claimed in Claim 14 for the assembly of a mounting system as claimed in any of Claims 8 to 12 which comprises sliding the mounting means within a tubular component of an item to be mounted and engaging with means provided on the component.

18. Use of a mounting system as hereinbefore defined in any of Claims 1 to 12 for mounting sporting goods comprising single or double open ended tubular components, more preferably the bike steerer of a front fork assembly,

the seat post of a bike frame assembly and the like, for retail, workplace, warehousing, display or other use.

19. Use of a mounting system as hereinbefore defined in any of Claims 1 to 7 and 11 to 12 for mounting a range of bike steerers of different diameters in the range 1. 5-3 cm, and of different lengths in the range 15-25 cm, in manner that the stanchions of the steerer are held off the ground, avoiding damage, and usefully, hindering tampering with the steerer or frame or theft thereof.

20. Use of a mounting system as hereinbefore defined in any of Claims 8 to 12 for mounting a range of bike frames, which are usually of regular or oversized cylindrical or oval cross section in the range 1 to 8 cm and of sizes, classed as length of cross bar position to pedal position usually 50 to 80 cm, in manner that the forks of the frame are held off the ground, avoiding damage, and usefully, hindering tampering with the steerer or frame or theft thereof.