U.S. patent application number 11/580312 was filed with the patent office on 2007-11-08 for clamp structure for use on different diameter bars.
Invention is credited to Kuo-Ping Ho.
Application Number | 20070258758 11/580312 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37435037 |
Filed Date | 2007-11-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070258758 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ho; Kuo-Ping |
November 8, 2007 |
Clamp structure for use on different diameter bars
Abstract
A clamp structure for use on different diameter bars mainly
structured to include upper clamp pieces, lower clamp pieces, a set
of first spacers and a set of second spacers, wherein joining
portions and through holes are located on the upper clamp pieces,
and embedding grooves are defined in bottom edges of the upper
clamp pieces. Corresponding positions of the lower clamp pieces are
similarly disposed with through holes and binding embedding
grooves. Clamping spaces are thus formed between the upper clamp
pieces and the lower clamp pieces after lining the joining portions
with the first spacers, which enable clamping a bar of relatively
large diameter. Moreover, clamping spaces formed between the upper
clamp pieces and the lower clamp pieces after additionally lining
the joining portions with the second spacers enable clamping a bar
of relatively small diameter.
Inventors: |
Ho; Kuo-Ping; (Taipei,
TW) |
Correspondence
Address: |
TROXELL LAW OFFICE PLLC
SUITE 1404, 5205 LEESBURG PIKE
FALLS CHURCH
VA
22041
US
|
Family ID: |
37435037 |
Appl. No.: |
11/580312 |
Filed: |
October 13, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
403/398 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B62J 11/00 20130101;
B62J 7/06 20130101; F16B 2/10 20130101; Y10T 403/7182 20150115;
B62J 9/21 20200201 |
Class at
Publication: |
403/398 |
International
Class: |
E04G 7/18 20060101
E04G007/18 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 4, 2006 |
TW |
095207608 |
Claims
1. A clamp structure for use on different diameter bars,
comprising: relatively configured upper clamp pieces and lower
clamp pieces, wherein arc recesses are respectively formed in
mutually close surfaces of the upper clamp pieces and the lower
clamp pieces, a shaft fitting end provided with a shaft hole is
configured at an end of each of the upper clamp pieces, and a
another end of each of the upper clamp pieces is configured with a
joining end provided with a long bolt hole; shaft pins are used to
respectively pin join the shaft holes and corresponding shaft holes
of the lower clamp pieces, thereby joining the upper clamp pieces
to the lower clamp pieces; embedding grooves are respectively
defined in arc recess sections between the upper clamp pieces and
the lower clamp pieces, which enable first spacers to embed
therein; a set of first spacers, a top surface of each of which is
defined with at least one embedding hole, and protruding posts are
located on a bottom portion of each of the first spacers, which
function in coordination with binding embedding grooves of the
upper clamp pieces and the lower clamp pieces; a set of second
spacers, which function in coordination with the embedding grooves
of the first spacers, and protruding posts are located on a back
surface of each of the second spacers; whereby bolts are used to
penetrate long bolt holes of the upper clamp pieces, and nuts are
tightened down on ends of the bolts after penetrating the long bolt
holes, thereby forming clamp structures after joining the upper
clamp pieces to the lower clamp pieces, moreover the first spacers
and the second spacers enable adjusting clamping space formed by
the clamp structures, thus facilitating joining to different
diameter bars.
2. The clamp structure for use on different diameter bars according
to claim 1, wherein embedding holes are defined in the embedding
grooves defined in the upper clamp pieces and the lower clamp
pieces, thereby enabling the protruding posts located on the bottom
portions of the first spacers to respectively embed into the
embedding holes.
3. The clamp structure for use on different diameter bars according
to claim 1, wherein the clamp structures formed by the upper clamp
pieces and the lower clamp pieces is joined to a clamp base, and a
joining piece disposed on a front end of the joining base enables
indirectly fixedly connecting to a backpack.
4. A clamp structure for use on different diameter bars,
comprising: a joining bottom plate, a surface of which is defined
with a plurality of clasp grooves, and joining holes and
concavities are defined on two sides and bottom edges of the
joining bottom plate respectively; a plurality of retaining
members, a side of each of which is defined with joining holes, and
another side has at least one embedding groove; a plurality of
first spacers, a bottom portion of each of which is provided with
protruding posts, and embedding holes are defined in a top portion
of each of the first spacers; the protruding posts are able to
embed into the embedding grooves of the retaining members; a
plurality of second spacers, a bottom portion of each of which is
provided with protruding posts, which are able to embed into the
embedding holes of the first spacers; whereby when the joining
bottom plate is disposed on a rear carrier of a bicycle, the
concavities are aligned and disposed on bars of the rear carrier,
and then the retaining members disposed with the first spacers are
attached to the bars of the rear carrier, whereupon bolts are used
to penetrate through the joining holes of the joining bottom plate
and joining holes of the retaining members, whereafter nuts are
respectively bolted down tight thereon, thereby forming clamp
structures.
5. The clamp structure for use on different diameter bars according
to claim 1, wherein the second spacers are respectively disposed on
upper surfaces of the first spacers, thereby enabling the
protruding posts on the back surfaces of the second spacers to
embed into embedding grooves of the first spacers.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] (a) Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a clamp structure for use
on different diameter bars, and more particularly to a clamp
structure that enables clamping a clamp base to all types of front
handlebars of a bicycle, or can be used on a rear carrier of a
bicycle to fixedly clamp articles thereto.
[0003] (b) Description of the Prior Art
[0004] The increasing development of modern high technology drives
the continued advancement of various types of vehicles, which
correspondingly increases the convenience of life of modern people.
However, presently, the depletion of natural energy resources and
worsening of environmental pollution has given rise to the
popularity of the bicycle, it being a vehicle that does not consume
energy resources and does not pollute the environment. Moreover,
riding a bicycle also has the advantage of providing the body with
healthy exercise.
[0005] Furthermore, the bicycle is not only a fitness exercise
apparatus; moreover, it further provides an excellent
transportation tool for employees. For example, a newspaper
deliverer can ride a bicycle while delivering newspapers to every
household, a postman can ride a bicycle while delivering the post
along large streets and small lanes, a milk company delivery person
can ride a bicycle while delivering dairy milk, a collection clerk
can ride a bicycle while making house-to-house calls to notify to
collect fees, and so on. The aforementioned are examples of
specific personnel who commonly use a bicycle.
[0006] According to the aforementioned, because the people are
using the bicycle as a means of transport, thus, a pack or a basket
is naturally attached to the bicycle in order to deposit articles
therein. However, the fixed means of traditional packs uses a
method whereby the pack is simply hung on the bicycle and not
effectively fixedly secured, thus, which has the unavoidable
shortcoming of the pack swaying and destabilizing the center of
gravity of the rider during the course of riding the bicycle.
[0007] Furthermore, the current popular trend of bicycles has
resulted in the front handlebars of some of the bicycles being
manufactured with a relatively large diameter, while the front
handlebars of other bicycles are manufactured with a relatively
small diameter. Hence, a fixed base clamping device cannot be used
with a traditional pack or basket. Moreover, if the fixed base
clamping device of the traditional pack or basket is for use as a
single size installation, then after a consumer has made his
purchase and returns home, but discovers that his purchase is not
suitable for use on his own bicycle, then it results in the
inconvenience of having to exchange the purchase, thereby
highlighting another shortcoming of prior art. In addition, if the
manufacturer of the fixed base for the pack or basket manufactures
and separately packages clamping structures for large diameter bars
and small diameter bars, then this will result in higher
manufacturing costs and annoyance of increased stock numbering.
[0008] In light of this, the motivation behind development of the
present invention is to provide a clamp structure for use on
different diameter bars which enables consumers to make a single
purchase that is applicable for use with bars of different
diameter.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] A primary objective of the present invention is to provide a
clamp structure for use on different diameter bars with a clamp
device that facilitates clamping to different diameter bars, and
enables clamping on the front handlebars or rear carrier of a
bicycle.
[0010] Another objective of the present invention is to provide the
clamp structure for use on different diameter bars with the
advantage of a DIY (do it yourself) reinstall fixture configuration
that enables clamp structures to be used on both large diameter
bars and small diameter bars, wherein ancillary spacers are used to
line the clamp structures to form different sized apertures.
[0011] In order to achieve the aforementioned objectives, the clamp
structure for use on different diameter bars of the present
invention is primarily structured to comprise upper clamp pieces,
lower clamp pieces, a set of first spacers and a set of second
spacers, wherein joining portions and through holes are located on
the upper clamp pieces, and embedding grooves are defined in bottom
edges of the upper clamp pieces. Corresponding positions of the
lower clamp pieces are similarly disposed with through holes and
binding embedding grooves. The embedding grooves enable the first
spacers to embed therein, and the second spacers can be selectively
disposed on and thereby block up the first spacers. Clamping spaces
are thus formed between the upper clamp pieces and the lower clamp
pieces after lining the joining portions with the first spacers,
which enable clamping a bar of relatively large diameter. Clamping
spaces formed between the upper clamp pieces and the lower clamp
pieces after additionally lining the joining portions with the
second spacers enable clamping a bar of relatively small diameter.
A clamp base enables fixedly joining a backpack (or basket) to the
front handlebars of a bicycle, and a joining bottom plate enables
fixedly joining a pack to a rear carrier of a bicycle.
[0012] To enable a further understanding of said objectives and the
technological methods of the invention herein, brief description of
the drawings is provided below followed by detailed description of
the preferred embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 shows an exploded structural view of a first
embodiment according to the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of the first embodiment used
on large diameter handlebars of a bicycle according to the present
invention.
[0015] FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of FIG. 2 used on large
diameter handlebars of a bicycle according to the present
invention.
[0016] FIG. 4 shows an exploded structural view of the first
embodiment configured with a second spacer according to the present
invention.
[0017] FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of FIG. 4 used on small
diameter handlebars of a bicycle according to the present
invention.
[0018] FIG. 6 shows a schematic view of a second application of the
first embodiment according to the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 7 shows an exploded structural view of a second
embodiment according to the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 8 shows an exploded structural view of the second
embodiment additionally configured with a second spacer according
to the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of the second embodiment
used on a carrier having large diameter bars according to the
present invention.
[0022] FIG. 10 shows a cross-sectional view of the second
embodiment used on a carrier having small diameter bars according
to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0023] Referring to FIG. 1, which shows a first embodiment of the
present invention, wherein clamp structures suitable for use on bar
members of different diameters are joined to a clamp base 10. Clamp
structures (A, B) are configured on two sides of the clamp base 10,
and the clamp structures (A, B) are respectively configured with an
upper clamp piece 20, a lower clamp piece 30, a set of first
spacers (41, 42) and a transverse hook piece 50. Arc recesses (21,
31) are respectively formed in mutually close surfaces of the upper
clamp pieces 20 and the lower clamp pieces 30. A shaft fitting end
23 provided with a shaft hole 22 able to fit a shaft is configured
at an end of each of the upper clamp pieces 20, and a another end
of each of the upper clamp pieces 20 is configured with a joining
end 25 provided with a long bolt hole 24. Shaft pins 35 are used to
respectively pin join the shaft holes 22 and corresponding shaft
holes 36 of the lower clamp pieces 30, thereby joining the upper
clamp pieces 20 to the lower clamp pieces 30. Furthermore, an
embedding groove 26 (see FIG. 3) and an embedding groove 32 (see
FIG. 3) are defined in arc recess sections between the upper clamp
pieces 20 and the lower clamp pieces 30 respectively, and embedding
holes (27, 33) are further defined in the binding embedding grooves
(26, 32) respectively, thereby enabling the first spacers 41 of the
embedding grooves 26 and the first spacers 42 of the embedding
grooves 32 to respectively embed therein. Two protruding posts 44,
45 are located on bottom portions of the first spacers (41, 42)
respectively, and the protruding posts 44, 45 embed into the
embedding holes 27, 33. A plurality of embedding grooves (46, 47)
are respectively defined in surfaces of the first spaces (41, 42).
A bolt 43 downwardly penetrates each of the long bolt holes 24 of
the joining ends 25 of the upper clamp pieces 20, and extends out a
bolt hole 34 of each of the lower clamp pieces 30, thereby joining
the upper clamp pieces 20 to the lower clamp pieces 30, and thus
forming the clamp structures (A, B) having clamping spaces
therebetween. In an embodiment of the present invention, after the
aforementioned bolts 43 have penetrated the bolt holes 34, then the
transverse hook piece 50 is configured between the bolt holes 34 of
the two lower clamp pieces 30, and ends of the bolts 43 after
penetrating the bolt holes 34 penetrate through through-holes 55 of
the transverse hook piece 50, whereupon nuts 54 are used to tighten
down on the ends of the bolts 43, thereby enabling the transverse
hook piece 50 to support a bottom portion of a central stem 52 of
front handlebars 51 of a bicycle, thus ensuring that a change in
pitch angle will not result when a heavy article is hung on a front
end of the clamp base 10.
[0024] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, when the bolts 43 on the clamp
structures (A, B) configured on the two sides the clamp base 10 are
loosened, the joining ends 25 can be separated from the bolt holes
34 of the lower clamp piece 30, thereby enabling the clamp base 10
can be disposed at an intersection of the front handlebars 51 and
the central stem 52 of the bicycle, and after packing the spacers
(41, 42) within inner sides of the upper clamp pieces 20 and the
lower clamp pieces 30, enclosed spaces between the two spacers (41,
42) form inner apertures of relatively large size sufficient to
firmly clamp the front handlebars 51 of a bicycle, thus enabling
position of the clamp base 10 to be firmly fixed on a front end of
the bicycle. The clamp base 10 is also able to clamp to a joining
piece 61 having a backpack 60 disposed thereto, thereby enabling
the backpack 60 to be firmly joined to the front handlebars 51 of a
bicycle.
[0025] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, which show an embodiment of the
present invention, wherein if the front handlebars 53 of a bicycle
are designed with a relatively small diameter, then additional
second spacers 62 can be embedded into the embedding grooves 46
used to join the first spaces 41 of the upper clamp pieces 20, and
additional second spacers 63 can be similarly embedded into the
embedding grooves 47 used to join the first spaces 42 of the lower
clamp pieces 30. Moreover, protruding posts 64 are located on a
back surface of the second spacers 62, and protruding posts 65 are
located on a back surface of the second spacers 63. The protruding
posts (64, 65) enable the second spacers 62, 63 to fixedly insert
into the embedding grooves 46, 47 respectively. After the second
spacers (62, 63) have been additionally disposed into the first
spacers (41, 42), then the clamping space formed therebetween is
correspondingly reduced in diameter, thereby enabling the front
handlebars 53 having relatively small diameter to be firmly clamped
therewith. Referring to FIG. 6, which shows the joining piece 61
joined to a basket 66. Hence, joining of the clamp base 10 to the
joining piece 61 or separating therefrom enables the backpack 60 or
the basket 66 to be movably disposed on a bicycle.
[0026] A pack of a general bicycle that can not be disposed on the
front handlebars can be disposed on a rear carrier 90 of the
bicycle. Referring to FIGS. 7.about.9, which show a rear carrier of
a bicycle configured with a joining bottom plate 70, a surface of
which is defined with a plurality of clasp grooves 71 that enable
jointing to corresponding hooks 68 configured on a bottom portion
of a pack 67. Moreover, joining holes 72 and concavities 73 are
defined on two sides and bottom edges of the joining bottom plate
70 respectively. The concavities 73 are defined to correspond with
retaining members 80, a side of each of which is defined with a
joining hole 81, and another side has at least one embedding groove
82. Each of the retaining members 80 of the embodiment of the
present invention is configured with two of the embedding grooves
82 to enable a first spacer 83 to embed therein. Protruding posts
84 are located on a bottom portion of each of the first spacers 83,
and embedding holes 85 are defined in a top portion of the first
spacers 83. When the joining bottom plate 70 is disposed on the
rear carrier 90 of a bicycle, the concavities 73 are aligned and
disposed on bars 91 of relatively large diameter of the rear
carrier 90, and then the retaining members 80 are upwardly aligned
with the respective concavities 73 and disposed on lower portions
of the relatively large diameter bars 91 of the rear carrier 90,
whereafter bolts 86 are used to penetrate through the joining holes
72 and the joining holes 81, and then nuts 87 are respectively
bolted down tight thereon, thereby achieving joining of the joining
bottom plate 70 to the retaining members 80, and firmly clamping
the relatively large diameter bars 91 of the rear carrier 90 by
means of the concavities 73 of the joining bottom plate 70 and the
first spacers 83 of the retaining members 80.
[0027] If bars 92 of a rear carrier of a bicycle are of relatively
small diameter, after the first spacers 83 have been embedded in
the retaining members 80, then the joining bottom plate 70 and the
retaining members 80 are still unable to firmly clamp to the bars
92 of the rear carrier. Referring to FIGS. 8 and 10, after the
first spacers 83 have been embedded in the retaining members 80,
then the embedding holes 85 defined in the upper portion of the
first spacers 83 are used to enable protruding posts 89 of second
spacers 88 to embed therein, thereby narrowing the clamping space
between the concavities 73 of the joining bottom plate 70 and the
retaining members 80, and enabling the joining bottom plate 70 to
be firmly clamped to a rear carrier of a bicycle.
[0028] According to the aforementioned it can be appreciated that
the structural device of the present invention is provided with the
following practical advantages:
[0029] 1. Clamping of the upper clamp pieces 20 and the lower clamp
pieces 30 enables the clamp base 10 to be joined to the front
handlebars of a bicycle, and a backpack or basket correspondingly
configured with the joining piece 61 can be joined to a bicycle,
thereby achieving effectiveness of convenient storing of
articles.
[0030] 2. Size of the clamping spaces formed between the upper
clamp pieces 20 and the lower clamp pieces 30 can be changed by
using the first spacers (41, 42) and the second spacers (62, 63),
thereby facilitating joining to bars of different outer diameters
at non-specific positions.
[0031] 3. The present invention is also applicable for use on rear
carriers of a bicycle, wherein the joining bottom plate 70 is first
disposed on the rear carrier, then the clasp grooves 71 defined on
the joining bottom plate 70 enable the hooks 68 located on the
bottom portion of a pack to insert therein. Moreover, the joining
holes 72 and the concavities 73 are defined on two sides and the
bottom edges of the joining bottom plate 70 respectively to
correspond with the retaining members 80. The joining hole 81
defined in one side of each of the retaining members 80 and the
embedding grooves 82 defined in the other side, thereby, when the
first spacers 83 are inserted into the embedding grooves 82, then
the second spacers 88 can be additionally respectively inserted
onto the first spacers 83, thus similarly achieving effectiveness
to clamp to bars of different diameter.
[0032] In conclusion, the present invention assuredly achieves
anticipated objectives of the invention by enabling the clamp
structures (A, B) to be used on bicycles having different diameter
bars, thereby providing the present invention with practical value.
Accordingly, a new patent application is proposed herein.
[0033] It is of course to be understood that the embodiments
described herein are merely illustrative of the principles of the
invention and that a wide variety of modifications thereto may be
effected by persons skilled in the art without departing from the
spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following
claims.
* * * * *