CA2428867A1 - Wrap around handlebar grip assembly - Google Patents
Wrap around handlebar grip assembly Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2428867A1 CA2428867A1 CA 2428867 CA2428867A CA2428867A1 CA 2428867 A1 CA2428867 A1 CA 2428867A1 CA 2428867 CA2428867 CA 2428867 CA 2428867 A CA2428867 A CA 2428867A CA 2428867 A1 CA2428867 A1 CA 2428867A1
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- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- handlebar
- grip
- wrap around
- grip assembly
- fastening
- 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.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62K—CYCLES; CYCLE FRAMES; CYCLE STEERING DEVICES; RIDER-OPERATED TERMINAL CONTROLS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR CYCLES; CYCLE AXLE SUSPENSIONS; CYCLE SIDE-CARS, FORECARS, OR THE LIKE
- B62K21/00—Steering devices
- B62K21/26—Handlebar grips
Abstract
A wrap around handgrip assembly is provided for suitable installation over, for example, a handlebar of a bicycle. The handlebar grip assembly generally includes a handlebar grip which can be removably attached to a handlebar. The grip assembly when attached will not rotate around the handlebar in use, and yet is easily detached from the handlebar. The handlebar grip assembly starts out in an open position and is wrapped around a handlebar over its entire width and secured to itself in a closed position along the longitudinal edges of the grip parallel to the handlebar.
The secure closure is achieved by a plurality of rigid clamps that pass over the outwardly extending protrusions and tighten against the handlebar to hold the grip in place. The grip has a resilient inner clamp body layer which is locally flexible to allow the grip to be wrapped around the bar and thickened at regular spatial positions to allow fastening hardware to securely clamp the grip in place. A flexible, shock absorbent, soft outer hand member layer is affixed to the outer surface of the inner clamp body layer.
The secure closure is achieved by a plurality of rigid clamps that pass over the outwardly extending protrusions and tighten against the handlebar to hold the grip in place. The grip has a resilient inner clamp body layer which is locally flexible to allow the grip to be wrapped around the bar and thickened at regular spatial positions to allow fastening hardware to securely clamp the grip in place. A flexible, shock absorbent, soft outer hand member layer is affixed to the outer surface of the inner clamp body layer.
Description
Wrap Around Handlebar Grip Assennbly Field of the Invention The invention relates to a wrap around handgrip assembly for suitable s installation over a handlebar of a bicycle. The handlebar ~;rip assembly enables the users to secure the grip member to a handlebar with ease. The grip assembly when attached will not rotate around the handlebar in use, and yet is easily detached from the handlebar. After the grip member is wrapped around the handlebar, a plurality of rigid clamps pass over the outwardly extending protrusions at opposite ends of the to grip membea- and tighten against the handlebar to hold the grip member in place.
Background of the Invention Sports such as mountain bicycling have gain tremendous popularity in recent years. To properly steer the bicycle and fully master the ride, it is crucial to have 15 secure and non-slid handlebar grips. In addition, the handlebar grips should not turn or rotate when in use.
Traditionally, handlebar grips are slithered onto the end of the handlebar usually with the aid of hairspray or rubbing alcohol to aid the sliding installation and then dry tacky to assist in securing the grip to the bar (see, e.g., U.S. Pat.
No.
2o 3,344,684 issued on Oct. 3, 1967 to Steere, Jr. et al. and U.S. Pat. No.
4,416,166 issued on Nov. 22, 1983 to Jannard et al.). One major disadvantage with such traditional grip is that when the grip becomes wet it commoWy slips and turns on the handlebar, thus creating very dangerous gripping for the rider. Another disadvantage relates to the extreme difficulty in getting the grip on, and off of, handlebars. To remove the grip, among many things, the technician must first dislodge any handlebar-ends and end plugs and then slip a screwdriver or the like under the grip, thus causing damages to the handlebar. Thereafter, brut strength, a lubricant, or air must be used to allow the grip to be removed.
In order to enhance the comfort for the rider, it is desirable to have handlebar grip members which are soft, cushion-like and able to absorb shocks. The challenge with such soft grip members is that they tend to wear out after extended use.
In view of the extreme involved process in removing the traditional grip members, it is desirable to have a soft grip member which can be placed on and removed from the handlebar with relative ease. Another problem associated with traditional soft grip members is their tendency to rotate around the handlebar due to the non-adhesive attachment to the handlebar. Ono way to prevent the grip member rotation is to glue the grip members on the handlebar. In so doing, it makes the removal and replacement of the grip members nearly impossible.
Accordingly, there is a clear need in the bicycle industry to have a handlebar grip member which can be installed and removed with relative ease. The grip member should also possess the advantages of being soft and shock-absorbent and, at the same time, non-slipping in extreme riding conditions.
Over the years, many patents have been granted for various grip member designs directed to soft the aforementioned problems. U.S. Pat. No. 5,125,286 (issued Jun. 30, 1992 to Wilson) teaches a handlebar grip consisting of three components, namely a tubular handgrip member, a tubular sleeve, and an end cap. During installation, the tubular handgrip is slithered onto the handlebar. The tubular sleeve then slides on over the outer surface of the tubular handgrip and is positioned in place with the end cap. The Wilson dosign does not solve the slipping problem and also requires dislodging the bar-ends and bar-plugs which are originally attached to the handlebar.
In U.S. Pat. No. 5,280,735 (issued Jan. 25, 1994 to Kuipers of al.), it discloses a two-piece grip for reducing slippage between the grip and the handlebar. The two s piece grip is consisted of an inner sleeve and a rigid outer nylon lattice housing, with the latter applying force to the inner sleeve to prevent :~it from rotating on the handlebar. The soft inner sleeve has protrusions on its surface which extends through the openings in the lattice and is clamped in place by the ead cap and flanged end.
The Kuipers et al. design requires intense labour in installation and provides restricted area of hand and member contacts due to the barrier from the :lattice outer surface.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,263,759 (issued Jul. 24, 2001 to Hollingswo3-th et al.) shows a grip device which can be removably attached to a handlebar and will minimize the rotation around the handlebar in use. The Holhngsworth handlebar grip, however, requires the use of two exposed aluminium clamps to fit at each ends of the grip device. Exposed clamps are known to cause discomfort for the rider. More disadvantageously, the Hollingsworth grip requires the technician to remove any and all components attached to the bar on the outside of the grip, such as bar-ends, bar-plugs before the grip can be uninstalled or installed.
Subsequent to the Hollingsworth patent, U.S. Pat. No. 6,105.,460 (issued Aug.
22, 2000 to Li) teaches a sleeved on handgrip made of a plastic elongated molded grip body with an outer circumferential wall with a metacarpal portion and a proximate phalangeal portion respectively corresponding to anatomically contact areas of a rider's hand upon which i.t grips on the grip body. While the Li design promotes comfort and ergonomic to the rider's hand, like the Hollingsv~orth device, it does not address the complications and problems associated with grip installation.
Background of the Invention Sports such as mountain bicycling have gain tremendous popularity in recent years. To properly steer the bicycle and fully master the ride, it is crucial to have 15 secure and non-slid handlebar grips. In addition, the handlebar grips should not turn or rotate when in use.
Traditionally, handlebar grips are slithered onto the end of the handlebar usually with the aid of hairspray or rubbing alcohol to aid the sliding installation and then dry tacky to assist in securing the grip to the bar (see, e.g., U.S. Pat.
No.
2o 3,344,684 issued on Oct. 3, 1967 to Steere, Jr. et al. and U.S. Pat. No.
4,416,166 issued on Nov. 22, 1983 to Jannard et al.). One major disadvantage with such traditional grip is that when the grip becomes wet it commoWy slips and turns on the handlebar, thus creating very dangerous gripping for the rider. Another disadvantage relates to the extreme difficulty in getting the grip on, and off of, handlebars. To remove the grip, among many things, the technician must first dislodge any handlebar-ends and end plugs and then slip a screwdriver or the like under the grip, thus causing damages to the handlebar. Thereafter, brut strength, a lubricant, or air must be used to allow the grip to be removed.
In order to enhance the comfort for the rider, it is desirable to have handlebar grip members which are soft, cushion-like and able to absorb shocks. The challenge with such soft grip members is that they tend to wear out after extended use.
In view of the extreme involved process in removing the traditional grip members, it is desirable to have a soft grip member which can be placed on and removed from the handlebar with relative ease. Another problem associated with traditional soft grip members is their tendency to rotate around the handlebar due to the non-adhesive attachment to the handlebar. Ono way to prevent the grip member rotation is to glue the grip members on the handlebar. In so doing, it makes the removal and replacement of the grip members nearly impossible.
Accordingly, there is a clear need in the bicycle industry to have a handlebar grip member which can be installed and removed with relative ease. The grip member should also possess the advantages of being soft and shock-absorbent and, at the same time, non-slipping in extreme riding conditions.
Over the years, many patents have been granted for various grip member designs directed to soft the aforementioned problems. U.S. Pat. No. 5,125,286 (issued Jun. 30, 1992 to Wilson) teaches a handlebar grip consisting of three components, namely a tubular handgrip member, a tubular sleeve, and an end cap. During installation, the tubular handgrip is slithered onto the handlebar. The tubular sleeve then slides on over the outer surface of the tubular handgrip and is positioned in place with the end cap. The Wilson dosign does not solve the slipping problem and also requires dislodging the bar-ends and bar-plugs which are originally attached to the handlebar.
In U.S. Pat. No. 5,280,735 (issued Jan. 25, 1994 to Kuipers of al.), it discloses a two-piece grip for reducing slippage between the grip and the handlebar. The two s piece grip is consisted of an inner sleeve and a rigid outer nylon lattice housing, with the latter applying force to the inner sleeve to prevent :~it from rotating on the handlebar. The soft inner sleeve has protrusions on its surface which extends through the openings in the lattice and is clamped in place by the ead cap and flanged end.
The Kuipers et al. design requires intense labour in installation and provides restricted area of hand and member contacts due to the barrier from the :lattice outer surface.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,263,759 (issued Jul. 24, 2001 to Hollingswo3-th et al.) shows a grip device which can be removably attached to a handlebar and will minimize the rotation around the handlebar in use. The Holhngsworth handlebar grip, however, requires the use of two exposed aluminium clamps to fit at each ends of the grip device. Exposed clamps are known to cause discomfort for the rider. More disadvantageously, the Hollingsworth grip requires the technician to remove any and all components attached to the bar on the outside of the grip, such as bar-ends, bar-plugs before the grip can be uninstalled or installed.
Subsequent to the Hollingsworth patent, U.S. Pat. No. 6,105.,460 (issued Aug.
22, 2000 to Li) teaches a sleeved on handgrip made of a plastic elongated molded grip body with an outer circumferential wall with a metacarpal portion and a proximate phalangeal portion respectively corresponding to anatomically contact areas of a rider's hand upon which i.t grips on the grip body. While the Li design promotes comfort and ergonomic to the rider's hand, like the Hollingsv~orth device, it does not address the complications and problems associated with grip installation.
brief summary of the invention The present invention is directed at solving the aforementioned shortcomings and provides a handlebar grip member which can be installed and removed with relative ease.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention. to provide a handlebar grip member which is soft and shock-absorbent and, at the same time, non-slipping during use.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a handlebar grip member which can be easily installed and removed for replacement when desired and the process avoids the need to remove any other handlebar components.
The present invention is for a handlebar grip assembly removably attached near an end of a handlebar. The grip assembly is compressed with the grip member and fastening means. When not in use, the handlebar grip member resembles a wrap in an open position. When in use, it is wrapped around a handlebar over its entire width and secured to itself in a closed position along the longitudinal edges of the grip member parallel to the handlebar. The grip member has a resilient inner clamping body which is locally flexible to allow the grip member to be wrapped around the bar and thickened at regular spatial positions to allow fastening hardware to securely clamp the grip member in place. A flexible, shock absorbent, soft outer hand pad is 2o affixed to the outer surface of the inner clamping body. The grip assembly has at least one clamping section integrated into the inner clamping body which has an inner gripping surface urging against the outer surface of the handlebar such that, when tightened, the clamping section will bald the handlebar grip member in a secure manner on the handlebar, thus minimizing any turning anal slippage of the grip member. The clamping section also has means for loosening the clamp from the handlebar so that the handlebar grip member can be easily rennoved.
According to one aspect of the invention, it provides a wrap around handlebar grip assembly comprising a grip :member and a fastening member. The grip member further comprises an inner clamping body consisting of an outer surface and an inner surface; a soft outer hand pad consisting of an outer surface a.nd an inner surface; first and second edges substantially parallel to a portion of the handlebar to be wrapped;
and a central section defining approximately two quarters of the total part length of the inner clamping body, and said first and second edges defining the remaining two 1o equal quarters of the total part length of the inner clamping body. The fastening member comprises fastening means for joining said first and second edges together.
Brief Description of the Drawings Figure lA is a top perspective view of the grip member in its open state.
Figure 1B is a bottom perspective view of the grip member in its open state.
Figure ~ is a front view of the handlebar grip assembly in its open state.
Figure 2A is a cross-sectional view taken along line A--A of FIG. 2.
Figure 2B is a cross-sectional view taken along line B--B of fIG. 2.
Figure 2C is a cross-sectional view taken along line C--C of FIG. 2.
2o Figure 3A is a top perspective View of an end portion of a handlebar covered with the handlebar grip assembly of the present invention in its fastened state, and also including a bar end and end plug fastened at the end of the handlebar.
Figure 3B is a bottom perspective view of the depiction shown in FIG. 3A.
Figure 4 is a front view of the handlebar grip assembly in its fastened state.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention. to provide a handlebar grip member which is soft and shock-absorbent and, at the same time, non-slipping during use.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a handlebar grip member which can be easily installed and removed for replacement when desired and the process avoids the need to remove any other handlebar components.
The present invention is for a handlebar grip assembly removably attached near an end of a handlebar. The grip assembly is compressed with the grip member and fastening means. When not in use, the handlebar grip member resembles a wrap in an open position. When in use, it is wrapped around a handlebar over its entire width and secured to itself in a closed position along the longitudinal edges of the grip member parallel to the handlebar. The grip member has a resilient inner clamping body which is locally flexible to allow the grip member to be wrapped around the bar and thickened at regular spatial positions to allow fastening hardware to securely clamp the grip member in place. A flexible, shock absorbent, soft outer hand pad is 2o affixed to the outer surface of the inner clamping body. The grip assembly has at least one clamping section integrated into the inner clamping body which has an inner gripping surface urging against the outer surface of the handlebar such that, when tightened, the clamping section will bald the handlebar grip member in a secure manner on the handlebar, thus minimizing any turning anal slippage of the grip member. The clamping section also has means for loosening the clamp from the handlebar so that the handlebar grip member can be easily rennoved.
According to one aspect of the invention, it provides a wrap around handlebar grip assembly comprising a grip :member and a fastening member. The grip member further comprises an inner clamping body consisting of an outer surface and an inner surface; a soft outer hand pad consisting of an outer surface a.nd an inner surface; first and second edges substantially parallel to a portion of the handlebar to be wrapped;
and a central section defining approximately two quarters of the total part length of the inner clamping body, and said first and second edges defining the remaining two 1o equal quarters of the total part length of the inner clamping body. The fastening member comprises fastening means for joining said first and second edges together.
Brief Description of the Drawings Figure lA is a top perspective view of the grip member in its open state.
Figure 1B is a bottom perspective view of the grip member in its open state.
Figure ~ is a front view of the handlebar grip assembly in its open state.
Figure 2A is a cross-sectional view taken along line A--A of FIG. 2.
Figure 2B is a cross-sectional view taken along line B--B of fIG. 2.
Figure 2C is a cross-sectional view taken along line C--C of FIG. 2.
2o Figure 3A is a top perspective View of an end portion of a handlebar covered with the handlebar grip assembly of the present invention in its fastened state, and also including a bar end and end plug fastened at the end of the handlebar.
Figure 3B is a bottom perspective view of the depiction shown in FIG. 3A.
Figure 4 is a front view of the handlebar grip assembly in its fastened state.
lFigure 4A is a cross-sectional view taken along line A--A of FIG. 4 Detailed Description of the Preferred Eanbodiment A handlebar grip assembly 10 has an open and a fastened state. When not in use, the grip assembly 10 resembles a wrap in an open position. The wrap in an open state is flat. In a preferred embodiment, the opened wrap takes an inverted "U"
shaped configuration (shown in FIG. lA). When in use, the grip assembly 10 is wrapped around handlebar 202 to form a closed circuit (see FIGS. 3A ~ 3B). The handlebar grip assembly 10 comprises of a grip member 20 and a fastening member to 100. A complete description of the components of the handle grip assembly 10 is listed on Appendix A of this specification.
Grip member 20 has a central section 62 and two o~utwar~. first and second edges substantially parallel to the portion of the handlebar to be wrapped. In the preferred embodiment, these edges are the screw insertion edge 60 and screw-receiving edge 60', respectively. The central section 62 exists between the two described outward edges. The central section 62 accounts for approximately two quarters of the total part length, and th.e described outward edges, screw insertion edge 60 and screw-receiving edge 60' account for the remaining two equal quarters.
In its open state, the grip member 20 resembles an inverted "U" shape (shown in FIG.
2o 2A). The central section 62 can be described as the top flat section of the inverted "U"
and is flexible to allow the grip member 20 to be wrapped around the handlebar 202.
The outward edges, screw insertion edge 60 and screw-receiving edge 60', can be described as the legs of the inverted "U" section. These edges are slightly tlZickened when compared with central section 62 to provide secure clamping ends to the grip member 20 in which fastener member 100 can be affixed.
_6_ Grip member 20 comprises of two layers: an inner clamping body 30 and a soft outer hand pad 70 {shown in FIGS. lA 8c 1B.). The inner clamping body 30 has an inner surface 40 and an outer surface 50. The soft outer hand pad 70 has an inner surface 80 and an outer surface 90. The inner surface 40 of the inner clamping body 30 wraps around the cylindrical outer surface of a handlebar 202. The outer surface 50 of the inner clamping body 30 is affixed to the inner surface 8U of the soft outer hand pad 70, preferably using an overmolded or co-injection molded technique.
The outer surface 90 of the soft outer hand pad 70 provides a comfortable interface with the user's hand. The outer surface 90 is preferably knurled or otherwise covered with 1o a grip pattern 72 (shown in FIG. 1A) of a sort which assists in the holding of the grip.
To ease the process of wrapping the grip member 20 around the handlebar 202, thinning features 92 can be optionally added to tile outer surface 90 of the soft outer hand pad 70 (shown in FIG. 4A).
When in use, the grip member is wrapped around a section of the handlebar.
The closure of the grip wrap can be effected by joining the first and second edges together by any conventional means, such as cam lock, Velcro ~~, snap, hooks, nut and bolt, etc. In a preferred embodiment, fastening member 100 is comprised of a screw insertion aperture 110 and a screw-receiving aperture 120 (shown in FIG.
2C).
Brass insert 122 is permanently captured in screw-receiving aperture 120.
Allan 2o screw 112, or other socket head cap screw, is removably inserted into screw insertion aperture 110 and threaded into brass insert 122, or other suitable nut embedded therein, when grip assembly 10 is fastened to handlebar 202 (shown in FIG.
4A).
Handlebar grip assembly 10 is affixed to the outer cylindrical surface of a handlebar 202 (shown in FIG. 3A). A mountain bicycle handlebar has a typical 2s outside diameter of 0.875" (7/8"). A handlebar grip assembly starts out in an open position (shown in FIG. lA). During use the grip assembly 10 is wrapped around a handlebar 202 over its entire width and secured to itself in a closed position along the longitudinal edges, screw insertion edge 60 and screw-receiving edge 60', of the grip member 20 parallel to the handlebar 202 (shown in FIG. 3.A). In its fastened state grip member forms a closed circuit around handlebar 202. Screw insertion edge and screw-receiving edge 60' are thicker than central section 62 which give the grip member a slightly oval shaped profile when viewed from the side (shown in FIG
4A).
This described oval shape is optional to give the grip membe-r 20 a more comfortable shape to grip.
1o Grip member 20 has an inner clamping body 30 which has an inner surface 40 for wrapping around the cylindrical outer surface of a handlebar 202 (shown in FIG.
4A). The inner clamping body 30 will have several clampirug sections 42 (shown in FIG. 1 B), which localize the applied force on handlebar 202. Once the grip assembly has been wrapped around the handlebar 202 a minute gap 64 remains between the screw insertion edge 60 and the screw-receiving edge 60' (shown in FIGS. 4 &
4A).
The tiny gap 64 ensures that a constant gripping force is being applied by the inner clamping body 30 to the handlebar 202. The grip assembly 10 may be held to the handlebar in various ways, but one such way is that Allen screw 112 nests in screw insertion aperture 110 on one side of gap 64 and spans gap 64 and is threaded into 2o brass insert 122 which is captured in the screw-receiving aperture 120 of inner clamping body 30 on the adjacent side of gap 64 (shown in FIG. 4A).
One advantage of the grip assembly of the present invention is that it can be secured to the handlebar 202 at any distance froze the end of handlebar 202 which permits the tightening of bar-end 204 on the outside of the grip assembly (shown in FIGS. 3A & 3B). This is possible since grip assembly 10 does not have a closed end _ as do the conventional grips. Another advantage of the grip assembly of the present invention is that it can be installed and uninstalled without removing any other handlebar components like bar-end 204 and end-plug 206 (shown in FIG. 3A).
The inner clamping body 30 is preferably fabricated from a durable, yet flexible, and impact resistant polymer such as polypropylene;. Polypropylene has the appropriate flexibility to be wrapped around the handlebar 202 when molded in thin sections such as through central clamping section 42 and is a~dequatc~ly rigid in thicker sections such as through screw insertion edge 60 and screw-receiving edge 60' to securely clamp the grip assembly 10 to the handlebar 202. The soft outer hand pad 70 to of the grip member 20 is preferably fabricated from a relatively soft, shock absorbent thermoplastic elastomer, such as a plasticized rubber of the type sold under the trademark "Santoprene" and "Synprene," having a hardness of typically Shore A
durometer.
As can be seen in FIG. 4A, the inner clamping body 30 clamps against the surface of the handlebar 202 along the inner surface 40. This rigid plastic clamp combined with exposed grip sections 82 (shown in FIG. 1 B) of inner surface 80, interference to handlebar 202 provides a clamping action against the handlebar 202.
The result is a pair of handlebar grips which are very securely affixed to the handlebar 202 and yet, can be rapidly removed by loosening Allen screws 112 and un-wrapping 2o the grip assembly thus allowing it to be removed and replaced with another handlebar grip quickly if desired.
It is clear that the inventive concept of the present wrap around handlebar grip assembly is not limited to use on bicycle handlebars. Any conventional handlebars can incorporate the present inventive concept and provide for suitable installation and _9_ uninstallation of the grip. Thus, the embodiment depicted herein is intended to be merely illustrative and not restrictive in any sense.
It is further understood that the present invention may be carried out in other specific way than those herein set forth without departing from the spirit and essential characteristics of such invention. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and all changes coining within the meaning and equivalency range of the appended claims are intended to be embraced therein.
shaped configuration (shown in FIG. lA). When in use, the grip assembly 10 is wrapped around handlebar 202 to form a closed circuit (see FIGS. 3A ~ 3B). The handlebar grip assembly 10 comprises of a grip member 20 and a fastening member to 100. A complete description of the components of the handle grip assembly 10 is listed on Appendix A of this specification.
Grip member 20 has a central section 62 and two o~utwar~. first and second edges substantially parallel to the portion of the handlebar to be wrapped. In the preferred embodiment, these edges are the screw insertion edge 60 and screw-receiving edge 60', respectively. The central section 62 exists between the two described outward edges. The central section 62 accounts for approximately two quarters of the total part length, and th.e described outward edges, screw insertion edge 60 and screw-receiving edge 60' account for the remaining two equal quarters.
In its open state, the grip member 20 resembles an inverted "U" shape (shown in FIG.
2o 2A). The central section 62 can be described as the top flat section of the inverted "U"
and is flexible to allow the grip member 20 to be wrapped around the handlebar 202.
The outward edges, screw insertion edge 60 and screw-receiving edge 60', can be described as the legs of the inverted "U" section. These edges are slightly tlZickened when compared with central section 62 to provide secure clamping ends to the grip member 20 in which fastener member 100 can be affixed.
_6_ Grip member 20 comprises of two layers: an inner clamping body 30 and a soft outer hand pad 70 {shown in FIGS. lA 8c 1B.). The inner clamping body 30 has an inner surface 40 and an outer surface 50. The soft outer hand pad 70 has an inner surface 80 and an outer surface 90. The inner surface 40 of the inner clamping body 30 wraps around the cylindrical outer surface of a handlebar 202. The outer surface 50 of the inner clamping body 30 is affixed to the inner surface 8U of the soft outer hand pad 70, preferably using an overmolded or co-injection molded technique.
The outer surface 90 of the soft outer hand pad 70 provides a comfortable interface with the user's hand. The outer surface 90 is preferably knurled or otherwise covered with 1o a grip pattern 72 (shown in FIG. 1A) of a sort which assists in the holding of the grip.
To ease the process of wrapping the grip member 20 around the handlebar 202, thinning features 92 can be optionally added to tile outer surface 90 of the soft outer hand pad 70 (shown in FIG. 4A).
When in use, the grip member is wrapped around a section of the handlebar.
The closure of the grip wrap can be effected by joining the first and second edges together by any conventional means, such as cam lock, Velcro ~~, snap, hooks, nut and bolt, etc. In a preferred embodiment, fastening member 100 is comprised of a screw insertion aperture 110 and a screw-receiving aperture 120 (shown in FIG.
2C).
Brass insert 122 is permanently captured in screw-receiving aperture 120.
Allan 2o screw 112, or other socket head cap screw, is removably inserted into screw insertion aperture 110 and threaded into brass insert 122, or other suitable nut embedded therein, when grip assembly 10 is fastened to handlebar 202 (shown in FIG.
4A).
Handlebar grip assembly 10 is affixed to the outer cylindrical surface of a handlebar 202 (shown in FIG. 3A). A mountain bicycle handlebar has a typical 2s outside diameter of 0.875" (7/8"). A handlebar grip assembly starts out in an open position (shown in FIG. lA). During use the grip assembly 10 is wrapped around a handlebar 202 over its entire width and secured to itself in a closed position along the longitudinal edges, screw insertion edge 60 and screw-receiving edge 60', of the grip member 20 parallel to the handlebar 202 (shown in FIG. 3.A). In its fastened state grip member forms a closed circuit around handlebar 202. Screw insertion edge and screw-receiving edge 60' are thicker than central section 62 which give the grip member a slightly oval shaped profile when viewed from the side (shown in FIG
4A).
This described oval shape is optional to give the grip membe-r 20 a more comfortable shape to grip.
1o Grip member 20 has an inner clamping body 30 which has an inner surface 40 for wrapping around the cylindrical outer surface of a handlebar 202 (shown in FIG.
4A). The inner clamping body 30 will have several clampirug sections 42 (shown in FIG. 1 B), which localize the applied force on handlebar 202. Once the grip assembly has been wrapped around the handlebar 202 a minute gap 64 remains between the screw insertion edge 60 and the screw-receiving edge 60' (shown in FIGS. 4 &
4A).
The tiny gap 64 ensures that a constant gripping force is being applied by the inner clamping body 30 to the handlebar 202. The grip assembly 10 may be held to the handlebar in various ways, but one such way is that Allen screw 112 nests in screw insertion aperture 110 on one side of gap 64 and spans gap 64 and is threaded into 2o brass insert 122 which is captured in the screw-receiving aperture 120 of inner clamping body 30 on the adjacent side of gap 64 (shown in FIG. 4A).
One advantage of the grip assembly of the present invention is that it can be secured to the handlebar 202 at any distance froze the end of handlebar 202 which permits the tightening of bar-end 204 on the outside of the grip assembly (shown in FIGS. 3A & 3B). This is possible since grip assembly 10 does not have a closed end _ as do the conventional grips. Another advantage of the grip assembly of the present invention is that it can be installed and uninstalled without removing any other handlebar components like bar-end 204 and end-plug 206 (shown in FIG. 3A).
The inner clamping body 30 is preferably fabricated from a durable, yet flexible, and impact resistant polymer such as polypropylene;. Polypropylene has the appropriate flexibility to be wrapped around the handlebar 202 when molded in thin sections such as through central clamping section 42 and is a~dequatc~ly rigid in thicker sections such as through screw insertion edge 60 and screw-receiving edge 60' to securely clamp the grip assembly 10 to the handlebar 202. The soft outer hand pad 70 to of the grip member 20 is preferably fabricated from a relatively soft, shock absorbent thermoplastic elastomer, such as a plasticized rubber of the type sold under the trademark "Santoprene" and "Synprene," having a hardness of typically Shore A
durometer.
As can be seen in FIG. 4A, the inner clamping body 30 clamps against the surface of the handlebar 202 along the inner surface 40. This rigid plastic clamp combined with exposed grip sections 82 (shown in FIG. 1 B) of inner surface 80, interference to handlebar 202 provides a clamping action against the handlebar 202.
The result is a pair of handlebar grips which are very securely affixed to the handlebar 202 and yet, can be rapidly removed by loosening Allen screws 112 and un-wrapping 2o the grip assembly thus allowing it to be removed and replaced with another handlebar grip quickly if desired.
It is clear that the inventive concept of the present wrap around handlebar grip assembly is not limited to use on bicycle handlebars. Any conventional handlebars can incorporate the present inventive concept and provide for suitable installation and _9_ uninstallation of the grip. Thus, the embodiment depicted herein is intended to be merely illustrative and not restrictive in any sense.
It is further understood that the present invention may be carried out in other specific way than those herein set forth without departing from the spirit and essential characteristics of such invention. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and all changes coining within the meaning and equivalency range of the appended claims are intended to be embraced therein.
Claims (16)
1. A wrap around handlebar grip assembly comprising a grip member and a fastening member, said grip member further comprises:
- an inner clamping body consisting of an outer surface and an inner surface;
- a soft outer hand pad consisting of an outer surface and an inner surface;
- first and second edges substantially parallel to a portion of the handlebar to be wrapped;
- a central section defining approximately two quarters of the total part length of the inner clamping body, and said first and second edges defining the remaining two equal quarters of the total part length of the inner clamping body;
said fastening member comprises:
- fastening means for joining said first and second edges together.
- an inner clamping body consisting of an outer surface and an inner surface;
- a soft outer hand pad consisting of an outer surface and an inner surface;
- first and second edges substantially parallel to a portion of the handlebar to be wrapped;
- a central section defining approximately two quarters of the total part length of the inner clamping body, and said first and second edges defining the remaining two equal quarters of the total part length of the inner clamping body;
said fastening member comprises:
- fastening means for joining said first and second edges together.
2. A wrap around handlebar grip assembly comprising a grip member and a fastening member, said grip member further comprises:
- an inner clamping body consisting of an outer surface and an inner surface;
- a soft outer hand pad consisting of an outer surface and an inner surface;
- first and second edges substantially parallel to a portion of the handlebar to be wrapped;
- a central section defining approximately two quarters of the total part length of the inner clamping body, and said first and second edges defining the remaining two equal quarters of the total part length of the inner clamping body;
said fastening member comprises:
- at least two fastening insertion apertures and fastening receiving apertures and fastening means for securing said grip member around the handlebar.
- an inner clamping body consisting of an outer surface and an inner surface;
- a soft outer hand pad consisting of an outer surface and an inner surface;
- first and second edges substantially parallel to a portion of the handlebar to be wrapped;
- a central section defining approximately two quarters of the total part length of the inner clamping body, and said first and second edges defining the remaining two equal quarters of the total part length of the inner clamping body;
said fastening member comprises:
- at least two fastening insertion apertures and fastening receiving apertures and fastening means for securing said grip member around the handlebar.
3. The wrap around handlebar grip assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said inner surface comprises a clamping section.
4. The wrap around handlebar grip assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said soft outer hand pad further comprises thinning features on the outer surface and/or exposed pad patch on the inner surface.
5. The wrap around handlebar grip assembly according to claim 2, wherein said fastening insertion aperture defines a screw insertion aperture and said fastening receiving aperture defines a screw-receiving aperture.
6. The wrap around handlebar grip assembly according to claim 2, wherein said fastening means is an alien screw threadedably engaged through said insertion aperture into a brass insert captured in said fastening receiving aperture.
7. The wrap around handlebar grip assembly according to claim 2, wherein a minute gap is created between the first and second edges of said grip member when the grip member is wrapped around a handlebar in the fastened position.
8. The wrap around handlebar grip assembly according to claim 2, wherein said first and second edges of said grip member are thicker than said central section thereby providing said grip member a slightly oval shaped profile.
9. The wrap around handlebar grip assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said inner clamping body is fabricated from durable, flexible and impact resistant polymer materials.
10. The wrap around handlebar grip assembly according to claim 9, wherein said polymer material is polypropylene.
11. The wrap around handlebar grip assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said soft outer hand pad is fabricated from relatively soft, shock absorbent thermoplastic elastomer materials.
12. The wrap around handlebar grip assembly according to claim 11, wherein said thermoplastic elastomer material is a plasticized rubber.
13. The wrap around handlebar grip assembly according to claim 12, wherein said plasticized rubber has a hardness of Shore A 55 durometer.
14. A method of installing a wrap around handlebar grip assembly of claim 1, comprising:
- positioning said grip member along a selected section of the handlebar;
- wrapping said grip member around the selected section of the handlebar;
- joining said first and second edges together with fastening means.
- positioning said grip member along a selected section of the handlebar;
- wrapping said grip member around the selected section of the handlebar;
- joining said first and second edges together with fastening means.
15. A method of installing a wrap around handlebar grip assembly of claim 2, comprising:
- positioning said grip member along a selected section of the handlebar;
wrapping said grip member around the selected section of the handlebar;
- inserting at least two fastening means into said fastening insertion apertures and through to said fastening receiving apertures.
- positioning said grip member along a selected section of the handlebar;
wrapping said grip member around the selected section of the handlebar;
- inserting at least two fastening means into said fastening insertion apertures and through to said fastening receiving apertures.
16. The method of installing a wrap around handlebar grip assembly of claim 15, wherein said fastening means is an alien screw threadedably engaged through said insertion aperture into a brass insert captured in said fastening receiving aperture.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2428867 CA2428867A1 (en) | 2003-05-16 | 2003-05-16 | Wrap around handlebar grip assembly |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2428867 CA2428867A1 (en) | 2003-05-16 | 2003-05-16 | Wrap around handlebar grip assembly |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2428867A1 true CA2428867A1 (en) | 2004-11-16 |
Family
ID=33437983
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2428867 Abandoned CA2428867A1 (en) | 2003-05-16 | 2003-05-16 | Wrap around handlebar grip assembly |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2428867A1 (en) |
Cited By (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2017050601A1 (en) | 2015-09-24 | 2017-03-30 | Royalty Bugaboo Gmbh | Removable hand grip for wrapping around a bar |
| DE102019130398A1 (en) * | 2019-11-11 | 2021-05-12 | Shimano Inc. | ACTUATOR AND HANDLE COVER STRUCTURE |
| EP3817971A4 (en) * | 2019-07-22 | 2022-03-02 | Alexander Deiser | Palmar grip |
| US11608137B1 (en) * | 2022-03-23 | 2023-03-21 | Extreme Steering, Inc. | Handlebar wraps and handlebar assemblies including the same |
-
2003
- 2003-05-16 CA CA 2428867 patent/CA2428867A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2017050601A1 (en) | 2015-09-24 | 2017-03-30 | Royalty Bugaboo Gmbh | Removable hand grip for wrapping around a bar |
| CN108349518A (en) * | 2015-09-24 | 2018-07-31 | 皇家巴格布公司 | Removable handle for winding bar |
| US10532758B2 (en) | 2015-09-24 | 2020-01-14 | Royalty Bugaboo Gmbh | Removable hand grip for wrapping around a bar |
| EP3817971A4 (en) * | 2019-07-22 | 2022-03-02 | Alexander Deiser | Palmar grip |
| DE102019130398A1 (en) * | 2019-11-11 | 2021-05-12 | Shimano Inc. | ACTUATOR AND HANDLE COVER STRUCTURE |
| US11608137B1 (en) * | 2022-03-23 | 2023-03-21 | Extreme Steering, Inc. | Handlebar wraps and handlebar assemblies including the same |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Dead |