GB2287058A - Clamp - Google Patents

Abstract

A clamp for clamping a helmet to a motorcycle the device comprising two portions 100, 103 capable of being passed on opposing sides of a ring member of the motorcycle and of the helmet, a planar working face of one portion overlying and planar working face of the other portion to form a loop which can be locked by a padlock or or other locking member through holes 106 - 109. As shown the portions are U-shaped and J-shaped but two identical J-shaped portions can be used. <IMAGE>

Description

CLAMP This invention relates to a clamp. More especially but not exclusively the invention relates to clamps for clamping helmets to structural members of motorcycles. Other, non-llmiting, uses will be ascribed hereinafter.

Motorcycle helmets are expensive and buky. A motorcyclist leaving his machine in a public pace is faced with the problem of deciding what to do with his helmet. He can carry it with him in which case the bulk can be a nuisance. Alternatively he can leave it with the machine and risk it being stolen. It is certainly possible to chain or lock the helmet to the machine but many such chains and locks are bulky and difficult to store on the machine when not in use.

The invention seeks to provide a convenient clamp.

The clamp of the invention may not prevent theft by a determined thief but many thefts are by casual thieves who will be deterred by relatively simple devices.

According to the invention there is provided a clamp for clamping a helmet to a motorcycle the device comprising two portions the portion being capable of being passed on opposing sides of a ring member of the motorcycle and of the helmet, a planar worming face of one portion overlying a planar working face of the other portion to form a complete and lockable loop.

Embodiments of the invention will be described by reference to the accompanying Figures of which: Figure 1 is a side elevation of part of a first embodiment; Figure 2 is a plan view of the component of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a plan view of a second embodiment, and Figure 4 is a plan view of a third embodiment.

The clamp of the invention is generally made of metal although other tough and strong materials may be used. Mild steel is very suitable especially where casehardened. Alloy or carbon steels can also be highly satisfactory.

In preferred embodiments of the invention a coating is provided on the clamp for example of dipcoated plastics material or paint. The coating reduces the likelihood of scratching and in the case of rusting steels reduces the likelihood of corrosion.

The clamp typically comprises two parts 1.

Preferably the two parts are identical for manufacturing convenience but this is not essential.

Each half of the clamp is generally J-shaped. A short arm 2 is joined to a long arm 3 by bend 4.

Preferably the interior surface of the bend 4 is provided with a cushioning pad 5 preferably of a foamed material.

The long arm 3 terminates, at the end remote from the bend 4 in a dog leg 6 which offsets the end to lie about midway between the short arm 2 and the major portion of the long arm 3. A hole 7 is provided in the dog leg 6.

In the embodiment described the short arm 2 is tapered. The taper, where provided, is generally such that an extension 8 of the line of the taper intersects or nearly intersects the axis 9 of the hole 7. The reason for this will be described hereinafter.

In use the pair of parts are placed se as to surround the helmet chin guard and a closed loop member of the machine. Parts of the edges of the pair abut as do parts of the faces of the dog leg. A padlock can then be passed through the holes and locked. It will be found that if the length of the long arm is correctly chosen having regard to the size of the chin guard and the loop member then the helmet cannot be removed from the clamp.

As mentioned in some embodiments of the invention a taper is provided on the short arm. This allows the two halves to abut more completely than if not tapered.

In a further embodiment of the invention a first unit is secured to the machine. The first unit 100 is generally U-shaped and retained on the machine by a clamp 101. The clamp fastener is generally covered by the second unit (described in more detail hereinafter) or helmet when the clamp is locked. A spacer 102 for example of U-channel may be provided to prevent the helmet abutting the machine and hence being liable to scratching.

In the embodiment shown the second unit 103 is Jshaped with one leg 104 longer than the second leg 105.

This is not however essential and the second leg may be the same length or longer than the first. An important feature of the legs of all embodiments is that in use a loop sufficiently complete as to retain the helmet.

In the embodiment shown the first leg 104 is provided with a plurality of holes 106, 107, 108. In use a lock such as a padlock or cam lock is passed through one of these holes and a hole 109 in the first unit to lock the unit into a loop. The provision of a plurality of holes allows the loop size to be adjustable.

In a further embodiment of the invention the first unit 200 is broadly similar to first unit 100. Spacer 202 extends however not only between the legs of the first unit but also away outwardly as at 210. The second unit 203 is about twice the width of the first unit 200 and in use extends towards portion 210 of the spacer. As may be seen the second leg 205 need not abut the spacer or the first unit but defines a loop sufficiently complete as to retain a helmet. This embodiment allows two helmets to be clamped at a time.

While embodiments of the invention have been described by reference to helmet clamping the invention is not so restricted. The clamp may be used for other purposes such as immobilising a motorcycle by clamping relatively moving parts. The clamp may also be used on pedal cycles or to retain objects such as ladders to car roof racks. Other uses will suggest themselves to the skilled.

Claims (6)

CLAIMS:

1. A clamp for clamping a helmet to a motorcycle the device comprising two portions the portion being capable of being passed on opposing sides of a ring member of the motorcycle and of the helmet, a planar working face of one portion overlying a planar working face of the other portion to form a complete and lockable loop.

2. A device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the portions are identical.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows 1. A clamp for clamping a helmet to a motorcycle the device comprising two portions capable of being passed on opposing sides of a ring member of the motorcycle and of the helmet, a planar working face of one portion overlying and planar working face ofthe other portion to form a complete and lockable loop.

2. A clamp as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the portions are identical.

3. A clamp as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein each portion is generally J-shaped.

4. A clamp as claimed in anyone of the preceding claims wherein, a cushioning pad is curved on the portions.

5. A clamp as claimed in any one of the preceding clamp comprising plastics coated steel.

6. A clamp substantially as described herein.