AU2018100838A4 - The present invention relates to a bicycle handlebar 'cycling aid device mount'; whereby the inclusion of a set of unique, fully articulated Elbows, Arms, and Levers, secures practically any size cycling aid device forward of the bicycle handlebars and over a large stable platform base; affording the rider a custom viewing angle of that cycling aid device in full view of the rider without the need for the rider to dip or lower their head in order to view the cycling aid device; affording the rider the ability to maintain continual focus on the road/trail ahead, promoting a safe cycling edict - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract The disclosed mount relates to a bicycle handlebar 'cycling aid device mount' 12; whereby the inclusion of a set of fully articulated Elbows 2, Arms 3 and Levers 4 secures practically any size cycling aid device forward of the bicycle handlebars and over a large stable platform base; affording the rider a custom viewing angle of that cycling aid device in full view of the rider without the need for the rider to dip or lower their head in order to view the cycling aid device; affording the rider the ability to maintain continual focus on the road/trail ahead, promoting a safe cycling edict

Description

“BICYCLE HANDLEBAR MOUNT”

Field of the Invention [0001] The present invention relates to a “bicycle handlebar mount assembly”; facilitating a secure platform for the provision of any cycling aid device

Background to the Invention [0002] Bicycle riders commonly have the requirement to mount cycling aid devise on their bicycle frame or handlebars for the recording of cycling related data and ‘the viewing of' while participating in the sport and recreation of cycling. Bicycle handlebar cycling aid device mounts are the preferred method of device attachment and especially beneficial when securing such devises as GPS, communication devices, Smartphones, lights or other cycling aids. The ideal arrangement for the mounting of these devices is so they are in full view of the rider without the rider having to turn or lower their head in order to view such devices, thus adverting their attention from the road/trail ahead and compromising a safe cycling culture

Various devices have already been proposed some that utilise a single central clamp, stem and an attached flat platform from which to attach the device in either a fixed orientation or on a swivel (portrait or landscape orientation) However, these styles of mounts are limited in their use as they are restricted by having to attach them to the bicycle fore/aft top frame, or on the upper side of the bicycle handlebar stem, and generally mandate that in order to view the mounted device the rider must advert their attention directly downwards, as opposed to continually looking forward (safe cycling) Other devices are arranged on static rigid support members in front of or on top of the bicycle handlebars and are generally specific to the one device, and once the cycling aid device is fixed in location cannot be moved

Various existing mounts also use the generic rounded section 15mm either side of the central handlebar support spindle, and project their fixed cycling aid device support beams directly outwards, (forwards) however this in turn means the overall width of the cycling aid device mount platform is precariously narrow, highly unstable and prone to loss of the cycling aid device during riding. Rigidly mounted ‘device supports’ also pose a danger to the rider in the event of an incident or accident as they are inflexibly fixed to the bicycle and may puncture or wound the rider in the event of a fall [0003] The present invention relates to a bicycle mount that also secures to the generic rounded section 15mm either side of the central handlebar support spindle and faces forward (away from the rider) However the novel and inventive step associated with this application sees that the mount incorporates a set of fully articulated Elbows, Arms and Levers that accommodates and secures almost any size cycling aid device over a large platform base and affords the rider an easy and custom viewing angle of that cycling aid device regardless of size and shape of that device. Importantly being as the cycling aid device is mounted and secured forward of the handlebars it positions the cycling aid device in full view of the rider without the need for the rider to dip or lower their head in order to view the cycling aid device; affording the rider the ability to maintain continual focus on the road/trail ahead. The mount is considered passive and does not compromise the structure of the bicycle in order to attach the mounts to the bicycle handlebars, nor does the mount compromise the structure of the mounted cycling aid device in order to secure that cycling aid device to the mount. The mount is considered crash worthy safe as the mount levers, arms, and elbows are free to flex, bend and fold in the event of an accident, and as such do not propose a protrusion or puncture threat to the rider’s body

Summary of the Invention [0004] According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a bicycle handlebar mount comprising: A pair of (left side and right side) central handlebar ‘Supports’ A pair of (left side and right side) ‘Elbows’ attached to the handlebar Support boss A pair of (left side and right side) ‘Arms’ attached to the outer Elbow boss A pair of (left side and right side) ‘Levers’ attached to the outer Arm boss

Wherein the handle bar Supports locate and mount onto the generic rounded portion of the bicycle handle bars directly adjacent to the left side and right side of the handlebar central support spindle

The Elbow and Arms act in an articulated manner on a lateral sagittal plane (along the length of the bicycle handlebars) as outward extension members and in order to accommodate the correct sizing of the cycling device aid, are full adjustable extending transversely outwards from the handlebar central Support.

The Arm then converts in-coming articulated extension from the Elbow on the lateral sagittal plane to vertical pivot extension of the Lever on the outgoing plane

The Levers provide a support platform for the cycling aid device and adjust on a vertical pivot from the lower fulcrum in order to afford the cyclist the correct vertical angle for which to view the mounted cycling aid device [0005] Preferably the Elbow and Arms allow for full articulate extension either inwards or outwards from opposed sides of the handlebar central support [0006] Preferably the Elbow is cast from a single mould and is fully reversable (by turning upside down) so as to be useable on either the left-side or right-side mounts of the handlebars spindle [0007] Preferably the Support, Elbows, Arms and Levers are provided in pairs being left side and right side and mount on the left side and right side of the handlebar central support spine, and form a single mount assembly [0008] Preferably the Elbow attaches directly to the Support, the Arms attach to the Elbows and the Levers attach to the Arm, when assembled each separate mount comprises of x3 fully articulated members extending outwards and upwards from opposed sides of the handlebar central support spine [0009] Preferably the Elbow comprises the shape of an arc affording lateral sagittal plane extension with minimal forward extension of the Arm thus inhibiting the movement of the Arm away from the handlebars [0010] Preferably the Supports, Elbows, Arms and Levers are curved in their contour, rounded and smoothed to allow for safe easy handling and can be manufactured/moulded from a variety of materials, plastics or aluminium’s [0011] Preferably each of the Levers which pivots to the vertical, is provided with a lower relief slot and two upper outer extension probes such that an elastomeric band may be contained so as to securely anchor the cycling aid device to the Levers and prevent the cycling aid device becoming loose when the Levers are pivoted to the vertical position [0012] Preferably the Levers contain a lower ‘device stop’, so as to prevent the cycling aid device from slipping back down the Levers when raised to the vertical position, and affording the Elastomeric band the ability to securely lock the cycling aid device firmly into position on the front face/beam of the Levers [0013] Preferably when mounting the cycling aid device, it will be mounted upon the Levers and secured by the Elastomeric Bands in a Landscape orientation along the long end of the cycling aid device axis. The Elastomeric Bands stretch over the cycling aid device locking it to the Lever [0014] The Lever arms pivot vertically from the lower fulcrum, independent of the lateral sagittal plane extension of the Elbow and Arm, so the rider can select the correct viewing angle of the cycling aid device and to minimise frontal wind resistance of the device whilst riding [0015] Preferably an optional Bridge Beam may be attached between the Two Elastomeric Bands on each of the two Levers so as to increase the stability of the Levers and maintain perfect Lever alignment while assisting with the support of the mounted cycling aid device (user preference) [0016] Preferably in the event of an accident the optional Bridge Beam which is heled in position by the ‘Levers’ Elastomeric Bands, (only) will dislodge from its assigned position and allow the Levers to flex, bend and fall away independently

Brief Description of the Drawings [0017] The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the following drawings, in which: [0018] Figure 1, is an upper perspective of the bicycle handlebar mount in accordance with the present invention [0019] Figure 2, is an upper perspective of the bicycle handlebar mount in accordance with the present invention; showing the Elbow and Arms in the fully closed position (maximum inward extension of the Levers) with cycling aid device mounted [0020] Figure 3, is an upper perspective of the bicycle handlebar mount in accordance with the present invention; showing the Elbow and Arms in the fully open position (maximum outward extension of the Levers) with cycling aid device mounted [0021] Figure 4, is an upper perspective of a single mount with straight Elbow and Arm [0022] Figure 5, is an upper perspective of a single mount with bent Elbow and Arm showing ‘lateral sagittal plane extension’ [0023] Figure 6, is a side perspective of a single mount with the Lever pivot raised [0024] Figure 7, is an underside perspective of a single mount with the lever pivot lowered [0025] Figure 8, is an exploded side perspective of a single mount showing all comprised parts [0026] Figure 9 is an underside view of the mount assembled on the bicycle handlebars with cycling aid device mounted [0027] Figure 10 is an underside view of the mount assembled on the bicycle handlebars with the optional Bridge Beam attached, supporting the cycling aid device and preventing the levers from moving away or apart from each other

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments [0028] Referring to the Figures, there is shown in Figure 1 A bicycle handlebar mount assembly 12, comprising a Support 1, an Elbow 2, an Arm 3, and a Lever 4. The construction of the mount means that two individual left-side and right-side mounts comprise an assembly. The Support 1 forms the main body of the mount from which all other components attach [0029] In the embodiment shown Figure 1

The Support 1 encloses the circumference of the handlebars in two parts ‘1 a’ upper half-moon clamp and Ί b! lower half-moon clamps which when clamped together by screws 6a & 7a and Nuts 6b and 7b form the base Support for Elbow 2

The support clamps ‘1a’ and ‘1 b’ are formed of a suitable material, plastic or aluminium so as not to compromise the structural integrity of the handlebar material, which at times maybe composites material, a set of half-moon liners/fillers 11 maybe fitted to each clamp half to ensure sufficient clamping force to accommodate varying size handlebars [0030] In the embodiment shown the Figure 2 and Figure 3

The Elbow 2 and Arm 3 are free to move on the lateral sagittal plane and extend outwards to accommodate a perfect fit for any size cycling aid device the rider elects to secure to the mount [0031] In the embodiment shown Figures 4 & 5

The Elbow 2 is attached to Support 1 by Screw 8a and is secured to provide a tight fit by captive nut 8b while still allowing lateral movement of the Elbow in the sagittal plane.

[0032] In the embodiment shown Figures 4 & 5

The Arm 3 is attached to the Elbow by Screw 9a and is secured to provide a tight fit by captive nut 9b while still permitting lateral movement of the Arm in the sagittal plane [0033] In the embodiment shown Figure 6

The Lever 4 is attached to the Arm 3 by Screw 10a and is secured to provide a tight fit by captive nut 10b while still allowing the Lever 4 to pivot vertically from the horizontal to plane [0034] In the embodiment shown Figures 6 and 7

The Elastomeric Band 5 encompasses the upper and lower surface perimeters of the Lever 4, the Elastomeric Band is secured in its location by the lower slot relief and upper probes tangs of the Lever 4 [0035] In the embodiment shown in Figure 8

An Elastomeric Band 5 encompasses the length of the Lever 4 and is held in position on the Lever 4 between a lower relief slot and two upper extension probes [0036] In the embodiment shown in Figure 8

The Arm 3 provides a suitable method to convert the angular pivot displacement between the incoming lateral plane and outgoing vertical plane [0037] In the embodiment shown Figure 9

The cycling aid device is secured onto the front face of the Levers 4 by the properties of the Elastomeric Band 5 and is further secured as it locks into two lower ‘device stops’ on the front face of the Lever 4 [0038] In the embodiment shown in Figure 10

An optional Bridge Beam 13 may be fitted between the underside of the two Elastomeric Bands 5 to act as a positioning attachment, in order to hold both Levers 4 in place and prevent the Levers 4 from spreading while undertaking cycling on rough or jarring road/tracks

Claims (5)

1. Claims A bicycle handlebar mount

   1. Comprising: a series of lightweight members when arranged longitudinally form a left-side and right-side combination which forms a single mount assembly. The inclusion of the unique Elbow and Arm arrangement mount assembly allows for full articulated movement of the mount members along the lateral, sagittal plane (along the length of the bicycle handlebars) in order to widen or narrow the girth between the left-side and right-side Levers so as to accommodate any size cycling aid device. Uniquely the Levers pivot from the lower fulcrum on the vertical plane to allow for the correct viewing position (raising or lowering) of the cycling aid device on the vertical plane
2. 2. The inclusion of the unique Elbow and Arm arrangement provides a mechanism from which to accommodate sideways offset allowing for a side shift of the mounted cycling aid device, affording the device to be located in a position either side of the central handlebar stem while still allowing the left-side and right-side Supports to maintain their mounted position either side of the central handlebar support spindle
3. 3. Wherein each of the mount Supports attach to the only guaranteed generic rounded section of the bicycle handlebars being a generally a 15mm section of rounded bicycle handlebar that extends either side of the handle bar support spindle, yet through the inclusion of the unique Elbow and Arm mechanism the mount assembly can still extend/widen to accommodate and properly support/secure any size cycling aid device
4. 4. Wherein in the event of an accident the mount through the geometry of the Elbow and Arm are immediately free to flex, bend and fold spreading sideways away from the rider so as they pose no danger of puncture or protrusion to the rider
5. 5. Wherein the mount assembly is arranged on the handlebars in a forward-facing fashion, affording the rider the ability to view the mounted cycling aid device without need to lower their head and avert their attention away from looking forward (safe cycling)