GB2611585A

GB2611585A - A vehicle comprising a mount for removably mounting an accessory to the vehicle

Info

Publication number: GB2611585A
Application number: GB2116160.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Arthur Christopher; Wells Jonathan
Original assignee: MORGAN MOTOR Co Ltd
Current assignee: MORGAN MOTOR Co Ltd
Priority date: 2021-10-05
Filing date: 2021-11-10
Publication date: 2023-04-12
Also published as: GB202114265D0

Abstract

A vehicle 1 comprising a mount 5 for removably mounting an accessory 3 to the vehicle. The mount is attached to a part 4 of the vehicle. A slot (7, figure 2) is provided in an outer side 8 of the mount, the slot having first and second regions (11, 12), the first region (11) being wider than the second region (12) such that a retainer 14, comprising a shaft 15 and a base 16 that protrudes radially from the shaft, is insertable into the first region, by passing the base through the first region. The retainer is movable along the slot from the first region to the second region and when the retainer is in the second region it is prevented from being moved out of the second region, through the outer side of the mount, due to the base being unable to pass through the second region of the slot. The mount comprises a base holder (82’, 82’’, figure 3e) configured such that, when the retainer is in the second region, rotation of the base is constrained such that a threaded clamping head 22 can be screwed along a threaded section 70 of the shaft, to clamp an accessory on the vehicle.

Description

A VEHICLE COMPRISING A MOUNT FOR REMOVABLY MOUNTING AN ACCESSORY TO THE VEHICLE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a vehicle comprising a mount for removably mounting an accessory to the vehicle, to a mounting system comprising the mount and to various components of the mounting system. The present invention also relates to a method of removably mounting an accessory to a vehicle. In particular, but not exclusively, the vehicle is a car.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Whilst most vehicles are bought for utilitarian purposes such as commuting or family travel, some vehicles, for example sports cars or motorbikes, are intended primarily for recreational driving (such as so-called "track day vehicles"). For example, track day vehicles tend to be light (to preserve their speed and agility), are often relatively spartan when it comes to trim, and usually have little or no space for luggage. Some open-topped track day vehicles even do away with a windshield to reduce weight.

However, an owner of such a vehicle may also wish to drive it on public roads (and may have no option but to do so if they wish to take the vehicle to a track day), but it may be uncomfortable and/or not practical to do so. Accordingly, there is a need for such vehicles to have a flexible configuration, that can be changed depending on whether the vehicle is to be used on a track or on the road.

There is also a need to provide such recreational vehicles, as well as normal 'on the road' vehicles, with a flexible configuration so as to meet individual buyer's requirements.

However, providing for such flexible configurations of vehicles provides a number of design obstacles.

The present invention seeks to address or mitigate at least some of the above-mentioned problems. Alternatively, or additionally, the present invention seeks to provide an improved vehicle comprising a mount for removably mounting an accessory to the vehicle and to an improved mounting system. Alternatively, or additionally, the present invention seeks to provide an improved method of removably mounting an accessory to a vehicle.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a vehicle comprising a mount for removably mounting an accessory to the vehicle; the mount being attached to a part of the vehicle; wherein a slot is provided in an outer side of the mount, the slot having first and second regions, the first region being wider than the second region such that a retainer, comprising a shaft and a base that protrudes radially from the shaft, is insertable into the first region, by passing the base through the first region, the retainer is movable along the slot from the first region to the second region and when the retainer is in the second region it is prevented from being moved out of the second region, through the outer side of the mount, due to the base being unable to pass through the second region of the slot; and wherein the mount comprises a base holder configured such that, when the retainer is in the second region, rotation of the base is constrained such that a threaded clamping head can be screwed along a threaded section of the shaft, to clamp an accessory on the vehicle.

The mount may allow an accessory to be quickly and easily mounted to (and demounted from) a vehicle, thereby providing a flexible configuration of the vehicle. This may be particularly useful in relation to track day vehicles. For example, should a vehicle owner wish to drive the vehicle on a track, the accessory can be removed to reduce the overall mass of the vehicle. Also, the vehicle owner could mount the accessory to the vehicle at home, drive the vehicle to the track in a more comfortable format, and then demount the accessory from the vehicle at the track.

The mount may allow an accessory to be clamped on the vehicle without having to screw the accessory directly to the vehicle. Also, because the rotation of the base is constrained, by the base holder, such that the clamping head can be screwed along the shaft, to clamp an accessory on the vehicle, it is not necessary for the user to hold the retainer to prevent it rotating, as the clamping head is screwed onto it (or unscrewed from it), and so no access to the inner side of the mount is required. This may further provides for ease of use of removably mounting an accessory to the vehicle.

The first region may be connected to the second region by a connecting region of the slot. The first, second and/or connecting region may extend generally in a plane.

Optionally the base holder comprises at least one abutment surface, for abutting the base when a torque is applied to the shaft, about a longitudinal axis of the shaft, such that the rotation of the base is so constrained. The at least one abutment surface may be located inwardly of the second region of the slot (i.e. between the plane of the second region of the slot and the inner side of the mount).

In this respect optionally the mount extends, in a thickness direction, from its outer side to an inner side and the at least one abutment surface extends in the thickness direction. The at least one abutment surface may extend away from the plane of the second region of the slot, towards the inner side of the mount. The at least one abutment surface may be substantially planar. It may extend generally in a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the second region of the slot. The at least one abutment surface may be located to one side of the second region of the slot, in the width-wise direction of the slot.

The at least one abutment surface may comprise first and second abutment surfaces for abutting first and second surfaces of the base respectively, when a torque is applied to the shaft, about its axis, such that the base is so held. The first and second abutment surfaces may be located on opposite sides of the second region of the slot (in the width-wise direction of the slot).

Optionally a channel is provided in the mount, arranged such that when the retainer is in the second region, the base is located in the channel and wherein the at least one abutment surface is a surface of the channel. The channel may be located inwardly of the second region of the slot.

It will be appreciated that references to a surface 'of the channel' refer to a surface that, at least partially, defines the channel (e.g. that forms a side of the channel).

The first and second abutment surfaces may be first and second surfaces of the channel, which may be opposed surfaces of the channel.

The channel may extend along an inner side of the second region and optionally of the connecting region.

Optionally the mount comprises at least one lateral guide surface, configured to guide the retainer in the width-wise direction of the slot as it is moved from the first region to the second region.

The at least one lateral guide surface may be configured to laterally guide the retainer into the second region and/or connecting region. In this respect, if the retainer is inserted into the first region in a position that is not laterally aligned with the second region and/or connecting region, the at least one lateral guide surface guides the retainer into the second region and/or connecting region, thereby allowing the retainer to be inserted into the first region in a position that is not laterally aligned with the second and/or connecting region and still moved from the first region to the second region.

The lateral guide surface may be formed by a surface of the first region of the slot. In this case, it may be configured to laterally guide the shaft of the retainer. It will be appreciated that references to a surface 'of the slot' refer to a surface that, at least partially, defines the slot (e.g. that forms a side of the slot).

The lateral guide surface may be configured such that the base is guided into the channel (e.g. by guiding movement of the shaft).

The lateral guide surface may extend in the width-wise direction of the slot. It may be curved in the plane of the slot. It may form a generally concave curve, that faces into the first region.

The at least one lateral guide surface may be a pair of lateral guide surfaces, for example provided by opposed surfaces of the first region of the slot.

Optionally the mount comprises at least one rotational guide surface, configured such that the base is rotatably guided into an end rotational position in the second region, as the retainer is moved from the first region to the second region.

The at least one rotational guide surface may be configured to rotate the base about the longitudinal axis of the shaft. In this respect, optionally the at least one rotational guide surface is curved in a plane parallel to the plane of the slot.

Optionally at least one surface of the channel forms said rotational guide surface(s).

Optionally the mount comprises at least one urging surface configured such that the base is urged away from the outer side of the mount, as the retainer is moved from the first region to the second region. This may urge the clamping head towards the outer side of the mount (when the clamping head is mounted on the retainer), thereby providing for a secure clamping of the accessory. The urging surface may urge the base towards the inner side of the mount.

In this respect, the urging surface may extend away from the outer side of the mount, towards the inner side of the mount, in the direction along the surface from the first region to the second region. The urging surface may be an inner surface of a part of the mount that defines the slot. The urging surface may exponentially accelerate the rate of rotation of the base towards the end rotational position.

Optionally the vehicle comprises a plurality of said mounts, mounted at different locations on the vehicle, for mounting an accessory to the vehicle at a plurality of locations on the accessory.

Optionally the rotational guide surface, of each mount, is arranged such that the base of each respective retainer is able to rotate into said end rotational position, as the retainer is moved from the first region to the second region.

The mount may comprise a means of attaching the mount to a part of the vehicle. In this respect, the mount may have one or more apertures for receiving a fastener to attach the mount to a part of a vehicle.

Optionally a vehicle accessory is mounted on a retainer, comprising a threaded shaft and a base that protrudes radially from the shaft, located in the second region of the slot and a clamping head is screwed onto the shaft such that the vehicle accessory is clamped on the vehicle, between the clamping head and the mount.

Optionally the base comprises at least one rotational guide surface, configured such that the base is rotatably guided into said end rotational position in the second region, as the retainer is moved from the first region to the second region.

The at least one rotational guide surface may be configured to rotate the base about the longitudinal axis of the shaft. It may be configured to engage the at least one rotational guide surface of the mount to provide said guide rotation. The at least one rotational guide surface may be a plurality of said rotational guide surfaces The base of the retainer may have at least one rounded corner that forms the rotational guide surface. Each corner of the base may be rounded, to provide a respective rotational guide surface.

The end rotational position may be a rotational position of the base, about the longitudinal axis of the shaft, in which the base is unable to pass through the second region, out of the outer side of the mount. Optionally when the base is in the end rotational position, a pair of opposite sides of the base are substantially parallel to adjacent sides of the channel.

Optionally the first region of the slot is configured such that the base of the retainer is insertable through it from a plurality of translational positions relative to the first region and/or at a plurality of rotational orientations about a longitudinal axis of the shaft. This may provide for ease of use of the mounting system when mounting and/or demounting an accessory to/from a vehicle.

In embodiments of the invention the first region has a width that is greater than the width of the base. Additionally, or alternatively, the first region may have a length that is greater than the length of the base. The first region may have a greater footprint than the base (i.e. a greater area in the plane of the slot than the plan form area of the base).

In embodiments of the invention, the second region has a width that is less than the width of the base.

The second region of the slot may be configured such that when the retainer is in the second region, it is prevented from being moved out of the second region, at any rotational orientation about the longitudinal axis of the shaft. In this respect, the second region of the slot may have a width that is less than the extent of the base in the width-wise direction of the second region of the slot, at any rotational orientation of the base about the longitudinal axis of the shaft (i.e. where the base is in a plane parallel to the plane of the slot). In this respect, the second region may have a width that is less than the length of the base.

The second region of the slot may have a width that closely matches the width of the shaft of the retainer. This may provide support to the retainer, when it is in the second region.

In embodiments of the invention when the retainer is in the second region of the slot, the shaft of the retainer passes through the second region of the slot and out of the outer side of the mount. The base is located inwardly of the second region of the slot.

In embodiments of the invention when the retainer is in the first region of the slot, or the connecting region of the slot, the shaft of the retainer passes through the respective region of the slot and out of the outer side of the mount. The base is located inwardly of the respective region of the slot.

The base of the retainer may have a generally quadrilateral shape, for example a generally square shape. It will be appreciated that the generally quadrilateral shape may have one or more rounded corners, to provide said rotational guide surface(s). The base may be generally planar. In embodiments of the invention the base is located at an end of the shaft.

The shaft of the retainer may be generally cylindrical. The threaded section of the shaft may be an externally threaded section.

Optionally the accessory is selectively locked in its clamped position by a lock that is operable to selectively prevent or allow movement of the retainer from the second region to the first region. The lock may be operable by a key. The key may be of any type, including a mechanical, electronic, radio frequency key, etc. Optionally the lock is attachable to the accessory and is movable between a locked configuration, in which a locking member of the lock extends into the first region of the slot such that, when the lock and retainer are attached to the accessory, the retainer is prevented from being moved from the second region to the first region, thereby locking the accessory to the mount, and an unlocked configuration in which the locking member does not extend into the first region such that the retainer is moveable from the second region to the first region.

Optionally a spacer is located between the mount and the accessory. This may prevent damage due to contact of the accessory and mount. The spacer may be mountable/mounted on the shaft of the retainer. The spacer may be a ring.

Optionally the vehicle comprises a plurality of sets of said mount, retainer and clamping head, with each set being arranged to mount a different part of the accessory to the vehicle.

Each set may also comprise a said spacer.

Optionally the at least one rotational guide surface, of each set, is arranged such that the base of the retainer of each set is able to rotate to its end rotational position, as the retainers are moved together, from the first region to the second region of the respective slots. In this respect, optionally the at least one rotational guide surface is arranged such that the base of the retainer is able to rotate up to 90°, optionally up to 89°, about the longitudinal axis of the shaft, as the retainer is moved from the first region to the second region. This may allow for the base of each retainer to be rotated into its end position, regardless of its initial orientation when inserted into the first region of the slot, as the retainers (with the accessory mounted thereon) are moved from the first to the second region of the respective slots, without any retainers being jammed against movement the second region, thereby allowing for each clamping head to be screwed along the threaded section of the retainer.

Optionally the at least one lateral guide surface and/or the at least one urging surface is also arranged such that the base of the retainer of each set is able to rotate to its end rotational position, as the retainers are moved together, from the first region to the second region of the respective slots.

Optionally the clamping head is retained on the shaft by a clamping head retainer comprising an abutment, located at an end of the shaft opposite the base, that extends radially from the shaft. The abutment may have a radius that is greater than an internal radius of a stem of the clamping head such that the clamping head cannot be fully unscrewed from the shaft. The clamping head retainer may be an end cap, which may be domed. Alternatively, it may be formed by physically deforming an end of the shaft.

The clamping head may be provided with at least one formation for engagement by a tool for applying a torque to the clamping head, to screw the clamping head on the threaded section of the retainer. This may allow a predetermined set torque to be applied to the clamping head, thereby avoiding damage due to over tightening. The at least one formation may be a radially extending bore in the clamping head.

The clamping head may comprise a user rotatable knob. The thread of the clamping head may be an internal thread, provided in a stem of the clamping head. In this case, the threaded section of the retainer may be an externally threaded section.

Optionally the accessory is provided with an aperture for receiving the shaft of the retainer.

Optionally the accessory is provided with an aperture for mounting the lock in.

In any of the above aspects of the invention, optionally a windshield of the vehicle is clamped between the mount and a part of the vehicle.

In embodiments of the invention the base holder is configured such that, when the retainer is in the second region, rotation of the base, in at least one rotational direction about a longitudinal axis of the shaft, is constrained such that a threaded clamping head can be screwed along a threaded section of the shaft, to clamp an accessory on the vehicle.

The rotation of the base may be constrained such that a degree of rotation of the base, in said at least one rotational direction, is possible, before any further rotation in that direction is prevented. Alternatively, the rotation of the base may be constrained such that substantially no rotation of the base is possible, in said at least one rotational direction.

The rotation may be constrained in both rotational directions about the longitudinal axis of the shaft, such that the clamping head can be both screwed and unscrewed along the threaded section of the shaft.

In embodiments of the invention the slot is configured such that the retainer is movable along the slot, from the second region to the first region, and when the retainer is in the first region it is can be moved out of the first region, through the outer side of the mount, by passing the base through the first region of the slot.

In embodiments of the invention the base holder is configured such that, when the retainer is in the second region, rotation of the base is constrained such that the threaded clamping head can be unscrewed along the threaded section of the shaft to unclamp the accessory from the vehicle.

In this respect, the at least one abutment surface may be for abutting the base when a torque is applied to the shaft in both rotational directions, about the longitudinal axis of the shaft, so that the rotation of the base is constrained, in both rotational directions about said longitudinal axis, such that the threaded clamping head can be both screwed and unscrewed along the threaded section of the shaft.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a mount for removably mounting an accessory to a vehicle; the mount being attachable to a part of a vehicle; wherein a slot is provided in an outer side of the mount, the slot having first and second regions, the first region being wider than the second region such that a retainer, comprising a shaft and a base that protrudes radially from the shaft, is insertable into the first region by passing the base through the first region, the retainer is movable along the slot from the first region to the second region and when the retainer is in the second region it is prevented from being moved out of the second region, through the outer side of the mount, due to the base being unable to pass through the second region of the slot; and wherein the mount comprises a base holder configured such that, when the retainer is in the second region, rotation of the base is constrained such that a threaded clamping head can be screwed along a threaded section of the shaft, to clamp an accessory on the vehicle.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a vehicle accessory assembly comprising: a retainer having a threaded shaft and a base that protrudes radially from the shaft; a vehicle accessory mounted on the shaft of the retainer, and a clamping head screwed onto the shaft of the retainer, with the vehicle accessory located between the clamping head and the base of the retainer.

In embodiments of the invention the clamping head comprises a user rotatable knob and the accessory is located between the knob and the base of the retainer.

Optionally a spacer is mounted on the shaft, between the accessory and the base.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a mounting system for removably mounting an accessory to a vehicle, comprising: a mount for attachment to a part of a vehicle; a retainer comprising a threaded shaft and a base that protrudes radially from the shaft, and a threaded clamping head; wherein a slot is provided in an outer side of the mount, the slot having first and second regions, the first region being wider than the second region such that the retainer is insertable into the first region by passing the base through the first region, the retainer is movable along the slot from the first region to the second region and when the retainer is in the second region it is prevented from being moved out of the second region, through the outer side of the mount, due to the base being unable to pass through the second region of the slot; and wherein the mount comprises a base holder configured such that, when the retainer is in the second region, rotation of the base is constrained such that the clamping head can be screwed along the shaft, to clamp an accessory on the vehicle.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention there is provided a method of removably mounting an accessory to a vehicle, comprising: providing: a vehicle comprising a mount attached to a part of the vehicle, wherein a slot is provided in an outer side of the mount, the slot having first and second regions, the first region being wider than the second region, and wherein the mount comprises a base holder; and a vehicle accessory assembly comprising: a retainer having a threaded shaft and a base that protrudes radially from the shaft; a vehicle accessory mounted on the shaft, and a clamping head screwed onto the shaft of the retainer, with the vehicle accessory located between the clamping head and the base of the retainer; wherein the method comprises: inserting the retainer into the first region of the slot, by passing the base through the first region; moving the retainer along the slot from the first region to the second region and wherein when the retainer is in the second region it is prevented from being moved out of the second region, through the outer side of the mount, due to the base being unable to pass through the second region of the slot; and wherein the method comprises screwing the clamping head further along the threaded shaft of the retainer, whilst the base holder constrains rotation of the base, to clamp an accessory on the vehicle.

Optionally the clamping head is unscrewed along the threaded shaft of the retainer such that the accessory is unclamped, the retainer is moved from the second region of the slot to the first region and is moved out of the first region by passing the base through the first region, so as to demount the accessory from the vehicle.

Optionally a spacer is mounted on the shaft of the retainer, between the accessory and the base of the retainer. In this respect, when the retainer is located in the second region of the slot, the spacer is located between the accessory and the mount.

Optionally the vehicle is a wheeled vehicle. The vehicle may, for example, be a car, van, lorry or motorbike. The vehicle may be a three-wheeled car.

According to a sixth aspect of the invention there is provided a vehicle comprising a mount for removably mounting an accessory to a vehicle; the mount being attached to a part of the vehicle; the mount extending in a thickness direction, from an outer side to an inner side; wherein a slot is provided in the outer side of the mount, the slot having first and second regions, the first region being wider than the second region; and wherein the mount comprises at least one abutment surface, located inwardly of the second region of the slot.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for removably mounting an accessory to a vehicle, comprising: a mount attached to the vehicle; a retainer removably attached to the mount, the retainer including a base and an elongate threaded rod projecting from the base, the threaded rod being arranged to project away from the mount when the retainer is attached to the mount; and a knob with an internal thread which can be screwed onto the 13.

threaded rod of the retainer, wherein an accessory can be fitted onto the threaded rod of the retainer before the knob is fitted onto the rod and held in place between the mount and the knob.

The mount is permanently attached to the vehicle. The retainer, accessory and knob can all be removed from the vehicle if desired.

Preferably, the system further comprises a spacer which can be fitted onto the threaded rod of the retainer prior to the accessory so that the accessory does not come into contact with the mount. The spacer prevents the accessory from coming into contact with the mount, and thus avoids the risk of the accessory being damaged by the mount.

Preferably, the mount includes an elongate slot with a narrower end and a wider end, the wider end of the slot being wider than the base of the retainer and the narrower end of the slot being narrower than the base of the retainer, such that the base of the retainer can be inserted into the wider end of the slot, and the retainer can then be moved along the slot until the base of the retainer is beneath the narrower end of the slot. This provides a simple way of removably attaching the retainer to the mount.

In a preferred form, means are provided to latch the retainer in the narrower end of the slot.

These means can provide a tactile confirmation that the retainer is correctly attached to the mount.

In a preferred form, the system further comprises a lock which can be fitted into the elongate slot to prevent the retainer from being moved out of the slot. The provision of the lock, which can only be removed through use of a key, means that only the user of the vehicle (or a person to whom the user of the vehicle has given a key) can remove accessories from it.

Preferably, after the knob has been screwed onto the threaded rod, the end of the threaded rod is physically deformed to prevent the knob from being removed from the threaded rod. The accessory mounting system will be subjected to vibrations as the vehicle is driven, and it is possible that these vibrations may loosen the knob. The end cap will prevent the knob from coming loose.

The end of the threaded rod may be deformed by splaying. This will widen the end of the threaded rod so that the knob cannot be physically removed.

In an alternative form, the end of the threaded rod distal from the base is internally threaded, and the system further comprises a threaded end cap which can be screwed into the distal end of the threaded rod to prevent the knob from being removed from the threaded rod. The end cap can also serve a decorative purpose.

The invention also extends to a method of attaching an accessory to a vehicle, comprising the steps of: attaching a mount to the vehicle; removably attaching a retainer to the mount, the retainer having a base and a threaded rod projecting away from the base; fitting an accessory to the threaded rod; and screwing a knob onto the threaded rod so that the accessory is held between the mount and the knob. The method may include the additional step of fitting a spacer to the threaded rod before the step of fitting the accessory to the threaded rod.

The features of any of the above aspects of the invention may be combined with one or more features of any of the other aspects of the invention, in any combination.

Other preferred and advantageous features of the invention will be apparent from the

following description.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a vehicle comprising a mount, for removably mounting an accessory to the vehicle, according to a first embodiment of the invention, where a vehicle accessory is mounted to the vehicle by the mount, using a retainer and clamping head and is locked in its clamped position by a lock (where the Figure shows only a part of the vehicle, that the mount is attached to) for illustrative purposes); Figure 2 is a perspective view of a mount shown in Figure 1; Figures 3a to 3c show perspective views of a mount according to a second embodiment of the invention, and of a retainer, where the retainer is sequentially shown being inserted into a first region of a slot in the mount and moved along the slot, from the first region to a second region of the slot; Figures 3d to 3f show the sequential steps corresponding to those in Figures 3a to 3c respectively, but from below; Figures 4a to 4c show a perspective view of the mount and retainer shown in Figures 3a to 3f, and illustrate how a spacer, clamping head and end cap are mounted on the shaft of the retainer; Figure 5 shows an exploded perspective view of the mount, retainer, spacer, accessory, clamping head and end cap of the mounting system shown in Figures 3a to 3f, where the retainer is in the first region of the slot; Figure 6 shows a view corresponding to that of Figure 5, but where the retainer has been moved to the second region of the slot and the clamping head screwed along a threaded section of the retainer so as to clamp the accessory on the vehicle; Figure 7 shows a view corresponding to that of Figure 6 but of a different mounted part of the accessory, where a lock of the mounting system is shown in a locked configuration, and Figure 8 shows a perspective view of the vehicle with mounted accessory, where the mounting system comprises a plurality of sets of the mount, retainer and clamping head (shown in Figures 3 to 7) that mount the accessory to the vehicle at a plurality of positions on the accessory; Figure 9 is a view of a lock of the mounting system and of a key suitable for operating the lock; Figure 10 shows an alternative version of the retainer of the mounting system where the end cap is formed by physically deforming an end of the shaft of the retainer; Figure 11 shows a schematic side view of a vehicle according to a further embodiment of the invention, where the mount of the mounting system of the first embodiment is used to clamp a windshield of the vehicle to a body of the vehicle; Figure 12 shows a perspective view of the windshield and part of the body shown in Figure 11, and Figure 13 shows a schematic side view of the vehicle according to the first embodiment of the invention.

Referring to Figures land 13 there is shown a vehicle 1 comprising a mount 5, for removably mounting an accessory 3 to the vehicle 1, according to a first embodiment of the invention (where Figure 1 shows only a part of the vehicle 1 that the mounts is attached to, for illustrative purposes).

In the currently described embodiment the vehicle 1 is a car comprising wheels 93. However, it will be appreciated that mount S may be used with any type of vehicle, for example a car, van, lorry or motorbike.

In the currently described embodiment, the vehicle accessory 3 is a luggage rack 3, mounted to a rear body 4 of the vehicle 1 by the mount 5. However, it will be appreciated that the mount 5 may be for mounting any type of vehicle accessory to any part of a vehicle 1 For example, the accessory may be a pannier, suitcase, cup holder, navigation device, mobile phone holder, camera mount or a windshield.

The mount 5 in the form of a thin plate with a generally elongated rectangular shape (in plan form). The mount extends in a thickness direction (t) from an outer side 8 to an inner side 9. The mount 5 is formed as a metal casting. Each end of the mounts is provided with a through-hole 6, for receiving a screw (not shown) to attach the mounts to the body 4 of the vehicle 1. It will be appreciated that any type of fastener may be used and that the mount 5 may be attached to the vehicle body 4 by any suitable means, which is not limited to the use of mechanical fasteners. For example, the mount 5 may be attached to the body 4 by an adhesive and/or a magnetic attachment.

An elongate keyhole-shaped slot 7 is provided in the outer side 8 of the mounts, between the through-holes 6. The slot 7 extends generally in a plane and extends length-wise along a longitudinal axis X and width-wise along a lateral axis Y (see Figure 2). References to the longitudinal and lateral directions are in relation to the longitudinal and lateral axes X, Y respectively.

The slot 7 passes through the thickness of the outer side 8 mount S into an internal volume defined by the mount 5. The slot 7 has a first region 11, at one end of the slot, a second region 12 at the other end of the slot 7 and a connecting region 13, in between the first and second regions 11, 12, that connects the first and second regions 11, 12 (see Figures 2 and 3e).

In the embodiment shown in Figures land 2, the first region 11 of the slot 7 has a generally rectangular shape that has a centre that lies on the longitudinal axis X of the slot 7. The first region 11 has a length Li and a width W1. In a second embodiment, shown in Figures 3 to 9, the first region 11 has a generally circular shape. The first and second embodiments are the same, and have corresponding features, apart from the described differences.

The connecting region 13 is elongate and substantially straight and has a substantially constant width W3, along its length L3. The connecting region 13 extends along the longitudinal axis X of the slot 7 from the first region 11 to the second region 12.

The second region 12 is substantially straight and has a substantially constant width W2, along its length L2, that is substantially the same as the width W3 of the connecting region 13 and extends from the connecting region 13, along the longitudinal axis X of the slot 7, to a closed end 55. In the first embodiment the closed end 55 is flat. In the second embodiment the closed end 55 is rounded. The width W1 of the first region 11 of the slot 7 is greater than the width W2 of the second region 12 of the slot 7.

An internal channel 80 (see Figure 3d) runs along the inner side of the connecting region 13 and the second region 12. The channel 80 has a connecting region part 83 and second region part 82 that runs along the inner side of the connecting region 13 and second region 12 respectively.

The connecting region part 83 is defined by opposed internal surfaces 83', 83" of the mount 5. The connecting region part 83 has a width W3' that decreases towards the second region 12, but that is greater than the width W3 of the connecting region 13 (across its length). One of the internal surfaces 83' curves towards the other 83", in a plane parallel to the plane of the slot 7, to form a rotational guide surface 83' (described in more detail below).

The second region part 82 is defined by opposed internal surfaces 82', 82" of the mount 5.

The surfaces 82', 82" each extend in the thickness direction (t) of the mount 5, away from the plane of the second region 12 of the slot 7, towards the inner side 9 of the mount S. The surfaces 82', 82" are each substantially planar and extend generally in a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the second region 12 of the slot 7. The surfaces 82', 82" are each located to one side of the second region 12 of the slot 7, in the width-wise direction (Y) of the slot 7.

The second region part 82 is straight and extends along the longitudinal axis X of the slot 7 from the connecting region part 83 to a closed end 84 (see Figure 3f). The width W2' of the second region part 82 of the channel 80 is greater than the width W2 of the second region 12 of the slot 7. The opposed internal surfaces 82', 82" are parallel to each other and form a base holder (described in more detail below).

The mount 5 is part of a mounting system 2 that also comprises a retainer 14 and a clamping head 22. The retainer 14 has a hollow cylindrical shaft 15 that extends along a longitudinal axis A (see Figure 1). The shaft 15 is provided with a base 16, at one end. The base 16 is a plate, with a slightly domed lower surface, that is generally square but with rounded corners 19, and has a width (and length) B1. The base 16 is centred on the longitudinal axis A of the shaft 15 and extends generally in a plane that is substantially perpendicular the longitudinal axis A. The base 16 has a width B1 (and length B1) that is greater than the diameter of the shaft 15 and so protrudes form the shaft 15 in the radial direction (i.e. the radial direction in relation to the longitudinal axis A).

The shaft 15 has an externally threaded section 70 (shown schematically by the dotted lines 70 in Figure 1). The end of the shaft 15 opposite the base 16 is open and provided with an internal thread (not shown) for engagement by an end cap 31 (described below).

The clamping head 22 comprises a hollow cylindrical stem 23 with a user rotatable knob 24 at one end. The stem 23 is provided with an internal thread (not shown) such that the clamping head 22 can be screwed along the externally threaded section 70 of the shaft 15 of the retainer 14 (described in more detail below).

The knob 24 is provided with a pair of radially extending bores 51 (see Figure 5), that each extend from one side of the knob 24, across the diameter of the knob 24 to the other side. The bores 51 are substantially straight and are substantially perpendicular to each other. The bores 51 are each for insertion of a tool via which a set torque may be applied to the knob 24, to clamp the luggage rack 3 with a pre-determined force. This may allow a predetermined set torque to be applied to the clamping head 22, thereby avoiding damage due to over tightening.

In order to mount the luggage rack 3 to the body 4 of the vehicle 1, the rack 3 is first formed as part of a vehicle accessory assembly 50 (see Figure 1) that comprises the accessory 3, retainer 14, clamping head 22, end cap 33 and a spacer 26.

The spacer 26 has the general shape of an annular ring, with a central circular aperture 30. The spacer 26 is mounted on the shaft 15 by passing the end of the shaft 15 opposite that base 16 through the aperture 30.

The luggage rack 3 is then mounted on the shaft 15 of the retainer 14, by passing said end of the shaft 15 through a circular aperture 27 in the luggage rack 3 until an inner surface of the luggage rack 3 is in contact with an outer surface of the spacer 26. The clamping head 22 is then loosely screwed onto the threaded section 70 of the retainer 14, with the stem 23 of the clamping head 22 passing through the aperture 27 in the luggage rack 3 and through the aperture 30 in the spacer 26.

The end cap 31 has a cylindrical stem 32 with an external thread (not shown) and a domed head 33 at one end. The stem 32 is then inserted into the open end of the shaft 15 of the retainer 14 and is loosely screwed (partially) along the internal thread in said end of the shaft 15. The domed head 33 has an external diameter which is greater than the external diameter of the shaft 15. Accordingly, the head 33 extends radially from the shaft 15 of the retainer 14 to form an abutment.

In this respect, the radius of the domed head 33 is greater than the internal radius of the stem 23 of the clamping head 22 such that the clamping head 22 cannot be fully unscrewed from the shaft 15. Accordingly, the clamping head 22 acts a clamping head retainer. This acts to retain the luggage rack 3 (and spacer 26) on the shaft 14, between the clamping head 22 and the base 16 of the retainer 14 (as the aperture 27 in the rack 3 is too small to pass over the base 16 or clamping head 22). This prevents unauthorised removal of the rack 3, when it is mounted to the mount 5 (as described below). Furthermore, even if the clamping head 22 should work loose (as a result of vibrations transmitted to the accessory mounting system 2 during driving), it cannot become entirely detached.

The domed head 33 may also serve a decorative function and may, for example, bear a logo of the car manufacturer. As an alternative to the end cap 31, the end of the shaft 15 of the retainer 14 may be physically deformed so as to protrude radially from the stem 32 to form such an abutment, as shown in Figure 10.

In order to mount the rack 3 to the vehicle 1, the vehicle accessory assembly 50 is mounted to the mounts by passing the base 16 of the retainer 14, in the axial direction A of the shaft 15, from the outer side of the mount 5, through the first region 11 of the slot 7.

The first region 11 of the slot 7 is configured such that the base 16 is insertable through it from a plurality of translational positions relative to the first region 11 and at a plurality of rotational orientations about the longitudinal axis A of the shaft 15. In this respect, the first region 11 has a greater width W1 and length L1 than the base 16. The first region 11 has a greater footprint than the base 16.

The retainer 14 is then moved along the slot 7 (with the rack 3, clamping head 22 and spacer 26 moving with the retainer 14, as a unit, on the outer side of the mount 5), by a user applying a translational movement force to the knob 24 of the clamping head 22, from the first region 11, along the connecting region 13, to the second region 12.

As it does so, the base 16 of the retainer 14 passes into the connecting region part 83 of the channel 80 and moves along the connecting region part 83 to the second region part 82 of the channel 80.

A section of the each of the opposed surfaces of the mount 5 that define the first region 11 of the slot 7, adjacent to the connecting section 13, form lateral guide surfaces 17 (see Figure 3b) that are curved in the plane of the slot 7 to guide the shaft 15 of the retainer 14 into lateral alignment with the connecting region 13 (and so with the second region 12) as it is moved from the first region 11 into the connecting region 13. This also acts to laterally align the base 16 with the connecting region part 83 and the second region part 82 of the channel 80, thereby allowing the retainer 14 to be inserted into the first region 11 of the slot 7 in a position that is not laterally aligned with the connecting region 13 or second region 12 and still moved from the first region 11 to the second region 12.

The curved surface 83' of the connecting region part 83 of the channel 80 forms a rotational guide surface 83'. In this respect, the curved surface 83' is curved in a plane parallel to the plane of the slot 7 such that the base 16 is rotatably guided into an end rotational position P (see Figure 3f) in the second region 12, as it is moved along the connecting region 13 to the second region 12. In the end rotational position P, oppositely facing sides 51', 51" of the base 16 are substantially parallel to adjacent sides 82', 82" of the second region part 82 of the channel 80.

Accordingly, if the base 16 is inserted through the first region 11 of the slot 7 in a rotational orientation (about the longitudinal axis A of the shaft 15) such that the base 16 cannot pass into the second region part 82 of the channel 80, then the rotational guide surface 83' engages with one or more of the rounded corners 19 of the base 16 to guide the base 16 into rotational alignment with the sides of the second region part 82 of the channel 80 (Le such that it can pass into the second region part 82) and into the end rotational position P. In this respect, the rounded corners 19 of the base 16 also act as rotational guide surfaces.

On each side of the connecting region 13, an inner (lower) surface 21 of each side of the mount 6 slopes away from the outer side 8 of the mounts, towards the inner side 9, as it extends from the first region 11 to the second region 12, to form an urging surface 21 (see Figure 3e). As the base 16 moves along the connecting region part 83 of the channel 80, it engages with the sloping surface 21, which urges the base 16 away from the outer side 8 of the mount 5 (i.e. downwardly).

This urges the clamping head 22 towards the outer side 8 of the mount 8, thereby providing for a secure clamping of the luggage rack 3. The sloping surface 21 also exponentially accelerates the rate of rotation of the base 16 towards the end rotational position P, by said rotational guide surfaces.

When the base 16 is in the end position P, the opposed sides 82', 82" of the second region part 82 of the channel 80 are proximal to the adjacent parallel sides of the base 16 and constrain the rotation of the base 16, about the longitudinal axis A of the shaft 15 such that the clamping head 22 can be screwed further along the threaded section 70 of the shaft 15 to clamp the rack 3 on the vehicle 1.

In this respect, the rotation of the base 16, about the longitudinal axis A of the shaft 15, is constrained in both rotational direction about said axis A, so that the clamping head 22 can be both screwed and unscrewed along the threaded section 70 of the shaft 15.

The rotation of the base 16 is constrained such that a small degree of rotation of the base 16, in rotational direction about said axis A, is possible, before any further rotation in that direction is prevented by the abutment with the sides 82', 82". Alternatively, the rotation of the base 16 may be constrained such that substantially no rotation of the base 16 is possible, in said rotational directions.

The width B1 of the base 16 is greater than the width W2 of the second region 12 of the slot 7. Therefore, as the clamping head 22 is further screwed along the threaded section 70 of the retainer 14, the base 16 is prevented from being moved out of the second region part 82 of the channel 80 and through the second region 12 of the slot 7, in the axial direction A of the shaft 15, and so acts, with the clamping head 22 to clamp the rack 3 on the vehicle, between the clamping head 22 (i.e. the user rotatable knob 24) and the mount 5 (with the spacer 26 located between the rack 3 and the mount 5). When the rack 3 is clamped on the vehicle 1 it is fixed in position relative to the vehicle 1, for use by the end user.

In order to demount the rack 3, from the vehicle 1, the clamping head 22 is unscrewed (partially, to the extent allowed by the end cap 31) along the threaded shaft 15 of the retainer 14 such that the rack 3 is unclamped, the retainer 14 is moved from the second region 12 of the slot to the first region 11 and is moved out of the first region 11 by passing the base 16 through the first region 11, so as to demount the vehicle accessory assembly 50, and thus the rack 3, from the vehicle 1.

The mounting system 2 also comprises a lock 40 (see Figure 1) that is operable to selectively lock or unlock the rack 3 to the body 4 of the vehicle 1. The lock 40 comprises a key operable mechanism 41 and a locking member 42. The key operable mechanism 41 is operable by a key 43 (see Figure 9) so as to move the lock 40 between a locked configuration (shown in Figure 1) and an unlocked configuration. The lock 40 has a cylindrical body 44 provided at one end with a locking head 45.

Once the retainer 14 has been moved to the second region 12 of the slot 7, and the clamping head 22 tightened to clamp the luggage rack 3 on the vehicle 1, the body 44 of the lock 40, which is in its unlocked configuration, is passed through a circular aperture 46 in the luggage rack 3. The locking head 45 has a greater diameter than the aperture 46 so that it clamps against the outer side of the luggage rack 3.

The key 43 is then inserted into the key operable mechanism 41 and turned to move the lock 40 to its locked configuration. When the lock 40 is in the locked configuration, the locking member 42 extends into the first region 11 of the slot 7, at the opposite end of the first region 11 to the connecting region 13. As the lock 40 and retainer 14 are both fixed in position relative to the luggage rack 3, the lock 40 and retainer 14 are fixed in position relative to each other. Accordingly, since the locking member 42 cannot be moved past the end of the first region 11 of the slot 7 (in the direction away from the second region 12), the base 16 of the retainer 14 cannot be moved from the second region 12 to the first region 11 of the slot 7 and so the luggage rack 3 is locked in its clamped position on the vehicle 1.

When the lock 40 is in the unlocked configuration (via operation of the key operable mechanism 41 by the key 43), the locking member 42 is withdrawn from the first region 11 of the slot 7 such that the base 16 (and therefore the retainer 14) can be moved from the second region 12 to the first region 11 so as to allow removal of the base 16 out of the first region 11, so as to allow the removal of the luggage rack 3 from the vehicle 1.

Referring to Figure 8, the mounting system also comprises three additional sets 60 of the above described arrangement of a mount 5, retainer 14, clamping head 22 and spacer 26, to clamp each corner region of the luggage rack 3 on the vehicle 1.

In respect of each set 60, the rotational guide surfaces 83', 19, lateral guide surfaces 17 and urging surfaces 21 are arranged such that the base 16 of the retainer 14 of each set 60 is able to rotate into its respective said end rotational position P. as the retainers 14 are moved together (with the rack 3, clamping heads 22 and spacers 26 of each set 60 moving with the retainers 14 as a unit) from the first region 11 to the second region 12 of the respective slots 7. In this respect, the rotational guide surfaces 83', 19 are arranged such that each base 16 is able to rotate up to 900, optionally up to 89°, in the plane of the slots 7 (all of the slots 7 extend generally in the same plane), as the retainers 14 are moved together from the first region 11 to the second region 12 of the respective slots 7. This allows the base 16 of each retainer 14 to be rotated into its end position P. regardless of its initial orientation when inserted into the first region 11 of the slot 7, as the retainers 14 are moved together from the first region 11 to the second region 12 of the respective slots 7, without any retainers 14 being jammed against movement to the second region 12. As the base 16 rotates, the shaft 15 and clamping head 22 rotate with it, in the aperture 27 in the rack 3.

Referring to Figures 11 and 12, there is shown a further described embodiment of the vehicle 101. The vehicle 1 in this embodiment is the same as the vehicle 1 of the first embodiment, except for the differences described below. Corresponding features are given corresponding reference numerals, but incremented by 100.

As with the vehicle 1 of the first embodiment, the vehicle 101 is a car comprising wheels 93. However, in this embodiment, the mount 105 clamps a windshield 91 of the vehicle 1 to a body 92 of the vehicle 101, between the mount 105 and the body 92. In this respect, the windshield 91 comprises a screen 99, which the driver looks through when driving and a base 94 on which the screen 99 is mounted.

The screws 98 that are received in the through-holes 106 in the mount 105 pass through the mount 105, through mounting apertures (not shown) in the base 94 of the windshield 91 and into the body 92 of the vehicle 101. Accordingly, the windshield 91 is clamped to the body 92 of the vehicle 101, between the mount 105 and the body 92 of the vehicle 101. It will be appreciated that the mount 105 may still be used, to mount an accessory 3 to the vehicle 101, as in the above-described embodiments. It will be appreciated that the mount of any of the above described embodiments may be used as the mount 105 in this embodiment. In the embodiment shown in Figure 12, a pair of side by side windshields 91 are clamped to the body 92 in this way.

The mount 5, 105 may allow an accessory 3 to be quickly and easily mounted to (and demounted from) a vehicle, thereby providing a flexible configuration of the vehicle. This may be particularly useful in relation to track day vehicles. For example, should a vehicle owner wish to drive the vehicle on a track, the accessory 3 can be removed to reduce the overall mass of the vehicle. Also, the vehicle owner could mount the accessory to the vehicle at home, drive the vehicle to the track in a more comfortable format, and then demount the accessory from the vehicle at the track.

The mount may allow an accessory to be clamped on the vehicle without having to screw the accessory directly to the vehicle. Also, because the rotation of the base 16 is constrained, by the base holder 82', 82", such that the clamping head 22 can be screwed along the shaft 15, to clamp an accessory 3 on the vehicle 1, it is not necessary for the user to hold the retainer 14 to prevent it rotating, as the clamping head 22 is screwed onto it (or unscrewed from it), and so no access to the inner side 9 of the mount 5 is required. This may further provide for ease of use of removably mounting an accessory 3 to the vehicle 1.

Furthermore, as the first region 11 of the slot 7 is configured such that the base 16 of the retainer 14 is insertable into the first region 11 in a plurality of positions and/or orientations, this provides for further ease of use as the user doesn't have to align the retainer 14 in one specific position and orientation in order to be able to insert it into the first region 11.

In addition, where multiple mounts 5 are used to mount an accessory 3 to a vehicle 1, they allow the base 16 of each retainer 14 to be rotated into its end position P, regardless of its initial orientation when inserted into the first region 11 of the slot 7, as the retainers 14 are moved together from the first region 11 to the second region 12 of the respective slots 7, without any retainers 14 being jammed against movement to the second region 12.

It will be appreciated that numerous modifications to the above described design may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

For example, in the described embodiment, the accessory 3 is a luggage rack 3, which is attached to the vehicle 1 at four separate mounts 5, one of which includes said lock 40. When the luggage rack is mounted on the car, a piece of luggage can be removably attached to the luggage rack.

However, the accessory mounting system 2 is not limited to use with a luggage rack and can be used with a wide range of accessories, including (but not limited to) soft panniers, hard suitcases, cup holders, navigation devices, mobile phone holders, camera mounts, and windshields.

The location and number of the mounts Swill vary depending on which accessories are to be fitted. In practice, accessories such as the luggage rack, the soft panniers, the hard suitcases, and the windshields would be fitted to multiple mounts on the outside of the car. The camera mount would be fitted to a single mount on the outside of the car, and accessories such as the cup holders, the navigation devices and the mobile phone holders would be fitted to single mounts on the inside of the car.

In this respect, in the described embodiment, the mounting system 2 comprises a plurality of sets a mount 5, retainer 14, clamping head 22. Alternatively, the mounting system 2 may only consist of one of said mount S, retainer 14 and clamping head 22 (and spacer 26), i.e. the mounting system 2 only attaches the accessory to the vehicle 1 at one point on the accessory/vehicle.

In an alternative embodiment the spacer 26 may be omitted.

In the described embodiments the first region 11 of the slot 7 is connected to the second region 12 by a connecting region 13. Alternatively, the first region 11 may be directly connected to the second region 12, i.e. the first region 11 may open into the second region 12.

In the described embodiments, the shaft 15 of the retainer 14 has an external thread and the clamping head 22 has an internal thread. Alternatively, the shaft 15 of the retainer 14 may have an internal thread and the clamping head 22 an external thread.

Where in the foregoing description, integers or elements are mentioned which have known, obvious or foreseeable equivalents, then such equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set forth. Reference should be made to the claims for determining the true scope of the present invention, which should be construed so as to encompass any such equivalents. It will also be appreciated by the reader that integers or features of the invention that are described as preferable, advantageous, convenient or the like are optional and do not limit the scope of the independent claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A vehicle comprising a mount for removably mounting an accessory to the vehicle; the mount being attached to a part of the vehicle; wherein a slot is provided in an outer side of the mount, the slot having first and second regions, the first region being wider than the second region such that a retainer, comprising a shaft and a base that protrudes radially from the shaft, is insertable into the first region, by passing the base through the first region, the retainer is movable along the slot from the first region to the second region and when the retainer is in the second region it is prevented from being moved out of the second region, through the outer side of the mount, due to the base being unable to pass through the second region of the slot; and wherein the mount comprises a base holder configured such that, when the retainer is in the second region, rotation of the base is constrained such that a threaded clamping head can be screwed along a threaded section of the shaft, to clamp an accessory on the vehicle.
2. A vehicle according to claim 1 wherein the base holder comprises at least one abutment surface for abutting the base when a torque is applied to the shaft, about a longitudinal axis of the shaft, such that the rotation of the base is so constrained.
3. A vehicle according to claim 2 wherein a channel is provided in the mount arranged such that when the retainer is in the second region, the base is located in the channel, and wherein the at least one abutment surface is a surface of the channel.
4. A vehicle according to any preceding claim wherein the mount comprises at least one lateral guide surface, configured to guide the retainer in the width-wise direction of the slot as it is moved from the first region to the second region.
5. A vehicle according to any preceding claim wherein the mount comprises at least one rotational guide surface, configured such that the base is rotatably guided into an end rotational position in the second region, as the retainer is moved from the first region to the second region.
6. A vehicle according to any preceding claim wherein the mount comprises at least one urging surface configured such that the base is urged away from the outer side of the mount, as the retainer is moved from the first region to the second region.
7. A vehicle according to any preceding claim comprising a plurality of said mounts, mounted at different locations on the vehicle, for mounting an accessory to the vehicle at a plurality of locations on the accessory.
8. A vehicle according to claim 7, when dependent on claim 5, wherein the rotational guide surface, of each mount, is arranged such that the base of each respective retainer is able to rotate into said end rotational position, as the retainer is moved from the first region to the second region.
9. A vehicle according to any preceding claim wherein a vehicle accessory is mounted on a retainer, comprising a threaded shaft and a base that protrudes radially from the shaft, located in the second region of the slot and a clamping head is screwed onto the shaft such that the vehicle accessory is clamped on the vehicle, between the clamping head and the mount.
10. A vehicle according to claim 9 wherein the base comprises at least one rotational guide surface, configured such that the base is rotatably guided into an end rotational position in the second region, as the retainer is moved from the first region to the second region.
11. A vehicle according to either of claims 9 or 10 wherein the first region of the slot is configured such that the base of the retainer is insertable through it from a plurality of translational positions relative to the first region and/or at a plurality of rotational orientations about a longitudinal axis of the shaft.
12. A vehicle according to any of claims 9 to 11 wherein the accessory is selectively locked in its clamped position by a lock that is operable to selectively prevent or allow movement of the retainer from the second region to the first region.
13. A vehicle according to any of claims 9 to 12 wherein a spacer is located between the mount and the accessory.
14. A vehicle according to any of claims 9 to 13 wherein the vehicle comprises a plurality of sets of said mount, retainer and clamping head, with each set being arranged to mount a different part of the accessory to the vehicle.
15. A vehicle according to claim 14, when dependent on claim 5, wherein the at least one rotational guide surface, of each set, is arranged such that the base of the retainer of each set is able to rotate to its end rotational position, as the retainers are moved together, from the first region to the second region of the respective slots.
16. A vehicle according to any of claims 9 to 15 wherein the clamping head is retained on the shaft by a clamping head retainer comprising an abutment, located at an end of the shaft opposite the base, that extends radially from the shaft.
17. A vehicle according to any of claims 9 to 16 wherein the clamping head is provided with at least one formation for engagement by a tool for applying a torque to the clamping head, to screw the clamping head on the threaded section of the retainer.
18. A vehicle according to any preceding claim wherein a windshield of the vehicle is clamped between the mount and a part of the vehicle.
19. A mount for removably mounting an accessory to a vehicle; the mount being attachable to a part of a vehicle; wherein a slot is provided in an outer side of the mount, the slot having first and second regions, the first region being wider than the second region such that a retainer, comprising a shaft and a base that protrudes radially from the shaft, is insertable into the first region by passing the base through the first region, the retainer is movable along the slot from the first region to the second region and when the retainer is in the second region it is prevented from being moved out of the second region, through the outer side of the mount, due to the base being unable to pass through the second region of the slot; and wherein the mount comprises a base holder configured such that, when the retainer is in the second region, rotation of the base is constrained such that a threaded clamping head can be screwed along a threaded section of the shaft, to clamp an accessory on the vehicle.
20. A vehicle accessory assembly comprising: a retainer having a threaded shaft and a base that protrudes radially from the shaft; a vehicle accessory mounted on the shaft of the retainer, and a clamping head screwed onto the shaft of the retainer, with the vehicle accessory located between the clamping head and the base of the retainer.
21. A vehicle accessory assembly according to claim 20 wherein a spacer is mounted on the shaft, between the accessory and the base.
22. A mounting system for removably mounting an accessory to a vehicle, comprising: a mount for attachment to a part of a vehicle; a retainer comprising a threaded shaft and a base that protrudes radially from the shaft, and a threaded clamping head; wherein a slot is provided in an outer side of the mount, the slot having first and second regions, the first region being wider than the second region such that the retainer is insertable into the first region by passing the base through the first region, the retainer is movable along the slot from the first region to the second region and when the retainer is in the second region it is prevented from being moved out of the second region, through the outer side of the mount, due to the base being unable to pass through the second region of the slot; and wherein the mount comprises a base holder configured such that, when the retainer is in the second region, rotation of the base is constrained such that the clamping head can be screwed along the shaft, to clamp an accessory on the vehicle.
23. A method of removably mounting an accessory to a vehicle, comprising: providing: a vehicle comprising a mount attached to a part of the vehicle, wherein a slot is provided in an outer side of the mount, the slot having first and second regions, the first region being wider than the second region, and wherein the mount comprises a base holder; and a vehicle accessory assembly comprising: a retainer having a threaded shaft and a base that protrudes radially from the shaft; a vehicle accessory mounted on the shaft, and a clamping head screwed onto the shaft of the retainer, with the vehicle accessory located between the clamping head and the base of the retainer; wherein the method comprises: inserting the retainer into the first region of the slot, by passing the base through the first region; moving the retainer along the slot from the first region to the second region and wherein when the retainer is in the second region it is prevented from being moved out of the second region, through the outer side of the mount, due to the base being unable to pass through the second region of the slot; and wherein the method comprises screwing the clamping head further along the threaded shaft of the retainer, whilst the base holder constrains rotation of the base, to clamp an accessory on the vehicle.
24. A method according to claim 23 wherein the clamping head is unscrewed along the threaded shaft of the retainer such that the accessory is unclamped, the retainer is moved from the second region of the slot to the first region and is moved out of the first region by passing the base through the first region, so as to demount the accessory from the vehicle.