GB2560055A

GB2560055A - A bicycle stem including a power storage means

Info

Publication number: GB2560055A
Application number: GB1706595.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Clifford-Brown Rupert
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-04-25
Filing date: 2017-04-25
Publication date: 2018-08-29
Anticipated expiration: 2037-04-25
Also published as: GB2560055B; GB201706595D0

Abstract

A stem for a bicycle comprises a body 14, a power storage means such as a battery 20, and a connecting means 24, 26. The body 14 has first and second apertures therein, the first aperture providing access to the connectors (24,26) and the second aperture allowing the battery 20 to be inserted into the stem. The second aperture is covered by the bicycles handlebar when installed. The connecting means (24, 26) enable electrical connection through the first aperture between the power storage means 20 and an external device, for supply of power to the external device. The connecting means also enables charging of the power storage device. The second aperture enables insertion of the power storage means into the body and removal therefrom. A further first aperture 35 may be provided to enable viewing of a battery condition display. Photovoltaic cells may also be provided for charging the battery.

Description

(54) Title of the Invention: A bicycle stem including a power storage means Abstract Title: Bicycle stem incorporating a power supply (57) A stem for a bicycle comprises a body 14, a power storage means such as a battery 20, and a connecting means 24, 26. The body 14 has first and second apertures therein, the first aperture providing access to the connectors (24,26) and the second aperture allowing the battery 20 to be inserted into the stem. The second aperture is covered by the bicycle’s handlebar when installed. The connecting means (24, 26) enable electrical connection through the first aperture between the power storage means 20 and an external device, for supply of power to the external device. The connecting means also enables charging of the power storage device. The second aperture enables insertion of the power storage means into the body and removal therefrom. A further first aperture 35 may be provided to enable viewing of a battery condition display. Photovoltaic cells may also be provided for charging the battery.

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A BICYCLE STEM INCLUDING A POWER STORAGE MEANS

Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a bicycle stem comprising a power storage means, and a method of locating a power storage device in a bicycle stem.

Background

Devices requiring a power source are frequently used when riding a bicycle. For example, lights are required at night and require power. Also, navigation and data recording devices are often used by cyclists. Power availability limits the functionality of such devices and length of time over which such devices can operate. Smartphones typically include all components necessary for navigation, but are not used for such due to drain on battery. It is an object of the present invention to address the abovementioned issues.

Summary of the Invention

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a stem for a bicycle, for attachment of a handlebar, comprising: a body having first and second apertures therein; a power storage means located within the body; connecting means enabling electrical connection through the first aperture between the power storage means and an external device, for supply of power to the external device, wherein the connecting means also enables charging of the power supply device, wherein the second aperture enables insertion of the power storage means into the body and removal therefrom, and wherein the handlebar attaches to the stem over the second aperture.

Location of the power storage device in the stem through the second aperture is useful. The second aperture may be a size enabling most or all available space inside the body to be used for retaining the power storage device. The location of the second aperture such that the handlebar locates over it means that the second aperture is not detrimental to the strength of the stem in a way that an aperture of such size enabling access to the interior of the body located elsewhere in the stem would be.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of locating a power storage means in a stem of a bicycle, comprising: inserting a power storage means through a second aperture in a body of the stem and locating connecting means inserted through the second aperture in a first aperture in the body; attaching a handlebar to the stem, wherein the attached handlebar covers the second aperture, wherein the connecting means enable electrical connection through the first aperture between the power storage means and an external device, for supply of power to the external device.

Brief Description of the Figures

For better understanding of the present invention, embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying Figures in which:

Figure 1 is perspective view of a stem in accordance with an embodiment;

Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the stem along section A-A indicated in Figure 3;

Figure 3 is a top view of the stem;

Figure 4 is a side view of the stem;

Figure 5 is an end view of the stem, from an end at which a handlebar is attached in use;

Figure 6 is an underside view of the stem;

Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a capsule shown in Figure 2, also along section A-A, now shown separately;

Figure 8 is a top view of the capsule;

Figure 9 is a perspective view of the capsule; and

Figure 10 is an end view of the capsule.

Detailed Description of Embodiments

Like reference numerals are used to denote like parts throughout.

Certain terminology will be used in the following description for convenience and reference only, and is not to be understood as limiting. For example, a bicycle has a conventional orientation and the words “upper” and “lower”, and “top” and “bottom” are to be construed in view of that orientation.

Referring to Figures 1 to 6, a stem for a bicycle comprises a body formed of a single piece of material, and also means for attaching a handlebar and an end of a fork. The material may be aluminium, steel, titanium, or carbon fibre based, for example. The stem has a first section 10 configured for connecting to the fork, in a conventional way. The stem also has a second section 12 configured for attaching to the handlebar. The stem has a third section 14 extending between the first section 10 and the second section 12. In the conventional way, the stem connects the handlebar to the fork so that the bicycle can be steered.

The first section 10 provides a tube of cylindrical cross-section, locatable over a top end of the fork. The first section 10 includes a gap 16 extending longitudinally therein with respect to a length of the tube. The gap 16 is located in a side of the tube remote from the third section 14. The first section 10 also has a bolt and aperture arrangement configured so that bolts can be tightened to reduce the gap 16, thereby to clamp the first section 10 to the top end of the fork.

The bolt and aperture arrangement comprises upper and lower pairs of projecting portions 18a, 18b extending away from the third section 14, one projecting portion of each pair being on a respective side of the gap 16. The projecting portions 18a, 18b each have a respective aperture therein, and the apertures of each pair are in register. Although not shown in the Figures, a respective bolt extends through the apertures of each pair, and is attached by a nut that sits flush against one of the projecting portions 18a, 18b of each pair. Thus, the bolt can be tightened to clamp the projecting portions 18a, 18b of each pair together, so as to press closed the gap 16. Other methods of attaching a stem to an end of a fork are known in the art and may be used instead.

The third section 14 is tubular and defines a hollow space in which a capsule, shown separately from the rest of the stem in Figures 7 to 10, containing a power storage and supply device 20 is located. The third section 14 has first and second holes in a portion of the third section 14 that faces downwardly when in use. The third section 14 also has a third hole in an upper portion thereof.

The capsule comprises a housing in the form of casing 22 configured to fit flush against or abut the surrounding surfaces of the third section 14, so that the casing 22 is fixedly located and does not rattle in the stem when the bicycle is ridden. The casing 22 has first and second connectors 24, 26 attached thereto. The casing 22 is shaped for location in the third section 14, and the casing 22 and the first and second connectors 24, 26 are relatively disposed, so that the first and second connectors 24, 26 extend downwardly into the first and second holes in the third section 14.

The first connector 24 is located in the first hole. The first connector 24 is configured and oriented so that a further connector that is configured for mating with the first connector 24 can be operatively attached. The first connector 24 is operatively connected to the power supply device 20. The further connector may be electrically connected to an external device, so that the external device can be powered with power from the power supply device 20. The first connector 24 may, for example, be a connector according to a USB (Universal Serial Bus) standard. The first connector 24 may be configured according to USB standard A port, since cables are commonly available for connecting such to external devices.

A second connector 26 is located in the second hole. The second connector 26 is configured and oriented so that a yet further connector that is configured for mating with the second connector 26 can be operatively attached. The yet further connector may be electrically connected to an external device, for supply of power from the power supply device 20 to the external device. The second connector 26 may, for example, be a connector according to another USB (Universal Serial Bus) standard, different to the USB standard of the first connector 24. The second connector 26 is typically configured for connecting to a power source for charging of the power supply device 20, and the USB standard may be a micro-USB standard.

The first and second connectors 24, 26 do not have to be configured according to USB standards. The first and second connectors 24, 26 may be otherwise configured.

The first and second connectors 24, 26 may in alternative embodiments be operatively connected to the power supply device 20 by a respective short cable.

Each of the first and second connectors 24, 26 have a rubber sheath (not shown) extending therearound, to seal between the respective connector and the third section 14, thereby to prevent ingress of ambient dirt and moisture. Although not shown in the Figures, each of the first and second connectors 24, 26 is also equipped with a rubber cover, to prevent ingress of ambient dirt and moisture into the connector.

In variant embodiments, only a single hole may be provided in the third section 14 in place of the first and second holes. In this case both first and second connectors 24, 26 may be attached together and located in the single hole, or only a single connector may be provided configured for both charging of the power supply device 20 and for supply of power to external devices.

The casing 22 comprises a first casing portion 22a shaped to receive the power supply device 20. The casing 22 also comprises an end cap 22b. The first casing portion 22a and the end cap 22b are configured so that the end cap 22b closes the first casing portion 22a, so that the power supply device 20 is contained within the casing 22.

The second section 12 provides a first convex surface 28 for location flush against the handlebar. Although not shown, the handlebar has a cylindrical cross-section and the first convex surface 28 is configured to locate flush against a portion of an outer surface of the handlebar. A clamp member 30 providing second convex surfaces 31 is located facing the first convex surface 28. The clamp member 30 has a pair of apertures therein through each of which a respective bolt 32a, 32b extends. The second section 12 also has a pair of apertures therein, each aligned with a respective one of the apertures of the clamp member 30. The bolts extend through the apertures and are attached with a nut. Tightening of the bolt clamps the clamping member 30 against the handlebar, thereby securing the handlebar to the stem. In variant embodiments, alternative ways of attaching the handlebar may be employed.

The clamp member 30 is configured to provide a mount 38 for mounting an external device in the form of a front bicycle light onto the stem, where the front bicycle light is configured for mounting on the mount 38. Alternatively, the mount 38 may enable mounting of a suitably configured navigation device, data recording device or mobile phone. A particular configuration of the mount 38 is shown in the figures, but mounts for mounting lights, navigation devices and data recording devices on bicycles are well known in the art and any suitable mounting system may be implemented.

The second section 12 has an opening provided in the first convex surface 28 through which the casing 22 can be inserted in the third section 14. The opening is sealed and closed with removable closure 34. The closure 34 is shaped for conformity with the first convex surface 28, so that the closure 34 fits flush against the surface of the handlebar. The casing 22, with the power supply device 20 inside, can be positioned in the second section 12 with the first and second connectors 24, 26 located respectively through the first and second apertures in the second section 12. The closure 34 may be configured to fit in the opening so as to secure to the stem, but alternatively the handlebar may play a role in securing in closure 34 in place.

In a variant embodiment, the closure 34 is absent. In this case, the handlebar should cover the opening completely to seal the opening, thereby to prevent ingress of moisture and dirt.

The power supply device 20 comprises a circuit board 27 comprising control circuitry 27 including a microcontroller operatively connected to a display 35, the connectors 24, 26 and a battery. The microcontroller comprises a processor, a memory, a clock, and input/output interfaces operatively connected by a bus. Computer program codes are stored in the memory which, when executed by the processor, result in the microcontroller 20 controlling the display.

The display 35 is located so as to be viewable during riding of the bicycle through the third aperture. The display 35 is in the form of a circuit board with three LEDs on. An upper surface of the third section 14 has a see-through cap 36 providing a window through which the display 35 can be seen by the rider. The microcontroller is configured to control display of the display 35 to show information indicative of available power in the battery using the LEDs. The display 35 may be otherwise configured, for example with a screen.

In a variant embodiment, additionally or alternatively to the display 35, solar cells may be exposed to light through the third aperture. Additionally or alternatively, solar cells may be located around the stem, or elsewhere on the bicycle and connected to the battery via the first or second connector 24, 26. The solar cells operate to charge the battery.

To make the stem described above, the capsule 22 and the first and second connectors 24, 26 are inserted into the tubular body of the stem through the opening. The capsule 22 is sized and shaped relative to the interior of the third section 14 so that the capsule 22 fits snugly into place, and the first and second connectors 24, 26 locate into the first and second holes in the third section 14. The capsule 22 is also thus oriented so that the display 35 is underneath the see-through cap 36 and thus visible to the rider.

The closure 34 is then located to close the opening. The handlebar is then attached.

The above described stem may be used in other applications besides a bicycle where a stem is conventionally used. For example, the stem may be included in tricycle.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that various modifications are possible to the embodiments.

The applicant hereby discloses in isolation each individual feature or step described herein and any combination of two or more such features, to the extent that such features or steps or combinations of features and/or steps are capable of being carried out based on the present specification as a whole in the light of the common general knowledge of a person skilled in the art, irrespective of whether such features or steps or combinations of features and/or steps solve any problems disclosed herein, and without limitation to the scope of the claims. The applicant indicates that aspects of the present invention may consist of any such individual feature or step or combination of features and/or steps. In view of the foregoing description it will be evident to a person skilled in the art that various modifications may be made within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A stem for a bicycle, comprising:

a body having at least one first aperture and a second aperture therein; a power storage means located within the body;

connecting means enabling electrical connection through the at least one first aperture between the power storage means and an external device, for supply of power to the external device, wherein the connecting means also enables charging of the power storage means, wherein the second aperture enables insertion of the power storage means into the body and removal therefrom, and wherein a handlebar attaches to the stem over the second aperture.

2. The stem of claim 1, wherein the connecting means comprises a first electrical connector element electrically connected to the power storage means, wherein the connector element is located in the at least one first aperture, and wherein the connector element is configured for connection to a first connector of the external device.

3. The stem of claim 2, wherein the first connector element is also configured for connecting to an external power source for the charging of the power storage means.

4. The stem of claim 2 or claim 3, further comprising a second electrical connector element electrically connected to the power storage means, wherein the second connector element is also located in the at least one first aperture, and wherein the connector element is configured for connection to a connector of a different type to the first connector, to enable supply of power via the second connector.

5. The stem of claim 4, wherein the at least one first aperture comprises two first apertures, wherein the first connector element is located in one of the two first apertures and the second connector element is located in a second of the two first apertures.

The stem of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body comprises: a first portion attachable to a bicycle fork; a second portion attachable to a handlebar; and a third portion extending between the first portion and the second portion, wherein the power storage means is located within the third portion.

7. The stem of claim 6, wherein the at least one first aperture is located in the third portion.

8. The stem of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a display means mounted in or on the stem so as to provide a visual indication to a rider of the bicycle indicative of an amount of power remaining stored in the power storage means, wherein the display means is connected to the power storage means by a third aperture in a top region of the third portion.

9. The stem of claim 8, wherein a see-through cover enabling viewing of the display means is located in the third aperture so as to seal the third aperture.

10. The stem of claim 8 or claim 9, further comprising solar cells exposed to light through the third aperture, wherein the solar cells are electrically connected to the power storage means to charge the power storage means.

11. The stem of any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the second aperture is located in the second portion.

12. The stem of any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the power storage means comprises a housing, a battery located within the housing, and the display means fixedly attached to the housing, wherein the housing and an interior surface of the body are respectively shaped so that the housing self-locates when the housing power storage means is located in the body such that the display means is visible to the rider.

13. The stem of claim, wherein the connecting means is mounted on the housing.

14. The stem of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a closure member for sealingly closing the second aperture, wherein the closure member includes a convex surface portion configured to fit against an outer surface of a handlebar.

15. The stem of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising solar cells on an outer portion thereof, wherein the solar cells are electrically connected to the power storage means via the connecting means for charging of the power storage means.

16. A method of locating a power storage means in a stem of a bicycle, comprising:

inserting a power storage means through a second aperture in a body of the stem and locating connecting means inserted through the second aperture in at least one first aperture in the body;

attaching a handlebar to the stem, wherein the attached handlebar covers the second aperture, wherein the connecting means enables electrical connection through the at least one first aperture between the power storage means and an external device, for supply of power to the external device, and enables charging of the power storage means.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the connecting means comprises first and second connector elements, each being connectable to a connector of the external device and/or a connector of an external power supply for charging, wherein the first connector element is of a different type to the second connector element.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein the at least one first aperture comprises two first apertures, wherein the locating the first and second connector elements comprises locating the first and second connector elements in the two first apertures.

5

19. The method of any one of claims 15 to 18, further comprising locating the power storage means so that a display means thereof is mounted in the stem so as to provide a visual indication to a rider of the bicycle indicative of an amount of power remaining stored in the power storage means.

23 07 18

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: Claims searched:

GB1706595.4

1-21

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the locating of the connecting means comprises locating the first and second connector elements in the at least one first aperture.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein the at least one first aperture comprises two first apertures, wherein the locating the first and second connector elements comprises locating the first and second connector elements in the two first apertures.

20. The method of any one of claims 16 to 19, further comprising locating the power storage means so that a display means thereof is mounted in the stem so as to provide a visual indication to a rider of the bicycle indicative of an amount of power

5 remaining stored in the power storage means.

21. The method of any one of claims 16 to 20, further comprising locating a closure member to sealingly close the second aperture, wherein the closure member includes a convex surface portion configured to fit against an outer surface of a

10 handlebar.

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Amendments to claims have been filed as follows:

1. A stem for a bicycle, comprising: a body having at least one first aperture and a second aperture therein;

5 a power storage means located within the body;

connecting means enabling electrical connection through the at least one first aperture between the power storage means and an external device, for supply of power to the external device, wherein the connecting means also enables charging of the power storage

10 means, wherein the second aperture enables insertion of the power storage means into the body and removal therefrom, and the stem further comprising a closure member for sealingly closing the second aperture, wherein the closure member includes a concave surface portion configured 15 to fit against an outer surface of a handlebar, wherein a handlebar is attachable to the stem over the second aperture.

2. The stem of claim 1, wherein the connecting means comprises a first electrical connector element electrically connected to the power storage means, wherein the

20 connector element is located in the at least one first aperture, and wherein the connector element is configured for connection to a first connector of the external device.

3. The stem of claim 2, wherein the first connector element is also configured for

25 connecting to an external power source for the charging of the power storage means.

4. The stem of claim 2 or claim 3, further comprising a second electrical connector element electrically connected to the power storage means, wherein the second connector element is also located in the at least one first aperture, and wherein

30 the connector element is configured for connection to a connector of a different type to the first connector, to enable supply of power via the second connector.

5. The stem of claim 4, wherein the at least one first aperture comprises two first apertures, wherein the first connector element is located in one of the two first

23 07 18 apertures and the second connector element is located in a second of the two first apertures.

6. The stem of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body comprises:

5 a first portion attachable to a bicycle fork;

a second portion attachable to a handlebar; and a third portion extending between the first portion and the second portion, wherein the power storage means is located within the third portion.

10

8. The stem of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a display means mounted in or on the stem so as to provide a visual indication to a rider of the

15 bicycle indicative of an amount of power remaining stored in the power storage means, wherein the display means is connected to the power storage means by a third aperture in a top region of the third portion.

9. The stem of claim 8, wherein a see-through cover enabling viewing of the

20 display means is located in the third aperture so as to seal the third aperture.

12. The stem of any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the power storage means

30 comprises a housing, a battery located within the housing, and the display means fixedly attached to the housing, wherein the housing and an interior surface of the body are respectively shaped so that the housing self-locates when the housing power storage means is located in the body such that the display means is visible to the rider.

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13. The stem of claim 12, wherein the connecting means is mounted on the housing.

14. The stem of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising solar cells on 5 an outer portion thereof, wherein the solar cells are electrically connected to the power storage means via the connecting means for charging of the power storage means.

15. A method of locating a power storage means in a stem of a bicycle, 10 comprising:

locating a closure member to sealingly close the second aperture, wherein the 15 closure member includes a concave surface portion configured to fit against an outer surface of a handlebar;

attaching a handlebar to the stem, wherein the attached handlebar covers the second aperture, wherein the connecting means enables electrical connection through the at 20 least one first aperture between the power storage means and an external device, for supply of power to the external device, and enables charging of the power storage means.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the connecting means comprises first and 25 second connector elements, each being connectable to a connector of the external device and/or a connector of an external power supply for charging, wherein the first connector element is of a different type to the second connector element.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the locating of the connecting means 30 comprises locating the first and second connector elements in the at least one first aperture.