NL2005256C2

NL2005256C2 - Headset bracket for bicycle, and method for installing the same.

Info

Publication number: NL2005256C2
Application number: NL2005256A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Wilfried Hendrikus Maria Mijnen; Guido Haaften; Jasper Boter
Original assignee: Basil Bv
Priority date: 2010-08-23
Filing date: 2010-08-23
Publication date: 2012-02-27
Also published as: DE102011111092B4; DE102011111092A1

Description

Title: Headset bracket for bicycle, and method for installing the same

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to the field of bicycles, and more in 5 particular to a bracket and a method for mounting a luggage container on a bicycle.

Background

The bicycle is a popular means of transportation, even more so 10 because it allows a cyclist to carry along luggage. One way to carry luggage by bicycle is in a luggage container, such as a bicycle bag or basket, that may be permanently or detachably connected to the front of the bike.

The luggage container may be mounted on the bike by means of a headset bracket, sometimes referred to as a steering head bracket or steering 15 head holder. The headset bracket may be permanently installed on the bicycle, while the luggage container may in turn be mounted onto the headset bracket. The headset bracket may typically include a relatively thin and substantially flat mounting portion including an opening through which - in an installed condition - the steering tube of the bicycle fork may extend, so as 20 to lock the bracket against movement in a radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis of the steering tube. The headset bracket may additionally be locked in place against axial movements along the axis of the steering tube by clamping it between two parts of the headset, such as a locknut and a race associated with the upper bearing assembly of the headset.

25 A drawback of such conventional headset brackets it that their installation on a bicycle requires a mechanic to partially take the bicycle apart. Typically, the stem (connecting the handlebars to the steering tube) may have to be detached from the steering tube, in order to allow the upper end of the steering tube to be inserted through the opening in the mounting 2 portion of the headset bracket. Consequently, the installation of a headset bracket is a relatively time-consuming, and therefore expensive, task.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide for a mounting provision for mounting luggage carriers on a bicycle that obviates 5 or overcomes the aforementioned problem, and that allows for a relatively quick installation.

Summary of the invention A first aspect of the present invention is directed to a headset 10 bracket for installation on a steering tube of a bicycle. The headset bracket may comprise a substantially flat mounting portion, including a first part defining a first segment of a circumferential edge of a steering tube reception opening, and a second part defining a second, complementary segment of the circumferential edge of said opening. The first and second parts may be 15 detachably joinable by a relative movement in a direction parallel to an axis that extends perpendicularly to a plane of the mounting portion. In their joined condition, the first and second parts may define the steering tube reception opening and mutually engage each other such that they cannot be detached by a relative movement in the plane of the mounting portion.

20 The headset bracket according to the present invention thus includes two parts that may be complementarily shaped to define a form lock. The two parts may be joined, i.e. form-locked together, by a relative movement in a direction parallel to a central through-axis of the steering tube reception opening, which opening is completely defined once the two 25 parts mate in their joined condition. The through-axis of the steering tube reception opening may extend perpendicularly to the plane of the substantially flat, plate-like mounting portion of the headset bracket, and may normally - during installation of the headset bracket - also coincide with a longitudinal axis of the steering tube of the bicycle. In their joined 30 condition, the two parts cannot be separated by a relative movement within 3 the plane of the mounting portion, i.e. within a radial plane with respect to the aforementioned axis. In contrast to known headset brackets, the headset bracket according to the present invention may be installed on a steering tube of a bicycle fork without detaching the stem from the steering tube. The 5 two parts of the headset bracket may simply be form-locked together while enclosing or locking-in the steering tube between them.

The headset bracket may preferably be installed between two elements of an upper bearing assembly of a headset of the bicycle, such as between an adjustable race and a locknut (in the case of a quill or threaded 10 stem system) or between the adjustable race and a spacer or compression ring (in the case of a threadless stem system). The elements of a headset assembly are normally axially compressed together, such that the mounting portion of an installed headset bracket is compressed there between, securing the two parts in their joined condition.

15 In one embodiment of the headset bracket, the steering tube reception opening may be substantially circular.

A steering tube of a bicycle may generally have a circular outer circumference. Furthermore, the headset associated with such a steering tube may typically be comprised of a number of annular elements that extend only 20 a small radial distance beyond the outer circumference of the steering tube. Since these elements provide for the surface area by which the mounting portion of the headset bracket is to be axially clamped and supported, it is important that steering tube reception opening fits snugly around the steering tube. Unnecessary play between the circumferential edge of the 25 steering tube reception opening and the outer circumferential edge of the steering tube would simply mean a waste of clampable mounting portion area, and hence a decreased load bearing capacity of the headset bracket.

Most steering tubes have an outer diameter of 1” (25.4 mm) or 1 1/8” (28.6 mm). For this reason, a preferred embodiment of headset bracket 30 may preferably have a steering tube reception opening with an inner 4 diameter in the range of 25 ± 5 mm, allowing for some variation in steering tube diameters.

According to an elaboration of the headset bracket, the first segment of the circumferential edge of the steering tube reception opening 5 may subtend an angle larger than 180 degrees (with respect to the geometric center of the opening).

A headset bracket configured for installation on a quill stem system may take advantage of the fact that the stem - which protrudes from the steering tube - has a smaller outer diameter than the steering tube. This 10 allows the first segment of the steering tube reception opening to define a circular segment that accounts for more than half of the geometrical area of the steering tube reception opening. In case the diameter of the steering tube reception opening is approximately equal to the outer diameter of the steering tube (as preferred for reasons described above), such a circular 15 segment is not able to receive the steering tube in a radial direction; i.e. the only way to insert the steering tube in the steering tube reception opening is to slide it in by a relative movement in the axial direction. However, since the stem of a quill stem system has a smaller diameter than the steering tube, the headset bracket may be installed by first receiving the stem in the 20 steering tube reception opening via a relative movement in a radial direction, and then axially sliding the bracket along the stem towards the steering tube, and around it. An advantage of a headset bracket thus configured and mountable is that the (preferably integrally formed) first part of its mounting portion may partially reache around the steering tube, and thus provide for a 25 rigid construction that is capable of supporting relatively large moments exerted on it by a mounted luggage container.

In an embodiment of the headset bracket, the first part of the mounting portion may include a first and a second prong, each prong having a radially inner edge that at least partially coincides with the first segment of 30 the circumferential edge of the steering tube opening. Between their 5 extremities, the prongs may define a mouth via which a stem or a steering tube is receivable in a recess defined by the first segment of the circumferential edge of the steering tube reception opening.

In such an embodiment, the two prongs may reach around the stem 5 or steering tube received between them. The second part of the mounting portion, in turn, may be configured to connect the extremities of the prongs so as to close the mouth, and hence the steering tube reception opening.

To interconnect the first and second part, an extremity of either prong may include a recess or a (possibly recessed) tab, while the second part 10 of the mounting portion may be provided with complementary tabs or recesses, so as to define a form-lock by means of which the first and second parts are joinable. To promote a strong mutual engagement between the two parts, one or more of the recesses and tabs may be undercut.

According to an elaboration of the present invention, the first or 15 second segment of the circumferential edge of the steering tube reception opening may include a radially inwardly extending cam or key that is configured for cooperation with an axial recess provided in the steering tube of the bicycle. In an installed condition of the headset bracket, the cam may extend into the axial recess, and prevent rotation of the headset bracket 20 relative to the steering tube.

According to another elaboration of the present invention, the headset bracket may be at least partly manufactured from a plate material. The headset bracket may be manufactured very economically, for example by stamping it from a metal sheet, e.g. a steel sheet.

25 In line with the above, the present invention is also directed to a bicycle comprising a bicycle frame, including a head tube; a headset, including an upper bearing assembly disposed at an upper side of the head tube; a bicycle fork, including a steering tube that extends through said head tube; and a headset bracket according to the present invention. The steering 30 tube reception opening of the headset bracket encloses the steering tube, and 6 the first part and the second part of the headset bracket’s mounting portion are axially clamped between two elements of the upper bearing assembly.

In a preferred embodiment of the bicycle, the steering tube reception opening may have an inside diameter that is no more than 2 mm 5 larger than an outside diameter of the steering tube.

Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a method of installing a headset bracket on a bicycle. The method may comprise providing a bicycle; providing a headset bracket according to the present invention; and loosening a locknut (in the case of a quill stem system) or a spacer (in the 10 case of a threadless stem system) of an upper bearing assembly of a headset of the bicycle, so as to make an axial portion of a steering tube or a stem of the bicycle accessible in between the locknut or the spacer, respectively, and a head tube of the bicycle. The method may further comprise inserting said axial portion of the stem or the steering tube into a recess defined by the first 15 segment of the circumferential edge of the steering tube reception opening; joining the first part and the second part of the headset bracket’s mounting portion, so as to define the steering tube reception opening and to enclose the stem and/or the steering tube therein; and re-tightening the locknut or the spacer, so as to axially clamp the first and the second parts in their joined 20 condition.

These and other features and advantages of the invention will be more fully understood from the following detailed description of certain embodiments of the invention, taken together with the accompanying drawings, which are meant to illustrate and not to limit the invention.

25

Brief description of the drawings

Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a front portion of a bicycle on which a headset bracket has been installed; 7

Figs. 2A-C schematically illustrate in two front views (A, B) and one perspective view (C) a first exemplary embodiment of a headset bracket according to the present invention;

Fig. 3 schematically illustrates in a front view (left) and a 5 perspective view (right) a second exemplary embodiment of a headset bracket according to the present invention; and

Fig. 4 schematically illustrates in a top view (upper drawing) and a cross-sectional side view (lower drawing) a third exemplary embodiment of a headset bracket according to the present invention.

10

Detailed description

Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a front portion of a bicycle on which a headset bracket 1 has been installed. The bicycle may comprise handlebars 102 connected to a stem 104 that may extend into the head tube 106 of the 15 frame of the bicycle. Within the head tube 106, the stem 104 may extend inside a steering tube 110 of a bicycle fork, to which it may be attached by means of an expander- or wedge-type connection mechanism provided at the end of the stem. The bicycle may further include a headset to provide for the rotatable interface between the steering tube 110 and the head tube 106. The 20 headset may be comprised of two bearing assemblies: a lower bearing assembly, provided at the lower end of the head tube 106 (not shown), and an upper bearing assembly 120, provided at the upper end of the head tube 106.

The bicycle depicted in Fig. 1 features a so-called quill or threaded stem system, including a threaded headset and a threaded steering tube 110 25 that does not extend above the upper bearing assembly 120 of the headset. In a quill system, the upper bearing assembly 120 of the headset may typically include the following elements (from the head tube 106 upwards): a cup or head tube race 126, (caged) bearings (not shown), an adjustable race 124, a keyed washer (not shown) and a locknut 122. All elements may be 30 substantially annular, and the adjustable race 124 and the locknut 122 may 8 have a threaded inner circumference to allow them to be screwed onto the threaded upper end of the steering tube 110. In Fig. 1, the headset bracket 1 is axially clamped in between the locknut 124 and the adjustable race 124.

Instead of a quill stem system, a bicycle may feature a so-called 5 threadless stem system, including a threadless headset and a threadless steering tube that does extend above the upper bearing of the headset. In such a system the stem may clamp around the top end of the steering tube. The upper bearing assembly of the headset may typically include the following elements (again, from the head tube upwards): a cup or head tube 10 race, (caged) bearings, a second race, and one or more spacers or compression rings. A star-nut may be driven into the steering tube to serve as an anchor for a pre-load bolt that extends through a cap on top of the stem, such that, when the pre-load bolt is tightened, it compresses the stem onto the spacers, which in turn compress the races of the upper bearing assembly.

15 The headset bracket 1 according to the present invention may in principle be used in combination with either type of stem system. Threadless stem systems, however, are less common on utility bicycles that are typically used for shopping, running errands and commuting and therefore the most likely candidates to be fitted with a front-mounted luggage container. As will 20 be clarified below, the construction of a headset bracket 1 may differ for both stem systems.

Figs. 2A-C schematically illustrate in two orthogonal front views (A, B) and one perspective view (C) a first exemplary embodiment of a headset bracket 1 according to the present invention. The headset bracket 1 includes 25 a luggage container connecting portion 2, a middle portion 6 and a mounting portion 8.

The luggage container connecting portion 2, provided on one end of the middle portion 6, may generally be of any suitable shape that allows it to support and/or connect to a luggage container or other item whose mounting 30 is desired, e.g. a lamp. In the depicted embodiment, the luggage container 9 connecting portion 2 includes a rectangular plate member having a number of holes 4 provided therein: one central circular hole, and two slotted holes on either side thereof. By means of these holes a luggage container, e.g. a basket, may be screwingly attached to the connecting portion 2.

5 The middle portion 6 may interconnect the luggage container connecting portion 2 and the mounting portion 8. In the depicted embodiment, the middle portion 6 is a substantially flat, elongate leg. It comprises two bends that, in a mounted position of the headset bracket 1, ensure that the luggage container connecting portion 2 is disposed somewhat above the 10 mounting portion 8. In general, however, the middle portion 6 may have any suitable shape.

The mounting portion 8, which may be provided on the other end of the middle portion 6, serves to connect the headset bracket 1 to the steering tube 110 of a bicycle. Because the mounting portion 8 is generally to be 15 axially clamped between two elements of an upper bearing assembly 120 of a headset, e.g. between an adjustable race 124 and a locknut 122, it may preferably be relatively flat. In particular in a threaded stem system, a relatively thick headset bracket 1 might easily occupy too much axial length of the threaded top end of the steering tube 110, leaving too little thread for 20 the locknut 124 to engage the top end and secure the rest of the upper bearing assembly 120 of the headset. Accordingly, the mounting portion 8 may preferably have a maximum thickness smaller than 5 mm, at least immediately adjacent the steering tube reception opening 30 to be described hereafter.

25 The mounting portion 8 may include a first part 10 and a second part 20, which may be shaped to be detachably joinable. In a joined condition, the first and second part 10, 20 may define a steering tube reception opening 30, as shown in Fig. 2A. Given the fact that a steering tube 110 generally has a circular outer circumference, while a close fit of the headset bracket around 30 the steering tube is desirable to provide for a maximum of clampable area, 10 the steering tube reception opening 30 may preferably be circular as well. Other shapes, however, are conceivable. Most steering tubes 110 have an outer diameter of 1” (25.4 mm) or 1 1/8” (28.6 mm; often used for threadless stem systems). Consequently, the steering tube reception opening 30 of the 5 headset bracket 1 may generally have an inner diameter in the range of 25 ± 5 mm, allowing for some variation in steering tube diameters. In concrete cases, the steering tube reception opening 30 may preferably have a diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the steering tube 110 on which it is installed; that is to say: the diameter of the steering tube reception opening 10 30 may preferably be larger than the outer diameter of the steering tube, and smaller than said outer diameter + 2 mm.

The first part 10 of the mounting portion 8 may be formed integrally with the middle portion 6 of the headset bracket 1, as shown. The first part may further define a first segment 12 of a circumferential edge of 15 the steering tube reception opening 30. When the steering tube reception opening 30 is circular, the first segment defines a circular arc. In case the headset bracket 1 is configured for installation on a bicycle with a quill stem system, the first segment 12 of the circumferential edge of the steering tube reception opening 30 may preferably subtend an angle larger than 180 20 degrees, more preferably larger than 200 degrees, and most preferably larger than 220 degrees. In contrast, in a headset bracket 1 configured for installation on a bicycle with a threadless stem system, the angle subtended by the first segment may preferably be close to, but no greater than, 180 degrees.

25 The reason for this difference is that a headset bracket 1 configured for installation on a quill stem system may take advantage of the fact that the stem 104 - which protrudes from the steering tube 110 - has a smaller outer diameter than the steering tube. This allows the first part 10 of the mounting portion 8 to define a circular segment that accounts for more than 30 half of the geometrical area of the steering tube reception opening 30. In case 11 the diameter of the steering tube reception opening 30 is approximately equal to the outer diameter of the steering tube 110, such a circular segment is not able to receive the steering tube in a radial direction; i.e. the only way to insert the steering tube in the steering tube reception opening is to slide it in 5 by a relative movement in the axial direction. However, since the stem 104 of a quill stem system has a smaller diameter than the steering tube 110, the headset bracket 1 may be installed by first receiving the stem 104 in the recess defined by the first segment 12 of the circumferential edge of the steering tube reception opening 30 via a relative movement in a radial 10 direction, and then axially sliding the bracket 1 along the stem 104 towards the steering tube 110, and around it. An advantage of a headset bracket 1 thus configured and mountable is that the (preferably integrally formed) first part 10 of its mounting portion ‘reaches around’ the steering tube, and thus provides for a rigid construction that is capable of supporting relatively large 15 moments exerted on it by a mounted luggage container.

In the embodiment depicted in Fig. 1, the first part 10 of the mounting portion 8 includes two prongs 14, each prong having a radially inner edge that at least partially coincides with the first segment 12 of the circumferential edge of the steering tube opening 30. Between their 20 extremities, the prongs 14 define a mouth via which a stem 104 or a steering tube 110 is receivable in the recess defined by the first segment 12 of the circumferential edge of the steering tube reception opening.

The second part 20 of the mounting portion 8 may be arc-shaped and be configured to connect the extremities of the prongs 14, much like a 25 keystone, so as to close the mouth, and hence the steering tube reception opening 30.

To interconnect the first and the second part 10, 20, an extremity of either prong 14 may include a recessed tab 16, while the second part 20 of the mounting portion 8 may be provided with complementarily recessed tabs 24, 30 so as to define a form-lock by means of which the first and second parts are 12 joinable. In the embodiment of Fig. 1, the recessed tabs are undercut in order to improve the engagement between the first and second parts 10, 20. It is understood that the exact shapes of the tabs may vary across different embodiments of the headset bracket 1. Fig. 3, for example, schematically 5 illustrates a second exemplary embodiment of the headset bracket wherein the first part 10 is provided with simple semi-circular recesses 18, and wherein the second part 20 is provided with complementary semi-circular tabs or studs 28. In yet another embodiment, the first and second parts 10, 20 may be fitted with jigsaw puzzle like tabs and blanks to allow for form-10 locking interconnection.

Fig. 4 schematically illustrates a third exemplary embodiment of a headset bracket 1 according to the present invention. This embodiment differs from the ones depicted in Figs.1-3 primarily in that the division between the first 10 part and the second part 20 runs lengthwise through the 15 bracket 1, and in that the two parts 10, 20, in their joined condition, partially overlap each other.

Although illustrative embodiments of the present invention have been described above, in part with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to these embodiments. 20 Variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with 25 the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, it is noted that particular features, structures, or characteristics of one or more 13 embodiments may be combined in any suitable manner to form new, not explicitly described embodiments.

14

List of elements 1 headset bracket 2 luggage container connecting portion 4 holes 5 6 middle portion 8 mounting portion 10 first part 12 first segment of circumferential edge of steering tube reception opening 10 14 prong 16 undercut on outside prong 18 recess or blank 20 second part 22 second segment of circumferential edge of steering tube 15 reception opening 24 blank with undercut on inside 26 cam or key 28 tab or stud 30 steering tube reception opening 20 100 bicycle 102 handlebars 104 stem (connects handlebars to steering tube) 106 head tube (frame part) 110 steering tube 25 120 upper bearing assembly of headset 122 locknut 124 adjustable race 126 cup L longitudinal axis of steering tube

Claims

1. Een balhoofdbeugel (1) voor installatie op een binnenbalhoofdbuis (110) van een fiets, omvattende: 5. een in hoofdzaak plat bevestigingsgedeelte (8), omvattende: o een eerste deel (10) dat een eerste segment (12) van een omtreksrand van een binnenbalhoofdbuisopnameopening(30) definieert; o een tweede deel (20) dat een tweede, complementair segment (22) 10 van de omtreksrand van genoemde opening definieert; waarbij de eerste en tweede delen losneembaar verenigbaar zijn door een relatieve beweging in een richting parallel aan een as (L) die zich loodrecht uitstrekt op een vlak van het bevestigingsgedeelte, en waarbij de eerste en tweede delen in hun verenigde toestand de binnenbalhoofdbuisopname-15 opening (30) definiëren en elkaar onderling zodanig aangrijpen dat zij niet losgenomen kunnen worden door een relatieve beweging in genoemd vlak van genoemd bevestigingsgedeelte.A steering head bracket (1) for installation on an inner steering head tube (110) of a bicycle, comprising: 5. a substantially flat mounting portion (8), comprising: o a first portion (10) comprising a first segment (12) of a defines the peripheral edge of an inner head tube receiving opening (30); o a second part (20) defining a second complementary segment (22) of the peripheral edge of said opening; wherein the first and second parts are releasably compatible by relative movement in a direction parallel to an axis (L) extending perpendicularly to a plane of the mounting portion, and wherein the first and second parts in their unified condition are the inner head tube receiving opening (30) and mutually engage each other such that they cannot be detached by a relative movement in said plane of said attachment portion.

2. De balhoofdbeugel volgens conclusie 1, waarbij de binnenbalhoofd-20 buisopnameopening (30) in hoofdzaak rond is.The headset bracket as claimed in claim 1, wherein the inner headset tube receptacle opening (30) is substantially round.

3. De balhoofdbeugel volgens een van de conclusies 1-2, waarbij de binnenbalhoofdbuisopnameopening (30) een diameter heeft van 25 ± 5 mm.The headset bracket according to any of claims 1-2, wherein the inner headset tube receiving opening (30) has a diameter of 25 ± 5 mm.

4. De balhoofdbeugel volgens een van de conclusies 1-3, waarbij het eerste segment (12) van de omtreksrand van de binnenbalhoofdbuisopname-opening (30) een hoek groter dan 180 graden onderspant.The headset bracket as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first segment (12) of the peripheral edge of the inner headset tube receiving opening (30) is under an angle greater than 180 degrees.

5. De balhoofdbeugel volgens een van de conclusies 1-4, waarbij het 30 eerste deel (10) een eerste en een tweede tand (14) omvat, waarbij elke tand een radiaal naar binnen gelegen rand heeft die ten minste gedeeltelijk samenvalt met het eerste segment (12) van de omtreksrand van de binnen-balhoofdbuisopnameopening (30), en waarbij genoemde tanden (14), tussen hun uiteinden, een mond 5 definiëren via welke een stuurpen (104) of een binnenbalhoofdbuis (110) opneembaar is in een uitsparing die wordt gedefinieerd door het eerste segment (12) van de omtreksrand van de binnenbalhoofdbuisopnameopening (30).5. The headset bracket as claimed in any of claims 1-4, wherein the first part (10) comprises a first and a second tooth (14), wherein each tooth has a radially inwardly located edge which at least partially coincides with the first segment (12) of the peripheral edge of the inner head tube receiving opening (30), and wherein said teeth (14) define, between their ends, a mouth 5 through which a control pin (104) or an inner head tube (110) can be received in a recess which is defined by the first segment (12) of the peripheral edge of the inner head tube receiving opening (30).

6. De balhoofdbeugel volgens conclusie 5, waarbij een uiteinde van elk van beide tanden (14) een uitsparing (16) of een tong (Eng.: “tab”) omvat, en waarbij het tweede deel (20) van het bevestigingsgedeelte (8) is voorzien van complementaire tongen (28) of uitsparingen (24), teneinde een vormslot te definiëren door middel waarvan de eerste en tweede delen verenigbaar zijn. 15The headset bracket as claimed in claim 5, wherein one end of each of the two teeth (14) comprises a recess (16) or a tongue (Eng: "tab"), and wherein the second part (20) of the mounting portion (8) ) is provided with complementary tongues (28) or recesses (24) to define a shape lock by means of which the first and second parts are compatible. 15

7. De balhoofdbeugel volgens conclusie 6, waarbij ten minste een van de uitsparingen en tongen een ondersnijding omvat.The headset bracket as claimed in claim 6, wherein at least one of the recesses and tongues comprises an undercut.

8. De balhoofdbeugel volgens een van de conclusies 1-7, waarbij het 20 eerste (12) of tweede (22) segment van de omtreksrand van de binnenbal- hoofdbuisopnameopening (30) een zich radiaal naar binnen uitstrekkende nok (26) omvat die is ingericht voor samenwerking met een axiale uitsparing die is voorzien in de binnenbalhoofdbuis (HOvan de fiets.8. The headset bracket according to any of claims 1-7, wherein the first (12) or second (22) segment of the peripheral edge of the inner ball main tube receiving opening (30) comprises a radially inwardly extending cam (26) that is arranged for cooperation with an axial recess provided in the inner head tube (HO of the bicycle).

9. De balhoofdbeugel volgens een van de conclusies 1-8, waarbij de beugel althans gedeeltelijk is vervaardigd uit een plaatmateriaal.The steering head brace according to any of claims 1-8, wherein the brace is at least partially made of a sheet material.

10. De balhoofdbeugel volgens een van de conclusies 1-9, waarbij het bevestigingsgedeelte een maximale dikte heeft die kleiner is dan 5 mm. 30The headset bracket according to any of claims 1-9, wherein the mounting portion has a maximum thickness that is less than 5 mm. 30

11. Een fiets, omvattende: - een fietsframe, omvattende een balhoofdbuis (106); - een balhoofd, omvattende een bovenlagersamenstel (120) dat is voorzien aan een bovenkant van de balhoofdbuis; 5. een voorvork, omvattende een binnenbalhoofdbuis (110) die zich uitstrekt door genoemde balhoofdbuis; - een balhoofdbeugel (1) volgens een van de conclusies 1-10, waarbij de binnenbalhoofdbuisopnameopening (30) van de balhoofdbeugel (1) de binnenbalhoofdbuis (110) omgeeft, en waarbij het eerste deel (10) en het 10 tweede deel (20) van de balhoofdbeugel axiaal zijn ingeklemd tussen twee elementen van het bovenlagersamenstel (120).A bicycle, comprising: - a bicycle frame, comprising a head tube (106); - a headset comprising an upper bearing assembly (120) provided on a top of the headset tube; A front fork comprising an inner head tube (110) extending through said head tube; - a headset bracket (1) according to any of claims 1-10, wherein the inner headset tube opening (30) of the headset bracket (1) surrounds the inner headset tube (110), and wherein the first part (10) and the second part (20) of the steering head bracket are axially wedged between two elements of the upper bearing assembly (120).

12. De fiets volgens conclusie 11, waarbij de binnenbalhoofdbuis-opnameopening (30) een binnendiameter heeft die niet meer dan 2 mm groter 15 is dan een buitendiameter van de binnenbalhoofdbuis (110).12. The bicycle according to claim 11, wherein the inner head tube receiving opening (30) has an inner diameter that is no more than 2 mm larger than an outer diameter of the inner head tube (110).

13. Een werkwijze voor het installeren van een balhoofdbeugel (1) op een fiets, omvattende: - het verschaffen van een fiets; 20. het verschaffen van een balhoofdbeugel (1) volgens een van de conclusies 1-10; - het losmaken van een borgmoer (112) of een afstandsring (Eng.: “spacer”) van een bovenlagersamenstel (120) van een balhoofd van de fiets, teneinde een axiaal gedeelte van een binnenbalhoofdbuis (110) of 25 een stuurpen (104) van de fiets toegankelijk te maken tussen de borgmoer of de afstandsring en een balhoofdbuis (106) van de fiets; - het aanbrengen van genoemd axiaal gedeelte van de binnenbalhoofdbuis (110) of de stuurpen (104) in een uitsparing die is gedefinieerd door het eerste segment (12) van de omtreksrand van de 30 binnenbalhoofdbuisopnameopening (30); - het verenigen van het eerste deel (10) en het tweede deel (20) van het bevestigingsgedeelte (8) van de balhoofdbeugel (1), teneinde de binnenbalhoofdbuisopnameopening (30) te definiëren en de binnenbalhoofdbuis (110) en/of de stuurpen (104) daarin in te sluiten; 5 en - het opnieuw vastzetten van de borgmoer (122) of de afstandsring, teneinde de eerste (10) en tweede (20) delen axiaal in hun verenigde toestand vast te klemmen.A method for installing a headset bracket (1) on a bicycle, comprising: - providing a bicycle; Providing a headset bracket (1) according to any of claims 1-10; - loosening a locknut (112) or a spacer ring (Eng: "spacer") from an upper bearing assembly (120) of a head of the bicycle, so as to form an axial part of an inner head tube (110) or a stem (104) making the bicycle accessible between the locknut or spacer ring and a head tube (106) of the bicycle; - arranging said axial portion of the inner head tube (110) or the steering pin (104) into a recess defined by the first segment (12) of the peripheral edge of the inner tube head tube receiving opening (30); - joining the first part (10) and the second part (20) of the attachment portion (8) of the head-bar bracket (1) in order to define the inner head-tube tube opening (30) and the inner head-tube (110) and / or the stem ( 104) included therein; 5 and - re-tightening the lock nut (122) or the spacer ring, so as to clamp the first (10) and second (20) parts axially in their unified condition.