CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001 ] This application claims priority from US provisional patent application 62/862,245 filed

June 17, 2019, the specification of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

(a) Field

[0002] The subject matter disclosed generally relates to a complementary mechanism to a vehicle frame that includes a head tube mounted to a fork steerable over a head tube or the general direction of the vehicle frame. More particularly, the subject matter disclosed relates to a steer limiting mechanism that is operable so as to controllably limit rotation of the steerer relative to the head tube or the general direction of the vehicle frame.

(b) Related Prior Art

[0003] In the field of vehicle frames, such as bicycle a tricycle frames that includes a fork steerable about a head tube or about the general orientation of the frame, there is a need for a mechanism to limit the directional wandering of the fork in some situations such as when someone has to lift the bicycle for example to hang the bicycle on a wall hanger, when about to lift the bicycle to install on a bicycle rack installed on a vehicle or when the bicycle is installed on the vehicle.

[0004] It is thus a need for a mechanism that can be safely operated between a free position used when operating the vehicle, and a restricted position used when the direction wandering of the steering is desired to be limited without necessarily preventing the wheel from turning. It is further a need for a mechanism that allows to operate and move the vehicle, e.g. a bicycle, with a single hand therefore having the other hand free for complementary tasks such as using keys, using straps and operating a phone.

SUMMARY

[0005] According to an embodiment, there is provided a steer locking mechanism for a vehicle comprising a frame and a wheel having two sides with the wheel being steerable relative to the frame, the steer locking mechanism comprising: a mounting component to mount the steer locking mechanism to the frame about the steerable wheel; a rotatable mechanism secured to the mounting component; and arms extending from to the rotatable mechanism and rotatable between a free position and a restricted position; wherein the arms in the restricted position extend about the wheel to prevent the steering of the wheel, and wherein the arms in the free position extend away from the wheel thereby allowing steering of the wheel.

[0006] According to an aspect, the mounting component comprising a pair of complementary jaw portions releasably secured to each other. [0007] According to an aspect, the complementary jaw portions defining a cylindrical enclosure.

[0008] According to an aspect and any of the combinations above, the mounting component comprises securing means joining the complementary jaw portions.

[0009] According to an aspect and any of the combinations above, the rotatable mechanism comprises a push-release mechanism, wherein the push-release mechanism locks when the arms are in one of the free position and the restricted position.

[0010] According to an aspect, the push-release mechanism remains unlocked in intermediary positions between the free position and the restricted position.

[0011 ] According to an aspect, the push-release mechanism comprises a push-button and a biasing means releasing the push-button upon reaching of one of the free position and the restricted position.

[0012] According to an aspect and any of the combinations above, the rotatable mechanism is connected to the arms thereby ensuring synchronous rotation of the arms.

[0013] According to an aspect and any of the combinations above, the arms comprise components that extend relative to each other, wherein the arms extend between a compact position and an extended position.

[0014] According to an aspect, the arms comprising a mechanism favoring one of the compact position and the extended position relative to intermediary positions.

[0015] According to an aspect and any of the combinations above, the arms comprise interior faces which face each other, the steer locking mechanism further comprising a deflector pivotably attached to at least one of the interior faces.

[0016] According to an aspect, the at least one of the interior faces has a first width and the deflector having a second width that is greater than the first width.

[0017] According to an aspect and any of the combinations above, the frame further comprises a fork on which is mounted the wheel which has a circumference, further wherein the arms cross the circumference of the wheel at at least 20 degrees from a crossing by the fork of circumference of the wheel.

[0018] According to an aspect and any of the combinations above, the steer locking mechanism further comprises a motor that controllably drives the arms between the free position and the locked position, or vice-versa.

[0019] According to an embodiment, there is provided a steer locking mechanism for a vehicle comprising a frame, and a wheel comprising two sides whereby the wheel being steerable relative to the frame, the steer locking mechanism comprising: a mounting component to mount the steer locking mechanism to the frame about the steerable wheel; a configuring mechanism secured to the mounting component; and a steer-limiting component comprising a pair of arms extending from the configuring mechanism and moveable between a free position and a restricted position; wherein, when the steer-limiting component is in the restricted position, the arms extend about the wheel preventing the steering of the wheel, and wherein, when the steer-limiting component is in the free position, the arms extend away from the wheel thereby allowing steering of the wheel.

[0020] According to an aspect, the configuring mechanism comprises a rotatable mechanism through which the steer-limiting component is rotatable between the restricted position and the free position.

[0021 ] According to an aspect and any of the combinations above, the steer locking mechanism further comprises a motor that controllably drives the arms between the free position and the locked position, or vice-versa.

[0022] According to an aspect and any of the combinations above, the arms comprise components that extend relative to each other, wherein the arms extend between a compact position and an extended position.

[0023] According to an aspect, the arms comprising a mechanism favoring one of the compact position and the extended position relative to intermediary positions.

[0024] According to an aspect and any of the combinations above, the arms comprise interior faces which face each other, the steer locking mechanism further comprising a deflector pivotably attached to at least one of the interior faces.

[0025] Features and advantages of the subject matter hereof will become more apparent in light of the following detailed description of selected embodiments, as illustrated in the accompanying figures. As will be realized, the subject matter disclosed and claimed is capable of modifications in various respects, all without departing from the scope of the claims. Accordingly, the drawings and the description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive and the full scope of the subject matter is set forth in the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Further features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in combination with the appended drawings, in which:

[0027] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the steer locking mechanism before being mounted, the projections distanced from each other;

[0028] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the steer locking mechanism open and moved around the frame; [0029] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the steer locking mechanism about to be closed around the frame; and

[0030] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the steer locking mechanism closed around the frame, with projections about to be fastened to each other using a screw;

[0031 ] Figs. 5A and 5B are perspective views of the steer locking mechanism of Figs. 1 to 4 with the arms respectively in a compact position and the arms in an extended position;

[0032] Figs. 6 and 7 are respectively front and rear perspective views of a steer locking mechanism in accordance with another embodiment during its mounting to the frame of a bicycle;

[0033] Figs. 8A and 8B are perspective views of the steer locking mechanism of Figs. 6 and

7 with the arms respectively in a compact position and the arms in an extended position;

[0034] Fig. 9 is a side view of a portion of a bicycle with an embodiment of the steer locking mechanism mounted thereto;

[0035] Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a portion of a bicycle with another embodiment of the steer locking mechanism mounted thereto;

[0036] Fig. 1 1 A and 1 1 B are exploded views of the steer locking mechanism of Fig. 10 with

Fig. 1 1 B depicting a front view about a wheel of a bicycle with the steer locking mechanism mounted thereto;

[0037] Fig. 12 is a front view of a steer locking mechanism in accordance with another embodiment;

[0038] Fig. 13 is a side view of the steer locking mechanism of Fig. 12 with one deflector removed;

[0039] Fig. 14 is a perspective view of a steer locking mechanism with a single deflector installed thereon in accordance with another embodiment;

[0040] Fig. 15 is a perspective view of an arm of the steer locking mechanism of Fig. 14;

[0041 ] Fig. 16 is a perspective view of the top portion of the frame mount of the steer locking mechanism of Fig. 14;

[0042] Fig. 17 is a perspective view of the actuator of the steer locking mechanism of Fig.

14;

[0043] Figs. 18 and 19 are respectively a front view and a bottom view of the actuator of Fig.

17

[0044] It will be noted that throughout the appended drawings, like features are identified by like reference numerals. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] The realizations will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying figures, in which realizations are illustrated. The foregoing may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the illustrated realizations set forth herein.

[0046] With respect to the present description, references to items in the singular should be understood to include items in the plural, and vice versa, unless explicitly stated otherwise or clear from the text. Grammatical conjunctions are intended to express any and all disjunctive and conjunctive combinations of conjoined clauses, sentences, words, and the like, unless otherwise stated or clear from the context. Thus, the term "or" should generally be understood to mean "and/or" and so forth.

[0047] Recitation of ranges of values and of values herein or on the drawings are not intended to be limiting, referring instead individually to any and all values falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value within such a range is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. The words "about," "approximately," or the like, when accompanying a numerical value, are to be construed as indicating a deviation as would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art to operate satisfactorily for an intended purpose. Ranges of values and/or numeric values are provided herein as examples only, and do not constitute a limitation on the scope of the described realizations. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language ("e.g.," "such as," or the like) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the exemplary realizations and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the realizations. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any unclaimed element as essential to the practice of the realizations.

[0048] In the following description, it is understood that terms such as "first", "second", "top",

"bottom", "above", "below", and the like, are words of convenience and are not to be construed as limiting terms. The terms "top", "bottom", “vertical”, “horizontal” and the like are intended to be construed in their normal meaning in relation with an assembly comprising the present product, thus in relation to the normal position of a vehicle frame when either sitting on, using or stepping off the vehicle, as when the vehicle is self-standing when installed on a stand for example.

[0049] The term “vehicle” in the present description is intended to include all vehicles comprising a vehicle frame to which is mounted at least one steerable wheel mount, e.g., a steerable fork. It is intended that steerable fork encompasses any fork to which is mounted a ground contacting wheel/tire steered by an operator through the steerable fork (i.e., steerable relative to the frame). For instance, the term vehicle while intended to particularly encompass bicycles and tricycles, may also encompass motorcycles for instance. Furthermore, the power source propelling the vehicle, either fully human, partially electric, electric, or using an internal combustion engine has no influence. For the remainder of the present description, the term“bicycle” is used as an example of such a vehicle, but the description is intended to encompass any compatible vehicles as defined herein before.

[0050] Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to Figs. 1 -4, Figs. 5A-B and Fig.

9, a steer locking mechanism 100 comprises a frame mount 110, aka mounting component, for mounting the steer locking mechanism 100 to the frame 50 over the frame down tube 52 near the fork 54. According to another embodiment (not shown), the steer locking mechanism 100 is mounted to the head tube above the fork 54. According to yet another embodiment (not shown), the steer locking mechanism 100 is mounted to the top tube.

[0051 ] The frame mount 110 comprises a mounting face 120 contacting the frame 50 once mounted. The frame mount 110 further comprises a hinged portion 172 and joining projections 112, 114, aka a pair of complementary jaw portions, distant from the hinged portion 172. The frame mount 110, and thus the steer locking mechanism 100, has a longitudinal direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the frame 50. In order to mount the frame mount 110 to the frame 50, one distances the joining projections 112, 114 from each other resulting in the hinged portion 172 plying. The joining projections 112, 114 are pulled away from each other to create an opening therebetween corresponding to at least the diameter of the frame 50. Fig. 1 depicts the state where the steer locking mechanism 100 is stressed in such manner to clear the necessary opening.

[0052] The next step is to slide the steer locking mechanism 100 onto the frame 50, as depicted on Fig. 2. Once sled onto the frame 50, the steer locking mechanism 100 is adjusted to the appropriate position and orientation on the frame 50, whereby the position and orientation are adjusted to have the arms 132, 134 (e.g., a pair of arms) located on a respective one of the two sides of the wheel 56 of the bicycle.

[0053] When adjusted at the desired position on the frame 50, the next step is to stress inwardly the joining projections 112, 114 to force contact between the mounting face 120 and the frame 50 over almost the entire periphery of the frame 50. Once in place and the mounting face 120 suitably contacts the frame 50, the next step is to fasten the joining projections 112, 114 to each other. This step includes using, for example, a screw 118 used to join the projection 112, then screwing the screw 118 onto a nut 119 mounted to the joining projection 114 to force the joining projections 112, 114 in a closed position wherein the mounting face 120 presses against the exterior face of the frame 50. This prevents undesired movement of the steer locking mechanism 100 relative to the frame 50, namely preventing the steer locking mechanism 100 from sliding in the longitudinal direction and the steer locking mechanism 100 from spinning around the frame 50 under tangential forces. [0054] Referring particularly to Figs. 5A to 8B, another realization of a steer locking mechanism 200 comprises a steer-limiting component 105 comprising arms 132, 134 having inward course limiting faces 152, 154 and extending away from the frame mount 110, wherein the arms 132, 134 are telescopic arms comprising a base arm portion 132a, 134a and an extending arm portion 132b, 134b that can be sled about the base arm portion 132a, 134a between a compact position and an extended position. Accordingly, as depicted on Fig. 5A, the arms 132, 134 can take a compact position.

[0055] As depicted on Fig. 5B, the arms 132, 134 can also adopt an extended position with the extending arm portions 132b, 134b sled to their limit away from the frame mount 210. It is to be noted that the arms 132, 134 may adopt any intermediary positions between the compact position and the extended position. However, according to an embodiment, a mechanism such as resilient members (not shown) are present to favor the compact position and the extended position, increasing the force necessary to leave these positions while outside these positions the resilient member does not hinder the movement of the extending arm portions 132b-134b.

[0056] The frame mount 110 comprises on each side a channel 174 in which the arms 132,

134 rotate. The outer walls 176 of the channels 174 offer a resistance against the widening of the space between the arms 132, 134 upon the wheel 56 trying to steer. The channel 174 has an end wall 178 limiting course of the arms when the arms 132, 134 are travelling toward in one of the free position and the restricted position. In normal installation, the arms 132, 134 are about the end wall 178 when in the free position.

[0057] Referring to Figs. 6, 7 and 8A-B, an alternative realization of a steer locking mechanism 300 comprises a frame mount 310 comprising a first jaw portion 312 and a second jaw portion 314 separate from each other. The first jaw portion 312 and the second jaw portion 314 each comprise a mounting face 120a and 120b that combined define a cylindrical enclosure intended, once assembled, to define a mounting face 120 gripping the frame 50.

[0058] As depicted on Figs. 6 and 7, mounting the frame mount 310 to the frame 50 comprises placing the jaw portions 312 and 314 on opposite sides of the frame 50, and fastening the jaw portions 312, 314 together using screws 118. In the depicted realization, the second jaw portion 314 comprises projections 316 through which the screws 118 pass before being screwed in the first jaw portion 312. To mount the steer locking mechanism 300, one screws loosely the second jaw portion 314 to the first jaw portion 312, adjusts the position and orientation of the steer locking mechanism 300 on the frame 50, and tightens the screws 118.

[0059] It has to be noted that access to the screws 118 is limited to when the arms 132, 134 are in the free position, thereby preventing someone from removing the screws 118 when the arms 132, 134 are in the restricted position. [0060] Referring particularly to Figs. 8A to 8B, the arms 132, 134 may be telescopic arms regardless of the mounting solution used to mount the steer locking mechanism, e.g., steer locking mechanism 200 or steer locking mechanism 300, to the frame 50.

[0061 ] Referring back particularly to Figs. 1 -4, 6, 7 and additionally to Figs. 10 and 1 1 A-B.

Extending on each side from the frame mount 110, or on one side in case of the steer locking mechanism 600, is a rotatable mechanism 170 comprises a push-release mechanism 180 featured as a barrel 140. Following description will refer to one barrel 140 for teaching purposes, but one should understand that a barrel 140 can extend from each side of the frame mount 110, and that the two barrels 140 work similarly.

[0062] The barrel 140 comprising an outer cylinder 142, an inner cylinder 144 housed by the outer cylinder 142 which is rotatable within the outer cylinder 142, and a push-button 148 to push the inner cylinder 144 between a locked position in which the orientation of the inner cylinder 144 is fixed relative to the outer cylinder 142 to a free position wherein the inner cylinder 144 is free to spin within the outer cylinder 142 between a first position, a free position, wherein the arms 132, 134 extend parallel to the frame 50 and a second position, a restricted position, wherein the arms 132, 134 extends toward the front wheel 56.

[0063] Further, the barrel 140 is designed to lock only when the arms 132, 134 are in the free position and the restricted position; the barrel 140 remaining unlocked in all intermediary positions.

[0064] Mounted to the side of the inner cylinder 144 is, according to a first realization, the arm 132 extending, in the free position, radially from the barrel 140 along the frame 50. Typically, the free position is downward and parallel to the frame 50, and, the restricted position is frontward on both sides of the wheel 56. In the second (locking) position, the arms 132, 134 extend frontward on both sides of the wheel 56, defining thereby a left course limiting face 152 and right course limiting face 154 limiting the steering of the wheel 56 to a limited angular span and thereby, through the wheel 56 connected to the fork 54, preventing the fork 54 from rotating. The arms 132, 134 and the course limiting faces 152, 154 can be construed as the wheel contacting assembly 175 mounted to the inner cylinder 144. For efficiency purposes, the arms 132, 134 cross the circumference of the wheel 56 at a certain distance from the area where the fork 54 crosses the circumference of the wheel 56. The closer the arms 132, 134 cross the circumference of the wheel 56 to the area where the fork 54 crosses the circumference of the wheel 56, the less efficient it is to prevent the steering of the wheel 56.

[0065] According to an embodiment, the arms 132, 134 cross the circumference of the wheel

56 at at least 10 degrees from where the fork 54 crosses the circumference of the wheel 56. According to an embodiment, the arms 132, 134 cross the circumference of the wheel 56 at at least 20 degrees from where the fork 54 crosses the circumference of the wheel 56. According to an embodiment, the arms 132, 134 cross the circumference of the wheel 56 at at least 30 degrees from where the fork 54 crosses the circumference of the wheel 56. According to an embodiment, the arms 132, 134 cross the circumference of the wheel 56 at at least 40 degrees from where the fork 54 crosses the circumference of the wheel 56. According to an embodiment, the arms 132, 134 cross the circumference of the wheel 56 at at least 50 degrees from where the fork 54 crosses the circumference of the wheel 56. According to an embodiment, the arms 132, 134 cross the circumference of the wheel 56 at at least 60 degrees from where the fork 54 crosses the circumference of the wheel 56. According to an embodiment, the arms 132, 134 cross the circumference of the wheel 56 at at least 70 degrees from where the fork 54 crosses the circumference of the wheel 56. According to an embodiment, the arms 132, 134 cross the circumference of the wheel 56 at at least 80 degrees from where the fork 54 crosses the circumference of the wheel 56. According to an embodiment, the arms 132, 134 cross the circumference of the wheel 56 at at least 90 degrees from where the fork 54 crosses the circumference of the wheel 56.

[0066] According to an embodiment, the arms 132, 134 cross the circumference of the wheel

56 at least two inches from the area where the fork 54 crosses the circumference of the wheel 56. According to an embodiment, the arms 132, 134 cross the circumference of the wheel 56 at least three inches from the area where the fork 54 crosses the circumference of the wheel 56. According to an embodiment, the arms 132, 134 cross the circumference of the wheel 56 at least four inches from the area where the fork 54 crosses the circumference of the wheel 56. According to an embodiment, the arms 132, 134 cross the circumference of the wheel 56 at least five inches from the area where the fork 54 crosses the circumference of the wheel 56. According to an embodiment, the arms 132, 134 cross the circumference of the wheel 56 at least six inches from the area where the fork 54 crosses the circumference of the wheel 56.

[0067] Now returning to the barrel 140, it further comprises a locking mechanism 160 comprising on the outer cylinder 142 a plurality of apertures 162. Mounted to the inner cylinder 144 is a ball 164 mounted over a biasing means 166, such as a spring, pushing the ball 164 outward. In operating positions (free position and restricted position), the ball 164 extends through one of the apertures 162, extending slightly above the outer wall 143 of the outer cylinder 142. To change the position of the wheel contacting assembly 175, the operator simply presses the ball 164 through the push-button 148 until the top of the ball 164 is about flush with the inner wall 145 of the outer cylinder 142. The user then rotates the inner cylinder 144, by moving the wheel contacting assembly 175, up to another position wherein the ball 164, when aligned with an aperture 162, will lock the inner cylinder 144 in position with the ball 164 entering the aperture 162 and preventing further rotation of the inner cylinder 144. [0068] According to a realization (not shown), the barrel 140 may comprise a biasing means normally urging the inner cylinder 144 toward the free position and thus preventing the arms 132, 134 to accidentally hinder to the steering of the wheel 56 when the barrel 140 is not blocked in the locked position. Thereby, the biasing means prevents the arms 132, 134 from accidentally coming into the restricted position when operating the bicycle.

[0069] Referring particularly to Figs. 1 1 A and 1 1 B, in a realization the steer locking mechanism 600 comprises a single barrel 140 to which is mounted an arm base 138 on which are mounted both arms 132, 134. Accordingly, the arm base 138 travels between the frame 50 and the wheel 56 when the steer locking mechanism 600 is displaced between the free position and the restricted position. The arm base 138 comprises a first portion 138a mounted to the barrel 140 and a second portion 138b extending about perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the frame 50 on which are mounted the arms 132, 134.

[0070] According to a preferred realization, the barrels 140 are mounted on both sides of the frame 50. According to alternative realizations (not shown), the steer locking mechanism comprises one or more barrels 140, with the barrel(s) 140 being mounted in one case in front of the frame 50 in the space left between the frame 50 and the wheel 56, and to the side of the frame 50 opposite to the wheel 56, with either a portion of the arm base 138 or the arms 132, 134 extending on the side of the frame 50 when in the restricted position.

[0071] According to a preferred realization, a component of the arm rotatable mechanism

170 connects the arms 132, 134 in the barrel 140, or about the barrel 140, thereby having both arms 132, 134 pivoting simultaneously (i.e., a simultaneous or synchronous rotation of the arms 132, 134).

[0072] According to a realization (not shown), the rotatable mechanism 170 comprises an electric motor that, upon being triggered by a (wired or wireless) control, drives the arms 132, 134 between the free position and the locked position, or vice-versa.

[0073] According to a realization (not shown), the rotatable mechanism 170 comprises a lock accessible through a keyhole allowing to controllably allow or prevent the use of the rotatable mechanism 170, and thus to rotate the arms 132, 134.

[0074] Referring to Fig. 9, an alternative realization of a steer locking mechanism 700 comprises arms 132, 134 mounted to an arm holding mechanism 190 that can be sled between a free position and a restricted position as depicted. Activation of the arms 132, 134 in this realization required moving the arms 132, 134 frontward or rearward to selectively prevent the steering of the wheel 56.

[0075] Referring to Fig. 10, in the depicted realization the frame mount 110 is mounted primarily in front of the frame 50 close to the wheel 56. [0076] Thus, according to realizations, the, e.g., steer locking mechanism 100 comprises a configuring mechanism embodied as one of a rotatable mechanism 170, an arm holding mechanism 190 or another operating mechanism on which is mounted a steer-limiting component 105 comprising the arms 132, 134 moveable on both sides of the wheel 56.

[0077] Referring now to Figs. 12 and 13 and according to a realization of a steer locking mechanism 500, the arms 132, 134 each comprise a deflector 158 to provide a surface on which the sidewalls / side threads / rubbing strips of tires mounted to the wheel 56 may glide. The deflectors 158 are pivotally mounted to the course limiting face 152, 154 of the arms 132, 134, allowing to rotate the deflectors 158 tangentially to the wheel 56 when the arms 132, 134 are in the restricted position. The deflector(s) 158 can further be aligned with the arms 132, 134 when in the free position, therefore minimizing the space required by the deflectors 158 to a space about the frame 50 (not depicted). Further, the deflectors 158 have a width greater than the width of the arms 132, 134, with the width selected to cover the whole width of the tire and thereby to prevent sidewalls / side threads from catching the main portion of the arms 132, 134 perpendicularly to their longitudinal orientation.

[0078] Referring now to Figs. 14 to 19, another realization of a steer locking mechanism 400 comprises arms 432, 434 that are not straight. This is useful to accommodate for different configurations of bicycles. For example, the arrangement of the down tube 52 relative to the wheel and the area where it is determined that the arms 432, 434 will cross the circumference of the wheel 56. According to an embodiment, the arms 432, 434 have a small bend and then go on straight such as in Figs 12 to 15. In another embodiment, the arms 432, 434 are curved according to a constant radius. According to yet another embodiment, the arms 432, 434 are curved according to a non constant radius. According to yet another embodiment, the arms 432, 434 are bent near their mid length.

[0079] Referring particularly to Fig. 15, the arm 432 comprises a mounting portion 433 extending from the mounting extremity 439 of the arm 432 where the arm 432 is mounted to the frame mount 410 and extended toward the joint 437 where a locking portion 435 extends with an angle from the joint 437.

[0080] The mounting extremity 439 features a non-cylindrical shaft 451 intended to be mounted to the frame mount 410 wherein the shaft 451 will rotate between the restricted position and the free position, and wherein the shaft 451 will automatically lock in these positions.

[0081 ] Referring now particularly to Figs. 16 to 19, the steer locking mechanism 400 comprises a top portion 412 of the frame mount 410 housing a mechanism controlling the rotation and locking of the arms 432, 434. The mechanism comprises an actuator 448 mounted on top of the top portion 412 of the frame mount 410 that is actuatable to unlock the arms 432, 434 and biased to return to a default locked position. In the default locked position, the actuator 448 locks the arms 432, 434 when the arms 432, 434 reach one of the free position and the restricted position.

[0082] According to realizations, the frame mount 110, is adapted to the configuration of the frame 50 to be mounted thereto. According to the depicted realization, the frame mount 110 features a cylindrical mounting face 120 adapted to a cylindrical frame 50. According to alternative realizations, the frame mount 110 features a mounting face 120 of an alternative size, the size of the mounting face 120 being adapted to a frame 50 of a different diameter.

[0083] According to a realization (not shown), the frame mount 110 comprises a shim sleeve

(not shown) among a number of shim sleeves, wherein a shim sleeve is selected and potentially installed between the frame 50 and the mounting face 120 in order to adapt to different diameters of frames 50 with the same frame mount 110.

[0084] According to alternative realizations (not shown), the frame mount 110 features a mounting face 120 of an alternative shape; i.e., the shape of the mounting face 120 matches the shape of the frame 50 to be mounted thereto.

[0085] According to alternative realizations (not shown), the mounting face 120 comprises longitudinal channels for cables to travel along the outer face of the frame 50 without the steer locking mechanism 100 hindering the course of the cables. In other realizations, the number and positions of these channels vary, with the position, shape and configuration of the area of the mounting face 120 contacting the frame 50 varying. In exemplary realizations, the contacting areas of the mounting face 120 define in a first case a lattice, and in a second case a honeycomb configuration.

[0086] Referring particularly to Fig. 14, the steer locking mechanism 400 comprises deflectors 458 (a single one depicted) fixedly mounted to the arms 432, 434. The deflectors 458 features a flat central portion 459 and side sloped portions 461 extending from the central portion 459 guiding the sidewalls / side threads of the wheel 56 (not depicted on these figures) inward and thereby preventing the studs from snagging on the arms 432, 434. The deflectors 458 are fixedly mounted to the arms 432, 434 using, e.g., screws 418, whereby preventing the deflectors 458 from rotating relative to the arms 432, 434 and thus ensuring the slope portion to be perpendicular to the contacting wheel 56.

[0087] According to a realization (not shown) of a steer locking mechanism, the distance between the course limiting faces 152, 154 is adjustable to adapt to a variety of wheel and tire sizes (widths) to provide limited clearance on both sides of the wheel 56 or tire 58 when the wheel contacting assembly 175 is in the restricted position. According to a realization, the distance between the course limiting faces 152, 154 about the wheel 56 in the restricted position is adjustable using, for example, screws to fix the angle between the arms 132, 134 (between parallel and about 20 degrees relative to each other) or a slide mechanism (not shown) allowing the displacement of the arms outwardly while keeping the arms 132, 134 parallel to each other.

[0088] According to a realization (not shown), the wheel contacting assembly 175 comprises on each arm 132, 134 a hole (not shown) distant from the frame mount 110 that allows locking the wheel 56 in place using a padlock (not shown) or a bicycle cable lock (not shown). Accordingly, the wheel 56 may become physically locked in the closed loop comprising the assembly of the steer locking mechanism 100 and the padlock that is secured to the frame 50 of the bicycle.

[0089] According to a realization (not shown), the wheel contacting assembly 175 comprises a spinlock assembly (not shown) moveable between a free-spin configuration and a spin-locked configuration. Thus, in the free-spin configuration, a person may move the bicycle forward and backward. In the spin-locked configuration, a hindering component passed between spokes 62 of the wheel 56 to limit the spin of the wheel 56 thereby easing the manipulation of the bicycle when such spinning of the wheel 56 is not useful.

[0090] According to a realization (not shown), the spinlock assembly comprises a moveable projection (e.g., a pin) moveable between an idle position away from the wheel 56 and a hindering position wherein the projection takes place between spokes 62 and thus preventing the wheel from spinning freely over a limited arc range.

[0091] According to a realization (not shown), the spinlock assembly comprises a holding component (e.g., an elastic strap) moveable between an idle position away from the wheel 56 and a holding position wherein the holding component contacts the wheel 56 and/or tire 58 and prevents any spinning of the wheel 56. According to a realization, the spinlock assembly comprises an elastic strap mounted at a first arm 132 and having a loop end at the other extremity for the elastic strap to pass between the wheel 56 and the frame 50, around the second arm 134, in the wheel between spokes 62 (Fig. 9) and attached to the first arm 132 to form a close loop entangling the wheel 56 and the other arm 134.

[0092] According to a realization, the holding component is used to secure the arms 132,

134 to the frame 50 when the wheel contacting assembly 175 is in the free position.

[0093] While preferred embodiments have been described above and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, it will be evident to those skilled in the art that modifications may be made without departing from this disclosure. Such modifications are considered as possible variants comprised in the scope of the disclosure.