Quick release clamp mechanism

Abstract

The clamping mechanism includes a curved latch including a resilient pad, a mounting knuckle, and a slot, a clamp having an inner knuckle pivotally connected to the mounting knuckle by a first pivot pin, and an outer knuckle, a lever having a fulcrum knuckle pivotally connected to the outer knuckle by a second pivot pin and a trailing knuckle positioned between the fulcrum knuckle and an outer edge of the lever, a hook knuckle pivotally connected to the trailing knuckle by a third pivot pin, and a hook having a hook portion with a curved end wall. The mechanism is movable to clamp a cylindrical object by engaging the curved end wall with the slot, rotating the lever about the second pivot pin toward the clamp, and turning the third pivot pin and hook knuckle toward the clamp to compress the resilient pad against the object.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to clamping mechanisms, and more particularly to quick-release clamping mechanisms configured to connect to cylindrical objects such as motorcycle fork tubes. [Background technology]

[0002] Many objects are removably clamped to other supporting objects using one or more clamping mechanisms, rather than being permanently or removably attached using bolts, screws, or other hardware. Many such clamping mechanisms require the use of tools, such as a wrench or screwdriver, to apply a clamping force to the supporting object. Other clamping mechanisms require two hands to apply the clamping force: one hand holds the clamping mechanism in place, and the other hand operates the clamping mechanism, such as by turning a handle, to tighten the clamping mechanism to the supporting object. Additional challenges arise when the supporting object is cylindrical. Therefore, it is desirable to provide a clamping mechanism that allows objects to be quickly and easily removably attached to a cylindrical supporting object without the use of tools or two hands. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0003] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a clamp mechanism includes a mount including a curved latch having an inner concave surface with a resilient pad, a mount knuckle, and a slot; a clamp including upper and lower clamp segments, each clamp segment having an inner concave surface with a resilient pad, an inner knuckle pivotally connected to the mount knuckle by a first pivot pin, and an outer knuckle; a lever including upper and lower arms, each arm having a fulcrum knuckle pivotally connected to the outer knuckle of the clamp by a second pivot pin, and a trailing knuckle positioned between the fulcrum knuckle and an outer edge of the lever; and a lever pivotably connected to the trailing knuckle of the lever by a third pivot pin. a hook having a hook portion with a curved end wall, a hook knuckle operably connected to the clamping lever, and a lever having a hook portion with a curved end wall, the clamping mechanism being movable to an engaged state around a cylindrical object by rotating the clamp, lever, and hook relative to one another about first, second, and third pivot pins to engage the curved end wall of the hook with a slot in the curved latch, and the clamping mechanism being movable from the engaged state to a fully clamped state secured to the cylindrical object by rotating an outer edge of the lever about the second pivot pin toward the clamp, thereby drawing the third pivot pin and hook knuckle toward the clamp and compressing a resilient pad on the curved latch and clamp against the cylindrical object. In one aspect of this embodiment, the mount further includes a pair of arms extending from the curved latch, each arm including an abutment surface configured to engage an object to be clamped to the cylindrical object and a threaded boss configured to receive a bolt for attaching the object to the arm. In another aspect, the curved latch further includes an outer convex surface having a protruding ridge extending along the slot, the protruding ridge configured to mate with an inner concave surface of the curved end wall of the hook when the clamping mechanism is in a fully clamped state. In a variation of this aspect, the curved latch further includes a threaded boss disposed on the outer convex surface adjacent the slot, the threaded boss configured to receive a bolt that prevents the curved end wall of the hook from disengaging from the slot of the curved latch.In another aspect, the upper and lower clamp segments of the clamp are connected to one another by a connector having an outer edge, the outer edge forming a first notch with the upper and lower clamp segments, the first notch receiving the lever when the clamp mechanism is in a fully clamped state. In a variation of this aspect, the connector further includes an inner edge forming a second notch with inner knuckles of the upper and lower clamp segments, the second notch receiving the mounting knuckle. In another aspect of this embodiment, the lever includes a force body including the outer edge and a stop formed on an inner surface of the force body, with upper and lower arms of the lever extending from the force body. In yet another aspect, a first pivot pin extends through a cylindrical bore formed through the inner knuckle and the mounting knuckle of the clamp, a second pivot pin extends through a cylindrical bore formed through the outer knuckle of the clamp and the fulcrum knuckle of the lever, and a third pivot pin extends through a cylindrical bore formed through the trailing knuckle and the hook knuckle of the lever. In a variation of this aspect, at least one inner knuckle of the clamp includes an annular slot extending through a portion of the at least one inner knuckle and into the cylindrical bore formed through the at least one inner knuckle, the annular slot configured to receive an E-clip that engages with a groove formed in the first pivot pin to retain the first pivot pin within the at least one inner knuckle. In another variation, the first pivot pin extends through a first O-ring positioned between an inner knuckle of the upper clamping segment of the clamp and a fulcrum knuckle of the upper arm of the lever, and further extends through a second O-ring positioned between a fulcrum knuckle of the lower arm of the lever and the inner knuckle of the lower clamping segment of the clamp. In yet another variation, at least one outer knuckle of the clamp includes an annular slot extending through a portion of the at least one outer knuckle and into a cylindrical bore formed therethrough, the annular slot configured to receive an E-clip that engages with a groove formed in the second pivot pin to retain the second pivot pin within the at least one outer knuckle.In yet another variation, the second pivot pin extends through a first O-ring positioned between the outer knuckle of the upper clamping segment of the clamp and the trailing knuckle of the upper arm of the lever, and through a second O-ring positioned between the trailing knuckle of the lower arm of the lever and the outer knuckle of the lower clamping segment of the clamp. In another variation of this embodiment, the hook knuckle has an annular slot extending through a portion of the hook knuckle and into a cylindrical bore formed therethrough, the annular slot being configured to receive an E-clip that engages with a groove formed in the third pivot pin to retain the third pivot pin within the hook knuckle. In yet another variation, the third pivot pin extends through a first O-ring positioned between the trailing knuckle and the hook knuckle of the upper arm of the lever, and through a second O-ring positioned between the hook knuckle and the trailing knuckle of the lower arm of the lever. In another aspect of this embodiment, the force required to rotate the outer edge of the lever about the second pivot pin toward the clamp increases as the lever is moved from a first position, in which the clamp mechanism is engaged, to a second position, in which the lines of contact between the second pivot pin, the third pivot pin, and the curved end walls of the hook and the slot are aligned. In a variation of this aspect, when the lever is in the second position, a maximum compressive force is applied to the cylindrical object by the curved latch and the resilient pads on the upper and lower clamp segments. In another variation, the force required to rotate the outer edge of the lever about the pivot pin toward the clamp is negative when the lever is rotated beyond the second position to a third position, in which a stop formed on the lever engages the cylindrical object. In this variation, the compressive force applied to the cylindrical object by the curved latch and the resilient pads on the upper and lower clamp segments decreases as the lever is rotated from the second position to the third position. In a further variation, the third position of the lever corresponds to a fully clamped state of the clamp mechanism.

[0004] In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a clamping system for removably securing a windshield to a fork tube of a motorcycle includes a left clamping mechanism configured to clamp to a left fork tube and a right clamping mechanism configured to clamp to a right fork tube, each of the left and right clamping mechanisms including a mount including a curved latch having an inner concave surface with a resilient pad, a mount knuckle, and a slot; a clamp including upper and lower clamp segments, each clamp segment having an inner concave surface with a resilient pad, an inner knuckle pivotally connected to the mount knuckle by a first pivot pin, and an outer knuckle; a lever including upper and lower arms, each arm having a fulcrum knuckle pivotally connected to the outer knuckle of the clamp by a second pivot pin, and a trailing knuckle positioned between the fulcrum knuckle and an outer edge of the lever; a hook knuckle pivotally connected to the trailing knuckle of the lever by a third pivot pin, and a hook knuckle having a curved end wall. a hook including a retaining portion, wherein the mount for the left clamping mechanism includes a pair of arms extending from the curved latch, each arm including an abutment surface configured to engage with the left side of the windshield and a threaded boss configured to receive a bolt for attaching the arm to the left side of the windshield; and the mount for the right clamping mechanism includes a pair of arms extending from the curved latch, each arm including an abutment surface configured to engage with the right side of the windshield and a threaded boss configured to receive a bolt for attaching the arm to the right side of the windshield; each of the left and right clamping mechanisms is movable into engagement around the corresponding fork tube by rotating the clamp, lever, and hook relative to one another about first, second, and third pivot pins to engage the curved end wall of the hook with a slot in the curved latch; and each of the left and right clamping mechanisms rotates an outer edge of the lever toward the clamp about the second pivot pin, thereby drawing the third pivot pin and the hook knuckle toward the clamp;A clamping system is provided that is movable from an engaged state to a fully clamped state secured to a corresponding fork tube by compressing a resilient pad of the curved latch and clamp against the corresponding fork tube. In one aspect of this embodiment, the curved latch of each of the left and right clamping mechanisms further includes an outer convex surface having a protruding ridge extending along the slot, the protruding ridge configured to mate with an inner concave surface of the curved end wall of the hook when the clamping mechanism is in the fully clamped state. In a variation of this aspect, the curved latch of each of the left and right clamping mechanisms further includes a threaded boss disposed on the outer convex surface adjacent to the slot, the threaded boss configured to receive a bolt that prevents the curved end wall of the hook from disengaging from the slot of the curved latch. In another aspect of this embodiment, the upper and lower clamp segments of each of the clamps of the left and right clamping mechanisms are connected to one another by a connector having an outer edge that, together with the upper and lower clamp segments, forms a first notch for receiving a lever when the clamping mechanism is in the fully clamped state. In a variation of this aspect, the connecting portions of each of the left and right clamp mechanisms further include inner edges that, together with the inner knuckles of the upper and lower clamp segments, form a second notch that receives the mounting knuckle of the clamp mechanism. In yet another aspect, the levers of each of the left and right clamp mechanisms have force bodies including outer edges and stops formed on the inner surfaces of the force bodies, with the upper and lower arms of the levers extending from the force bodies. In another aspect, a first pivot pin of each of the left and right clamp mechanisms extends through a cylindrical bore formed through the inner knuckle and mounting knuckle of the clamp, a second pivot pin of each of the left and right clamp mechanisms extends through a cylindrical bore formed through the outer knuckle of the clamp and the fulcrum knuckle of the lever, and a third pivot pin of each of the left and right clamp mechanisms extends through a cylindrical bore formed through the trailing knuckle and hook knuckle of the lever. In a variation of this aspect,The first pivot pin of each of the left and right clamping mechanisms extends through a first O-ring positioned between the inner knuckle of the upper clamping segment of the clamp and the fulcrum knuckle of the upper arm of the lever, and extends through a second O-ring positioned between the fulcrum knuckle of the lower arm of the lever and the inner knuckle of the lower clamping segment of the clamp. In a further variation, the second pivot pin of each of the left and right clamping mechanisms extends through a first O-ring positioned between the outer knuckle of the upper clamping segment of the clamp and the trailing knuckle of the upper arm of the lever, and extends through a second O-ring positioned between the trailing knuckle of the lower arm of the lever and the outer knuckle of the lower clamping segment of the clamp. In yet another variation, the third pivot pin of each of the left and right clamping mechanisms extends through a first O-ring positioned between the trailing knuckle and the hook knuckle of the upper arm of the lever and through a second O-ring positioned between the hook knuckle and the trailing knuckle of the lower arm of the lever. In another aspect of this embodiment, the left clamping mechanism is a mirror image of the right clamping mechanism. In another aspect, the left clamping mechanism is moved from the engaged state to the fully clamped state by rotating the outer edge of the lever clockwise about the second pivot pin, and the right clamping mechanism is moved from the engaged state to the fully clamped state by rotating the outer edge of the lever counterclockwise about the second pivot pin. In another aspect, when the clamping mechanisms are attached to the windshield, the distance between the outer edge of the lever of the left clamping mechanism and the outer edge of the lever of the right clamping mechanism is greater than the minimum distance between the fork tubes. In a variation of this aspect, when the left and right clamping mechanisms are pressed against the left and right fork tubes, respectively, the windshield flexes, allowing the outer edges of the levers of the clamping mechanisms to move closer together.

[0005] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of securing a removable windshield to a fork tube of a motorcycle includes attaching a left clamping mechanism to a left side of the windshield, attaching a right clamping mechanism to a right side of the windshield, pressing the left clamping mechanism against the left fork tube so that a resilient pad secured to a curved latch of the left clamping mechanism engages one side of the left fork tube, pressing the right clamping mechanism against the right fork tube so that a resilient pad secured to a curved latch of the right clamping mechanism engages one side of the right fork tube opposite the one side of the left fork tube, and rotating a clamp, lever, and hook of the left clamping mechanism counterclockwise around the left fork tube to engage a curved end wall of the hook against the left clamping mechanism. rotating the clamp, lever, and hook of the right clamp mechanism clockwise around the right fork tube to engage a curved end wall of the hook with a slot formed through the curved latch of the right clamp mechanism; rotating the lever of the left clamp mechanism clockwise about the pivot pin toward the clamp, thereby drawing an end of the hook toward the clamp and compressing a resilient pad on the curved latch and a resilient pad secured to the clamp against the left fork tube; and rotating the lever of the right clamp mechanism counterclockwise about the pivot pin toward the clamp, thereby drawing an end of the hook toward the clamp and compressing a resilient pad on the curved latch and a resilient pad secured to the clamp against the right fork tube. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] 1 is a side view of a motorcycle with a windshield attached to a fork tube using a clamping mechanism according to the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a clamping mechanism according to the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the clamping mechanism of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 3 is a perspective view showing a state in which the pair of clamp mechanisms shown in FIG. 2 is attached to a windshield. [Figure 5A] 3 is a perspective view showing one side of the mount of the clamping mechanism of FIG. 2; FIG. [Figure 5B] 5B is a perspective view showing the other side of the mount of FIG. 5A. FIG. [Figure 6A] 3 is a perspective view showing one side of the clamp of the clamping mechanism of FIG. 2; FIG. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B is a perspective view showing the other side of the clamp of FIG. 6A. [Figure 7A] 3 is a perspective view showing one side of the lever of the clamping mechanism of FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 7B] FIG. 7B is a perspective view showing the other side of the lever of FIG. 7A. [Figure 8A] 3 is a perspective view showing one side of the hook of the clamping mechanism of FIG. 2. [Figure 8B] 8B is a perspective view showing the other side of the hook of FIG. 8A. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a portion of the clamping mechanism of FIG. 2, showing a resilient pad positioned to contact the fork tube when the clamping mechanism is in a fully clamped condition. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a clamping mechanism according to one embodiment of the present disclosure fully clamped against the fork tubes and supporting a windshield; [Figure 11] 11 is a plan view of the clamping mechanism and fork tube of FIG. 10 taken along line AA of FIG. 10; [Figure 12] 10 is a plan view illustrating the attachment of a pair of windshields and clamping mechanisms of the present disclosure to a pair of fork tubes; FIG. [Figure 13] 10 is a plan view illustrating the attachment of a pair of windshields and clamping mechanisms of the present disclosure to a pair of fork tubes; FIG. [Figure 14] 10 is a plan view illustrating the attachment of a pair of windshields and clamping mechanisms of the present disclosure to a pair of fork tubes; FIG. [Figure 15]FIG. 1 is a top view of a clamping mechanism according to the present disclosure illustrating the forces associated with the operation of the clamping mechanism. [Figure 16] 10A-10C show plan views and corresponding force graphs illustrating the clamping mechanism of the present disclosure in various states clamped against a fork tube; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] To promote an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference is made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings described below. The disclosed embodiments are not exhaustive or intended to limit the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed in the following detailed description. Rather, these embodiments were chosen and described so that others skilled in the art may utilize its teachings. Therefore, they are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

[0008] Terms such as "couple," "coupled," "coupler," and variations thereof, include both arrangements in which two or more components are in direct physical contact, and arrangements in which two or more components are not in direct contact with each other (e.g., the components are "coupled" through at least a third component, but still cooperate or interact with each other).

[0009] In some instances throughout this disclosure and in the claims, numerical terms such as first, second, third, and fourth are used to refer to various action-transmitting and other components and features. Such use is not intended to indicate an ordering of the components. Rather, the numerical terms are used to aid the reader in identifying the referenced components and should not be construed narrowly as indicating a particular ordering of the components.

[0010] The clamping mechanism described herein generally includes four components: a mount that engages a cylindrical object and has a slot; a clamp that is movable relative to the mount and engages and substantially surrounds the cylindrical object; a lever that pivots relative to the clamp; and a hook that is pivotally coupled to the lever and removably engaged in the slot. With the mount and clamp substantially surrounding the cylindrical object and the hook engaged in the slot, the lever can be pivoted toward the clamp, thereby pulling the hook toward the clamp. Resilient pads fixed to the inner surfaces of the mount and clamp apply a compressive force against the cylindrical object when the lever is pivoted into contact with the cylindrical object.

[0011] While the following describes an example of a clamping mechanism according to the present disclosure in which the clamping mechanism connects a removable windshield to a pair of motorcycle fork tubes, it should be understood that any of a variety of different objects can be removably coupled to one another in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. Stated another way, the mounting components described below can be configured to connect to any of a variety of objects other than a windshield, and the clamp, lever, and hook components described below can be configured to clamp to any of a variety of cylindrical objects other than motorcycle fork tubes. The present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the exemplary applications described herein.

[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates, among other things, a motorcycle 10 having a seat 12, a set of handlebars 14, and a removable windshield 16. The windshield 16 is connected to a pair of fork tubes 18 (only one fork tube 18 is shown) connected to the handlebars 14 of the motorcycle 10 by a pair of clamping mechanisms 20 (only one clamping mechanism 20 is shown). Generally, the windshield 16 can be coupled to the fork tubes 18 by the clamping mechanisms 20 to protect a rider seated on the seat 12 and gripping the handlebars 14 from wind, rain, insects, road debris, etc., or can be detached from the fork tubes 18 to achieve a different look or riding experience depending on the rider's riding conditions and preferences. As noted above, it is desirable to be able to quickly and easily remove the windshield 16 from the motorcycle 10 as desired by the rider, and to be able to quickly, easily, and securely attach the windshield 16 to the motorcycle 10. The clamping mechanism 20, described below, provides this capability and other features to improve the use of removable windshields.

[0013] Referring to FIG. 2, a quick-release clamping mechanism 20 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. In the illustrated example, the clamping mechanism 20 is configured to couple to the left fork tube 18 (as viewed from the seat 12) and is hereinafter referred to as "clamping mechanism 20L or left clamping mechanism 20L." As shown in FIG. 4, a pair of clamping mechanisms 20 is used to couple the windshield 16 to the pair of fork tubes 18, including a clamping mechanism 20 configured to couple to the right fork tube 18 (as viewed from the seat 12) and is hereinafter referred to as "clamping mechanism 20R or right clamping mechanism 20R." As can be seen, the left clamping mechanism 20L is a mirror image of the right clamping mechanism 20R.

[0014] 2, the clamping mechanism 20L generally includes a mount 22, a clamp 24, a lever 26, and a hook 28. The mount 22 includes a pair of arms 30, 32 extending from a curved latch 34. Each of the arms 30, 32 also extends from a center body 36 that extends from the curved latch 34. As described further below, the arm 30 is connected to a higher position on the windshield (as viewed from the seat 12) and is hereinafter referred to as the "upper arm 30." Similarly, the arm 32 is connected to a lower position on the windshield (as viewed from the seat 12) relative to the upper position and is hereinafter referred to as the "lower arm 32." The upper arm 30 includes a distal end 38 having an outer interface surface 40 that engages the surface of the windshield 16, as described below, and a proximal end 42 adjacent the curved latch 34 and the center body 36. A strut 44 extends along the upper arm 30 between the distal end 38 and the proximal end 42. Upper arm 30 further includes ribs 46 extending substantially perpendicularly from struts 44 between distal end 38 and proximal end 42 to strengthen upper arm 30. Ribs 46 terminate in threaded bosses 48 at distal end 38 adjacent mating surface 40. Threaded boss 48 is provided with a threaded bore 49 (shown in dashed lines) extending from mating surface 40 into threaded boss 48.

[0015] Similarly, the lower arm 32 has a distal end 48 having an outer mating surface 50 that engages the surface of the windshield 16, as described below, and a proximal end 52 adjacent the curved latch 34 and centerbody 36. A strut 54 extends along the lower arm 32 from the distal end 48 to the proximal end 52. The lower arm 32 further includes a rib 56 extending substantially perpendicularly from the strut 54 between the distal end 48 and the proximal end 52 to stiffen the lower arm 32. The rib 56 terminates in a threaded boss 58 at the distal end 48 adjacent the mating surface 50. The threaded boss 58 is provided with a threaded bore 59 (shown in dashed lines) that extends from the mating surface 50 into the threaded boss 58.

[0016] As best shown in FIG. 5B, the central body 36 of the mount 22 includes a connecting strut 60 extending between the strut 44 of the upper arm 30 and the strut 54 of the lower arm 32. The central body 36 further includes an upper rib 62 extending between the strut 44, the connecting strut 60, and the curved latch 34, and a lower rib 64 extending between the strut 54, the connecting strut 60, and the curved latch 34. As shown in FIG. 5A, the central body 36 further includes a mounting knuckle 66 extending between the proximal end 42 of the upper arm 30 and the proximal end 52 of the lower arm 32. A cylindrical bore 67 extends within the mounting knuckle 66 to receive a pivot pin, as described further below.

[0017] It should be understood that the configuration of mount 22 as described thus far can be modified to accommodate connection to any of a variety of different objects intended to be quickly and easily attached and detached from the cylindrical object. More or fewer arms 30, 32, and different configurations of connection components can be used to enable connection to objects supported by the cylindrical object through use of the clamping mechanisms described herein.

[0018] 2, 5A, and 5B, the curved latch 34 of the mount 22 includes a main body 68 having an upper edge 70, a lower edge 72, an outer edge 74, an outer convex surface 76, and an inner concave surface 78. The main body 68 is curved such that the radius of the inner concave surface 78 is slightly larger than the radius of the cylindrical object (i.e., the fork tube 18) to which the clamping mechanism 20L is to be clamped. The main body 68 further includes a slot 80 extending therethrough adjacent the outer edge 74, the slot 80 being elongated in a direction substantially parallel to the outer edge 74. As best shown in FIG. 11, a protruding ridge 282 extends outward from the outer convex surface 76 along an edge of the slot 80 adjacent the outer edge 74 of the main body 68. As described further below, the protruding ridge 282 and the slot 80 are positioned and configured to receive a portion of the hook 28 and couple the hook 28 to the curved latch 34.

[0019] As best shown in FIG. 5B, a threaded boss 82 is formed on the outer convex surface 76 of the main body 68 and includes a body 84 and a threaded opening 86 extending into the body 84 from an end 88 of the body 84 adjacent the slot 80. The threaded boss 82 receives a bolt 278 (FIG. 3) to prevent the hook 28 from backing out of the slot 80, as described further below. Finally, the inner concave surface 78 of the main body 68 of the curved latch 34 includes a plurality of ridges 90 that protrude from the inner concave surface 78 and function primarily to position a resilient pad 91, as described further below.

[0020] 2, 6A, and 6B, clamp 24 of clamping mechanism 20L generally includes upper and lower clamp segments 92 and 94 connected by connecting segment 96. Upper clamp segment 92 includes an inner knuckle 98 at an inner end 100 and an outer knuckle 102 at an outer end 104, with a curved body 106 between inner end 100 and outer end 104. Body 106 includes an upper edge 108, a lower edge 110, an outer convex surface 112, and an inner concave surface 114, the radius of which substantially matches the radius of curved latch 34 of mount 22. A ridge 116 is formed on and protrudes from inner concave surface 114 adjacent upper edge 108 of body 106 and serves primarily to position resilient pad 91, as will be described further below. The inner knuckle 98 of the upper clamp segment 92 includes a cylindrical bore 118 extending therethrough for receiving a pivot pin as further described below.

[0021] Similarly, the outer knuckle 102 includes a cylindrical bore 120 extending therethrough for receiving a pivot pin, as described further below. The outer knuckle 102 further includes an annular slot 122 extending through a portion of the outer knuckle 102 and into the cylindrical bore 120, lying in a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical bore 120. As described further below, the annular slot 122 is configured to receive an E-clip that holds the pivot pin extending through the outer knuckle 102 and into the cylindrical bore 120. The annular slot 122 intersects with a recess 124 formed in the outer knuckle 102 to facilitate access to the E-clip.

[0022] The lower clamp segment 94 includes an inner knuckle 126 at an inner end 128 and an outer knuckle 130 at an outer end 132, with a curved body 134 between the inner and outer ends 128, 132. The curved body 134 includes an upper edge 136, a lower edge 138, an outer convex surface 140, and an inner concave surface 142, the radius of which substantially matches the radius of the upper clamp segment 92. A ridge 144 is formed on and protrudes from the inner concave surface 142 adjacent the lower edge 138 of the curved body 134 and functions primarily to position the resilient pad 91, as described further below. The inner knuckle 126 of the lower clamp segment 94 includes a cylindrical bore 146 extending therethrough for receiving a pivot pin, as described further below. Inner knuckle 126 further includes an annular slot 127 that extends through a portion of inner knuckle 126 and into cylindrical bore 146 and lies in a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of cylindrical bore 146. As described further below, annular slot 127 is configured to receive an E-clip that holds a pivot pin that extends through inner knuckle 126 and into cylindrical bore 146. Annular slot 127 intersects with a recess 129 formed in inner knuckle 126 to facilitate access to the E-clip.

[0023] Similarly, outer knuckle 130 includes a cylindrical bore 148 extending therethrough for receiving a pivot pin, as described further below. Outer knuckle 130 further includes an annular slot 150 extending through a portion of outer knuckle 130 and into cylindrical bore 148 and lying in a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of cylindrical bore 148. As described further below, annular slot 150 is configured to receive an E-clip that holds the pivot pin extending through outer knuckle 130 and into cylindrical bore 148. The annular slot 150 intersects with a recess 152 formed in outer knuckle 130 to facilitate access to the E-clip.

[0024] The connecting portion 96 of the clamp 24 extends between the upper clamp segment 92 and the lower clamp segment 94 and includes an inner edge 154, an outer edge 156, an outer convex surface 158, and an inner concave surface 160. The radius of the inner concave surface 160 substantially matches the radius of the inner concave surfaces 114, 142 of the upper clamp segment 92 and the lower clamp segment 94, respectively. As shown, the inner edge 154 of the connecting portion 96 is set back from an axis 155 that extends through the cylindrical bore 118 of the inner knuckle 98 of the upper clamp segment 92 and the cylindrical bore 146 of the inner knuckle 126 of the lower clamp segment 94. This forms a notch 162 that receives the mounting knuckle 66, which will be described later. Similarly, the outer edge 156 is set back from an axis 157 that extends through the cylindrical bore 120 of the outer knuckle 102 of the upper clamp segment 92 and the cylindrical bore 148 of the outer knuckle 130 of the lower clamp segment 94. As a result, the outer edge 156 of the connecting portion 96, the lower edge 110 of the upper clamp segment 92, and the upper edge 136 of the lower clamp segment 94 form a notch 164 that receives the lever 26 when the clamp mechanism 20 is in a fully clamped state, as described below.

[0025] 2, 7A, and 7B, lever 26 of clamp mechanism 20L generally includes a force body 166, an upper arm 168, and a lower arm 170, both of which extend from force body 166. Force body 166 includes an upper edge 172, a lower edge 174, an outer edge 176 extending between upper edge 172 and lower edge 174, an inner edge 178, an outer surface 180, and an inner surface 182. A stopper 184 is formed on inner surface 182 at a position spaced apart from upper edge 172, lower edge 174, and outer edge 176.

[0026] The upper arm 168 includes a fulcrum knuckle 186 and a follower knuckle 188. A cylindrical bore 190 extends through the fulcrum knuckle 186 from an upper surface 192 of the upper arm 168 to a lower surface 194 of the upper arm 168, and a cylindrical bore 196 extends through the follower knuckle 188 from the upper surface 192 to the lower surface 194 in a parallel relationship to the cylindrical bore 190. Similarly, the lower arm 170 includes a fulcrum knuckle 198 and a follower knuckle 200. A cylindrical bore 202 extends through the fulcrum knuckle 198 from an upper surface 204 of the lower arm 170 to a lower surface 206 of the lower arm 170, and a cylindrical bore 208 extends through the follower knuckle 200 in a parallel relationship to the cylindrical bore 202 from the upper surface 204 to the lower surface 206 of the lower arm 170. Thus, axis 197 of cylindrical bore 190 through fulcrum knuckle 186 of upper arm 168 extends through cylindrical bore 202 through fulcrum knuckle 198 of lower arm 170, and axis 199 of cylindrical bore 196 through trailing knuckle 188 of upper arm 168 extends through cylindrical bore 208 through trailing knuckle 299 of lower arm 170. As shown, upper arm 168 is spaced from lower arm 170 and forms a notch 210 with inner edge 178 of force body 166 that receives a portion of hook 28, as further described below.

[0027] 2, 8A, and 8B, the hook 28 of the clamping mechanism 20L generally includes a body 212, a hook knuckle 214 disposed at an inner end 216 of the body 212, and a barb 218 disposed at an outer end 220 of the body 212. The body 212 includes an upper edge 222, a lower edge 224, an inner surface 226, and an outer surface 228. A cylindrical bore 230 extends through the hook knuckle 214 between an upper surface 232 and a lower surface 234 of the hook knuckle 214. The hook knuckle 214 further includes an annular slot 231 extending through a portion of the hook knuckle 214 and into the cylindrical bore 230, the slot 231 lying in a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical bore 230. Annular slot 231 intersects with a recess 233 formed in hook knuckle 214 to facilitate access for an E-clip used to secure the pivot pin within cylindrical bore 230, as described further below. Hook portion 218 includes a curved end wall 236 having an outer convex surface 238 and an inner concave surface 240. A protrusion 242 extends from outer convex surface 238 and cooperates with a bolt 278 (FIG. 3) received by threaded boss 82 to prevent hook 28 from being removed from slot 80 in main body 68 of curved latch 34, as described further below.

[0028] 3, the remaining hardware of clamp mechanism 20L is shown, along with mount 22, clamp 24, lever 26, and hook 28. As shown, a first pivot pin 244 passes through cylindrical bore 118 of inner knuckle 98 of upper clamp segment 92 of clamp 24, passes through an O-ring 246 positioned between the underside of inner knuckle 98 and the upper surface of mount knuckle 66 of central section 36 of mount 22, passes through cylindrical bore 67 (FIG. 5A) of mount knuckle 66 of central section 36, passes through another O-ring 248 positioned between the underside of mount knuckle 66 of central section 36 and the upper surface of inner knuckle 126 of lower clamp segment 94 of clamp 24, and passes through cylindrical bore 146 of inner knuckle 126 of lower clamp segment 94. While an O-ring is described herein, it should be understood that other components that provide friction to adjacent parts may also be used, such as O-rings, wave washers, etc. First pivot pin 244 includes an annular groove 250 that is aligned with annular slot 127 of inner knuckle 126 of lower clamp segment 94 when first pivot pin 244 is installed. An E-clip 252 is inserted through annular slot 127 and into annular groove 250 of first pivot pin 244 to hold first pivot pin 244 in place.

[0029] In alternative embodiments, the first pivot pin 244 connection between the clamp 24 and the mount 22 may be replaced with a removable coupling between the clamp 24 and the mount 22. For example, the clamp 24 may include a hook that removably engages with a slot formed in the mount 22. Alternatively, the mount 22 may include a hook that removably engages with a slot formed in the clamp 24.

[0030] As further shown in FIG. 3 , the second pivot pin 254 passes through the cylindrical bore 120 of the outer knuckle 102 of the upper clamp segment 92 of the clamp 24, passes through an O-ring 256 positioned between the underside of the outer knuckle 102 of the upper clamp segment 92 and the upper side of the fulcrum knuckle 186 of the upper arm 168 of the lever 26, passes through the cylindrical bore 190 of the fulcrum knuckle 186 of the upper arm 168, passes through a cylindrical bore 202 of the fulcrum knuckle 198 of the lower arm 170 of the lever 26, passes through another O-ring 258 positioned between the underside of the fulcrum knuckle 198 of the lower arm 170 of the lever 26 and the upper side of the outer knuckle 130 of the lower clamp segment 94 of the clamp 24, and passes through the cylindrical bore 148 of the outer knuckle 130 of the lower clamp segment 94. The second pivot pin 254 includes an upper annular groove 260 aligned with the annular slot 122 of the outer knuckle 102 of the upper clamp segment 92 and a lower annular groove 262 aligned with the annular slot 150 of the outer knuckle 130 of the lower clamp segment 94 when the second pivot pin 254 is installed as described above. An E-clip 264 is inserted through the annular slot 122 of the outer knuckle 102 of the upper clamp segment 92 and into the upper annular groove 260 of the second pivot pin 254 to hold the second pivot pin 254 in place. An additional E-clip 266 is inserted through the annular slot 150 of the outer knuckle 130 of the lower clamp segment 94 and into the lower annular groove 262 of the second pivot pin 254 to further hold the second pivot pin 254 in place.

[0031] Finally, a third pivot pin 268 passes through the cylindrical bore 196 of the follower knuckle 188 of the upper arm 168 of the lever 26, passes through an O-ring 270 positioned between the underside 194 of the follower knuckle 188 and the upper side 232 of the hook knuckle 214 of the hook 28, passes through the cylindrical bore 230 of the hook knuckle 214 of the hook 28, passes through another O-ring 272 positioned between the underside 234 of the hook knuckle 214 of the hook 28 and the upper side 204 of the follower knuckle 200 of the lower arm 170 of the lever 26, and passes through the cylindrical bore 208 of the follower knuckle 200 of the lower arm 170. The third pivot pin 268 includes an annular groove 274 that aligns with the annular slot 231 of the hook knuckle 214 of the hook 28 when the third pivot pin 268 is installed as described above. An E-clip 276 is inserted through the annular slot 231 in the hook knuckle 214 of the hook 28 into the annular groove 274 to hold the third pivot pin 268 in place.

[0032] The remaining components of the clamping mechanism 20L include a bolt 278, shown in FIG. 3, that threads into the threaded bore 82 of the curved latch 34 to secure the hook 28 to the mount 22, as described below, and a bolt and washer (referred to herein as bolt 280, as shown in FIG. 4) that passes through the windshield 16 and into the threaded bosses 48, 58 of the mount 22 to attach the windshield 16 to the clamping mechanism 20L.

[0033] Referring to FIG. 9, clamp mechanism 20L is shown with lever 26 and hook 28 removed to more clearly illustrate the arrangement of six resilient pads 91. As shown, two upper resilient pads 91 are secured to inner concave surface 78 of curved latch 34 of mount 22, and one upper resilient pad 91 is secured to inner concave surface 114 of upper clamp segment 92 of clamp 24. The upper resilient pad 91 on curved latch 34 is positioned by ridge 90, and the upper resilient pad 91 on upper clamp segment 92 is positioned by ridge 116 (FIG. 6B). As shown, these three pads 91 are substantially coplanar and spaced apart from one another around the periphery of the substantially cylindrical area defined by curved latch 34 and upper clamp segment 92, thereby applying clamping force at spaced angles relative to fork tube 18 to improve clamping force. In an alternative embodiment, the upper resilient pads 91 of the curved latch 34 are replaced with a single elongated resilient pad 91 that covers substantially the entire inner concave surface 78 .

[0034] Similarly, two lower resilient pads 91 are secured to the inner concave surface 78 of the curved latch 34 of the mount 22, and one lower resilient pad 91 is secured to the inner concave surface 142 of the lower clamp segment 94 of the clamp 24. The lower resilient pad 91 on the curved latch 34 is positioned by a raised portion 90, and the lower resilient pad 91 on the lower clamp segment 92 is positioned by a raised portion 144 (FIG. 6B). As shown, these three pads 91 are substantially coplanar and spaced apart from one another around the periphery of the substantially cylindrical area defined by the curved latch 34 and the lower clamp segment 94, thereby applying clamping force to the fork tube 18 from spaced angles to improve clamping force. In an alternative embodiment, the lower resilient pads 91 on the curved latch 34 are replaced with a single elongated resilient pad 91 that covers substantially the entire inner concave surface 78.

[0035] 10 and 11, the left clamping mechanism 20L is shown attached to the windshield 16 and fully clamped to the fork tube 18 of the motorcycle 10. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 10. As shown, the lever 26 is in a fully closed position such that the stop 184 of the force body 166 contacts the fork tube 18 and the curved end wall 236 of the catch portion 218 of the hook 28 engages within the slot 80 of the curved latch 34, such that the inner concave surface 240 of the catch portion 218 engages with the protruding ridge 282 extending along the slot 80. In this fully clamped position, the clamping mechanism 20L fully encases the fork tube 18 and the resilient pad 91 is compressed against the fork tube 18, securely attaching the clamping mechanism 20L to the fork tube 18, as will be further described below.

[0036] 12-14, coupling the windshield 16 to the fork tubes 18 begins by attaching the windshield 16 to the left and right clamping mechanisms 20L and 20R. Specifically, bolts 280 are threaded through the windshield 16 and threaded into the threaded bosses 48, 58 on the upper and lower arms 30, 32, respectively, of the mounts 22 of the clamping mechanisms 20L, 20R, as shown in FIG. 12. The clamping mechanisms 20L, 20R are positioned so that, after attachment to the windshield 16, the distance between the outer edges 74 of the curved latches 34 of the mounts 22 is slightly greater than the minimum distance D between the fork tubes 18. The clamping mechanisms 20L, 20R are positioned onto the fork tubes 18 by compressing the windshield 16 in direction P (i.e., toward the fork tubes 18). In this instance, the windshield 16, which is constructed of a slightly resilient material such as Plexiglas, flexes slightly as the outer edges 74 of the curved latches 34 pass over the fork tubes 18. As noted above, the interior length of the curved latches 34 is less than 180 degrees, which allows both curved latches 34 to engage the fork tubes 18 at approximately the same time as described above.

[0037] 13, when the clamping mechanisms 20L, 20R are pushed toward the fork tubes 18, the curved latches 34 are positioned against the fork tubes 18 because the windshield 16 is still slightly deflected, thereby biasing the curved latches 34 away from each other and toward the fork tubes 18. As a result, the resilient pads 91 secured to the curved latches 34 are partially compressed against the fork tubes 18 by the force of the windshield 16 returning to its original, undeflected state. When clamping mechanisms 20L, 20R are moved into engagement with fork tube 18 as described above, clamp 24, lever 26, and hook 28 remain in substantially the same position (or are at least prevented from freely rotating about pivot pins 244, 254, and 268) because O-rings 246, 248, 256, 258, 270, 272 (described above with reference to FIG. 3) positioned between mount 22 and clamp 24, between clamp 24 and lever 26, and between lever 26 and hook 28 provide a constant degree of friction between the moving parts of clamping mechanisms 20L, 20R.

[0038] With clamping mechanisms 20L, 20R positioned as shown in Figure 13, clamp 24 can be pivoted about pivot pin 244 toward fork tube 18, causing resilient pad 91 secured to clamp 24 to contact fork tube 18, as shown in Figure 14. Lever 26 can then be pivoted about pivot pin 254 and hook 28 can be pivoted about pivot pin 268 to position curved end wall 236 of hook 28 within slot 80 (Figure 2) of curved latch 34 of mount 22. At this point, clamping mechanisms 20L, 20R can be moved up or down along fork tube 18 to the desired height. To fully secure clamping mechanisms 20L, 20R (and windshield 16) to fork tubes 18, after clamping mechanisms 20L, 20R are positioned as shown in FIG. 14, lever 26 is pivoted about pivot pin 254 toward clamp 24 until stop 184 of lever 26 engages fork tube 18 as shown in FIG. 11. This action compresses resilient pad 91 against fork tube 18, securely holding clamping mechanisms 20L, 20R and windshield 16 in place, as will be further described below.

[0039] FIG. 15 illustrates the forces generated and applied during operation of clamping mechanism 20 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. F Pivot is related to the input, F Lever, by a simple leverage ratio. F Lever is the force applied to lever 26 to rotate lever 26 about pivot pin 254 toward clamp 24. F Clamp is the clamping force applied to fork tube 18 by clamp 24 via resilient pad 91. F Clamp is related to the pivoting force, F Pivot, by a trigonometric function that depends on angle omega. As shown, angle omega is the angle between the tangent path at pivot pin 244 and the effective lever arm of lever 26. As lever 26 rotates clockwise about pivot pin 254 (i.e., clamping mechanism 20 is closed), lever 26 passes a position where angle omega is 0 degrees (such as position A in FIG. 16), passing cos(0°)=1, and the resulting clamping force is equal to the input, F Lever, multiplied by the leverage ratio. If lever 26 is rotated further clockwise, the angle omega becomes 90 degrees (see configuration D in Figure 16), and since cos(90°) = 1, the force applied to the F-lever becomes a zero clamping force (i.e., the force is applied essentially perpendicular to the force direction being evaluated, the F-clamp).

[0040] FIG. 16 illustrates the relationship between the force acting on the lever 26 and the clamping force acting on the fork tube 18 as the clamping mechanism 20 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is moved from an engaged state, in which the curved end wall 236 of the hook 28 is positioned within the slot 80 of the curved latch 34 of the mount 22, to a fully clamped state. Configuration A in FIG. 16 illustrates the engaged state. In this engaged state, the resilient pad 91 of the clamp 24 is not compressed against (or even touching) the fork tube 18. As shown by leverage curve 284, configuration A corresponds to the maximum available leverage ratio (i.e., a ratio of approximately 2.2). As shown by lever force curve 286, zero force is applied to the lever 26 in configuration A. Similarly, compression force curve 288 illustrates that zero compression force is applied to the fork tube 18 by the clamping mechanism 20 in configuration A.

[0041] 16 , a force begins to be applied to lever 26, causing lever 26 to rotate clockwise about pivot pin 254, which causes clamping mechanism 20 to apply a compressive force to fork tube 18 via curved latch 34 and resilient pad 91 secured to clamp 24. At this point, resilient pad 91 begins to compress. As lever 26 is moved further toward clamp 24 (i.e., rotated further about pivot pin 254) from the position in position B to the position in position C, the lever force increases (shown as a decrease in lever force curve 286), and the compression applied to fork tube 18 by clamping mechanism 20 via resilient pad 91 increases (shown as a decrease in compression force curve 288). When lever 26 is in the position shown in position C, a maximum force is being applied to lever 26, as shown by point 290 on lever force curve 286. The force required to further rotate lever 26 clockwise about pivot pin 254 decreases from the maximum force to zero as lever 26 is rotated to the position shown in position D. At the same time, as the lever 26 is moved from position C to position D, the compressive force on the fork tube 18 increases, as shown by the compressive force curve 288 .

[0042] When lever 26 is in the position shown in configuration D, zero force is applied to lever 26, as indicated by point 292 on lever force curve 286. This is because the contact lines between pivot pin 268, pivot pin 254, and the curved end wall 236 of hook 28 and the protruding ridge 282 extending along slot 80 of curved latch 34 are all aligned. Configuration D represents a zero ratio between the applied lever force and the resulting clamping force, as indicated by leverage curve 284. Configuration D also represents the maximum compressive force applied to fork tube 18 by clamping mechanism 20, as indicated by point 294 on compression force curve 288.

[0043] A negative force is required to move lever 26 from the position shown in configuration D to the position shown in configuration E. This is because pivot pin 268 is positioned beyond pivot pin 254 (i.e., further clockwise relative to pivot pin 254), such that the line between pivot pin 268 and the contact between curved end wall 236 of hook 28 and protruding ridge 282 of curved latch 34 is located to the left of pivot pin 254 as viewed in the figures. In other words, as lever 26 passes the position shown in configuration D (clockwise), the compressive force applied to resilient pad 91 is partially released, moving curved latch 34 and clamp 24 away from fork tube 18 and retracting lever 26 inward toward clamp 24. A slight expansion of resilient pad 91 moves lever 26 into position E, where stop 184 of lever 26 engages fork tube 18. The negative force acting on lever 26 is illustrated by lever force curve 286. Additionally, the increase or decrease in compression force of the resilient pad 91 is indicated in the compression force curve 288 by the rising slope between points 294 and 296. Configuration E therefore represents the fully clamped state of the clamping mechanism 20.

[0044] In certain embodiments of the present disclosure, after clamping mechanisms 20L, 20R are positioned in a fully clamped state, bolt 278 can be used to lock one or both of the clamping mechanisms to the corresponding fork tube 18. Returning to FIG. 11 , which shows clamping mechanism 20L in a fully clamped state, bolt 278 is threaded into threaded opening 86 of threaded boss 82 located in curved latch 34 of mount 22. When bolt 278 is positioned within threaded opening 86, gap 298 formed between head 300 of bolt 278 and protrusion 242 of curved end wall 236 of hook portion 218 is too small to remove curved end wall 236 from slot 80 formed in curved latch 34 of mount 22. Rotating lever 26 counterclockwise about pivot pin 254 will not disengage hook 28 from mount 22, thereby preventing unauthorized and accidental removal of clamping mechanism 20L and windshield 16 from fork tube 18.

[0045] The process for removing the windshield 16 from the fork tubes 18 is generally the reverse of the process described above and therefore will not be described in detail here. However, it should be noted that (as best shown in FIG. 11 ) the stop 184 of the lever 26 forms a gap 302 between the outer edge 176 of the force body 166 of the lever 26 and the fork tube 18, allowing the rider to begin the removal process by inserting one or more fingertips between the lever 26 and the fork tube 18 and rotating the lever 26 counterclockwise about the pivot pin 254, moving it away from the fork tube 18. If a bolt 278 is used to secure the clamping mechanism 20L to the fork tube 18, the bolt 278 must be removed before the hook 28 can be disengaged from the curved latch 34 of the mount 22.

[0046] While this invention has been described as having an exemplary design, the invention may be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains.

Claims

1. A clamping mechanism comprising: a mount including a curved latch having an inner concave surface with a resilient pad, a mounting knuckle, and a slot; a clamp including upper and lower clamp segments, each clamp segment having an inner concave surface with a resilient pad, an inner knuckle pivotally connected to the mounting knuckle by a first pivot pin, and an outer knuckle; a lever including upper and lower arms, each arm having a fulcrum knuckle pivotally connected to the outer knuckle of the clamp by a second pivot pin, and a follower knuckle positioned between the fulcrum knuckle and an outer edge of the lever; a hook knuckle pivotally connected to the follower knuckle of the lever by a third pivot pin, and a hook having a catch portion with a curved end wall; Equipped with the clamping mechanism is movable into engagement about a cylindrical object by rotating the clamp, the lever, and the hook relative to one another about the first pivot pin, the second pivot pin, and the third pivot pin to engage the curved end wall of the hook with the slot of the curved latch; The clamp mechanism is movable from an engaged state to a fully clamped state secured to the cylindrical object by rotating the outer edge of the lever about a second pivot pin toward the clamp, thereby drawing the third pivot pin and the hook knuckle toward the clamp and compressing the curved latch and the resilient pad of the clamp against the cylindrical object.

2. 2. The clamping mechanism of claim 1, wherein the mount further includes a pair of arms extending from the curved latch, each arm including an abutment surface configured to engage an object to be clamped to the cylindrical object and a threaded boss configured to receive a bolt for attaching the object to the arm.

3. 2. The clamping mechanism of claim 1, wherein the curved latch further includes an outer convex surface having a protruding ridge extending along the slot, the protruding ridge configured to mate with an inner concave surface of the curved end wall of the hook when the clamping mechanism is in a fully clamped state.

4. 4. The clamping mechanism of claim 3, wherein the curved latch further includes a threaded boss disposed on the outer convex surface adjacent the slot, the threaded boss configured to receive a bolt that prevents the curved end wall of the hook from disengaging from the slot of the curved latch.

5. 2. The clamp mechanism of claim 1, wherein the upper and lower clamp segments of the clamp are connected to one another by a connector having an outer edge, the outer edge forming a first notch with the upper and lower clamp segments, the first notch receiving the lever when the clamp mechanism is in the fully clamped state.

6. The clamping mechanism of claim 5 , wherein the connecting portion further includes an inner edge that forms a second notch with inner knuckles of the upper and lower clamping segments, the second notch receiving the mounting knuckle.

7. 2. The clamping mechanism of claim 1, wherein said lever includes a force body including an outer edge and a stop formed on an inner surface of said force body, said upper and lower arms of said lever extending from said force body.

8. 2. The clamp mechanism of claim 1, wherein the first pivot pin extends through a cylindrical bore formed through the inner knuckle and the mounting knuckle of the clamp, the second pivot pin extends through a cylindrical bore formed through the outer knuckle of the clamp and the fulcrum knuckle of the lever, and the third pivot pin extends through a cylindrical bore formed through the trailing knuckle and the hook knuckle of the lever.

9. 9. The clamp mechanism of claim 8, wherein at least one inner knuckle of the clamp includes an annular slot extending through a portion of the at least one inner knuckle and into a cylindrical bore formed therethrough, the annular slot configured to receive an E-clip that engages with a groove formed in the first pivot pin to retain the first pivot pin within the at least one inner knuckle.

10. 9. The clamp mechanism of claim 8, wherein the first pivot pin extends through a first O-ring positioned between the inner knuckle of the upper clamping segment of the clamp and the fulcrum knuckle of the upper arm of the lever, and extends through a second O-ring positioned between the fulcrum knuckle of the lower arm of the lever and the inner knuckle of the lower clamping segment of the clamp.

11. 9. The clamp mechanism of claim 8, wherein at least one outer knuckle of the clamp includes an annular slot extending through a portion of the at least one outer knuckle and into a cylindrical bore formed therethrough, the annular slot configured to receive an E-clip that engages with a groove formed in the second pivot pin to retain the second pivot pin within the at least one outer knuckle.

12. 9. The clamp mechanism of claim 8, wherein the second pivot pin extends through a first O-ring positioned between the outer knuckle of the upper clamping segment of the clamp and the trailing knuckle of the upper arm of the lever, and extends through a second O-ring positioned between the trailing knuckle of the lower arm of the lever and the outer knuckle of the lower clamping segment of the clamp.

13. 9. The clamping mechanism of claim 8, wherein the hook knuckle has an annular slot extending through a portion of the hook knuckle and into a cylindrical bore formed therethrough, the annular slot configured to receive an E-clip that engages a groove formed in the third pivot pin to retain the third pivot pin within the hook knuckle.

14. 9. The clamping mechanism of claim 8, wherein the third pivot pin extends through a first O-ring positioned between the trailing knuckle and the hook knuckle of the upper arm of the lever and extends through a second O-ring positioned between the hook knuckle and the trailing knuckle of the lower arm of the lever.

15. 2. The clamping mechanism of claim 1, wherein the force required to rotate the outer edge of the lever about the second pivot pin toward the clamp increases as the lever is moved from a first position in which the clamping mechanism is engaged to a second position in which the second pivot pin, the third pivot pin, and a line of contact between the curved end wall of the hook and the slot are aligned.

16. 16. The clamping mechanism of claim 15, wherein a maximum compressive force is applied to a cylindrical object by the curved latch and the resilient pads on the upper and lower clamp segments when the lever is in the second position.

17. 16. The clamping mechanism of claim 15, wherein the force required to rotate the outer edge of the lever about the pivot pin toward the clamp is negative when the lever is rotated beyond the second position to a third position where a stop formed on the lever engages the cylindrical object.

18. 18. The clamping mechanism of claim 17, wherein the compressive force applied to the cylindrical object by the curved latch and the resilient pads on the upper and lower clamp segments decreases as the lever is rotated from the second position to the third position.

19. 20. The clamping mechanism of claim 18, wherein the third position of the lever corresponds to the fully clamped state of the clamping mechanism.

20. 1. A clamping system for removably securing a windshield to a fork tube of a motorcycle, comprising: a left clamping mechanism configured to clamp to a left fork tube; a right side clamping mechanism configured to clamp to a right side fork tube; Equipped with Each of the left clamping mechanism and the right clamping mechanism is a mount including a curved latch having an inner concave surface with a resilient pad, a mounting knuckle, and a slot; a clamp including upper and lower clamp segments, each clamp segment having an inner concave surface with a resilient pad, an inner knuckle pivotally connected to the mounting knuckle by a first pivot pin, and an outer knuckle; a lever including upper and lower arms, each arm having a fulcrum knuckle pivotally connected to the outer knuckle of the clamp by a second pivot pin, and a follower knuckle positioned between the fulcrum knuckle and an outer edge of the lever; a hook knuckle pivotally connected to the follower knuckle of the lever by a third pivot pin, and a hook having a catch portion with a curved end wall; Equipped with the left clamping mechanism mount includes a pair of arms extending from the curved latch, each arm including an abutment surface configured to engage a left side of the windshield and a threaded boss configured to receive a bolt for attaching the arm to the left side of the windshield; the mount for the right clamping mechanism includes a pair of arms extending from the curved latch, each arm including an abutment surface configured to engage the right side of the windshield and a threaded boss configured to receive a bolt for attaching the arm to the right side of the windshield; each of the left clamping mechanism and the right clamping mechanism is movable into engagement about the corresponding fork tube by rotating the clamp, the lever, and the hook relative to one another about the first pivot pin, the second pivot pin, and the third pivot pin to engage the curved end wall of the hook with a slot in the curved latch; wherein each of the left clamp mechanism and the right clamp mechanism is movable from the engaged state to a fully clamped state secured to the corresponding fork tube by rotating the outer edge of the lever about the second pivot pin toward the clamp, thereby drawing the third pivot pin and the hook knuckle toward the clamp and compressing the curved latch and the resilient pad of the clamp against the corresponding fork tube.

21. 21. The clamping system of claim 20, wherein the curved latch of each of the left and right clamping mechanisms further includes an outer convex surface having a protruding ridge extending along the slot, the protruding ridge configured to mate with an inner concave surface of the curved end wall of the catch when the clamping mechanism is in the fully clamped state.

22. 22. The clamping system of claim 21, wherein the curved latch of each of the left and right clamping mechanisms further includes a threaded boss disposed on the outer convex surface adjacent the slot, the threaded boss configured to receive a bolt that prevents the curved end wall of the hook from disengaging from the slot of the curved latch.

23. 21. The clamping system of claim 20, wherein the upper and lower clamp segments of the clamps of each of the left and right clamping mechanisms are connected to one another by a connection having an outer edge, the outer edge forming, together with the upper and lower clamp segments, a first notch that receives the lever when the clamping mechanism is in the fully clamped state.

24. 24. The clamping system of claim 23, wherein the connecting portion of each of the left and right clamping mechanisms further includes an inner edge that, together with inner knuckles of the upper and lower clamping segments, forms a second notch that receives the mounting knuckle of the clamping mechanism.

25. 21. The clamping system of claim 20, wherein the lever of each of the left clamping mechanism and the right clamping mechanism has a force body including the outer edge and a stopper formed on an inner surface of the force body, the upper and lower arms of the lever extending from the force body.

26. 21. The clamping system of claim 20, wherein the first pivot pin of each of the left and right clamping mechanisms extends through a cylindrical bore formed through the inner knuckle and the mounting knuckle of the clamp, the second pivot pin of each of the left and right clamping mechanisms extends through a cylindrical bore formed through the outer knuckle of the clamp and the fulcrum knuckle of the lever, and the third pivot pin of each of the left and right clamping mechanisms extends through a cylindrical bore formed through the trailing knuckle and the hook knuckle of the lever.

27. 27. The clamping system of claim 26, wherein the first pivot pin of each of the left and right clamping mechanisms extends through a first O-ring positioned between the inner knuckle of the upper clamping segment of the clamp and the fulcrum knuckle of the upper arm of the lever, and extends through a second O-ring positioned between the fulcrum knuckle of the lower arm of the lever and the inner knuckle of the lower clamping segment of the clamp.

28. 27. The clamping system of claim 26, wherein the second pivot pin of each of the left and right clamping mechanisms extends through a first O-ring positioned between the outer knuckle of the upper clamping segment of the clamp and the trailing knuckle of the upper arm of the lever, and extends through a second O-ring positioned between the trailing knuckle of the lower arm of the lever and the outer knuckle of the lower clamping segment of the clamp.

29. 27. The clamping system of claim 26, wherein the third pivot pin of each of the left clamping mechanism and the right clamping mechanism extends through a first O-ring positioned between the trailing knuckle and the hook knuckle of the upper arm of the lever and extends through a second O-ring positioned between the hook knuckle and the trailing knuckle of the lower arm of the lever.

30. 21. The clamping system of claim 20, wherein the left clamping mechanism is a mirror image of the right clamping mechanism.

31. 21. The clamping system of claim 20, wherein the left clamping mechanism is moved from the engaged state to the fully clamped state by rotating the outer edge of the lever clockwise about the second pivot pin, and the right clamping mechanism is moved from the engaged state to the fully clamped state by rotating the outer edge of the lever counterclockwise about the second pivot pin.

32. 21. The clamping system of claim 20, wherein when the clamping mechanisms are attached to the windshield, a distance between the outer edge of the lever of the left clamping mechanism and the outer edge of the lever of the right clamping mechanism is greater than a minimum distance between the fork tubes.

33. 33. The clamping system of claim 32, wherein pressing the left and right clamping mechanisms against the left and right fork tubes, respectively, causes the windshield to flex, allowing the outer edges of the levers of the clamping mechanisms to move closer together.

34. 1. A method for securing a removable windshield to a fork tube of a motorcycle, comprising: attaching a left clamp mechanism to a left side of the windshield; attaching a right clamp mechanism to a right side of the windshield; pressing the left clamping mechanism against the left fork tube so that a resilient pad secured to a curved latch of the left clamping mechanism engages one side of the left fork tube; pressing the right clamping mechanism against the right fork tube so that a resilient pad secured to a curved latch of the right clamping mechanism engages a side of the right fork tube opposite the side of the left fork tube; rotating the clamp, lever, and hook of the left clamping mechanism counterclockwise around the left fork tube to engage a curved end wall of the hook with a slot formed through the curved latch of the left clamping mechanism; rotating the clamp, lever, and hook of the right clamping mechanism clockwise around the right fork tube to engage a curved end wall of the hook with a slot formed through the curved latch of the right clamping mechanism; rotating the lever of the left clamp mechanism clockwise about a pivot pin toward the clamp, thereby drawing the end of the hook toward the clamp and compressing the resilient pad on the curved latch and a resilient pad secured to the clamp against the left fork tube; rotating the lever of the right clamp mechanism counterclockwise about a pivot pin toward the clamp, thereby drawing the end of the hook toward the clamp and compressing the resilient pad on the curved latch and the resilient pad secured to the clamp against the right fork tube; A method comprising:

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