GB2512279A

GB2512279A - A mount device

Info

Publication number: GB2512279A
Application number: GB1303459.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Matthew Steel
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-02-27
Filing date: 2013-02-27
Publication date: 2014-10-01
Also published as: GB201303459D0

Abstract

A mount 10 for mounting a tablet computer or other electronic device on a bicycle comprises a first support portion 22, a second portion 20 to position the support portion at a distance from the handlebar and a third portion which interacts with the handlebar assembly such that the second and first portions are cantilevered therefrom. In an embodiment, an elongate member is shaped to pass under the stem 102 of the bicycle and over the handlebars 100 on each side of the stem 102, having a portion adapted to carry the tablet 26 or other electronic device. Shaped contact means 30,32 may be provided in the form of elastomeric members. The device may engage a substantially horizontal stem portion of the handlebar assembly, or may alternatively engage a vertical portion of the stem or steerer tube (106, figure 7). The device may be formed in more than one piece, and may be adjustable.

Description

Patent application Of MatthewSteel For A mount device

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a mount device, mare particularly a mount device for handlebar assemblies for cycles such as bicycles.

Background

It is known to mount items such as bags, lights and cycle computers on the handlebars of a bicycle and a number of prior art device address this need. In general they use clamps sized to fit the handlebars that are bolted into place using either a tool such as a screwdriver or hexhead key, or a quick release clamp that needs to be adjusted to size and then a bolt placed between a first and a second half of the clamp, before a tight hand action fit is made to clamp the clamp in place. In particular for a heavy and valuable item such as a tablet computer, such a clamp needs to be highly reliable and the item needs to be quickly and easily removably from the bike. The device also needs to be larger than for other items, and so the device is preferably removable easily and without tools when not in use. No devices

adapted for this use are known in the prior art.

A handlebar assembly typically takes form of a substantially vertical stem tube and orthogonal or substantially horizontal stem extension, wherein said stem tube extends substantially orthogonally from a head-tube of a bicycle's frame.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following: WO200859071 discloses a support that takes the form of a bracket designed to attach the assembly to the bicycle handlebars, the bracket defining a mortise-type structure for coupling and attaching the electronic apparatus in question, such as, for example, a mobile telephone, an MP3 player, a GPS device, a mini-computer, etc., said bracket being associated with a receptacle for a set of support batteries also capable of powering the electronic apparatus mounted on the support. The electronic apparatus can thus be easily mounted onto and detached from the bicycle handlebars, attachment is stable and, furthermore, said apparatus is made considerably more autonomous owing to the support batteries that are also incorporated into the actual support, said support batteries being rechargeable and, in turn, recharging thereof being facilitated by the likewise detachable or removable way in which the receptacle is mounted on the bracket.

US20070069101 discloses a laptop holder for an exercise apparatus which includes a base having a generally planar front surface for receiving a laptop computer and a rear surface configured for engaging a generally planar surface of the exercise apparatus. At least one strap extends from the base and is configured to wrap around a portion of the exercise apparatus to form a loop with the base. Disposed on the base is a pocket defining a pocket opening for receiving a laptop computer.

US20070069101 discloses a laptop computer holder for mounting on an exercise apparatus, comprising: a base having a generally planar front surface for receiving a laptop computer and a rear surface configured for engaging a generally planar surface of the exercise apparatus; at least one strap extending from said base and configured to wrap around a portion of the exercise apparatus to form a loop with said base; and at least one pocket disposed on said base defining a pocket opening configured for receiving a laptop computer.

This device uses a clamp means to mount a laptop computer support table on handlebars.

US200 10040204 discloses an attachment piece for a bicycle display device including an attachment component for attachment to a structural member of the bicycle, a support column fixed at a proximal portion thereof to the attachment component, and a base member having an attachment surface for attachment to the display device.

*The base member is pivotably coupled to a distal portion of the support column at a location aligned below the center of the attachment surface when the attachment surface is vertical. The support column may extend from the attachment component at an incline relative to a plane that extends through the attachment component perpendicular to a central axis of the attachment component.

All of the above devices rely on a clamp fixing means that passes around the handlebars and is tightened by a tool. The clamp needs to be sized correctly for the bars, will not fit readily over a taped or covered portion of the handlebar, and needs to be tightened well to prevent slippage and potential damage to the device, resulting in a potential failure mode. In contrast the device of the invention does not need a tool in order to be mounted in place and does not need to be clamped to the handlebars. -W02007112571 discloses a mounting device which permits attachment of peripheral equipment to the bicycle The mounting device forms an insert into the upper end of head tube of the bicycle. The mounting device is fixed to the bicycle by means of a bolt through an aperture in a base ol the mounting device.

This is a rare example of a device that does not rely on a compression clamp.

However, the mounting method is using the bolt that secures the handlebars means wherein firstly a tool is needed to fit and to remove the stand but also the fitrnent of the handlebar to the headset is affected, meaning that the height of the handlebar needs to be re-set each time the stand is fixed in place.

The device of the invention overcomes disadvantages found with each of the above devices.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a mount device for cycle handlebar assemblies, comprising a first support portion arranged to hold an item, a second portion arranged to position said support portion at a distance from said assembly, and a third portion arranged to interact with the assembly, wherein in use said support portion is cantilevered and said third portion held against the assembly.

In some further embodiments a means of attachment is further comprised to maintain the third portion in place on the assembly, even when the item is not in place on the support portion.

The three portions are ideally provided in a fixed relationship, and in preferred embodiments are formed from a unitary piece of material so as to enable easy manufacture and mounting. Typically the device may be left as mounted when not in use. In some further embodiments at least part of the device may be displaceable, detachable or resiliently deformable so as to allow displacement of the device.

In preferred embodiments the support portion provides a resting, clip or grasping situation for an item that a user wishes to utilise during use of the cycle.

In this way the support portion comprises a secure bracket, wherein such bracket allows hands-free item usage and more particularly ideally situated for a user of the cycle to consult or interact with.

In order to better accomplish effective mounting of said item the claimed portions in preferred embodiments are separated into parts arranged to negotiate and/or interact with the assembly.

In some further embodiments the third portion may be clipped or otherwise fit into place onto the assembly so as to form the anchor and the second portion may be a single part extending thereform.

Preferably and typically therefore the mount is to mount a planar and/or elongate visual reference item such as an electronic item such as a tablet computer, on the most convenient location for reference on a cycle namely such as a bicycle's handlebars, and comprising: An elongated member having a first and a second arms forming the second portion with a anchor third portion joining them, the third or anchor portion comprising a stem contact region, the arms being spaced apart and projecting from the anchor portion or anchor in a common direction, each arm comprising a proximal region joined to the anchor and having a handlebar contact region on its lower side forming part of the third portion1 and a distal region comprising the support portion and comprising retaining means to retain an item supported by said support portion, the device being supported in use by means of a cantilever action in which the device rests on the handlebars, the handlebars comprise the fulcrum and contact between the anchor portion and the stem provides a balancing force.

Said arms surround the item in use providing a plural-part first and second portion, wherein two ends of the item may be held and the second portion deviates to surround parts of the assembly, ideally thereby letting the device be capable of removal from the assembly with alteration.

In a preferred embodiment the device is adapted so that in use the stem contact region contacts the underside of the substantially horizontal stem extension.

In an alternative embodiment the device is adapted so that in use the stem contact region contacts the front of one of the substantially vertical stem tube and the head-tube of the bicycle frame.

In a preferred embodiment the anchor comprises one or more curved regions extending therefrom and each of the first and second proximal regions are curved deviated from or orthogonal to the plane of curvature of the anchor.

In some embodiments the device comprises a single curved region joining each arm, the support portion and the anchor, wherein the anchor comprising a region that is substantially straight when the device is viewed from above.

In a preferred embodiment the anchor comprises a reverse curve providing a loop comprising the stem contact region at the apex of the loop and into which the stem fits in use.

In this way in use the device fits around the bicycle handlebars with the anchor around and behind the handlebar stem with reference to forward travel of the cycle, the proximal regions resting on the upper surface of the handlebars to either side of the stem and the distal support regions projecting forward of the handlebars. The device is then securely supported by the stem and the handlebars by means of a cantilever action. The weight of the device bears down on the handlebars, so tending to lift a central curved region or the anchor against the stem. This lifting force is resisted by the anchor bearing against the stem, in preferred embodiments bearing upwards against the underside of the forward-projecting extension of the stem, so supporting the device and in other embodiments against the substantially vertical 5..

stem. The item may then be mounted on the device in front of the handlebars supported by the device.

In some embodiments an additional portion such a hinged gate closure may close about the stem so as to fix the device in place.

The device has the advantage that it may be quickly and easily fitted to a bicycle without using tools, and may be formed to fit a range of sizes of stem and handlebar, in contrast with devices of the prior art that typically need to be clamped to the bicycle and therefore need to have clamps that are sized appropriately and to need tools to fit them. The device is self-supporting and therefore strong, does not need precision components such as clamps, and so made be made and supplied at low cost.

In preferred embodiments the item comprises an electronic item such as a tablet computer. Preferably the device is shaped and adapted to carry and support the tablet computer at a position and angle suitable for viewing by the user.

By tablet herein is meant a tablet computer or any other portable item such as a laptop computer, smartphone,. music or video player, satnav device or similar. It will be appreciated that such items have a range of sizes and housing formats and that the device of the invention may be made to suit a range of sizes and housing formats each with the inventive features disclosed herein.

It will be understood that while the device of the invention is described as being adapted for mounting and carrying an electronic item such as a tablet, the device is also adapted to carry other types of item, such as a bag or other item on the handlebars using the same cantilever principles.

Preferably the device comprises stem contact means provided on the elongated member at the stem contact region and handlebar contact means at the handlebar contact region. In a preferred embodiment the stem and handlebar contact means comprise an elastomeric component mounted on the elongated member. In a preferred embodiment the elastomeric component comprises a sleeve provided around the elongated member. In a preferred embodiment the stem and handlebar contact means are shaped to locate the device securely in contact with the stem and handlebars, the upper side of the stem contact means being so shaped and the lower side of the handlebar contact means.

In a preferred embodiment the distal ends of the first and second arms form a 6 substantially parallel first portion.

In an alternative embodiment the arms diverge having an angle between the first and the second arms in the range approximately 0 to approximately 90 degrees.

In a further embodiment the distal ends of the first and second arms are bent back towards the proximal regions.

In a further embodiment the arms support a support means such as a planar table.

In preferred embodiments the item retaining means comprise quick release fixings mounted on the elongated member.

In a preferred embodiment the retaining means comprises a hook and eye fixing fabric.

In a preferred embodiment the device is shaped to retain a tablet, for example the ends of the arms may be formed to retain the tablet, such as curved upwards.

In an embodiment the arms are curved in the plane of curvature of the anchor.

The elongated member may be formed from materials as known in the art of support members for bicycle components, for example from a solid metal rod, such as aluminium: a hollow metal tube, or may be moulded in plastic. The elongated member may comprise an inner and an outer structure, for example an inner metal core and an outer plastic layer or coating. The elongated member is preferably substantially circular in cross-section, and may comprise flattened regions in the stem and handlebar contact regions. In an alternative embodiment the elongated member may comprises a number of sub-members mounted permanently together.

In a preferred embodiment the device comprises two or more sub-members that interfit detachably one with another.

In a preferred embodiment the spacing apart of the arms is adjustable. In a preferred embodiment the device comprises a first and a second side member, each comprising a proximal and distal side portion as described above, and an anchor formed in two halves each half formed as part of a side member, one half adapted to interfit inside the other. In this way the device may be adjusted to accommodate tablets or other electronic devices of a range of widths. Preferably the device comprises locking means to lock the two halves of the anchor in a fixed configuration.

In a preferred embodiment the arms may have an adjustable length. Preferably each arm comprises two or more tubular portions adapted to interfit telescopically one with another so allowing their overall length to be adjusted to suit a tablet or other electronic device of a range of depths.

It will be appreciated that the device may have a range of forms with respect to curvature in the anchor and the proximal regions of the arms, as suited to bicycles of different types. For example, the curvature may be adapted to suit handlebars and stems, and the usual riding position, for a commuter bike and different curvatures adapted for use on a racing or a mountain bike.

It will be further appreciated that by bicycle herein is meant any bicycle or tricycle that is ridden in order to move from one place to another, or is mounted in a stationary way for purposes of exercise, including standard bicycles mounted on rollers or specially made exercise bicycles. Also included are other exercise machines having handlebars, such a stepping or stair climbing machines.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method of supporting an item or tablet on a bicycle comprising the steps of providing a device as described herein, mounting the device on the bicycle such that each arm lies on top of the handlebars on each side of the stem, the anchor bears against the stem, such that the device is supported by a cantilever action, and mounting a tablet on the device.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it vill be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows a plan view of a first embodiment of the device according to the invention in position on a bicycle Figure 2 shows a side view of the embodiment in figure 1 in position on a bicycle Figure 3 shows a plan view of a further embodiment of the device Figure 4 shows a plan view of a further embodiment of the device Figure 5 shows a plan view of a further embodiment of the device Figure 6 shows a plan view of a further embodiment of the device in position on a bicycle Figure 7 shows a side view of the embodiment in figure 1 in position on a bicycle

Detailed Description of Figures

Referring to figures 1 and 2 an embodiment of a device 10 according to the invention is shown mounted on a bicycle having handlebars 100 mounted in a stem 102, mounted in a frame 104. The device 10 comprises an elongated member 12 having a first arm 14 and a second arm 16, and a anchor 18 joining them, the first arm lying substantially parallel to the second arm, each of the first and second arms comprising a proximal region 20 having curvature orthogonal to the plane of curvature of the anchor in order to fit stably over and partially around the handlebars, a distal portion 22 distal adapted to support a tablet, and retaining means 24 to retain a tablet 26 supported by the arms. The anchor comprises two curved regions 28 that have a degree of curvature in two orthogonal planes, as shown in figures 1 and 2. In this embodiment the device comprises a curved portion 28 joining each arm and the anchor, the anchor comprising a region that is substantially straight when the device is viewed from above.

Alternatively, as shown in figure 5, substantially the entire anchor may be curved.

The way the device fits around the bicycle handlebars with the central curved portion around and underneath the handlebar stem, the proximal curved regions resting on the upper surface of the handlebars to either side of the stem and the distal tablet support portions projecting forward of the handlebars, is shown in figures 1 and 2.

The device is then securely supported by the stem and the handlebars. The weight of the device bears down on the handlebars, so tending to lift the central curved region. This lifting force is resisted by the anchor bearing upwards on the underside of the stem, so supporting the device by a cantilever action. The tablet may then be mounted on the device in front of the handlebars supported by the device and visible to a user.

In this embodiment the tablet is secured to the arms 16 by quick release retaining means 24, for example using hook and eye fabric e.g. Velcro TM.

The embodiment comprises stem contact means 30 in a region of the member* encompassing the apex of the curved anchor and handlebar contact means 32 encompassing a portion of the curved regions of the arms. In a preferred embodiment the stem and handlebar contact means comprise an elastomeric component mounted on the elongated member. In a preferred embodiment the elastomeric component comprises a sleeve provided around the elongated member.

In a preferred embodiment the stem and handlebar contact means is shaped to located the device securely in contact with the handlebars, the upper side of the stem contact means being so shaped and the lower side of the handlebar contact means.

In the embodiment shown in figures 1 and 2 the distal ends of the first and second arms are substantially parallel.

Figure 3 shows a plan view of an alternative embodiment wherein the first and the second arms diverge, having an angle theta between them. According to the embodiment theta may be in the range approximately 0 to approximately 90 degrees.

In the embodiment shown in figure 3, theta is approximately 45 degrees.

Optionally the device is shaped to retain a tablet, for example the ends of the arms may be formed to retain the tablet, such as curved ends 34 as shown in figures 2 and 3.

The elongated member may be formed from materials as known in the art of support members for bicycle components, for example from a solid metal rod, such as aluminium; a hollow metal. tube, or may be moulded in plastic. The elongated member may comprise an inner and an outer structure, for example an inner metal core and an outer plastic layer or coating. The elongated member is preferably substantially circular in cross-section, and may comprise flattened regions in the stem and handlebar contact regions In an alternative embodiment the elongated member may comprises a number of sub-members mounted permanently together.

Figure 4 shows an embodiment in which the spacing apart of the arms is adjustable.

The device comprises a first 14 and a second 16 side member, each comprising a proximal and distal side portion as described above, and a anchor formed in two halves 12a, 12b each half formed as part of a side member, one half (12a) adapted to interlit inside the other (*12b). In this way the device may be adjusted to accommodate tablets or other electronic devices of a range of widths. Preferably the device comprises locking means to lock the two halves of the anchor in a fixed configuration.

Figures 6 and 7 show a further embodiment of the device according to the invention in position on a bicycle, in which the anchor 18 and the proximal regions 20 are shaped so that the stem contact region and stem contact means 30, where present, contact and interact with the front of the vertical stem portion 106, so providing a cantilever support action for the device and a tablet mounted on it.

Claims

Claims 1. A mount device for cycle handlebar assemblies, comprising a first support portion arranged to hold an item, a second portion arranged to position said support portion at a distance from said assembly, and a third portion arranged to interact with the assembly, wherein in use said support portion is cantilevered and said third portion held against the assembly.
2. A mount device according to claim I comprising an elongated member having a first and a second arms and an anchor joining the arms, the anchor comprising a stem contact region substantially forming the third portion, the arms being spaced apart and projecting from the anchor to substantially form the second portion, each arm comprising a proximal region joined to the anchor and having a handlebar contact region on its lower side, and a distal region comprising retaining means to retain an item so as to form the support portion, the device in use fixed in place by means of a cantilever action in which the arms rest on the handlebars to comprise a fulcrum and contact between the anchor and the stem provides a balancing force.
3. A device as claimed in claim 2 wherein the device is adapted so that in use the stem contact region contacts the underside of the substantially horizontal stem extension.
4. A device as claimed in claim 2 wherein the device is adapted so that in use the stem contact region contacts the front of one of the substantially vertical stem tube and the head-tube of the bicycle frame.
5. A device as claimed in any of claims 2 to 4 above wherein the anchor comprises one or more curved regions and each of the first and second proximal regions have curvature in a plane orthogonal to the plane of curvature of the anchor.
6. A device as claimed in any of claims 2 to 5 above wherein the device comprises a single curved region joining each arm and the anchor, the anchor comprising a region that is substantially straight when the device is viewed from above.
7. A device as claimed in any of claims 2 to 5 wherein the anchor comprises a reverse curve providing a loop comprising the stem contact region at the apex of the loop and into which the stem fits in use.
8. A device as claimed in any of claims 2 to 7 above further comprising stem contact means in the anchor of the elongated member and handlebar contact -means on each of the arms.
9. A device as claimed in claim 8 wherein the stem and handlebar contact means comprise an elastomeric component mounted on the elongated member.
10. A device as claimed in claim 9 wherein one side of the stem contact means is shaped to locate the device securely in contact with the stem and the lower side of the handlebar contact means is shaped to locate the device securely in contact with the handlebars.
11. A device as claimed in any of claims 2 to 10 above wherein the item is an electronic device such as a tablet computer and the retaining means comprises quick release fixings.
12. A device as claimed in any of claims 2 to 11 above wherein the-arms support a tablet support means such as a planar table.
13. A device as claimed in any of claims 2 to 12 above wherein the elongated member comprises an inner metal structure and an outer plastic coating.
14. A device as claimed in any of the claims 2 to 13 above wherein the elongated member is substantially circular in cross section.

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15. A device as claimed in any of clainis..2 to 14 above comprising two or more sub-members that interfit detachably one with another.
16. A device as claimed in any of claims 2 to 15 above wherein the spacing apart of the arms is adjustable.
17. A device as claimed in claim 16 wherein the device comprises a first and a second arm and a anchor, the anchor being formed in two halves, each half formed as part of an arm, one half adapted to interfit inside theother.
18. A device as claimed in any of claims 2 to 17 above wherein the arms have anadjustable length.
19. A method of supporting an electronic device such as a tablet computer on a bicycle comprising the steps of providing a device as described herein, mounting the device on the bicycle such that the anchor lies in contact with the stem and each arm lies on top of the handlebars on each side of the stem, and mounting the electronic device on the device.