WO2010106328A1

WO2010106328A1 - A mounting device for mounting a handlebar to a handlebar stem of a bicycle

Info

Publication number: WO2010106328A1
Application number: PCT/GB2010/000492
Authority: WO
Inventors: Alan Brian Mclaughlin
Original assignee: Alan Brian Mclaughlin
Priority date: 2009-03-19
Filing date: 2010-03-18
Publication date: 2010-09-23
Also published as: EP2408660A1; GB2468780A; GB2468780B; GB201004560D0; GB0904696D0

Abstract

A mounting device for mounting a handlebar (H) to a handlebar stem of a bicycle, the mounting device comprising a base (1) which incorporates a mounting which is configured to attach to a handlebar stem, and a clamping arrangement (2) which is configured to attach to a portion of a handlebar (H), the clamping arrangement (2) being pivotally mounted to the base (1) for rotation relative to the base (1) about a pivot axis to allow a handlebar (H) which is attached to the clamping arrangement (2) to rotate relative to the handlebar stem about the pivot axis from a riding position to a storage position.

Description

A MOUNTING DEVICE FOR MOUNTING A HANDLEBAR TO A HANDLEBAR STEM OF A BICYCLE

The present invention relates to a mounting device and, more especially, this invention relates to a mounting device for mounting a handlebar to a handlebar stem of a bicycle.

Bicycles are well known. A bicycle usually comprises a frame, two wheels, the back wheel being chain driven and the front wheel being connected to handlebars for steering. The handlebars are held by a handlebar stem which is attached to a fork stem. The fork stem is received in a steering column which is held by bearings in the frame. The front wheel can be rotated relative to the frame about the longitudinal axis of the steering column by turning the handlebars relative to the frame.

The handlebar stem is an elongate member which extends in a forward direction from the steering column of a bicycle. The longitudinal axis of the handlebar stem is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the steering column and parallel to the plane of the front wheel of the bicycle.

The handlebar stem is usually angled so that the longitudinal axis of the handlebar stem is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the steering column of the bicycle. However, in some cases the handlebar stem is positioned at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the steering column which is less than 90°. In all instances, the handlebar stem projects towards the front of the bicycle, with its longitudinal axis being transverse to the longitudinal axis of the steering column.

Bicycles are cumbersome to store. For example, when bicycles are stored in homes, it is often in narrow hallways or on landings where space is restricted. When bicycles are stored in public places such for example as bike parks, cycle sheds or in special carriages in trains, they are both cumbersome and difficult to place next to other cycles because the handlebar of a bicycle protrudes at 90° to the bicycle's frame. Generally, the handlebar positioning causes bicycles to be difficult and possibly dangerous to store since the handlebars jut out and can catch on clothing or one's body. This can then move the bicycle itself, making the bicycle fall onto someone and/or possibly damage a wall against which the bicycle was leaning.

It has previously been proposed to modify the steering column of the handlebar stem of a bicycle to allow the handlebars to be rotated relative to the front wheel to aid storage. For example, WO 0029279 discloses that a stem retaining bolt received in an upper fork tube within a frame steering tube may be released from an internal spring tension, and that the stem may be rotated on a set of teeth within the stem mechanism. EP 0058524 discloses a handlebar assembly which includes a longitudinally extendable and contractable post comprising two telescoping post sections that are held releasably in different telescoped positions by a quick-release clamp. The quick-release clamp has an elongated actuating lever that is connected to a screw-clamping mechanism mounted on a collar disposed around a flexible portion of one of the telescoping members. US 3705733 discloses a steering handle which is for a two-wheeled vehicle and which is attached to a support member facing the upper end of a front wheel fork attached to a steering stem. The support member is rotatably mounted on the steering stem. The fork and support member have opposed crenulations which are engageable and disengageable, so that the steering handle support member can be rotated either together with the upper end of the front wheel fork or independently thereof.

All of the above prior proposed couplings typically require significant alteration to the bicycle. They can also significantly add to the weight of the bicycle, which is counter to the direction of the industry in trying to reduce weight to make bicycles more rideable. Some known types of apparatus involve complex machined parts which are expensive to build, with the cost being passed on to the rider. Some known types of apparatus are designed such that they cannot be retrofitted to the majority of bicycles.

It is an aim of the present invention to provide an improved mounting device for mounting a handlebar to the handlebar stem of a bicycle.

Accordingly, in one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a mounting device for mounting a handlebar to a handlebar stem of a bicycle, the mounting device comprising a base which incorporates a mounting which is configured to attach to a handlebar stem, and a clamping arrangement which is configured to attach to a portion of a handlebar, the clamping arrangement being pivotally mounted to the base for rotation relative to the base about a pivot axis to allow a handlebar which is attached to the clamping arrangement to rotate relative to the handlebar stem about the pivot axis from a riding position to a storage position.

The mounting device may be one in which the pivot axis is not substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the steering column of a bicycle when the mounting device is attached to the handlebar stem of the bicycle.

Conveniently, the clamping arrangement is pivotally mounted to the base by releasable locking means.

The releasable locking means may be attached to one of the base and the clamping arrangement, the releasable locking means being configured to block movement of the clamping arrangement relative to the base when the releasable locking means is in a locked condition, and to allow the clamping arrangement to move relative to the base when the releasable locking means is in a release condition.

Preferably, the releasable locking means comprises at least one quick- release clamping bolt.

Conveniently, the base comprises two spaced apart mounting apertures which are provided to allow the base to be mounted to a stem by mounting elements which extend through the apertures in the base and through apertures provided in the stem.

Advantageously, the mounting device is one in which the base incorporates a generally planar mounting face, and in which an elongate protrusion extends across the mounting face such that a portion of the protrusion extends into a recess provided on the stem of the bicycle when the mounting device is attached to the stem.

Preferably, the elongate protrusion extends across the mounting face in the space between the two mounting apertures.

In one embodiment, the base is provided with an arcuate slot and a pivot aperture which are each configured to receive part of the releasable locking means.

Preferably, the releasable locking means comprises a first releasable locking member which extends through an aperture in the clamping arrangement and through the pivot aperture in the base so that the clamping arrangement can pivot relative to the base about the first releasable locking member when the first releasable locking member is in a release condition.

Conveniently, the releasable locking means comprises a second releasable locking member which extends through an aperture in the clamping arrangement and through a portion of the arcuate slot provided in the base, the second releasable locking member being configured to move out from the arcuate slot when the clamping arrangement pivots relative to the base when the second releasable locking member is in a release condition.

In another embodiment, the clamping arrangement is provided with an arcuate slot and a pivot aperture which are each configured to receive part of the releasable locking means.

The releasable locking means may comprise a first releasable locking member which extends through an aperture in the base and through the pivot aperture in the clamping arrangement so that the clamping arrangement can pivot relative to the base about the first releasable locking member when the first releasable locking member is in a release condition.

The releasable locking means may comprise a second releasable locking member which extends through an aperture provided in the base and through a portion of the arcuate slot provided in the clamping arrangement, the second releasable locking member being configured to move out from the arcuate slot when the clamping arrangement pivots relative to the base when the second releasable locking member is in a release condition.

Preferably, the clamping arrangement comprises a first portion and a second portion which are releasably attached to one another so that a contact face of the first portion contacts a contact face of the second portion.

In one embodiment, the contact face of at least one of the first portion and the second portion is provided with an elongate recess so that, when the portions are attached to one another, the recess defines a passage through the clamping arrangement which is configured to receive and retain a portion of a handlebar when the device is in use.

In another embodiment, the contact faces of the first and second portions are each provided with an elongate recess of substantially semicircular cross-section, so that, when the portions are attached to one another, the recesses together define a substantially cylindrical passage through the clamping arrangement to receive and retain a portion of a handlebar when the device is in use. Preferably, the mounting device is configured to allow the handlebar to rotate about the pivot axis by an angle of between 1 and 90°.

Conveniently, the mounting device further comprises a locking element to lock the mounting device to prevent the handlebar from being rotated from the storage position back to the riding position.

Advantageously, the pivot axis is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the steering column of a bicycle, when the device is attached to the handlebar stem of the bicycle.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a handlebar stem provided with a mounting device of the present invention.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a handlebar for a bicycle provided with a mounting device of the present invention.

According to a yet further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a bicycle provided with a mounting device of the present invention.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is an exploded diagrammatic perspective view of a mounting device in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 is a diagrammatic perspective view of the mounting device of Figure 1, fully assembled and attached to a handlebar with the handlebar in a normal riding position;

Figure 3 is a view corresponding to Figure 2 but showing the handlebar rotated to a storage position; Figure 4 is a view from below of three portions of the mounting device of the preferred embodiment of the invention;

Figure 5 is a view from above of the three portions of the mounting device of the preferred embodiment of the invention;

Figure 6 is a diagrammatic side view of a further embodiment of the invention;

Figure 7 is an exploded diagrammatic perspective view of a mounting device in accordance with a yet further embodiment of the invention, which incoφorates a locking arrangement;

Figure 8 is a diagrammatic perspective view of the mounting device of Figure 7, incorporating a locking arrangement and fully assembled and attached to a handlebar with the handlebar in a normal riding position;

Figure 9 is a view corresponding to Figure 8, showing the handlebar rotated to a storage position;

Figure 10 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a mounting device in accordance with a still further embodiment of the invention, which incorporates a key operated locking arrangement, the device being shown positioning handlebars in a normal riding position;

Figure 11 is a view corresponding to Figure 10, showing the handlebars rotated to a storage position;

Figures 12 and 13 show a further embodiment of the invention;

Figures 14 and 15 show a further embodiment of the invention;

Figure 16 shows the mounting device of Figures 1 - 5 on a bicycle with the handlebars being in a normal riding position; and Figure 17 is like Figure 16 but shows the handlebars in a storage position.

Referring to Figures 1 to 5 of the accompanying drawings, there is shown a mounting device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention and which comprises a base 1 and a clamping arrangement 2.

The base 1 is a planar element which, in this embodiment, is of oval shape. The lower face of the base 1 defines a generally planar mounting face 3 which is configured to contact the handlebar stem of a bicycle when the mounting device is attached to the stem. An elongate protrusion 4 of generally semicircular cross-section extends across the width of the mounting face 3. The protrusion 4 is configured to fit into a recess provided on a handlebar stem when the device is attached to the handlebar stem. The recess in the handlebar stem would ordinarily receive a portion of a handlebar H if the handlebar was attached directly to the stem. It is to be appreciated that the handlebar H in most cases will be a pair of handlebars which is formed as a single integral element.

The base 1 is provided with two spaced apart mounting apertures 5,6 which extend through the base 1 on either side of the protrusion 4. In use, bolts 7,8 pass through the mounting apertures 5,6 to engage threaded apertures provided on a handlebar stem in order to attach the base 1 to the handlebar stem.

The base 1 is provided with a pivot aperture 9. The purpose of the pivot aperture 9 will become clear from the description below. The base 1 incorporates an arcuate slot 10. The arcuate slot 10 is cut into the side of one end of the base 1. The arcuate slot 10 and the pivot aperture 9 are positioned at opposite ends of the base 1 , on either side of the protrusion 4. The purpose of the arcuate slot 10 will become clear from the description below.

The clamping arrangement 2 comprises a first portion 11 and a second portion 12. The portions 11,12 are planar elements which are oval in shape. The portions 11,12 are of the same general shape as the base 1.

The first portion 11 incorporates two spaced apart apertures 13,14. The apertures 13,14 are positioned at either end of the first portion 11 so that the apertures 13,14 align with the pivot aperture 9 and part of the elongate slot 10 in the base 1 when the first portion 11 is superimposed on the base 1.

The first portion 11 is provided with two spaced apart threaded apertures 15,16 which are configured to receive the threaded ends of attachment bolts 17,18.

An elongate recess 19 of generally semicircular cross-section extends across the width of an upper contact surface 20 of the first portion 11. The recess 19 is positioned to sit above the protrusion 4 with the longitudinal axis of the recess 19 in alignment with the longitudinal axis of the protrusion 4 when the first portion 11 is superimposed on the base 1.

The second portion 12 incorporates two apertures 21,22 at each end. The apertures 21 ,22 are positioned to align with the apertures 13,14 in the first portion 11 and the pivot aperture 9 and part of the arcuate slot 10 in the base 1 when the first and second portions 11,12 are superimposed on the base 1.

The second portion 12 incorporates a pair of apertures 23,24 which are spaced apart from one another and positioned so that they align with the apertures 15,16 in the first portion 11 and the apertures 5,6 in the base 1 when the first and second portions 11,12 are superimposed on the base 1. The apertures 23,24 are configured to receive the attachment bolts 17,18.

A lower contact face 25 of the second portion 12 is provided with an elongate recess 26 which is of generally semicircular cross-section. The elongate recess 26 is positioned to align with the elongate recess 19 when the first and second portions 11,12 are attached to one another.

The mounting device incorporates first and second releasable locking members which, in this embodiment, are in the form of quick release clamping bolts 27,28.

The mounting device is configured to retro-fit to the handlebar stem of a bicycle. This is done by unbolting the plate which ordinarily clamps handlebars H onto the end of the stem of the bicycle. The clamping plate is then discarded and the base 1 is attached onto the end of the stem by positioning the elongate protrusion 4 in the recess ordinarily occupied by the handlebars H and then bolting the base 1 to the end of the stem using the bolts 7,8.

The portions 11 ,12 of the clamping arrangement 2 are first separated from one another and then placed on either side of a pair of handlebars H. The portions 11,12 are then brought together, with the handlebars H being sandwiched between the portions 11,12 in the recesses 19, 26. The attachment bolts 17,18 are then screwed through the apertures 23, 24 in the second portion 12 and the apertures 15,16 in the first portion 11 to attach the portions 11,12 together, clamping the handlebars H therebetween.

The first quick release bolt 27 is inserted through the apertures 21,13 and 9 in the clamping arrangement 2 and the base 1 to pivotally mount the clamping arrangement 12 to the base 1. The second quick release bolt 28 is inserted through the apertures 22, 14 in the clamping arrangement 2 and part of the arcuate slot 10 in the base 1. The quick release bolts 27,28 are then locked so that the clamping arrangement 2 does not pivot relative to the base 1. The handlebars H of the bicycle are now retained in a normal riding position, with the handlebars H extending generally perpendicularly outwardly from each side of the bicycle.

When the bicycle is not being ridden, the quick release bolts 27,28 can be released to allow the handlebars H to be rotated relative to the front wheel of the bicycle to a storage position, as shown in Figure 3. The mounting device is configured to allow the handlebars H to be rotated about a pivot axis which is not substantially parallel to the steering column of the bicycle. The device allows the handlebars H to rotate about the pivot axis by an angle of between 1 and 90°.

When the quick release bolts 27,28 are released, the first quick release bolt 27 defines a pivot axis about which the clamping arrangement 2 pivots relative to the base 1. The pivot axis is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the handlebar stem. The pivot axis is not substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the steering column of the bicycle, but is instead transverse to the longitudinal axis of the steering column of the bicycle. This allows the handlebars H to rotate relative to the axis of rotation of the front wheel of the bicycle by an angle of between 1 and 90°.

As the clamping arrangement 2 pivots relative to the base 1, the second quick release bolt 28 moves out from the arcuate slot 10.The clamping arrangement 2 can thus be pivoted relative to the base 1 by an angle of between 1 and 90°.

As the clamping arrangement 2 pivots relative to the base 1, the handlebars H turn about the pivot axis defined by the first quick release bolt 27. As the handlebars H pivot they move to a position where they do not protrude from each side of the bicycle by the same distance as when they are the normal horizontal riding position. The handlebars H can thus be moved to a storage position where they do not extend outwardly from each side of the bicycle to allow the bicycle to be stored more easily.

In the embodiment described above, the clamping arrangement 2 is configured to rotate about a pivot axis which is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the base 1. However, in other embodiments, the clamping arrangement 2 is configured to rotate relative to the base 1 about a pivot axis which is not substantially perpendicular to the plane of the base 1. In these other embodiments, the axis of rotation is at an angle to the planar mounting face 3 of the base 1.

Referring now to Figure 6 of the accompanying drawings, a further embodiment of the invention is very similar to the embodiment described above with reference to Figures 1 - 5, but in this further embodiment the lower face 38 of the clamping arrangement 2 and the upper face 39 of the base 1 are angled relative to the lower mounting face 3 of the base 1. The other components of the mounting device of this further embodiment are identical to the embodiment described above. The clamping arrangement 2 is configured to rotate relative to the base 1 about a pivot axis 29 which is defined by the first quick release clamping bolt 27. The pivot axis 29 is at an angle relative to the mounting face 3 of the base 1 which is not substantially perpendicular to the mounting face 3. This angled axis of rotation allows the handlebars H to rotate in such a way that one end of the handlebars H is moved forwardly and the other end of the handlebars H is moved rearwardly as the handlebars H are moved from the riding position to the storage position.

When the handlebars H are in the storage position, one end of the handlebars H can be positioned directly above the front wheel of the bicycle and the other end of the handlebars H can be positioned directly above the cross-bar of the bicycle. This allows the handlebars H to be stored in a position which makes the bicycle even more compact than the storage position allowed by the embodiment described above with reference to Figures 1 - 5.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the mounting device is provided with a locking mechanism to lock the clamping arrangement 2 in either the normal riding position or the storage position. The locking arrangement can be used to lock the handlebars H in the storage position as a security measure to make it difficult or impossible for a thief to move the handlebars H to the riding position and thereby ride the bicycle safely.

In other embodiments of the invention, there may be a greater or fewer number of mounting apertures 5,6 in the base 1 to allow the base 1 to be attached to handlebar stems which have a corresponding greater or fewer number of mounting apertures.

In a further embodiment, an arcuate slot is provided in the clamping arrangement 2 instead of the apertures 14, 22 and the base 1 is provided with a second pivot aperture instead of the arcuate slot 10. In this embodiment, the second quick release bolt 28 passes through the arcuate slot in the clamping arrangement 2 and is retained in the second pivot aperture in the base 1. When the quick release bolts 27,28 are released, the clamping arrangement 2 moves relative to the second quick release bolt 28 as the clamping arrangement 2 moves to the storage position.

The mounting device of the present invention may be a replacement part sold through aftermarket channels to add to many standard stems already on the market. Alternatively, the mounting device of the present invention may be original equipment for a bicycle.

It is preferred that, in the storage position, the handlebar axis is angled at between 1 and 90° to the axis of rotation of the front wheel and most preferably substantially 90 to the axis of rotation of the front wheel.

The rotation of the handlebars H to the storage position means they will protrude at a lesser angle than 90° with relation to the axis of rotation of the front wheel and therefore take up less space and be less hazardous. Preferably, once the handlebar clamp is rotated, it can be secured in the storage position.

Referring now to Figures 7 to 9 of the accompanying drawings, there is shown a yet further embodiment of the invention. This embodiment shares many features with the embodiment described above with reference to Figure 1 - 5, but additionally incorporates a locking arrangement 30. The locking arrangement 30 comprises a locking element in the form of a push button 31. The push button 31 is slidably retained in further apertures 32, 33 which are provided in the first and second portions 11 ,12 of the clamping arrangement 2. The push button 31 is spring biased in a direction away from the base 1.

The lower end of the push button 31 is dimensioned to fit into a locking recess 34 which is provided in the base 1. In use, the top of the push button 31 may be pressed to move the push button 31 towards the base 1 so that the end of the push button 31 fits into the locking recess 34. The locking arrangement is provided with a catch (not shown) which releasably retains the push button 31 in the locking recess 34. The push button 31, along with the quick release clamping bolts 27,28, acts as another securing device preventing the handlebars H from rotating relative to the base 1 when the bicycle is in motion.

When the bicycle is to be stored, the push button 31 can be pressed to release the catch such that the spring bias moves the push button 31 out from the locking recess 34. The clamping arrangement 2 may then be rotated relative to the base 1 so that the handlebars H can be rotated to the storage position, as shown in Figure 9. Referring now to Figures 10 and 11 of the accompanying drawings, there is shown a still further embodiment of the invention and which incorporates a modified locking arrangement 35. The locking arrangement 35 is identical to the locking arrangement 30 described above, except that the push button 31 is replaced with a key operated button 36. The key operated button 36 comprises a lockable catch which is configured to only allow the lockable button 36 to move if a corresponding key 37 is used to unlock the lockable button 36.

The lockable button 36 may be locked using the key 37 in a pushed down position when the handlebars H are in the storage position. When the lockable button 36 is in this pushed down position, the lower end of the lockable button 36 engages the side of the base 1 to prevent the clamping arrangement from rotating to move the handlebars H from the storage position to the riding position. The locking arrangement 35 prevents unauthorised use of the bicycle by a person who is not in possession of the key 37. The arrangement thus acts as an anti-theft device.

Referring to Figure 12, there is shown a further embodiment which incorporates a sprung locking pin 40 which protrudes from the underside of the second portion 11. An arcuate slot 44 in the base 1 is sloped from the external bottom edge 43 of the base 1 up to the locking recess 41. The arcuate slot 44 is similar to the arcuate slot 10 but of a different shape.

Referring to Figure 13 there is shown a sprung release arrangement 42 which protrudes from the underside of the base 1. From the parking position, the clamping arrangement 2 pivots relative to the base 1. The sprung locking pin 40 moves along the sloped arcuate slot 44, receding into the second portion 11 until it is retained in the locking recess 41, thus securing the handlebars H. To release the clamping arrangement 2 from the riding position, the sprung release arrangement 42 is depressed forcing the sprung locking pin 40 into the section portion 11 and thus allowing the clamping arrangement 2 to pivot into the parking position.

Referring to Figure 14, there is shown a further embodiment which incorporates two portions 50 and 51 mounted on either side of the base 1. In a preferred embodiment, the base 1 may have a recess on either side to receive the portions 50 and 51 , although other embodiments are possible.

Referring to Figure 15, there is shown the base 1 provided with mounting apertures 52 and 53 for the portions 50 and 51. A cylindrical bar 54 is mounted in the portions 50 and 51 and is retained in portion 50 by a bolt in a clamping aperture 55. In this embodiment, the portion 51 and the cylindrical bar 54 are a single component.

A handlebar stem would ordinarily receive a portion of a handlebar in a recess if the handlebar was attached directly to the stem. The cylindrical bar 54 is configured to fit into the recess when the mounting device is attached to the handlebar stem.

Referring to Figure 16 and 17, there is shown a bicycle 56 fitted with the mounting device shown in Figures 1 - 5, the mounting device being shown as mounting device 57 in Figures 16 and 17. The bicycle 56 has the handlebars H held by a handlebar stem 59. The handlebar stem 59 is attached to a fork stem 60. The fork stem 60 is received in a steering column 61 which is held by bearings (not shown) in a frame 62. The bicycle 56 has a front wheel 63 and a rear wheel 64. The front wheel 63 is able to be rotated relative to the frame 62 about the longitudinal axis of the steering column 61 by turning the handlebars H relative to the frame 62. The handlebar stem 59 is an elongate member which extends in a forward direction from the steering column 61 of the bicycle 56. The longitudinal axis of the handlebar stem 59 is at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the steering column 61, and parallel to the plane of the front wheel 63 of the bicycle 56. The handlebar stem 59 is angled so that the longitudinal axis of the handlebar stem 59 is at approximately 45° to the longitudinal axis of the steering column 61 of the bicycle 62. The angle of 45° may be any preferred angle of from 0 - 110°. Apart from the provision of the mounting device 57, the bicycle 65 can be any suitable and appropriate known type of bicycle.

Embodiments of the invention may be retro-fitted to any bicycle where the handlebars H are attached to the stem via a plate. Plates with either two, four or other combinations of fixings can be utilised with embodiments of the present invention.

The relative size and construction of embodiments of the invention ensures that the overall weight of the bicycle will not be adversely affected when an embodiment is fitted to a bicycle.

The construction of embodiments of the invention has no complex machined elements, meaning that the cost of the mounting device will be low when compared with previous proposed solutions. The embodiments of the invention are preferably designed to allow bicycle handlebars to be locked at any angle between 1 and 90° to the plane of the front wheel axis. This allows the mounting device to be used with a greater number of bicycles when compared with previously proposed solutions.

It is to be appreciated that the embodiments of the invention described above with reference to the accompanying drawings have been given by way of example only and that modifications may be effected. Individual components shown in the drawings are not limited to use in their drawings and they may be used in other drawings and in all aspects of the invention.

Claims

1. A mounting device for mounting a handlebar to a handlebar stem of a bicycle, the mounting device comprising a base which incorporates a mounting which is configured to attach to a handlebar stem, and a clamping arrangement which is configured to attach to a portion of a handlebar, the clamping arrangement being pivotally mounted to the base for rotation relative to the base about a pivot axis to allow a handlebar which is attached to the clamping arrangement to rotate relative to the handlebar stem about the pivot axis from a riding position to a storage position.

2. A mounting device according to claim 1 in which the pivot axis is not substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the steering column of a bicycle when the mounting device is attached to the handlebar stem of the bicycle.

3. A mounting device according to claim 1 or claim 2 in which the clamping arrangement is pivotally mounted to the base by releasable locking means.

4. A mounting device according to any one of the preceding claims in which the releasable locking means is attached to one of the base and the clamping arrangement, and in which the releasable locking means is configured to block movement of the clamping arrangement relative to the base when the releasable locking means is in a locked condition, and to allow the clamping arrangement to move relative to the base when the releasable locking means is in a release condition.

5. A mounting device according to claim 2 or claim 3 in which the or each releasable locking means comprises at least one quick-release clamping bolt.

6. A mounting device according to any one of the preceding claims in which the base comprises two spaced apart mounting apertures which are provided to allow the base to be mounted to a stem by mounting elements which extend through the apertures in the base and through apertures provided in the stem.

7. A mounting device according to any one of the preceding claims in which the base incorporates a generally planar mounting face, and wherein an elongate protrusion extends across the mounting face such that a portion of the protrusion extends into a recess provided on the stem of the bicycle when the device is attached to the stem.

8. A mounting device according to claims 6 and 7 in which the elongate protrusion extends across the mounting face in the space between the two mounting apertures.

9. A mounting device according to any one of claims 4 - 8 when dependent on claim 3 in which the base is provided with an arcuate slot and a pivot aperture which are each configured to receive part of the releasable locking means.

10. A mounting device according to claim 9 in which the releasable locking means comprises a first releasable locking member which extends through an aperture in the clamping arrangement and through the pivot aperture in the base so that the clamping arrangement can pivot relative to the base about the first releasable locking member when the first releasable locking member is in a release condition.

11. A mounting device according to claim 9 or claim 10 in which the releasable locking means comprises a second releasable locking member which extends through an aperture in the clamping arrangement and through a portion of the arcuate slot provided in the base, the second releasable locking member being configured to move out from the arcuate slot when the clamping arrangement pivots relative to the base when the second releasable locking member is in a release condition.

12. A mounting device according to any one of claims 1 - 8 in which the clamping arrangement is provided with an arcuate slot and a pivot aperture which are each configured to receive part of the releasable locking means.

13. A mounting device according to claim 12 in which the releasable locking means comprises a first releasable locking member which extends through an aperture in the base and through the pivot aperture in the clamping arrangement so that the clamping arrangement can pivot relative to the base about the first releasable locking member when the first releasable locking member is in a release condition.

14. A mounting device according to claim 12 or claim 13 in which the releasable locking means comprises a second releasable locking member which extends through an aperture provided in the base and through a portion of the arcuate slot provided in the clamping arrangement, the second releasable locking member being configured to move out from the arcuate slot when the clamping arrangement pivots relative to the base when the second releasable locking member is in a release condition.

15. A mounting device according to any one of the preceding claims in which the clamping arrangement comprises a first portion and a second portion which are releasably attached to one another so that a contact face of the first portion contacts a contact face of the second portion.

16. A mounting device according to claim 15 in which the contact face of at least one of the first portion and the second portion is provided with an elongate recess so that, when the portions are attached to one another, the recess defines a passage through the clamping arrangement which is configured to receive and retain a portion of a handlebar when the device is in use.

17. A mounting device according to claim 15 in which the contact faces of the first and second portions are each provided with an elongate recess of substantially semicircular cross-section so that, when the portions are attached to one another the recesses together define a substantially cylindrical passage through the clamping arrangement to receive and retain a portion of a handlebar when the device is in use.

18. A mounting device according to any one of the preceding claims in which the mounting device is configured to allow the handlebar to rotate about the pivot axis by an angle of between 1 and 90°.

19. A mounting device according to any one of the preceding claims in which the mounting device further comprises a locking element to lock the mounting device to prevent the handlebar from being rotated from the storage position back to the riding position.

20. A mounting device according to any one of the preceding claims in which the pivot axis is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the steering column of a bicycle when the device is attached to the handlebar stem of the bicycle.

21. A handlebar stem when provided with a mounting device according to any one of the preceding claims.

22. A handlebar for a bicycle when provided with a mounting device according to any one claims 1 to 20.

23. A bicycle provided with a mounting device according to any one of claims 1 to 20.