GB2343869A

GB2343869A - Motorcycle handlebars heated by engine coolant

Info

Publication number: GB2343869A
Application number: GB9825464A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Stephen Middleton
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1998-11-21
Filing date: 1998-11-21
Publication date: 2000-05-24
Also published as: GB9825464D0

Abstract

The handlebars 1 which can be heated to keep the motorcyclist's hands warm have internal tubes 2 connected to feed and return pipes 3 through which oil or water, used to cool the motorcycle's engine, can flow. A valve 5 is provided in the supply tube so that the flow of heated coolant can be regulated to control the temperature in the handlebars. When the valve is fully closed to stop the flow into the handlebars (as shown in Figure 2) the coolant returns to the engine via a bypass circuit with a pressure valve 4. The feed and return pipes are flexible and routed to the handlebars from the centre of the motorcycle frame so that the handlebars can be turned without kinking the pipes.

Description

HEATED MOTORCYCLE HANDLEBARS This invention relates to heat controllable motorcycle handlebars.

It is common knowledge amongst motorcyclists that, no matter what kind of gloves are worn, the onset of cold hands is unpreventable during low temperature extremes of winter weather.

Electrically powered handlebar grips are available but, they use battery power which is at a premium on motorcycles. Due to their small size and the fact that nearly all batteries have to provide power for the starter motor, ignition, signal and lighting circuits, any extra ancilliaries are best avoided. This device makes use of the heated oil or water sent from the engine for cooling.

According to the present invention there is provided a heated handlebar circuit comprising the handlebars with integral feed and return tubes in situ. Connected to aforesaid tubes are supply and return pipes with a control valve and a bypass valve making it possible to switch off the system in hot weather. The supply and return pipes are routed up to the bars from the centre of the frame so bars can be turned without kinking the pipes.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing in which: Fig 1. Shows the arrangement of the full system in the'switched-on'mode.

Fig 2. Demonstrates the way the system operates in the'switched off mode.

Referring to the drawings :- The system comprises the handlebars'1'integral tubes'2'feeder and return pipes of the flexible re-inforced type'3', a bypass valve,'4'of pre-determined'actuation pressure (dependant on oil or coolant flow pressure of motorcycle) and a control switch 5 to reduce or stop flow into the handlebars.

In order to make use of the system the bike should be used for a sufficient time period to heat up the oil or cooling circuits. Then valve'5'is turned fully open to allow the bars to heat up.

Temperature within the handlebars may be reduced by partial closing of valve'5'without the need for a thermostat.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Heated motorcyle handlebars comprising a pair of handebar tubes with integral tubes arranged in such a way as to flow oil or coolant through bars and exchange heat in the process.
2. Heated motorcyle handlebars as claimed in claim 1 wherein means are provided to reduce flow of oil or coolant and subsequently reduce heat (temperature) of the bars.
3. Heated motorcycle handlebars as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherin a bypass circuit is provided for return of oil or coolant back to engine pump when bars are in'switched off mode.
4. Heated motorcyle handlebars as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3, where the flexible feed and return piped enter and exit from the centre of the motorcyle to prevent snagging, fouling, or twisting-together of said pipes.