CA2004640A1 - Hand grip and control assembly - Google Patents
Hand grip and control assemblyInfo
- Publication number
- CA2004640A1 CA2004640A1 CA 2004640 CA2004640A CA2004640A1 CA 2004640 A1 CA2004640 A1 CA 2004640A1 CA 2004640 CA2004640 CA 2004640 CA 2004640 A CA2004640 A CA 2004640A CA 2004640 A1 CA2004640 A1 CA 2004640A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- hand grip
- rotatable
- handlebar
- shall
- control
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Abstract
ABSTRACT
On motorized passenger vehicles utilizing handlebar activated steering means and with hand grips mounted thereon and if desired with thumb or finger activated controls mounted thereon - an improved rotatable hand grip design which will alleviate the flexing and twisting stress to an operator's hands, wrists and arms as the operator's arms change their angles of attack to the handlebar while the operator simultaneously firmly grasps the hand grips and steers and controls the vehicle to its directional extremes.
On motorized passenger vehicles utilizing handlebar activated steering means and with hand grips mounted thereon and if desired with thumb or finger activated controls mounted thereon - an improved rotatable hand grip design which will alleviate the flexing and twisting stress to an operator's hands, wrists and arms as the operator's arms change their angles of attack to the handlebar while the operator simultaneously firmly grasps the hand grips and steers and controls the vehicle to its directional extremes.
Description
BACKGROUND ~ -~
:
Many motorized passenger vehicles use hand operated controls (i.e. throttle, brake, clutch, choke) mounted on the handlebars which bars are used for steering the vehicle. ~ ;
In general, these hand operated controls can be classified into -two groups - the twist grip style and the finger or thumb operated style.
On vehicles on which the steering handlebar motion is slow and gentle the twist grip style is well suited for vehicle control.
On many other motorized passenger vehicles the controls consist of finger or thumb operated pivoting levers mounted on opposite ends of the steering handlebars.
On some MPVs (i.e. three and four wheelers, snowmobiles, off road vehicles) the motion of the steering handlebars can be very vigorous and fast. In these applications the twist grip style -control has an inherent problem as it is difficult to maintain a constant control (i.e. throttle) setting while at the same time maintaining vigorous steering control.
It is important that vehicle operators be comfortable in order to make steering and control functions easily managed.
In my investigation I found that in many situations on MPVs using handlebar type steering with hand operated controls mounted thereon that when the operator turned the steering handlebars to the left and right extremes that there was a substantial amount of human wrist flexure and twisting as the operator's arms changed their angle of attack to the handlebars while at the same time maintaining a fixed control setting (i.e. either with a twist grip control or with a pivoting lever control).
Some operators compensate for, and relieve the pressure exerted on their wrists and forearms, by either shifting their body positions or by loosening their grip on the controls and -rotationally re-positioning their hands. ~ ~-INVENTION DISCLOSURE
In this invention I propose to alleviate the previously described problem firstly by allowing the hand grasp point on the handlebar g to orient its position on or about the handlebar ends. This is to be done in the simplest embodiment by making the hand grip rotatable over the handlebar extension. Further refinement of this hand grip orientation can be accomplished by mounting the rotating hand grip in a yoke and fixing said yoke pivotably over Z004640 1- ~
or astride the handlebar extension. This will allow two axis re-positioning of the hand grasp point. -~
This invention, however, will not rely upon the common method of having the hand grip rotation directly or even indirectly compelling the engagement of a vehicle control means.
I, therefore, further propose a hand operated control assembly, comprising a rotatable hand grip and a finger or thumb operated control lever, button, or knob. This assembly shall rotate as a unit on the handlebar extension, compelled by the natural rotation of the operator's firm grasp as the operator's arms and wrists change their angles of attack to the handlebars while ~
steering from one directional extreme to the other. ~-This will be a significant departure from the present art now in use on motorized passenger vehicles - especially recreational vehicles. This is because the rotation of the hand grip occurring naturally during steering will be entirely independent of the action of various controls attached to the hand grip control assembly.
This rotatable hand grip and control assembly will alleviate ,~
stress to the hand, wrist and arm of the vehicle operator by ~
allowing the grip and control assembly to rotate as necessary to :
thereby allow the operator's grip of the controls and steering to remain comfortable during all steering and control maneuvers.
I must stress that the actual rotational motion of the control grip assembly does not affect any control linkage engagement. ~-~
The rotation of the control assembly is designed to supply greater operator comfort and ease of control management.
In order to demonstrate this design improvement I have developed a new style rotatable hand grip and control assembly.
My invention of a rotatable hand grip and control assembly will further be described, by way of example only, with reference to ~;
the accompanying figures 1 - 7 and their related reference characters numbers 1 - 49.
It should be noted that in general an engine kill switch should accompany a motorized passenger vehicle throttle control and this ~
can easily be accommodated within the scope of this invention. . ~-It should also be noted that there are a wide variety of pivotable lever designs or rotatable or slidable knobs or arms, -or even electrical devices that could be used with this invention. Also, I should note that in the accompanying figures -~
a flexible, extendable control cable and its flexible cable housing are shown as the flexible control transmittal means. I -want to note that various mechanical, hydraulic or electrical -control means could be substituted or indeed added to the simple ' ''~''.''~' Z004640 ~ :
Bowden style linkage shown in the figures, and still be within the scope of this invention~
In addition, there are a variety of rotational limit and detente positioning methods which could be used within the scope of this invention. I will show and describe a simple method for example only.
A feature of this invention is that the hand grip and control assembly is rotatable as an integrated unit about the handlebar extension cylindrical axis. The control grip assembly has al1 internal cylindrical passage which passage will fit over the end of the cylindrical handlebar extension 10. The control assembly has appropriate clearance 27 to allow the free rotation of the control on the handlebar extension 10.
For extreme conditions a replaceable bushing 5 may be installed between the handlebar and the inside of the length of the control assembly internal cylindrical passage 16.
The control assembly in the examples shown in the figures 1 - 6 uses the common method of securing a flexible control cable housing 14 to part of the control lever housing 31 and passing an extendible, flexible, spring loaded control cable 13 through this `
housing and attaching one end of the control cable 13 to the ~-control lever 11.
The flexible control cable 13 and the flexible cable housing 14 extending away from the control assembly must have sufficient free length to allow its flexure as the control rotates on the handlebar extension 10. Also the area swept by the extending ~-control cable and its housing must be free of obstruction as the complete control assembly rotates about the handlebar axis 30.
In my design as shown in figures 1 - 5 I have made the outside circumference 1 on the end of the control from which both the handlebar 10 and the control cable housing 14 extend, circular.
This outside circular edge 1 is co-axial to the handlebar axis 30 about which the control assembly pivots. ~see figure 3). This circular co-axial edge 1 allows for the easy installation of a loosely fitting hood or shield. (i.e. 28 in figure 1).
In order to secure the control assembly to the handlebar extension 10 but allow its rotation on the handlebar, I propose that the end of the cylindrical handlebar extension contain either a centrally located threaded hole machined into a solid handlebar or a threaded nut welded centrally in place in the case of a hollow handlebar tube (see figure 1). The outboard end of the rotatable hand grip 4 shall be closed except for a centrally ~ -located hole 32 through which a lockable threaded bolt 7 and 9 shall pass. This bolt shall lock into the threaded hol~ or welded nut in the handlebar end. Appropriate friction or rubbing r,. ~ . -:. : .: , . : , , ': : . ' .
2004640 ~'~
washers 6 and 8 shall allow easy rotation of the assembly on the handlebar yet limit the to and fro motion of the assembly along the handlebar axis.
Another feature of this invention is the use of a 'return to centre of rotation' or detente positioning system. My design also includes a bi-directional rotational limit mechanism. I
propose that these two mechanisms be combined as shown in figures 4 and 5.
The detente positioning system ensures that the rotatable hand grip and lever assembly will return to a pre-determined ~
rotational position if the vehicle operator releases the control. - -The rotational limit system will set the maximum pre-determined `~
rotation in either direction that the control assembly will travel.
In order to implement the 'detente' and 'limit' functions I
propose that a suitable pin or plate 17 be rigidly secured (i.e.
welding) radially to the handlebar extension 10 ~see figures 4 and 5). Please note that this could be accomplished with a separate pin or plate welded or moulded onto a clamp, which clamp could be adjustable and suitably secured in position on the handlebar.
This limit pin 17 fits inside an appropriately contoured recess 26 in the enlarged annular end of the rotatable control hand grip housing. This recess 26 also incorporates as part of its contour the rotational limit stops 19 and 20. Two detente springs 23 and 24 are also housed within the recess 26. These detente -positioning springs are equally tensioned at the detente rotational position shown in figure 4. These springs stretch from an anchor point 22 on the limit pin 17 to the opposite extremities of the contoured recess 26 and are secured to the hand grip housing at points 21 and 25. ~
As can be demonstrated, rotation of the control assembly around -the handlebar either clockwise or counter clockwise by an operator's hand grasp will be limited to the point where areas 19 and 20 come into contact with and are limited by area 18 of limit -pin 17.
In addition, if no operator rotational pressure is being exerted on the control assembly, said assembly will automatically return to the detente rotational position of figure 4, as the springs 23 and 24 reach equal tension.
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FURTHER DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES AND THE ACTIONS OF MECHANISMS
DEPICTED
Figure 1 This is a side view central cross section of a rotatable control grip and lever assembly. In this Eigure no rotational limit or detente positioning mechanisms are shown. In fact, even without a control lever and cable this rotating hand grip would be very helpful in relieving operator arm and wrist flexure and twisting on the handlebar type steering of a motorized vehicle. Character 15 locates the area of the assembly where the limit and detente mechanisms can be easily located (see figures 4 and 5 for details).
In this figure 1 the proposed control assembly consists of a thumb or finger operated lever 11 saddling a rotatable hand grip control housing with said lever 11 being attached to said housing via a pivot pin 3 which pin extends through a raised boss 2 said boss being contoured as part of the rotatable hand grip control housing. The lever 11 is also attached to a spring loaded flexible control cable 13 via a control cable attachment pivot point 12. The spring loading of the control cable assures that the control lever will return to its resting position as shown in figures 1 and 2. The cable 13 passes through a flexible control cable housing 14 which housing is secured to the end of the -control housing end 31 having the large outside circumference 1.
The rotatable hand grip control ho ing consists of a heavy walled tubular structure being at ~nd closed except for a centrally located hole 32 through which a bolt 7 can pass, and said tubular structure having its other extremity a section 31 with a larger diameter which section has a circular outside edge 1 which edge is coaxial to the central tubular axis of the control assembly. -The whole control hand grip housing, control lever and flexible control cable and its housing can rotate as a unit on the handlebar 10. A wear bushing 5 can be used over the handlebar 10 and suitable lubricants used to ease friction.
The control hand grip assembly is shown secured to the handlebar with a suitable threaded bolt 9 which bolt enters and is locked into a threaded hole centred in the end of the handlebar 10.
This bolt 9 is to be adjusted so that appropriate clearance is left between the friction and wear washes 6 and 8 and the adjacent portions of the bolt head 7, the end of the handlebar extension, and the closed end of the rotatable control hand grip housing.
In this figure I also show how a moulded hood 28 can fit loosely over the enlarged circular end 1 of the control hand grip Z00464~
housing. This hood allows the control to rotate freely and yet provides a shielded area in which the flexible control cable housing 14 can travel as the control rotates. This moulded shield 28 can also provide aesthetic enhancement, safety shielding and shielding from weather elements. -Figure 2 This is a partial side view of a rotatable control housing and lever assembly. No bushing is shown between the control assembly and the handlebar 10. The clearance 27 is shown, which clearance allows the control assembly to rotate on the handlebar extension.
Figure 3 " :~
This is an end sectional view of figure 2 along line A-A. This figure shows how a control lever straddles and is secured to the -rotatable housing.
Figure 4 This is an end view of figure 5 from direction C-C. This figure shows details of the mechanisms that can be located in area 15 of figures 1 and 2. In this view details of the rotational limit and detente positioning systems are shown.
In this figure the rotatable control is shown in the detente position. In this view it can be shown that if the control assembly is turned clockwise from the detente position shown then the spring 24 will extend and the spring 23 will contract until -the limiting area 18 of the limiting pin 17 is engaged by the rotational limit stop 19 which is part of the contour of the recess 26.
If the vehicle operator releases the control assembly at this limited point, then the control assembly will return to the detente position as shown in figure 4. -In this view it can further be shown that if the control assembly is turned counter clockwise from the detente position shown then the spring 23 will extend and the spring 24 will contract until the area 18 of limiting pin 17 is engaged by the rotation limit -~
stop 20 which is part of the contour of the recess 26.
If the vehicle operator releases the control assembly at this limit point then the control assembly will return to the detente position as shown in figure 4.
The limit stops 19 and 20 can be set at manufacture to allow for different amounts of rotational control motion.
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Z()04640 ~ ~ ~
Figure 5 This figure is a side view of figure 4 partly sectioned along line B-B. The control lever 11 of figures 1, 2, 3 is not shown.
This view shows details of the rotational limit and detente positioning system and how these mechanisms can be located within the recess 26 of the control assembly.
Figure 6 This figure is a side central sectional view of another embodiment of an adjustable for comfort hand grasp for a handlebar type steering system. In this figure a yoke 33 having a tubular supporting stem 34 is securely and rotatably mounted over the end of a cylindrical handlebar extension 10 by way of an adjustable and lockable bolt 35 with appropriate spacers and wear washers 39. A rotatable tubular hand grip 4 is mounted over an axle rod 38 which ends of said axle rod are securely fastened to the ends of the two laterally spaced and parallel arms 40 of the yoke with two axle securing bolts 36. Appropriate spacers and wear washers 37 are positioned between the ends of the rotatable hand grip and the arms of the yoke.
In figure 6 I show a simple thumb or finger activated lever 42 attached pivotally to the rotatable hand grip housing at the enlarged end 31. This control lever 42 is connected to a flexible control cable 45. The flexible control cable housing 44 is firmly anchored to the enlarged end 31 of the rotatable hand grip assembly.
A variety of control levers, buttons, and knobs and their associated flexible function transmittal means can be mounted directly on this rotatable hand grip in the same manner as described in the previous sections.
Also, limit and detente systems can be installed on either or both of the yoke stem and/or the hand grip as described previously. ~
Figure 7 ~ -This is a side view central cross section of another embodiment of an adjustable for comfort hand grasp assembly. This view is essentially the same as figure 6 except that the thumb or finger operated control is not directly attached to the rotatable hand grip but is mounted on the supporting yoke in close proximity to the hand grip.
2004640 ~ ~
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There are also a variety of methods available to mount control levers, button, or knobs on the arms of the yoke in close proximity to the rotatable hand grip. With flexible control function transmittal means (i.e. electrical wires, cables and housings, or hydraulic lines) which can follow the contour of the yoke and handlebar, there will be no problem adding various controls within the scope of this embodiment.
, ~, SUNMARY
I have disclosed a method of creating greater operator comfort and control management of both steering and vehicle control operation on a motorized passenger vehicle. By allowing a natural spatial orientation of a human grasp point on a motorized passenger vehicle system I feel that a significant improvement has been made and disclosed. My disclosure has dealt with motorized passenger vehicles which use pivoting handlebars and --~
handlebar extensions mounted thereon. (i.e. three and four wheelers, snowmobiles, motorcycles, off-road vehicles).
In my disclosure and claims I have used the term "handlebar extension." It would seem reasonable to include within the -definition`handlebar extensioff/any extension of a steering means to which a human hand grasp point could be attached. ~
I have described generally two embodiments of my naturally -~ -orienting hand grasp; one with single axis adjustment and one ;
with dual axis adjustment. I have described the present - ~
invention and its use in reasonable detail. It is understood --that various changes and modifications may occur to persons of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and ~-~
scope of the invention.
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:;"., 2004640 ~ 7 LEGEND OF CHARACTERS USED IN FIGURES
1. Circular edge of hand grip housing
:
Many motorized passenger vehicles use hand operated controls (i.e. throttle, brake, clutch, choke) mounted on the handlebars which bars are used for steering the vehicle. ~ ;
In general, these hand operated controls can be classified into -two groups - the twist grip style and the finger or thumb operated style.
On vehicles on which the steering handlebar motion is slow and gentle the twist grip style is well suited for vehicle control.
On many other motorized passenger vehicles the controls consist of finger or thumb operated pivoting levers mounted on opposite ends of the steering handlebars.
On some MPVs (i.e. three and four wheelers, snowmobiles, off road vehicles) the motion of the steering handlebars can be very vigorous and fast. In these applications the twist grip style -control has an inherent problem as it is difficult to maintain a constant control (i.e. throttle) setting while at the same time maintaining vigorous steering control.
It is important that vehicle operators be comfortable in order to make steering and control functions easily managed.
In my investigation I found that in many situations on MPVs using handlebar type steering with hand operated controls mounted thereon that when the operator turned the steering handlebars to the left and right extremes that there was a substantial amount of human wrist flexure and twisting as the operator's arms changed their angle of attack to the handlebars while at the same time maintaining a fixed control setting (i.e. either with a twist grip control or with a pivoting lever control).
Some operators compensate for, and relieve the pressure exerted on their wrists and forearms, by either shifting their body positions or by loosening their grip on the controls and -rotationally re-positioning their hands. ~ ~-INVENTION DISCLOSURE
In this invention I propose to alleviate the previously described problem firstly by allowing the hand grasp point on the handlebar g to orient its position on or about the handlebar ends. This is to be done in the simplest embodiment by making the hand grip rotatable over the handlebar extension. Further refinement of this hand grip orientation can be accomplished by mounting the rotating hand grip in a yoke and fixing said yoke pivotably over Z004640 1- ~
or astride the handlebar extension. This will allow two axis re-positioning of the hand grasp point. -~
This invention, however, will not rely upon the common method of having the hand grip rotation directly or even indirectly compelling the engagement of a vehicle control means.
I, therefore, further propose a hand operated control assembly, comprising a rotatable hand grip and a finger or thumb operated control lever, button, or knob. This assembly shall rotate as a unit on the handlebar extension, compelled by the natural rotation of the operator's firm grasp as the operator's arms and wrists change their angles of attack to the handlebars while ~
steering from one directional extreme to the other. ~-This will be a significant departure from the present art now in use on motorized passenger vehicles - especially recreational vehicles. This is because the rotation of the hand grip occurring naturally during steering will be entirely independent of the action of various controls attached to the hand grip control assembly.
This rotatable hand grip and control assembly will alleviate ,~
stress to the hand, wrist and arm of the vehicle operator by ~
allowing the grip and control assembly to rotate as necessary to :
thereby allow the operator's grip of the controls and steering to remain comfortable during all steering and control maneuvers.
I must stress that the actual rotational motion of the control grip assembly does not affect any control linkage engagement. ~-~
The rotation of the control assembly is designed to supply greater operator comfort and ease of control management.
In order to demonstrate this design improvement I have developed a new style rotatable hand grip and control assembly.
My invention of a rotatable hand grip and control assembly will further be described, by way of example only, with reference to ~;
the accompanying figures 1 - 7 and their related reference characters numbers 1 - 49.
It should be noted that in general an engine kill switch should accompany a motorized passenger vehicle throttle control and this ~
can easily be accommodated within the scope of this invention. . ~-It should also be noted that there are a wide variety of pivotable lever designs or rotatable or slidable knobs or arms, -or even electrical devices that could be used with this invention. Also, I should note that in the accompanying figures -~
a flexible, extendable control cable and its flexible cable housing are shown as the flexible control transmittal means. I -want to note that various mechanical, hydraulic or electrical -control means could be substituted or indeed added to the simple ' ''~''.''~' Z004640 ~ :
Bowden style linkage shown in the figures, and still be within the scope of this invention~
In addition, there are a variety of rotational limit and detente positioning methods which could be used within the scope of this invention. I will show and describe a simple method for example only.
A feature of this invention is that the hand grip and control assembly is rotatable as an integrated unit about the handlebar extension cylindrical axis. The control grip assembly has al1 internal cylindrical passage which passage will fit over the end of the cylindrical handlebar extension 10. The control assembly has appropriate clearance 27 to allow the free rotation of the control on the handlebar extension 10.
For extreme conditions a replaceable bushing 5 may be installed between the handlebar and the inside of the length of the control assembly internal cylindrical passage 16.
The control assembly in the examples shown in the figures 1 - 6 uses the common method of securing a flexible control cable housing 14 to part of the control lever housing 31 and passing an extendible, flexible, spring loaded control cable 13 through this `
housing and attaching one end of the control cable 13 to the ~-control lever 11.
The flexible control cable 13 and the flexible cable housing 14 extending away from the control assembly must have sufficient free length to allow its flexure as the control rotates on the handlebar extension 10. Also the area swept by the extending ~-control cable and its housing must be free of obstruction as the complete control assembly rotates about the handlebar axis 30.
In my design as shown in figures 1 - 5 I have made the outside circumference 1 on the end of the control from which both the handlebar 10 and the control cable housing 14 extend, circular.
This outside circular edge 1 is co-axial to the handlebar axis 30 about which the control assembly pivots. ~see figure 3). This circular co-axial edge 1 allows for the easy installation of a loosely fitting hood or shield. (i.e. 28 in figure 1).
In order to secure the control assembly to the handlebar extension 10 but allow its rotation on the handlebar, I propose that the end of the cylindrical handlebar extension contain either a centrally located threaded hole machined into a solid handlebar or a threaded nut welded centrally in place in the case of a hollow handlebar tube (see figure 1). The outboard end of the rotatable hand grip 4 shall be closed except for a centrally ~ -located hole 32 through which a lockable threaded bolt 7 and 9 shall pass. This bolt shall lock into the threaded hol~ or welded nut in the handlebar end. Appropriate friction or rubbing r,. ~ . -:. : .: , . : , , ': : . ' .
2004640 ~'~
washers 6 and 8 shall allow easy rotation of the assembly on the handlebar yet limit the to and fro motion of the assembly along the handlebar axis.
Another feature of this invention is the use of a 'return to centre of rotation' or detente positioning system. My design also includes a bi-directional rotational limit mechanism. I
propose that these two mechanisms be combined as shown in figures 4 and 5.
The detente positioning system ensures that the rotatable hand grip and lever assembly will return to a pre-determined ~
rotational position if the vehicle operator releases the control. - -The rotational limit system will set the maximum pre-determined `~
rotation in either direction that the control assembly will travel.
In order to implement the 'detente' and 'limit' functions I
propose that a suitable pin or plate 17 be rigidly secured (i.e.
welding) radially to the handlebar extension 10 ~see figures 4 and 5). Please note that this could be accomplished with a separate pin or plate welded or moulded onto a clamp, which clamp could be adjustable and suitably secured in position on the handlebar.
This limit pin 17 fits inside an appropriately contoured recess 26 in the enlarged annular end of the rotatable control hand grip housing. This recess 26 also incorporates as part of its contour the rotational limit stops 19 and 20. Two detente springs 23 and 24 are also housed within the recess 26. These detente -positioning springs are equally tensioned at the detente rotational position shown in figure 4. These springs stretch from an anchor point 22 on the limit pin 17 to the opposite extremities of the contoured recess 26 and are secured to the hand grip housing at points 21 and 25. ~
As can be demonstrated, rotation of the control assembly around -the handlebar either clockwise or counter clockwise by an operator's hand grasp will be limited to the point where areas 19 and 20 come into contact with and are limited by area 18 of limit -pin 17.
In addition, if no operator rotational pressure is being exerted on the control assembly, said assembly will automatically return to the detente rotational position of figure 4, as the springs 23 and 24 reach equal tension.
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2004640 ~ ~;
FURTHER DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES AND THE ACTIONS OF MECHANISMS
DEPICTED
Figure 1 This is a side view central cross section of a rotatable control grip and lever assembly. In this Eigure no rotational limit or detente positioning mechanisms are shown. In fact, even without a control lever and cable this rotating hand grip would be very helpful in relieving operator arm and wrist flexure and twisting on the handlebar type steering of a motorized vehicle. Character 15 locates the area of the assembly where the limit and detente mechanisms can be easily located (see figures 4 and 5 for details).
In this figure 1 the proposed control assembly consists of a thumb or finger operated lever 11 saddling a rotatable hand grip control housing with said lever 11 being attached to said housing via a pivot pin 3 which pin extends through a raised boss 2 said boss being contoured as part of the rotatable hand grip control housing. The lever 11 is also attached to a spring loaded flexible control cable 13 via a control cable attachment pivot point 12. The spring loading of the control cable assures that the control lever will return to its resting position as shown in figures 1 and 2. The cable 13 passes through a flexible control cable housing 14 which housing is secured to the end of the -control housing end 31 having the large outside circumference 1.
The rotatable hand grip control ho ing consists of a heavy walled tubular structure being at ~nd closed except for a centrally located hole 32 through which a bolt 7 can pass, and said tubular structure having its other extremity a section 31 with a larger diameter which section has a circular outside edge 1 which edge is coaxial to the central tubular axis of the control assembly. -The whole control hand grip housing, control lever and flexible control cable and its housing can rotate as a unit on the handlebar 10. A wear bushing 5 can be used over the handlebar 10 and suitable lubricants used to ease friction.
The control hand grip assembly is shown secured to the handlebar with a suitable threaded bolt 9 which bolt enters and is locked into a threaded hole centred in the end of the handlebar 10.
This bolt 9 is to be adjusted so that appropriate clearance is left between the friction and wear washes 6 and 8 and the adjacent portions of the bolt head 7, the end of the handlebar extension, and the closed end of the rotatable control hand grip housing.
In this figure I also show how a moulded hood 28 can fit loosely over the enlarged circular end 1 of the control hand grip Z00464~
housing. This hood allows the control to rotate freely and yet provides a shielded area in which the flexible control cable housing 14 can travel as the control rotates. This moulded shield 28 can also provide aesthetic enhancement, safety shielding and shielding from weather elements. -Figure 2 This is a partial side view of a rotatable control housing and lever assembly. No bushing is shown between the control assembly and the handlebar 10. The clearance 27 is shown, which clearance allows the control assembly to rotate on the handlebar extension.
Figure 3 " :~
This is an end sectional view of figure 2 along line A-A. This figure shows how a control lever straddles and is secured to the -rotatable housing.
Figure 4 This is an end view of figure 5 from direction C-C. This figure shows details of the mechanisms that can be located in area 15 of figures 1 and 2. In this view details of the rotational limit and detente positioning systems are shown.
In this figure the rotatable control is shown in the detente position. In this view it can be shown that if the control assembly is turned clockwise from the detente position shown then the spring 24 will extend and the spring 23 will contract until -the limiting area 18 of the limiting pin 17 is engaged by the rotational limit stop 19 which is part of the contour of the recess 26.
If the vehicle operator releases the control assembly at this limited point, then the control assembly will return to the detente position as shown in figure 4. -In this view it can further be shown that if the control assembly is turned counter clockwise from the detente position shown then the spring 23 will extend and the spring 24 will contract until the area 18 of limiting pin 17 is engaged by the rotation limit -~
stop 20 which is part of the contour of the recess 26.
If the vehicle operator releases the control assembly at this limit point then the control assembly will return to the detente position as shown in figure 4.
The limit stops 19 and 20 can be set at manufacture to allow for different amounts of rotational control motion.
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Z()04640 ~ ~ ~
Figure 5 This figure is a side view of figure 4 partly sectioned along line B-B. The control lever 11 of figures 1, 2, 3 is not shown.
This view shows details of the rotational limit and detente positioning system and how these mechanisms can be located within the recess 26 of the control assembly.
Figure 6 This figure is a side central sectional view of another embodiment of an adjustable for comfort hand grasp for a handlebar type steering system. In this figure a yoke 33 having a tubular supporting stem 34 is securely and rotatably mounted over the end of a cylindrical handlebar extension 10 by way of an adjustable and lockable bolt 35 with appropriate spacers and wear washers 39. A rotatable tubular hand grip 4 is mounted over an axle rod 38 which ends of said axle rod are securely fastened to the ends of the two laterally spaced and parallel arms 40 of the yoke with two axle securing bolts 36. Appropriate spacers and wear washers 37 are positioned between the ends of the rotatable hand grip and the arms of the yoke.
In figure 6 I show a simple thumb or finger activated lever 42 attached pivotally to the rotatable hand grip housing at the enlarged end 31. This control lever 42 is connected to a flexible control cable 45. The flexible control cable housing 44 is firmly anchored to the enlarged end 31 of the rotatable hand grip assembly.
A variety of control levers, buttons, and knobs and their associated flexible function transmittal means can be mounted directly on this rotatable hand grip in the same manner as described in the previous sections.
Also, limit and detente systems can be installed on either or both of the yoke stem and/or the hand grip as described previously. ~
Figure 7 ~ -This is a side view central cross section of another embodiment of an adjustable for comfort hand grasp assembly. This view is essentially the same as figure 6 except that the thumb or finger operated control is not directly attached to the rotatable hand grip but is mounted on the supporting yoke in close proximity to the hand grip.
2004640 ~ ~
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There are also a variety of methods available to mount control levers, button, or knobs on the arms of the yoke in close proximity to the rotatable hand grip. With flexible control function transmittal means (i.e. electrical wires, cables and housings, or hydraulic lines) which can follow the contour of the yoke and handlebar, there will be no problem adding various controls within the scope of this embodiment.
, ~, SUNMARY
I have disclosed a method of creating greater operator comfort and control management of both steering and vehicle control operation on a motorized passenger vehicle. By allowing a natural spatial orientation of a human grasp point on a motorized passenger vehicle system I feel that a significant improvement has been made and disclosed. My disclosure has dealt with motorized passenger vehicles which use pivoting handlebars and --~
handlebar extensions mounted thereon. (i.e. three and four wheelers, snowmobiles, motorcycles, off-road vehicles).
In my disclosure and claims I have used the term "handlebar extension." It would seem reasonable to include within the -definition`handlebar extensioff/any extension of a steering means to which a human hand grasp point could be attached. ~
I have described generally two embodiments of my naturally -~ -orienting hand grasp; one with single axis adjustment and one ;
with dual axis adjustment. I have described the present - ~
invention and its use in reasonable detail. It is understood --that various changes and modifications may occur to persons of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and ~-~
scope of the invention.
.: ~.
:, -: ~ "-~'~''', ~ ,...
:;"., 2004640 ~ 7 LEGEND OF CHARACTERS USED IN FIGURES
1. Circular edge of hand grip housing
2. Raised boss on which control means can be mounted
3. Lever pivot pin
4. Hand grip - rotatable about axis
5. sushing located between rotating housing and handlebar
6. Friction washer
7. Bolt head
8. Wear absorbing washer
9. Threaded lockable bolt
10. Handlebar extension
11. Control lever
12. Control cable to lever attachment pivot point
13. Flexible control cable
14. Flexible control cable housing
15. Area of figure 1 in which limit and detente mechanism can be located (see f igures 4 and 5)
16. Inside cylindrical edge of control assembly
17. Limiting pin or plate rigidly attached to handlebar
18. Area of 17 which bears upon limits 19 and 20
19. Rotational limit stop - part of control housing recess 26
20. Opposite to 19 limit stop
21. Spring attachment pin secured to control housing
22. Spring attachment point on 17
23. Detente positioning spring
24. Detente positioning spring
25. Spring attachment pin secured to control housing
26. Recess in control housing f or detente and limiting mechanism
27. Clearance between control assembly and handlebar
28. Moulded handlebar shield
29. Area of clearance between 28 and 1
30. Central handlebar axis :.
31. End of hand grip housing having enlarged diameter ~:
32. Centrally located hole
33. Yoke - rotatable
34. Tubular supporting stem of yoke
35. Threaded bolt to secure rotating yoke to handlebar
36. Axle to yoke securing bolt
37. Spacer and wear washers
38. Axle for hand grip
39. Spacer and wear washers
40. Arms of yoke - laterally spaced and parallel to each other ::
41. Lever pivot point ::::
42. Lever
43. Lever to transmittal means attachment point ~ :~
44. Flexible transmittal means housing
45. Flexible transmittal means cable : ~
46. Lever mounted on yoke ~:-
47. Flexible control cable housing - : -
48. Flexible control cable
49. Lever pivot point ,~
Claims (11)
1. A motorized passenger vehicle having a steering means activated by pivoting handlebars mounted in front of a human operator and on which opposed ends of said handlebars are located rotatable human grasp points which grasp points consist of a heavy-walled tubular hand grip which tubular hand grip is securely and pivotally mounted over the end of a cylindrical handlebar extension and which hand grip, by its pivoting action, compelled by a human operator's firm grasp automatically adjusts its rotational position about the handlebar extension as the operator's wrist and arm change their respective angles of attack to the steering handlebars as said handlebars are turned by the operator from one steering extremity to the other and further which automatic rotational motion of said hand grip shall relieve flexing and twisting stress to the operator's hand, wrist and arm, and further which automatic rotational motion of said hand grip does not interfere with or affect the action or engagement of various vehicle control functions.
2. A motorized passenger vehicle as defined in claim 1 and which rotatable hand grip (or opposed grips) has, at its end into which the handlebar extension enters into the internal passage of said rotatable hand grip, an enlarged annular cross sectional area defining an enlarged tubular wall thickness and which enlarged portion of said hand grip has as its outer edge a circular circumference which circumference is co-axial to the handlebar extension axis about which the hand grip assembly rotates and further that this enlarged end of said hand grip extends along the length of said tubular hand grip for a suitable distance to still allow sufficient room for a human hand grasp on the non-enlarged section of the hand grip.
3. A motorized passenger vehicle according to claim 2 and on which there shall be an appropriately contoured recess located and formed in a section of the enlarged annular end of said hand grip assembly and further that located in the said contoured recess shall be mechanisms comprising of a bi-directional hand grip rotational limit means and a return to rest position or detente rotational hand grip positioning means.
4. A motorized passenger vehicle according to claim 1 or claim 3 and on which rotatable hand grip are mounted one or more thumb or finger activated control means, said control means being unaffected by the hand grip rotational motion and said control means being connected to their appropriate remote vehicle control means (i.e. carburetor, brake, clutch, choke or electrical system) via a flexible control function transmittal means (i.e. mechanical cables, hydraulic lines, electrical wires), and further which rotatable control assembly, including the hand grip, the thumb or finger operated control means and the one end of the flexible control function transmittal means, shall be rotatable to a limited degree as an assembly about the handlebar extension axis.
5. A motorized passenger vehicle according to claim 4 and on which a flexible control function transmittal means (i.e.
cable, hydraulic line, electrical wire) exits from the enlarged annular end of the rotatable hand grip, and said transmittal means having sufficient flexibility and length to repeatedly bend without detrimentally affecting said transmittal means as said hand grip assembly pivots to a limited degree about the handlebar axis, and further that said flexible transmittal means shall generally follow the contour of the handlebars after its exit from the end of the rotatable hand grip assembly.
cable, hydraulic line, electrical wire) exits from the enlarged annular end of the rotatable hand grip, and said transmittal means having sufficient flexibility and length to repeatedly bend without detrimentally affecting said transmittal means as said hand grip assembly pivots to a limited degree about the handlebar axis, and further that said flexible transmittal means shall generally follow the contour of the handlebars after its exit from the end of the rotatable hand grip assembly.
6. A motorized passenger vehicle according to claim 2 or 3 or 5 and onto which rotatable hand grip assembly can be loosely fitted a moulded contoured hood, said hood being essentially a tubular structured of varying diameter extending along and over the handlebars and the aperture of said hood being proportioned at its one end to fit over and around the enlarged outside circular edge of the hand grip assembly in a loose fashion so as to not interfere with the free rotation of said hand grip assembly about the handlebar axis.
7. A motorized passenger vehicle according to claim 6 and which hood shall have sufficient internal empty annular volume between the handlebars over which it extends and the hoods inside diameter to allow the unimpeded motion of a flexible control function transmittal means which means shall extend from the end of the enlarged annular section of the rotatable control grip assembly and into the internal empty annular volume of said hood.
8. A motorized passenger vehicle having a steering means activated by pivoting handlebars mounted in front of a human operator and on which opposed ends of said handlebar extensions are located a yoke member comprising a tubular stem and its two laterally spaced and parallel arms and which tubular stem shall be securely and rotatably mounted over the ends of said handlebar extensions and further there shall be a rotatable tubular hand grip mounted over an axle rod which axle rod is slightly longer than the tubular hand grip, and further that said axle rod has its two ends securely fastened between the suitably laterally spaced and parallel arms of the said yoke thereby providing a human grasp point on the tubular hand grip which shall spatially orient itself on two axes as compelled by the firm grasp of the operator hand as the operator's wrist and arm change their respective angles of attack to the steering handlebars as said handlebars are turned by the operator from one steering extremity to the other, and further which motion of said spatially adjustable hand grasp means shall not interfere with or affect the action or engagement of various vehicle control functions.
9. A motorized passenger vehicle as defined in claim 8 and on which rotatable hand grip shall be mounted one or more thumb or finger activated control means, said control means being unaffected by the hand grip rotational motion and said control means shall be connected to a remote vehicle control means (i.e. carburetor, clutch, brake, choke, electrical system) via a flexible control function transmittal means.
10. A motorized passenger vehicle as defined in claim 8 or 9 and on which arms of said yoke member, in close proximity to said rotatable hand grip, are mounted one or more thumb or finger operated control means with their associated flexible control function transmittal means.
11. A motorized passenger vehicle as defined in claim 1 or 8 and which handlebar extension, to which the single or dual axially rotatable hand grip is attached may be the modified extensions of any hand activated steering means.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2004640 CA2004640A1 (en) | 1989-12-05 | 1989-12-05 | Hand grip and control assembly |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2004640 CA2004640A1 (en) | 1989-12-05 | 1989-12-05 | Hand grip and control assembly |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2004640A1 true CA2004640A1 (en) | 1991-06-05 |
Family
ID=4143718
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2004640 Abandoned CA2004640A1 (en) | 1989-12-05 | 1989-12-05 | Hand grip and control assembly |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2004640A1 (en) |
-
1989
- 1989-12-05 CA CA 2004640 patent/CA2004640A1/en not_active Abandoned
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |