Fixture for releasably mounting a portable device to a vehicle
The spring-loaded bi-stable latch mechanism addresses the instability and usability issues of existing mounts by enabling secure, adaptable, and easy attachment of portable devices on motorcycles, ensuring stability and ergonomic operation.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- STARK FUTURE SL
- Filing Date
- 2025-12-09
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-18
AI Technical Summary
Existing mounting solutions for portable devices on motorcycles lack stability, adaptability, and ease of use, failing to securely attach devices of varying shapes and sizes while allowing quick detachment and reattachment, and often obstruct the rider's view or interfere with vehicle controls.
A fixture with a spring-loaded bi-stable latch mechanism that allows one-handed operation, providing secure attachment and easy detachment of portable devices by using abutments and a latch system that snaps into stable positions, ensuring stability and adaptability to different device shapes and sizes.
The fixture ensures stable and ergonomic mounting of portable devices on motorcycles, allowing easy engagement and disengagement without obstructing the rider's view or interfering with controls, while accommodating various devices and environmental conditions.
Smart Images
Figure EP2025086104_18062026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] FIXTURE FOR RELEASABLY MOUNTING A PORTABLE DEVICE TO A VEHICLE
[0002] The present invention relates to the field of mounting systems for portable devices, such as smartphones, GPS units, or cameras, designed specifically for use in vehicles, particularly motorcycles. With the growing reliance on portable devices for navigation, communication, and recording purposes, there is an increasing need for reliable, secure, and adaptable mounting solutions that cater to the unique operational and environmental conditions associated with motorcycles.
[0003] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Portable devices such as smartphones, GPS units, cameras, and action recording devices have become essential tools for both casual and professional users. These devices are increasingly relied upon for navigation, real-time communication, performance monitoring, and multimedia recording. However, when used in conjunction with vehicles, particularly motorcycles, several challenges arise in securely mounting and accessing these devices.
[0005] Motorcycles present unique environmental and operational conditions compared to other vehicles. Unlike automobiles, motorcycles expose mounted devices to continuous vibrations, sudden movements, and varying weather conditions, including rain, dust, and intense sunlight. Moreover, the compact design of motorcycles limits the available space for securely and conveniently attaching devices without obstructing the rider's view or interfering with the vehicle’s controls.
[0006] Existing solutions for mounting portable devices to motorcycles suffer from several drawbacks. Many rely on adhesive systems or permanent fixtures, which are difficult to remove or reposition. Others employ clamps or straps that may not provide adequate stability during high-speed travel or under conditions of vibration. These mounting systems often lack the necessary flexibility to accommodate devices of different shapes and sizes or to allow for quick and reliable detachment when needed.
[0007] Furthermore, the demands of modern riders require mounting systems that are ergonomic and intuitive, enabling them to operate their devices with minimal distraction. Traditional mounting solutions often fall short in addressing these usability concerns, making them less suitable for dynamic riding environments.
[0008] The need for a versatile, durable, and user-friendly mounting fixture that can securely attach portable devices to motorcycles while allowing for easy detachment and reattachment is evident. This need extends not only to motorcycles but also to other vehicles where similar operational conditions exist, such as bicycles, ATVs, and snowmobiles. The present invention seeks to overcome these limitations by providing a novel fixture for releasably mounting portable devices to motorcycles and other vehicles. The invention is designed to offer superior stability, adaptability, and ease of use, addressing the specific challenges posed by motorcycle use. It is particularly suited for applications where reliability and safety are paramount, such as in long-distance touring, off-road biking, and high- performance racing environments.
[0009] SUMMARY
[0010] The invention is defined in the independent claims.
[0011] The proposed invention is especially advantageous in that it combines ease of assembly, and secure attachment
[0012] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] Fig. 1 shows a motorcycle in an elevated perspective view;
[0014] Fig. 2 shows a motorcycle steering according to aspects of the invention;
[0015] Fig. 3a shows an embodiment of the fixture without a portable device;
[0016] Fig. 3b shows an embodiment of the fixture with the portable device;
[0017] Fig. 4a is a perspective view with a portion of the fixture cut away; and Fig. 4b is a cross section of the fixture.
[0018] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0019] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a saddle-type vehicle 10 essentially comprising an engine 13 as a mechanical power source, a wheel 17, 19 for propulsion, and a steering 15 for directing the vehicle movement. Before discussing further details of the vehicle, some general aspects of the invention are discussed.
[0020] According to a first aspect, a fixture for releasably mounting a portable device to a vehicle is provided, the fixture comprising: an accommodation volume configured to accommodate the portable device; a first abutment configured to abut against the portable device; a second abutment configured to abut against the portable device; and a latch configured to assume one of an open position allowing the portable device to move into and out of the accommodation volume, and a closed position retaining the portable device in the accommodation volume; wherein the first abutment is arranged on a first side of the accommodation volume to abut against the portable device inside the accommodation volume; wherein the second abutment is arranged on a second side of the accommodation volume opposite to the first side, to abut against the portable device inside the accommodation volume; wherein the accommodation volume is open to a third side allowing the portable device being placed into and removed from the accommodation volume; and wherein the latch is configured to move between the open position and the closed position, the latch in the open position having a first stable state, the latch in the closed position having a second stable state, and the latch in a position between the open position and the closed position having an instable state.
[0021] As the latch is in stable states both, in the open and closed positions, the portable device is easy to engage and to disengage at the fixture, as the latch will stay open when brought into the open position and will move into the closed position when brought into a position between the open and the closed position. This in turn allows for a one-handed operation, as it is not necessary to keep the latch open once it has been brought into the open position.
[0022] In various embodiments the latch operates by employing a spring-loaded system that creates a counter force or resistance as the latch moves through the range of its motion, wherein the counter force or resistance increases as the latch approaches a midpoint or "center" of a toggle arc; and once the latch surpasses this center, the stored energy in the spring is released, and the latch snaps into the respective other stable position.
[0023] It is thus likewise not necessary to force the latch all the way into the closed position, as it will move there by itself once it has passed the center.
[0024] In various embodiments the latch in the closed position is configured to engage a rim or a notch of the portable device.
[0025] In various embodiments the fixture further comprising a spring engaging the latch, wherein the spring is compressed when the latch transitions between the open position and the closed position and biases the latch towards the respective one of the open position and the closed position.
[0026] In various embodiments the latch comprises a latch protrusion and is configured to engage the portable device with the latch protrusion when the latch is in the closed position.
[0027] In various embodiments the latch is attached rotatably to the fixture by a rotational joint and wherein the latch is configured to rotate with respect to the fixture between the open position and the closed position.
[0028] In various embodiments the latch is arranged on the first side of the accommodation volume, wherein the first abutment is configured to abut against the portable device in the same direction as the latch protrusion moving into engagement with the portable device for assuming the closed position. This way the first abutment prevents that movement of the portable device opens the latch.
[0029] In various embodiments the latch comprises: a shaft extending between the rotational joint and the latch protrusion with the latch protrusion preferably extending perpendicularly to the shaft; a compression spring and a spring crank, extending from the rotational joint to a distal end; wherein the spring crank is configured to compress the compression spring when the latch transitions between the open position and the closed position, and wherein the compression spring biases the latch towards the respective one of the open position and the closed position.
[0030] In various embodiments the latch further comprises a cam crank extending from the rotational joint into the accommodation volume when the latch is in an open position, the cam crank configured to engage the portable device when the portable device is pushed into the accommodation volume, and wherein the cam crank is configured to rotate the latch into the closed position when the portable device is pushed into the accommodation volume.
[0031] In various embodiments the cam crank is configured to clear the accommodation volume when rotating the latch into the closed position. In various embodiments the cam crank is configured to clear the accommodation volume when the latch has passed the center of the toggle arc.
[0032] In various embodiments the second abutment is arranged on the opposite side to the latch with respect to the accommodation volume and comprises at least one fixed protrusion configured for a rim or a notch of the portable device to engage when accommodated in the accommodation volume.
[0033] According to a second aspect a motorcycle comprising a fixture for releasably mounting a portable device to the motorcycle is provided, the fixture comprising: an accommodation volume configured to accommodate the portable device; a first abutment configured to abut against the portable device; a second abutment configured to abut against the portable device; and a latch configured to assume one of an open position allowing the portable device to move into and out of the accommodation volume, and a closed position retaining the portable device in the accommodation volume; wherein the first abutment is arranged on a first side of the accommodation volume to abut against the portable device inside the accommodation volume; wherein the second abutment is arranged on a second side of the accommodation volume opposite to the first side, to abut against the portable device inside the accommodation volume; wherein the accommodation volume is open to a third side allowing the portable device being placed into and removed from the accommodation volume; and wherein the latch is configured to move between the open position and the closed position, the latch in the open position having a first stable state, the latch in the closed position having a second stable state, and the latch in a position between the open position and the closed position having an instable state.
[0034] In various embodiments the motorcycle further comprises a portable device configured to be accommodated in the accommodation volume.
[0035] In various embodiments the motorcycle further comprises a receptacle surrounding the fixture and the accommodation volume, the receptacle comprising a flexible material.
[0036] While the invention is primarily discussed with respect to motorcycles, the invention is also applicable to other motorized and non-motorized vehicles, such as cars, bicycles, boats, ships and aircraft.
[0037] Coming back to Fig. 1 the saddle-type vehicle 10 particularly is a motorcycle. Typically, the motorcycle 10 comprises a front wheel 17, a rear wheel 19 and a seat 14. In various embodiments, the motorcycle 10 comprises a wheel fork 16 supporting the front wheel 17. The wheel fork 16 and the front wheel 17 are configured to rotate a rotational axis of the front wheel 17 with respect to a rotational axis of the rear wheel 19 in order to steer the motorcycle 10.
[0038] In various embodiments the motorcycle 10 comprises a structural frame 12 supporting the seat 14 and the engine 13. In various embodiments the wheel fork 16 comprises a front suspension such as a telescoping fork having a spring for elastic deflection and a damper for shock absorption. In various embodiments, the motorcycle 10 comprises a rear suspension 18 suspending the rear wheel 19 with respect to the structural frame 12.
[0039] In various embodiments, the motorcycle comprises a bodywork 11 covering a portion of the structural frame 12 and preferably a portion of the engine 13. In various embodiments, the seat 14 is arranged on the body work 11.
[0040] In various embodiments the engine 13 comprises an energy source. In various embodiments the engine 13 is an electric engine and the energy source is a battery such as a secondary battery. In further embodiments the engine 13 is an internal combustion engine and the energy source is a fuel tank. In various embodiments, the engine 13 drives the rear wheel 19 by means of a chain drive, a belt drive or a shaft drive. Fig. 2 shows an embodiment of the steering 15. In various embodiments the steering 15 comprises a handlebar 21 and a display unit 29. In various embodiments the display unit 29 comprises a screen configured to indicate a motorcycle condition such as speed, a vehicle position and / or an energy storage status. In various embodiments, the display unit 29 is configured to receive user input with respect to vehicle adjustments and / or a destination. In various embodiments the display unit 29 is a portable device that is operative independently from the motorcycle such as a smartphone, a GPS unit, a cameras, a tablet computer or an action recording device. In various embodiments the handlebar 15 comprises a display receptacle 33 configured to accommodate the display unit 29. In various embodiments the display unit 29 is configured to be placed 35 in the display receptacle 33. In various embodiments the display receptacle 33 is configured to releasably engage the display unit 29. In various embodiments the receptacle 33 accommodates a fixture for releasably mounting the display unit 29 to the motorcycle. In various embodiments the steering 15 comprises a data distributer 31 configured to facilitate data communication between the display unit 29 and a motorcycle data processing unit associated with the motorcycle 10.
[0041] Fig. 3a shows an embodiment of the fixture 41 without the receptacle 33 and without the portable device. The fixture 41 comprises at least one first abutment 45, at least one second abutment 47 and a latch 43. The at least one first abutment 45 and the at least one second abutment 47 delineate a volume for accommodating the portable device on two opposing sides, such that the first abutment 45 is arranged on a first side of this accommodation volume to abut against the portable device inside the accommodation volume. The second abutment 47 is arranged on a second side of the accommodation volume opposite to the first side, to abut against the portable device inside the accommodation volume from the opposite side. The first and second abutments 45, 47 thus secure the portable device in two opposing directions.
[0042] In various embodiments the latch 43 is configured to assume one of an open position allowing the portable device to move into and out of the accommodation volume, and a closed position retaining the portable device in the accommodation volume. In various embodiments the latch 43 comprises a structure, which, when the latch 43 is in the closed position, is configured to engage a rim or a notch of the portable device. When the latch 43 is in the closed position, the latch 43 particularly secures the portable device in a third direction, perpendicular to the directions secured by the first and second abutments 45, 47. In various embodiments the latch 43 is a bi-stable mechanism with the latch 43 in the open position having a first stable state, and the latch 43 in the closed position having a second stable state.
[0043] In various embodiments, the latch 43 operates by employing a spring-loaded system that creates resistance as the latch 43 moves through the range of its motion. The resistance increases as the latch 43 approaches the midpoint or "center" of its toggle arc. Once the latch 43 surpasses this center point, the stored energy in the spring is released, snapping the latch 43 into the respective other stable position. The spring mechanism provides a distinct tactile "click," allowing users to feel when the latch 43 has toggled.
[0044] In various embodiments the latch 43 comprises at least one latch protrusion 44 and is configured to engage the portable device with the latch protrusion 44 when the latch 43 is in the closed position. In various embodiments the latch protrusion 44 is configured to engage a notch of the portable device when in the closed position and thus also secures the portable device in a fourth direction perpendicular to the third direction, and to the directions secured by the first and second abutments 45, 47. In various embodiments the latch protrusion 44 is extending from the latch 43 towards the accommodation volume when the latch 43 is in the closed position.
[0045] In various embodiments the latch 43 is attached rotatably to the fixture 41 by a rotational joint and the latch 43 is configured to rotate with respect to the fixture 41 between the open position and the closed position.
[0046] In various embodiments the latch 43 is arranged adjacent to the first abutment 45. In various embodiments the latch 43 is arranged on the first side of the accommodation volume, and the first abutment 45 is configured to abut against the portable device in the same direction as the latch protrusion 44 movement, when the latch protrusion is moving into engagement with the portable device for assuming the closed position. The first abutment thus not only secures the portable device in this direction, the first abutment 45 also prevents that the portable device pushes against the latch 43 and the latch protrusion 44 in a manner that the latch 43 leaves the closed position.
[0047] In various embodiments, the second abutment 47 comprises at least one fixed protrusion 49 configured for a rim or a notch of the portable device to engage when accommodated in the accommodation volume. The fixed protrusion 49 extends from the second abutment 47 into the accommodation volume. In various embodiments the second abutment 47 is arranged on the opposite side to the latch 43 with respect to the accommodation volume.
[0048] The latch 43 further comprises at least one cam crank 51 configured to engage the portable device when the portable device is pushed into the accommodation volume. The cam crank 51 is configured to rotate the latch into the closed position when the portable device is pushed into the accommodation volume and into engagement with the first and second abutments 45, 47. In various embodiments the cam crank 51 comprises a roller facilitating movement of the cam crank 51 against the portable device.
[0049] In various embodiments the latch 43 further comprises a button 46 allowing a user to push the latch 43 into the open position. In various embodiments the when the latch 43 moves into the open position, the cam crank 51 pushes against the portable device such that the portable device moves out of the accommodation volume.
[0050] In various embodiments the fixture 41 comprises a data transmitter 71. In various embodiments the data transmitter 71 is configured for data communication with the portable device and facilitates data communication between the portable device and the motorcycle data processing unit. In various embodiments the data transmitter 71 is configured for wireless communication with the portable device e.g. using the Bluetooth standard. In various embodiments the data transmitter 71 is configured for a wired serial bus connection with the motorcycle data processing unit.
[0051] In various embodiments the fixture 41 comprises a fixture frame 53 to which the first and second abutment 45, 47 are fixed. In various embodiments, the fixture frame 53, the first and the second abutment 45, 47 are integral. In various embodiments the fixture frame 53 comprises a vehicle mount 73 configured to have the fixture mounted to a vehicle, for example by screwing the fixture to the handlebar 21 of a motorcycle 10.
[0052] Fig. 3b shows an embodiment of the fixture 41 without the receptacle 33 and with the portable device 29. The portable device 29 rests between the first and second abutment 45, 47. The latch 43 is in the closed position. The at least one fixed protrusion 49 engages a portable device notch 61. The at least one latch protrusion 44 engages a portable device notch on the side of the portable device 29 facing away from view. To disengage the portable device, the user may push the button 46 and thus bring the latch 43 into the open position.
[0053] Fig. 4a is a perspective view with a portion of the fixture 41 cut away so that an embodiment of the mechanism for the latch 43 becomes visible. In various embodiments the latch 43 is attached rotatably to the fixture 41 at a rotational joint 54. In further embodiments the latch
[0054] 43 comprises a shaft 43a extending between the rotational joint 54 and the latch protrusion
[0055] 44 with the latch protrusion 44 preferably extending perpendicularly to the shaft. In further embodiments the latch 43 comprises a compression spring 57 and a spring crank 55. The spring crank 55 extends from the rotational joint 54 to a distal end carrying a bushing joint 58. The bushing joint 58 rotatably engages a bushing 56. The bushing 56 contains a compression spring 57, the bushing slides along a spring pin 59 and the bushing 56 tensions the compression spring 57 against the spring pin 59. The spring pin 59 is fixed to the fixture 41.
[0056] Fig. 4b shows a cross section of the fixture 41 with the latch 43 resting in a closed position. The bushing 56 in the depicted closed position extends roughly in parallel to the shaft 43a. The bushing 56 is offset to the shaft 43a due to the spring crank 55. When the button is pushed, the latch 43 rotates about the rotational joint 54 with the latch protrusion 44 moving away from the accommodation volume 80. The spring crank 55 pushes the bushing against the spring pin thus compressing the compression spring 57. The bushing joint 58 passes between the rotational joint 54 and the spring pin 59 against the resistance of the compression spring 57. When the rotational joint 54, the bushing joint 58 and the spring pin 59 are aligned, the compression spring is maximally compressed. When the latch 43 rotates further, the bushing joint 58 has passed the alignment with the rotational joint 54 and the spring pin 59 and the compression spring 57 relaxes until the latch 43 assumes the open position. While the latch 43 moves into the open position, the cam crank 51 moves into the accommodation volume 80. Any portable device resting in the accommodation volume 80 is pushed out.
[0057] Conversely, when a portable device is pushed into the accommodation volume 80 and against the cam crank 51 the bushing joint 58 passes between the rotational joint 54 and the spring pin 59 against the resistance of the compression spring 57 until the bushing joint 58 has passed the alignment with the rotational joint 54 and the spring pin 59. The latch 43 then assumes the closed position. The compression spring 57 thus expands when the latch 43 assumes one of the open position and the closed position.
[0058] References
[0059] 10 saddle-type vehicle (e.g. motorcycle)
[0060] 11 bodywork
[0061] 12 structural frame
[0062] 13 engine
[0063] 14 seat
[0064] 15 steering
[0065] 16 wheel fork
[0066] 17 front wheel
[0067] 18 rear suspension
[0068] 19 rear wheel
[0069] 29 display unit
[0070] 31 data distributer
[0071] 33 display receptacle
[0072] 41 fixture
[0073] 43 latch
[0074] 43a shaft
[0075] 44 latch protrusion
[0076] 45 first abutment
[0077] 46 button
[0078] 47 second abutment
[0079] 49 fixed protrusion
[0080] 51 cam crank
[0081] 53 fixture frame
[0082] 54 rotational joint spring crank bushing latch spring bushing joint spring pin engagement notch data transmitter vehicle mount
Claims
CLAIMS1. A fixture for releasably mounting a portable device to a vehicle, the fixture comprising: an accommodation volume configured to accommodate the portable device; a first abutment configured to abut against the portable device; a second abutment configured to abut against the portable device; and a latch configured to assume one of an open position allowing the portable device to move into and out of the accommodation volume, and a closed position retaining the portable device in the accommodation volume; wherein the first abutment is arranged on a first side of the accommodation volume to abut against the portable device inside the accommodation volume; wherein the second abutment is arranged on a second side of the accommodation volume opposite to the first side, to abut against the portable device inside the accommodation volume; wherein the accommodation volume is open to a third side allowing the portable device being placed into and removed from the accommodation volume; and wherein the latch is configured to move between the open position and the closed position, the latch in the open position having a first stable state, the latch in the closed position having a second stable state, and the latch in a position between the open position and the closed position having an instable state.
2. The fixture of claim 1, wherein the latch in the closed position is configured to engage a rim or a notch of the portable device.
3. The fixture of any preceding claim, further comprising a spring engaging the latch, wherein the spring is compressed when the latch transitions between the open position and the closed position and biases the latch towards the respective one of the open position and the closed position.
4. The fixture of any preceding claim, wherein the latch comprises a latch protrusion and is configured to engage the portable device with the latch protrusion when the latch is in the closed position.
5. The fixture of claim 4, wherein the latch is attached rotatably to the fixture by a rotational joint and wherein the latch is configured to rotate with respect to the fixture between the open position and the closed position.
6. The fixture of claim 5, wherein the latch is arranged on the first side of the accommodation volume, wherein the first abutment is configured to abut against the portable device in the same direction as the latch protrusion moving into engagement with the portable device for assuming the closed position.
7. The fixture of claims 5 or 6, wherein the latch comprises: a shaft extending between the rotational joint and the latch protrusion with the latch protrusion preferably extending perpendicularly to the shaft; a compression spring and a spring crank, extending from the rotational joint to a distal end; wherein the spring crank is configured to compress the compression spring when the latch transitions between the open position and the closed position, and wherein the compression spring biases the latch towards the respective one of the open position and the closed position.
8. The fixture of claim 7, wherein the latch further comprises a cam crank extending from the rotational joint into the accommodation volume when the latch is in an open position, the cam crank configured to engage the portable device when the portable device is pushed into the accommodation volume, and wherein the cam crank is configured to rotate the latch into the closed position when the portable device is pushed into the accommodation volume.
9. The fixture of any preceding claim, wherein the second abutment is arranged on the opposite side to the latch with respect to the accommodation volume and comprises at least one fixed protrusion configured for a rim or a notch of the portable device to engage when accommodated in the accommodation volume.
10. A motorcycle comprising a fixture for releasably mounting a portable device to the motorcycle, the fixture comprising: an accommodation volume configured to accommodate the portable device; a first abutment configured to abut against the portable device; a second abutment configured to abut against the portable device; and a latch configured to assume one of an open position allowing the portable device to move into and out of the accommodation volume, and a closed position retaining the portable device in the accommodation volume; wherein the first abutment is arranged on a first side of the accommodation volume to abut against the portable device inside the accommodation volume; wherein the second abutment is arranged on a second side of the accommodation volume opposite to the first side, to abut against the portable device inside the accommodation volume; wherein the accommodation volume is open to a third side allowing the portable device being placed into and removed from the accommodation volume; and wherein the latch is configured to move between the open position and the closed position, the latch in the open position having a first stable state, the latch in the closed position having a second stable state, and the latch in a position between the open position and the closed position having an instable state.
11. The motorcycle of claim 10, further comprising a portable device configured to be accommodated in the accommodation volume.
12. The motorcycle of claims 10 or 11, further comprising a receptacle surrounding the fixture and the accommodation volume, the receptacle comprising a flexible material.