Stem assembly for a vehicle and method of assembling thereof

Abstract

Present disclosure relates to a stem assembly (100) for a vehicle (102). The stem assembly (100) comprises of an upper block (104) and a lower block (106). The lower block (106) is adapted to be pivotally connected to the upper block (104). The lower block (106) comprises one or more first openings (114) and one or more second openings (116). The one or more first openings (114) and the one or more second openings (116) are adapted to receive and route one or more cables through a headtube (112) to one or more vehicle components. The stem assembly (100) reduces overall part count in the vehicle (102).

Description

[0001] TITLE OF INVENTION

[0002] STEM ASSEMBLY FOR A VEHICLE AND METHOD OF ASSEMBLING THEREOF

[0003] FIELD OF INVENTION

[0004]

[0001] Present invention relates to a vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to a stem assembly for the vehicle, such as a bicycle.

[0005] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0006]

[0002] Vehicle, such as a bicycle, commonly have a main frame and a front fork pivotally secured to the main frame. The main frame includes a rear wheel mount for receiving a rear wheel, and the front fork includes a front wheel mount for receiving a front wheel. A handlebar is secured to the front fork and pivotally mounted to a headtube of the main frame through a stem assembly. Rotation of the handlebar about the headtube enables steering of the vehicle.

[0007]

[0003] In conventional vehicles, the stem assembly is pivotally mounted to the headtube through a star nut, a stem cover and a bolt. The star nut is inserted into a steerer tube of a front fork, for pivotally mounting the stem assembly to the headtube via fastening of a bolt through the stem cover and pulled in tension while the steerer tube is connected to the headtube of the frame via top and bottom headset bearings. However, such an assembly for pivotally mounting the stem assembly onto the headtube increases part count in the vehicle, overall weight and costs of the vehicle, which is undesirable.

[0008]

[0004] Further, the vehicles are provided with cables such as brake cables, gear shifter cables and the like. The cables connect to vehicle components, such as braking system, derailleurs and the like, and to a lever provided on the handlebar. Actuation of the lever on the handlebar by a rider enables remote control of these vehicle components. Typically, these cables are exposed to the surroundings (or are externally disposed) while being connected to the lever and the vehicle components. However, such exposed cables are susceptible to weather elements and tampering, consequently affecting life of the cables. The cables are also subjected to rubbing against the main frame during actuation of the lever. Such rubbing may damage the cable, thereby requiring frequent replacement. Additionally, the exposed cables affect aerodynamics and aesthetic appeal of the vehicle, which is undesirable.

[0009]

[0005] To overcome aforesaid limitations, the cables are internally routed in the main frame of the vehicle through the steerer tube of the front fork. Such internal routing completely disposes the cables within the main frame and therefore offer protection to the cables from weather elements. However, internal routing requires a maintube, particularly the headtube, to be provided with one or more slots for cable routing. Such slots affect structural integrity of the headtube, which is undesirable. Additionally, an upper cover is also required to be provided for mounting the stem assembly onto the headtube for protection of the internally routed cables into the headtube. Moreover, there may be friction and cable damage caused by the steerer tube and the headtube when the cables are routed through the headtube. Thus, the number of components required for mounting the stem assembly further increases, thereby increasing part count and cost in the vehicle, which is undesirable.

[0010]

[0006] In view of the above, there is a need for a stem assembly for a vehicle and a method of assembling thereof, that overcomes one or more limitations stated above.

[0011] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012]

[0007] In an aspect, a stem assembly for a vehicle is disclosed. The stem assembly comprises an upper block and a lower block. The lower block is adapted to be pivotally connected to the upper block. The lower block comprises one or more first openings and one or more second openings. The one or more first openings and the one or more second openings are adapted to route one or more cables through a headtube to one or more vehicle components.

[0013]

[0008] In an embodiment, the stem assembly comprises of a lower cowl. The lower cowl is adapted to cover the lower block. The lower cowl comprises a hollow body portion adapted to cover the lower block and a protruded portion extending in front of the hollow body portion. The protruded portion is adapted to accommodate an accessory.

[0014]

[0009] In an embodiment, the hollow body portion is adapted to maintain a clearance between an inner surface of the hollow body portion and an outer surface of the lower block.

[0015]

[0010] In an embodiment, the stem assembly comprises a bottom mounting assembly. The bottom mounting assembly is adapted to mount the lower block to a steerer tube of the vehicle.

[0016] [Oi l] In an embodiment, the bottom mounting assembly comprises a mounting plate. The mounting plate is adapted to engage with a bottom surface of the steerer tube of the vehicle.

[0017]

[0012] In an embodiment, the mounting plate comprises of an opening. The opening is adapted to receive a fastener. The fastener traverses through the headtube and engages with the lower block.

[0013] In an embodiment, the mounting plate is provided with a cutout. The cutout is adapted to route the one or more cables from the headtube to the one or more vehicle components.

[0018]

[0014] In an embodiment, the bottom mounting assembly comprises of a wire guide extending from the mounting plate. The wire guide is adapted to receive the one or more cables routed through the cutout.

[0019]

[0015] In an embodiment, the wire guide comprises of a channel . The channel is adapted to receive the one or more cables toward the one or more vehicle components.

[0016] In an embodiment, a method for assembling the stem assembly for the vehicle is disclosed. The method comprises routing the one or more cables through the one or more first openings and the one or more second openings. The one or more first openings and the second openings being adapted to route the one or more cables through the headtube for connecting to the one or more vehicle components. Further, the lower block is mounted onto the headtube. The mounting plate of the bottom mounting assembly is then coupled to the bottom surface of the steerer tube. The fastener is thereafter inserted through the headtube and the lower block into the lower block. The fastener is then fastened in the lower block. The upper block is thereafter mounted pivotally on the lower block.

[0020] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0021]

[0017] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.

[0022] Figure l is a perspective view of a portion of a stem assembly for a vehicle, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a portion of the stem assembly without a lower cowl, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the lower cowl of the stem assembly, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 4 is a bottom perspective view of a portion of the stem assembly mounted to a headtube of the vehicle, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the vehicle depicting mounting of the stem assembly mounted on the headtube, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 6 is a sectional view of a portion of the stem assembly, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029]

[0018] Various features and embodiments of the present invention here will be discernible from the following further description thereof, set out hereunder.

[0030]

[0019] The present invention relates to a vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to a stem assembly for the vehicle, such as a bicycle. The stem assembly comprises an upper block coupled to a lower block. The upper block is adapted to receive and support a handlebar of the vehicle. The lower block is adapted to be mounted to a headtube and to a steerer tube of a front fork in the vehicle. The lower block is covered or enclosed by a lower cowl, wherein the lower cowl supports an accessory, such as a headlight.

[0031]

[0020] Further, the lower block is provided with one or more first openings and one or more second openings that are adapted to receive and route one or more cables of the vehicle. The one or more first openings and the second openings are adapted to route the cables through the headtube to the respective vehicle components. Further, the stem assembly further comprises a bottom mounting assembly having a fastener that engages with a steerer tube of the front fork. The bolt is inserted through the steerer tube of the front fork and connected to the lower block. Such a construction mitigates need for star nut, a bowl assembly and multiple washers for mounting the stem assembly, thereby reducing part count in the vehicle.

[0032]

[0021] In the present disclosure, arrow indications provided in Figures pertain to directional indications of the vehicle. As such, the terms “top side”, “bottom side”, “left side” and “right side” respectively correspond to top, bottom, left and right sides of the vehicle, until and unless specified otherwise. Also, the terms “inner” corresponds a surface that is facing towards a central axis (not shown) of the vehicle. The term “outer” corresponds to a surface that is facing away from the central axis of the vehicle.

[0033]

[0022] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a portion of a stem assembly 100 for a vehicle 102, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the stem assembly 100 is provided for a bicycle (as shown in Figure 5) which can be a mechanical bicycle or an electric bicycle or a power-assisted bicycle. Alternatively, the stem assembly 100 can be provided for a single wheeled vehicle or any multi-wheeled vehicle as per design feasibility and requirement.

[0034]

[0023] The stem assembly 100 comprises of an upper block 104. The upper block 104 is adapted to support a handlebar 110 (for e.g. as shown in Figure 2) of the vehicle 102. In the present embodiment, the upper block 104 is an elongated hollow member having a rectangular crosssection oriented about a front-rear direction of the vehicle 102. The upper block 104 can be provided with a cross-section of any geometric or shape as per design feasibility and requirement in the vehicle 102.

[0035]

[0024] The upper block 104 has a first portion 104a adapted to receive and support the handlebar 110. The first portion 104a may be provided with a faceplate (not shown) for fastening or clamping the handlebar 110 to the upper block 104. In the present embodiment, the first portion 104a is a front portion of the upper block 104. Accordingly, the handlebar 110 is mounted at the front portion of the upper block 104.

[0025] Further, the upper block 104 comprises a second portion 104b adapted to be mounted to a lower block 106 of the stem assembly 100 oriented about a top-down direction of the vehicle 102. The second portion 104b may be a rear portion of the upper block 104. Thus, the rear portion of the upper block 104 is mounted to the lower block 106. In the present embodiment, the second portion 104b is pivotally mounted to an upper portion 106a of the lower block 106. A suitable height adjustment mechanism (not shown) may be provided at a connecting junction of the upper block 104 and the lower block 106. The height adjustment mechanism enables adjustment of position of the handlebar 110 as per rider anthropological requirement.

[0036]

[0026] Referring to Figure 2 in conjunction with Figure 1, the lower block 106 is mounted onto a headtube 112 of a mainframe 120 (shown in Figure 5) of the vehicle 102. Particularly, the lower block 106 has a lower portion 106b that is mounted to the headtube 112. The lower portion 106b may be provided with a fastening sleeve (not shown) that is adapted to fastened to the headtube 112. The lower portion 106b may be an elongated hollow member having a rectangular crosssection oriented about a front-rear direction of the vehicle 102. The upper block 104 can be provided with a cross-section of any geometric or shape as per design feasibility and requirement in the vehicle 102. The lower block 106 is aligned about the top-down direction of the vehicle 102 upon mounting on the headtube 112.

[0037]

[0027] Further, the lower block 106 comprises of one or more first openings 114 and one or more second openings 116. The one or more first openings 114 and the one or more second openings 116 are adapted to receive and route one or more cables (not shown). In an embodiment, the one or more cables are brake cables, derailleur cables, accessory cables and the like. In the present embodiment, the one or more brake cables of a braking system (not shown) and / or derailleur cables are routed through the one or more first openings 114, while the one or more accessory cables are routed through the one or more second openings 116. The one or more cables received through the one or more first openings 114 and the one or more second openings 116 are routed through the headtube 112. Alternatively, the one or more cables received through the one or more first openings 114 and the one or more second openings 116 are routed from the headtube 112.

[0038]

[0028] In the present embodiment, the one or more first openings 114 are provided in the upper portion 106a of the lower block 106. The one or more first openings 114 are also positioned towards a front side (not shown) of the vehicle 102 so that, the one or more brake cables routed from the one or more first openings 114 are connectable to one or more brake levers (not shown) provided on the handlebar 110. Alternatively, the one or more first openings 114 can be provided at any location on the lower block 106 as per feasibility and design requirement for receiving and routing the one or more cables. In an embodiment, each of the one or more first openings 114 is an elongated slot capable of routing the one or more cables.

[0039]

[0029] Further, the one or more second openings 116 on the lower block 106 are adapted to receive and route the one or more accessory cables (not shown) of an accessory 118 (such as a headlight) of the vehicle 102. In the present embodiment, the one or more second openings 116 are provided in the lower portion 106b of the lower block 106. The one or more second openings 116 are also positioned on a left side (not shown) and / or a right side of the vehicle 102 so that, the one or more cables routed from the one or more second openings 116 are connectable to the accessory 118 that is mounted in front of the lower block 106. Alternatively, the one or more second openings 116 can be provided at any location on the lower block 106 as per feasibility and design requirement. In an embodiment, each of the one or more second openings 116 is an elongated slot capable of routing the one or more cables.

[0040]

[0030] Referring to Figure 3 in conjunction with Figures 1 and 2, a perspective view of a lower cowl 108 is depicted. The lower cowl 108 is adapted to enclose or cover the lower block 106. The lower cowl 108 comprises a hollow body portion 108a adapted to cover the lower block 106. A clearance or a gap is maintained between an inner surface (not shown) of the hollow body portion 108a and an outer surface (not shown) of the lower block 106, so that the one or more cables are uninterrupted. In an embodiment, shape of the hollow body portion 108a conforms to shape of the lower block 106. The lower cowl 108 may also be adapted to be supported on the headtube 112.

[0031] Further, the lower cowl 108 comprises a protruded portion 108b extending in front of the hollow body portion 108a. The protruded portion 108b is adapted to support or accommodate the accessory 118 (i.e. the headlight). Accordingly, shape of the protruded portion 108b conforms to shape of the accessory 118 to be accommodated. In an embodiment, the protruded portion 108b extends parallelly to the upper block 104 of the stem assembly 100.

[0041]

[0032] In an embodiment, the lower cowl 108 may be a two-piece member, having a left-side member (not shown) and a right-side member (not shown). The left-side member and the rightside member may be coupled or joined with one another to form the lower cowl 108.

[0042]

[0033] Referring to Figure 4 in conjunction with Figures 1-3, a bottom perspective view of the stem assembly 100 mounted to the headtube 112 is depicted. As shown, the stem assembly 100 comprises a bottom mounting assembly 122. The bottom mounting assembly 122 comprises a mounting plate 124 that is adapted to engage with a bottom surface (not shown) of a steerer tube 126 (shown in Figure 5) of a front fork 128 (also known as front suspension assembly). In an embodiment, the mounting plate 124 is mounted at a central portion (not shown) of a clamp (not shown) of the front fork 128.

[0034] The mounting plate 124 comprises an opening (not shown) that is adapted to receive a fastener 130. The fastener 130 traverse through the headtube 112 and engages with the lower block 106 (as shown in Figure 6). In an embodiment, the fastener 130 fastens with a nut (not shown) provided in the lower block 106. Thus, the fastener 130 engages the stem assembly 100 onto the headtube 112. Such a construction mitigates need for an additional cover for ingress protection in the headtube 112. Moreover, requirement of a star nut, multiple washers and a bowl assembly are eliminated, thereby reducing part count in the vehicle 102 for mounting the stem assembly 100 onto the headtube 112. Additionally, requirement of providing slots or openings on the headtube 112 for routing the cables is eliminated, thereby enhancing structural integrity of the mainframe 120 of the vehicle 102.

[0043]

[0035] Further, the mounting plate 124 is provided with a cutout 132. The cutout 132 is adapted to route the one or more brake cables and / or the one or more cables from the headtube 112 to their respective vehicle components. That is, the one or more brake cables routed by the one or more first openings 114 through the headtube 112 is directed to the braking system of the vehicle 102 through the cutout 132. Also, the one or more cables routed by the one or more second openings 116 through the headtube 112 is directed to a battery module (not shown) disposed in the vehicle 102 through the cutout 132.

[0044]

[0036] Additionally, the bottom mounting assembly 122 comprises a wire guide 134 extending from the mounting plate 124. In an embodiment, the mounting plate 124 comprises of a face portion 124a and a cutout portion 124b. The wire guide 134 is mounted to the face portion 124a of the mounting plate 124 using mounting methods such as screws or welding as per requirement. In the present embodiment, the wire guide 134 is mounted to the face portion 124a of the mounting plate 124 through one or more fasteners 136. Alternatively, the wire guide 134 can be integrally formed with the face portion 124a of the mounting plate 124. The wire guide 134 is adapted to receive the one or more cables and / or the one or more brake cables routed from the cutout 132. The wire guide 134 directs the one or more cables and / or the one or more brake cables to the respective vehicle components. Such a construction mitigates tangling of the cables during vehicle movement. In an embodiment, the wire guide 134 is positioned adjacent to the cutout 132 and fastened to the mounting plate 124 through the one or more fasteners 136.

[0045]

[0037] In an embodiment, the wire guide 134 is provided with a channel 134a for routing or directing the cables to their respective vehicle components. In another embodiment, the channel 134a is positioned in front of the front fork 128 and is adapted to route or direct the one or more brake cables to a front braking system (not shown) of the vehicle 102.

[0038] In an embodiment, a method of assembling the stem assembly 100 on to the vehicle 102 comprises routing the one or more brake cables through the one or more first openings 114 and through the headtube 112 for connecting to the braking system. Thereafter, the lower block 106 is mounted onto the headtube 112. The mounting plate 124 of the bottom mounting assembly 122 is then coupled to the bottom surface of the steerer tube 126, through the fastener 130. The fastener 130 is then inserted through the headtube 112 and into the lower block 106 through the lower portion 106b. The fastener 130 is fastened to the nut disposed in the lower block 106. The upper block 104 is thereafter pivotally mounted to the lower block 106, thereby fastening the stem assembly 100 to the steerer tube 126. Subsequently, the lower cowl 108 is mounted to cover the lower block 106. Such a method simplifies the process of assembling the stem assembly 100 onto the vehicle 102, while also reducing part count.

[0046]

[0039] The claimed invention as disclosed above is not routine, conventional or well understood in the art, as the claimed aspects enable the following solutions to the existing problems in conventional technologies. Specifically, the claimed aspect of providing the first opening on the lower block 106 routes the one or more brake cables to the braking system, through the steerer tube and the cutout 124. Such routing mitigates the need for providing openings on the headtube, thereby maintaining structural integrity of the mainframe. Also, mounting of the stem assembly to the steerer tube through the bolt eliminates the requirement of the star nut, multiple washers and a bowl assembly, thereby reducing part count. Consequently, reducing the overall cost of the vehicle.

[0040] While the present invention has been described with respect to certain embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

[0047] List of Reference Numerals

[0048] 100 - Stem assembly

[0049] 102 - Vehicle

[0050] 104 - Upper block 106 - Lower block 108 - Lower cowl 110 - Handlebar 112 - Headtube 114 - One or more first openings 116 - One or more second openings 118 - Accessory 120 - Mainframe

[0051] 122 - Bottom mounting assembly

[0052] 124 - Mounting plate

[0053] 124a - Face portion of the mounting plate 124b - Cutout portion of the mounting plate

[0054] 126 - Steerer tube of the front fork

[0055] 128 - Front fork

[0056] 130 - Fastener

[0057] 132 - Cutout 134 - Wire guide

[0058] 134a - Channel

[0059] 136 - One or more fasteners

[0060] 138 - Opening of the mounting plate

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A stem assembly (100) for a vehicle (102), the stem assembly (100) comprising: an upper block (104); and a lower block (106) adapted to be pivotally connected to the upper block (104), the lower block (106) comprising one or more first openings (114) and one or more second openings (116), the one or more first openings (114) and the one or more second openings (116) being adapted to receive and route one or more cables through a headtube (112) to one or more vehicle components.

2. The stem assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprising a lower cowl (108) being adapted to cover the lower block (106), the lower cowl (108) comprising: a hollow body portion (108a) adapted to cover the lower block (106); and a protruded portion (108b) extending in front of the hollow body portion (108a), the protruded portion (108b) being adapted to accommodate an accessory (118).

3. The stem assembly (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the hollow body portion (108a) adapted to maintain a clearance between an inner surface of the hollow body portion (108a) and an outer surface of the lower block 106.

4. The stem assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprising a bottom mounting assembly (122), the bottom mounting assembly (122) being adapted to mount the lower block (106) to a steerer tube (126) of the vehicle (102).

5. The stem assembly (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the bottom mounting assembly (122) comprises a mounting plate (124), the mounting plate (124) being adapted to engage with a bottom surface of the steerer tube (126) of the vehicle (102).

6. The stem assembly (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the mounting plate (124) comprising an opening (138), the opening (138) being adapted to receive a fastener (130), the fastener (130) adapted to traverse through the headtube (112) and engage with the lower block (106).

7. The stem assembly (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the mounting plate (124) being provided with a cutout (132), the cutout (132) being adapted to route the one or more cables from the headtube (112) to the one or more vehicle components.

8. The stem assembly (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the bottom mounting assembly (122) comprising a wire guide (134) extending from the mounting plate (124), the wire guide (134) being adapted to guide the one or more cables routed through the cutout (132) to the one or more vehicle components.

9. The stem assembly (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the wire guide (134) comprising a channel (134a), the channel (134a) being adapted to guide the one or more cables to the one or more vehicle components.

10. Amethod for assembling a stem assembly (100) in a vehicle (102), the method comprising: routing, one or more cables through at least one of one or more first openings (114) and one or more second openings (116), the one or more first openings (114) and the one or more second openings (116) being adapted to route the one or more cables through a headtube (112) for connecting to one or more vehicle components; mounting, a lower block (106) of the stem assembly (100) onto the headtube (112); coupling, a mounting plate (124) of a bottom mounting assembly (122) to a bottom surface of a steerer tube (126); inserting, a fastener (130) through the mounting plate (124) and the headtube (112) into the lower block (106); fastening, the fastener (130) in the lower block (106); and mounting, pivotally an upper block (104) on the lower block (106).

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