Bracket

Abstract

A a bracket for mounting on a bicycle seat post comprises a longitudinal engagement arm 12 provided with a first end engagement element 28 for connecting to a seat post, a second end provided 10 semis

Description

The present invention relates to a bracket for mounting on a bicycle seat stem. More particularly, the present invention relates to a bracket for mounting on a bicycle seat stem which is moveable relative to the seat stem under applied impact force. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Conventionally, bicycles are provided with reflectors and battery or generator powered lights to render the bicycle and rider more visible in poor lighting conditions. However, these conventional reflectors and lights can be easily obscured from the view of a vehicle coming up behind the cyclist, particularly if they are located at a position where they are concealed from view from the rear by items such as outer clothing, saddle bags, rear bag racks and the like. To address this issue, brackets have been developed which attach to the seat stem or rear bag rack of a bicycle to support a reflector or light source. These brackets typically extend outwardly from the bicycle in a direction transverse to the direction of movement of the bicycle and are intended to make the reflector or light source more visible from the rear of the bicycle by extending sufficiently from the bicycle to avoid being obscured by any of the aforementioned items. However, although the extended light arrangement is helpful in rendering the bicycle and cyclist more visible from behind, the extended nature of the bracket exposes the bracket and / or any light or other visibility aid mounted thereon to a higher chance of impact damage, for example from the bicycle being dropped or, more seriously, impact from a passing vehicle, person, animal or object. This can also impact the cyclist if the bracket withstands the impact as the impact forces will be passed on through the bicycle, potentially rendering it unstable and increasing the chance of an accident and potential injury to the cyclist. There is therefore a need for a means of supporting a light source that increases visibility of a cyclist from behind whilst avoiding the dangers of an extended bracket and potential for increased impact damage and potential associated danger to the cyclist themselves. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention seeks to address the problems of the prior art. Aspects of the present invention are set out in the attached claims. Accordingly, a first aspect of the present invention provides a bracket for mounting on a bicycle seat stem, the bracket comprising: a. An engagement arm having a longitudinal body defining a first axis xl, the longitudinal body comprising: i. a first end provided with a first stem engagement element for engagement with a bicycle seat stem therethrough; ii. a second end opposing the first end, the second end provided with a first semispherical cup member, the first semispherical cup member having a concave inner wall defining a first recess for receiving a first magnet therein; and iii. a magnet having a first polarity received within the first recess; b. A swing arm having a longitudinal body defining a second axis x2, the longitudinal body comprising: i. a first end comprising a spherical head dimensioned for engagement with the cup member, the outer wall of the spherical head defining a second recess for receiving a second magnet therein, the second magnet being of opposite polarity to the first magnet; ii. a second end opposing the first end, the second end comprising an engagement portion for engagement with a visibility aid; and iii. a magnet having a second polarity received within the second recess, and c. a second semispherical cup member extending around a portion of the spherical head and engageable with the first semispherical cup member to retain the spherical head therebetween, the first and second semispherical cup members defining a restriction aperture for receiving a portion of the stem arm therethrough, wherein, the spherical head of the swing arm is rotatable within the first and second cup members between a first configuration in which the first and second magnets are aligned with one another and the swing arm extends at a first angle from the engagement arm, and a second configuration in which the first and second magnets are out of alignment with one another and the swing arm extends at a second angle from the engagement arm, wherein the second angle is equal to or less than the first angle. This arrangement allows the swing arm to be held in the first configuration, where it extends from the engagement arm such that the visibility aid is visible from the rear of the bicycle to which the bracket is attached in use. However, if a passing object, such as a vehicle, should impact the bracket, the force will be sufficient to overcome the magnetic forces acting between the first and second magnets and rotate the swing arm in a direction away from the point of impact, thereby reducing the angle between the swing arm and engagement arm and absorbing some of the impact, thereby avoiding the damage to the bracket and / or visibility aid that would have resulted if the swing arm had been fixed relative to the engagement arm (and bicycle) when impacted by the passing vehicle. It is to be appreciated that the bracket does not have a built-in (or integral) visibility aid and / or camera. Thus, the user has the flexibility to select and fit the visibility aid and / or camera of their choice. Further, the user has the additional flexibility to be able to interchange the selected attachment such that the same bracket may be used to interchangeably mount a selected visibility aid (e.g., light, reflector etc), camera or any combination of the aforementioned to suit the user's preferences, environment and / or activities.. In one embodiment, the movement of rotation of the swing arm is limited by abutment with the edges of the restriction aperture defined by the first and second semispherical cup members. This prevents uncontrolled swinging of the swing arm relative to the engagement arm as rotation of the spherical head relative to the first and second semispherical cup members is prevented when swing member abuts any edge of the restriction aperture. Thus, the location and dimension of the restriction aperture may be controlled to limit the angle and direction of possible movement of the swing arm relative to the engagement arm. In a further embodiment, when the bracket is in the first configuration, the first and second axes xl, x2 define a plane therebetween, and abutment of the swing arm and an edge of the restriction aperture prevents rotational movement of the swing arm below a plane defined by the first and second axes xl, x2. This is particularly helpful to prevent downward movement of the swing arm on impact, thus preventing potential damage to the bracket and / or visibility aid from either the ground or a lower portion of the bicycle to which the bracket is attached during use. Preferably, the spherical head is rotatable within the first and second semispherical cup members in a direction above the plane defined by the first and second axes xl, x2, to move the first and second magnets out of alignment with one another whilst the swing arm extends from the engagement arm at an angle less than the first angle. In one embodiment, the first angle is less than or equal to 90 degrees. If the angle is 90 degrees then the swing arm will fully extend outwards from the engagement arm during use and provide maximum visibility from the rear of the bicycle. In a further embodiment, the spherical head is rotatable within the first and second semispherical cup members to rotate the swing arm towards the engagement arm until the first and second axes xl, x2, are substantially parallel to one another. This is particularly useful when the bracket is attached to a bicycle, but the visibility aid is not required and so the full extension of the swing arm is unnecessary, for example when the visibility aid is a light and the bicycle is being used in daylight. Further, this is also useful when the bracket is not attached to a bicycle as this folded configuration will reduce the overall dimensions of the bracket for storage and / or transportation. In one embodiment, the engagement arm further comprises a receiving portion defining a receiving aperture dimensioned to receive a portion of the swing arm therein when the first and second axes, xl, x2, are substantially parallel to one another. When received within the receiving aperture, the swing arm is restricted from further movement and is therefore retained in the folded configuration for storage and / or transportation. Further, where the bracket is mounted on the bicycle, this allows the swing arm to be retained in the folded configuration, thus preventing unwanted rotation of the swing arm during use of the bicycle. In one embodiment, the stem engagement element comprises a first engagement component, and a second engagement component releasable engageable with the first engagement component, such that in use, the first and second engagement components are operable to extend around opposing sides of a bicycle seat stem and engage with one another to securely locate the bicycle seat stem therebetween. The first and second engagement components may be releasable secured around a bicycle seat stem by any suitable means known to the skilled person, including but not limited to clips, clamps, nut and bolts, screws or other threaded members, snap fit, butterfly clips and the like. In a further embodiment, each of the first and second engagement components are concave and adjustably engageable with one another to define an aperture therebetween, the aperture dimensioned to receive a bicycle seat stem therethrough. Thus, once fitted around a bicycle seat stem, the position of the first and second engagement components may be adjusted relative to one another to fit more securely around the seat stem. Thus, one bracket may be able to fit seat stems of differing cross-sectional dimension, rather than each bracket being specific intended for only one seat stem dimension. In one embodiment, the first and second magnets have a magnetic vertical pull strength in the range of 4 to 6 kg. Preferably, the magnetic vertical pull strength is around 4.5 to 4.9 kg. In a further embodiment, the bracket further comprises a nipple-like protrusion located on the swing arm adjacent the spherical head. Such an protrusion acts to limit the degree of rotation of the spherical head within the second semi-spherical cup member in the event that the first and second magnets move out of alignment with one another. A second aspect of the present invention provides a bracket system comprising a bracket in accordance with a first aspect of the invention and a visibility aid and / or camera engaged with the engagement portion of the second end of the swing arm. Preferably, the visibility aid is selected from the group comprising one or more of: reflector, light source, flag, pulsing LED, fluorescent portion, fringing, tassels, and signage. However, it will be appreciated that any other desired visibility indicator may be engaged with the engagement portion of the second end of the swing arm. The visibility aid may be engaged with the second end of the swing arm by any suitable means known to the skilled person including, but not limited to, releasable fastening, spring clips, snap fit, sliding engagement, hook and loop fastening, magnetic engagement, adhesion, nuts and bolts, screw fit, and the like. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a perspective view from the front and a first side of an embodiment of a bracket in accordance with a first aspect of the present invention and in the fully expanded position fitted to a bicycle seat stem; Figure 2 is perspective view from the rear and a second side of the embodiment of figure 1 in the fully expanded position and fitted to a bicycle seat stem; Figure 3 is a perspective view from the front and the first side of the embodiment of figure 1 in a stored position and fitted to a bicycle seat stem; Figure 4 is a view from above of the embodiment of figure 1 in a partially collapsed position; Figure 5 is a perspective view of the embodiment of figure 1 in the stored position; Figure 6 is an exploded diagram showing the component parts of the embodiment of figure 1; Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the rotatable joint of the embodiment of figure 1 when the bracket is in the fully expanded position; Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the rotatable joint of the embodiment of figure 1 when the bracket is in the partially collapsed position; Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the rotatable joint of the embodiment of figure 1 when the bracket is in the stored position; and Figure 10 is a perspective view from the front and a first side of a modified version of the embodiment of figure 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The same figure references have been used throughout the figures to indicate the same features in the different views provided. Bracket 10 comprises an engagement arm 12 and a swing arm 14 in rotatable engagement with engagement arm 12. Engagement arm 12 comprises a longitudinal body defining a first axis xl. A first end 11 of engagement arm 12 is provided with an engagement element for engagement with a bicycle seat stem 100. The engagement element comprises a first engagement component 16 and a second engagement component 16’. Each of first and second engagement components 16, 16’ comprise a concave element, each concave element being releasable engageable with one another to define a closed seat stem receiving aperture 18 therebetween. Aligned apertures 20, 20' are defined at a first end 22, 22' of respective first and second engagement components 16, 16'. Aligned apertures 20 of first engagement component 16 may be aligned with aligned apertures 20' of second engagement component 16', and the first and second engagement components 16, 16' secured together first end 22, 22' by rod 24 which is extended through aligned apertures 20, 20' to form a hinge structure about which first and second engagement components 16, 16' are pivotably connected. Rod 24 is retained within first and second apertures 20, 20' in a conventional manner. Further apertures 26, 26' are defined at a second end 28, 28' of respective first and second engagement components 16, 16'. When apertures 26 are aligned with apertures 26', first and second engagement components 16, 16; can be releasably engaged with one another by extending bolts 30 though aligned apertures 26, 26’ and securing with nuts 32. This creates a closed seat stem receiving aperture 18 between first and second engagement components 16, 16'. Thus, to secure bracket 10 to a bicycle seat stem, as shown in figure 1, first engagement component 16 is pivoted about rod 24 of the hinge structure to widen the gap between second ends 28, 28' of respective first and second engagement components until the gap is of sufficient dimension to receive bicycle seat stem 100 between first and second engagement components 16, 16'. Second engagement component 16' is then pivoted about rod 24 to bring second end 28' into engagement with second end 28 of first engagement component 16' and bring apertures 26, 26' into alignment with one another. First and second engagement components 16, 16' can then be releasably secured to one another with seat stem 100 retained in closed seat stem receiving aperture 18. Bolts 30 and nuts 32 can be adjusted to fully tighten the engagement element around seat stem 100 and ensure that bracket 10 is held in place relative to seat stem 100. Engagement arm 12 further comprises a second end 13 provided with a first semispherical cup member 36, the first semispherical cup member 36 having a first cross-sectional diameter dl. First semispherical cup member 36 has a concave inner wall 38 defining a first recess 40 for receiving a first magnet 42 therein such that first magnet is embedded within concave inner wall 38 (see figure 8). First semispherical cup member 36 further defines an aperture 35 having a first outer edge portion 35' which extends around a portion of semispherical cup member 36 to define a first plane extending parallel to first axis xl; and a second non-planar outer edge portion 35'' which extends away from the first plane such that the combined length of first and second outer edge portions 35, 35” is greater than the cross-sectional circumference of first semispherical cup member 36. Swing arm 14 has a longitudinal body with a first end 44 having a spherical head 46 of cross-sectional diameter d2, wherein d2 is less than dl such that spherical head 46 is dimensioned for engagement within first semispherical cup member 36. Outer wall 48 of spherical head 46 defines a second recess 50 for receiving a second magnet 52 therein such that the surface of second magnet 52 lies flush with the surface of outer wall 48 of spherical head 46. When located within hemispherical cup member 36, spherical head 46 is rotatable relative to hemispherical cup member 36 to move swing member 14 relative to engagement arm 12. When swing arm 14 is in a position transverse to engagement arm 12, as shown in figure 1, first recess 40 in inner wall 38 of first semispherical cup member 36 is aligned with second recess 50 in outer wall 48 of spherical head 46 such that first and second magnets 42, 52 are located adjacent one another. First magnet 42 is of opposing polarity to second magnet 52 so as to retain the swing member 14 in position transverse to engagement arm 12 under magnetic forces of attraction. The pull of the magnets used will depend on the weight and dimensions of the bracket 10 and the conditions in which the bracket will be used. For example, magnets will a greater pull value may be required to hold the swing arm 14 in position relative to the engagement arm 12 where the bicycle is to be used off-road and under greater levels of vibration from travel over rough terrain compared with use of a bicycle on smooth roads. A second semispherical cup member 64 is arranged at first end 44 of swing arm 14. Second semispherical cup member 64 comprises a concave body defining a cavity 66 of cross-sectional diameter dl such that it corresponds to first semispherical cup member 36 and is dimensioned to receive a portion of spherical head 46 therein. Spherical head 46 is rotatable relative to second semispherical cup member 64 when swing arm 14 is moved relative to engagement arm 12. Cavity 66 has an aperture 68 comprising a first outer edge portion 68' which extends around a portion of aperture 68 and defines a second plane which extends transverse to second axis x2, and a second outer edge portion 68” which extends away from the second plane, such that the combined length of the first and second edge portions 68', 68” is greater than the cross-sectional circumference of second semispherical cup member 64. Second semispherical cup member 64 extends around a portion of spherical head 46 and is engaged with first semispherical cup member 36 such that first outer edge portion 35' of first semispherical cup member 36 abuts and is engaged with first outer edge portion 68' of second semispherical cup member 64, such that they are fixed rather than moveable relative to one another. Thus, spherical head 46 is located between first and second semispherical cup members 36, 64, and swing arm 14 extends through a restriction aperture formed by second outer edge portions 35” and 68”. Thus, rotation of spherical head 46 within first and second semispherical cup members 36, 64 is restricted by the permitted degree of movement of swing arm 14 within the restriction aperture. Thus, in the embodiment shown in the figures, swing arm 14 is restricted from moving in a direction distal to first end 11 to increase the angle defined between first and second axes xl and x2. Second end 54 of swing arm 14 comprises an engagement portion 56 for engagement with a cuff 58 of enlarged cross-sectional diameter. A visibility aid, such as a light source, may be engaged with cuff 58 in the conventional manner by means of an engagement portion that securely clamps around cuff 58 . In the embodiment shown in the figures, cuff 58 is secured to swing arm 14 by means of reduced section 60 of cuff 58 sliding within a receiving portion 62 at second end 54 of swing arm 14. Cuff 58 is then secured in place by means of secure fastenings which extend through an outer wall of swing arm 14 and into an aperture in reduced section 60. A securing band or bracket may be supplied with the bracket aid to facilitate the securing of a visibility aid and / or camera to cuff 58 on swing arm 14. Alternatively, any other suitable securing method known to the skilled person could be used to secure the visibility aid and / or camera to cuff 58, including but not restricted to push or snap fittings, adhesive, releasable catch and / or screw fitting. It is to be appreciated that the bracket does not have a built-in (or integral) visibility aid and / or camera. Therefore, the user has the option to fit any such visibility aid they wish. Further, the user can be flexible and interchange their selected visibility aids and / or cameras or combination thereof to suit their preferences, environment and / or activities. Finally, bracket 10 comprises a securing element 70 arranged on engagement arm 12 for securing swing arm 14 in fixed engagement with engagement arm 12 when swing arm 14 is rotated to align with and extend parallel to swing arm 14. In the described embodiment, securing element 70 comprises a resilient U-shaped member 72 that may be integrally formed with engagement arm 12 or may be mounted on engagement arm 12 by any suitable means known to the skilled person. A portion of swing arm 14 may be positioned within U shaped member 72 under application of force sufficient to deform U-shaped member 72 sufficiently to push swing arm 14 into engagement with the channel 74 defined by U-shaped member 72. Similarly, swing arm 14 may be moved out of engagement with U-shaped member 72 by application of sufficient force to deform U-shaped member 72 sufficiently to move swing arm 14 out of engagement with channel 74. Engagement of swing arm 14 with U-shaped member 72 allows for retention of swing arm 14 in a stored position when not in use. When in use, under normal conditions, first and second magnets 42, 52 will remain adjacent one another and the associated magnetic attraction will be sufficient to retain swing arm 14 in a position relative to engagement arm 12 such that first and second axes xl, x2 define a desired angle therebetween. In the embodiment shown, the angle between swing arm 14 and engagement arm 12 when first and second magnets 42, 52 are adjacent one another is approximately 90 degrees. This ensures that cuff 58 (and therefore attached visibility aid, such as a light source, not shown) is extended at a maximum distance from engagement arm 12 and thus, when mounted on a bicycle seat stem the visibility aid extends the maximum distance from the bicycle frame and is therefore clearly visible from the rear of the bicycle, without being obscured by the body or legs of a cyclist or any associated clothing or luggage. However, should there be an impact on swing arm 14 from behind, for example from another overtaking cyclist or vehicle, provided the impact is sufficient to overcome the magnetic forces exerted by first and second magnets 42, 52, spherical head 46 of swing arm 14 will be rotated under impact force within first and second semispherical cup members 36, 64, and swing arm 14 will rotate relative to engagement arm 12, and the angle defined by first and second axes xl, x2 will decrease. The amount of rotation will depend on the strength of the impact force on swing arm 14 and the point of impact on swing arm 14. The direction of rotation of swing arm 14 relative to engagement arm 12 will depend on the direction of impact to swing arm 14, as freedom of rotation of swing arm 14 relative to engagement arm 12 is restricted only by the degree of permitted movement of swing arm 14 within restriction aperture 55. Thus, impact on swing arm 14 by a passing object, such as a vehicle, will result in swing arm 14 rotating relative to engagement arm 12, thereby absorbing at least some of the applied impact force and avoiding damage to bracket 10 and / or visibility aid attached to cuff58. After impact has occurred, swing arm 14 can simply be manually rotated back into the extended position relative to engagement member 12 to bring first and second magnets 42, 52 back into aligned engagement with one another. The relative movement of first and second magnets 42, 52 is shown in figures 7 to 9. Figure 7 shows first and second magnets 42, 52 aligned and adjacent one another and swing arm 14 extends at 90 degrees to engagement arm 12. The magnetic pull is preventing rotation of the spherical head 46 relative to first and second semispherical cup members 35, 64, thus preventing rotation of the swing arm 14 relative to the engagement arm 12. Figure 8 shows the bracket just after an impact to swing arm 14 in the direction shown by arrow A. Swing arm 14 has rotated relative to engagement arm 12 to reduce the angle between first and second axes xl, x2, as spherical head (fixed to swing arm 12) is rotated, second magnet 52 is rotated out of magnetic engagement with first magnet 42. This occurs when the impact to swing arm 14 from an object passing from the rear of the bicycle to which the bracket is fixed is greater than the magnetic pull between first and second magnets 42, 52, Once first and second magnets 42, 52 have been moved out of magnetic engagement with one another, swing arm 14 is free to rotate relative to engagement arm 12 within the limits allowed by the location and dimension of restriction aperture 55. Figure 9 shows the swing arm 14 rotated relative to engagement arm 12 so that first and second axes xl, x2 are substantially parallel to one another and the bracket is in a folded position in which swing arm 14 and engagement arm 12 are aligned with one another. In this position, swing arm 14 will be secured in place relative to engagement arm 12 by means of securing element 70. Finally, figure 10 shows a modified version of the bracket of figure 1. As can be seen in figure 10, a nipple-like protrusion 110 is located adjacent the spherical head 46 at one end of swing arm 14. This nipple-like protrusion 110 provides an abutment that acts to limits the degree of rotation of spherical head 46 within second semi-spherical cup member 64. Thus, the movement of swing arm 14 in a downward direction i.e. about axis xl, is limited as the nipple-like protrusion 110 abuts the edge of second semi-spherical cup member 64. Thus, if an attachment (such as a visibility aid and / or camera and / or light) mounted at the distal end of swing arm 14 is heavy enough to move first and second magnets 42, 52 out of alignment with one another, causing swing arm 14 to rotate in a downward direction, the extent of the movement of the swing arm 14 in the downward direction is restricted. This prevents the distal end of swing arm 14 5 (and thus the attachment) from potentially hitting the ground or the side of the bicycle, resulting in damage to bracket 10 and / or the attachment mounted on bracket 10 and / or injury to the bicycle rider during use.

Claims

1. A bracket for mounting on a bicycle seat stem, the bracket comprising:a. An engagement arm having a longitudinal body defining a first axis xl, the longitudinal body comprising:i. a first end provided with a first stem engagement element for engagement with a bicycle seat stem;ii. a second end opposing the first end, the second end provided with a first semispherical cup member, the first semispherical cup member having a concave inner wall defining a first recess for receiving a first magnet therein; andiii. a magnet having a first polarity received within the first recess;b. A swing arm having a longitudinal body defining a second axis x2, the longitudinal body comprising:i. a first end comprising a spherical head dimensioned for engagement with the cup member, the outer wall of the spherical head defining a second recess for receiving a second magnet therein, the second magnet being of opposite polarity to the first magnet;ii. a second end opposing the first end, the second end comprising an engagement portion for engagement with a visibility aid; andiii. a magnet having a second polarity received within the second recess; andc. a second semispherical cup member extending around a portion of the spherical head and engageable with the first semispherical cup member to retain the spherical head therebetween, the first and second semispherical cup members defining a restriction aperture for receiving a portion of the swing arm therethrough,wherein, the spherical head of the swing arm is rotatable within the first and second cup members between a first configuration in which the first and second magnets are aligned with one another and theswing arm extends at a first angle from the engagement arm, and a second configuration in which the first and second magnets are out of alignment with one another and the swing arm extends at a second angle from the engagement arm, wherein the second angle is equal to or less than the first angle.

2. A bracket as claimed in claim 1, wherein the movement of rotation of the swing arm is limited by abutment with the edges of the restriction aperture defined by the first and second semispherical cup members.

3. A bracket as claimed in claim 2, wherein in the first configuration, the first and second axes xl, x2 define a plane therebetween, and an edge of the restriction aperture prevents rotational movement of the swing arm below a plane defined by the first and second axes xl, x2.

4. A bracket as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the spherical head is rotatable within the first and second semispherical cup members in a direction above the plane defined by the first and second axes xl, x2, to move the first and second magnets out of alignment with one another whilst the swing arm extends from the engagement arm at an angle less than the first angle.

5. A bracket as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first angle is less than or equal to 90 degrees.

6. A bracket as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the spherical head is rotatable within the first and second semispherical cup members to rotate the swing arm towards the engagement arm until the first and second axes xl, x2, are substantially parallel to one another.

7. A bracket as claimed in claim 4, wherein the engagement arm further comprises a receiving portion defining a receiving aperture dimensioned to receive a portion of the swing arm therein when the first and second axes, xl, x2, are substantially parallel to one another.

8. A bracket as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the stem engagement element comprises a first engagement component, and a second engagement component releasable engageable with the first engagement component, such that in use, the first and second engagement components are operable to extend around opposing sides of a bicycle seat stem and engage with one another to securely locate the bicycle seat stem therebetween.

9. A bracket as claimed in claim 8, wherein each of the first and second engagement components are concave and adjustably engageable with one another to define an aperture therebetween, the aperture dimensioned to receive a bicycle seat stem therethrough.10.A bracket as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the first and second magnets have a magnetic vertical pull strength in the range of 4 to 6 kg.11.A bracket as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a nipplelike protrusion located on the swing arm adjacent the spherical head.12.A bracket system comprising a bracket as claimed in any preceding claim and a visibility aid and / or camera engaged with the engagement portion of the second end of the swing arm.13.A bracket system as claimed in claim 11, wherein the visibility aid is selected from the group comprising one or more of: reflector, light source, flag, pulsing LED, fluorescent portion, fringing, tassels, and signage.

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