GB2510122A

GB2510122A - Attachable supplementary steering column for a bicycle

Info

Publication number: GB2510122A
Application number: GB201301229A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Peter Hellyar
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-01-24
Filing date: 2013-01-24
Publication date: 2014-07-30
Also published as: GB201301229D0; WO2014114904A1

Abstract

An additional steering column for connection, in use, to handlebars of a bicycle. One end of the column defines a handle and the other end, in use, is received in a clamping device or fixing bracket to attach said end to the handlebars of the bicycle. The steering column is telescopic to allow variation in height during use.

Description

Steering column for a bicycle

Field of Invention

S The present invention relates to a steering column for a bicycle. More especially the invention relates to an steering column which can be connected to, and removed from, the handle bars of a bicycle.

Background to invention

The steering column is intended to retrofit to existing children's bicycles so that adults can easily push the bicycles along when the child is not cycling as at the moment it involves leaning down in an uncomfortable position to hold the bicycle in order to be able to push it along.

Statement of invention

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a steering column for connection to handle bars of a bicycle, one end of the column defining a handle and the other end, in use, being received in a clamping device to clamp said end to the handle bars, the steering column being telescopic to allow variation in height during use.

Brief description of the drawings

On embodiment of The invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying figures in which Figure 1 is illustrates one end of a steering oolumn constructed in accordance with the present invention; Figure 2 illustrates the other end of the steering column connected to handle bars of a bicycle during use; Figures 3 to 5 illustrate the fixing bracket; Figures 6 to 8 illustrate exploded views of the handle of the steering column; Figure 9 illustrates the ball bearing lock detail; Figure 10 illustrates the steering column connected to a bicycle during use; and Figure U illustrates the bicycle of figure 10 with the steering column removed.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments

The steering column is part of a system that includes a method of attaching a fixing bracket permanently to existing bicycle handle bars by means of bolts or the like. The width of the fixing bracket is fairly narrow due to the size available to attach tc. The fixing must be held securely and must nct move around.

Methods of construction to ensure a good sturdy product include aluminium castings, metal fabrications & plastic mouldings (plastic could be a problem if stored outside during winter etc so least favourable cption for durability) The fixing bracket has different "shims" for allowing for different thickness of handle bar (l6mm-22mm) and includes a silicone type rubber grip which may be a flat strip that fits between the bracket and the handle bar.

The hole on the bracket should have a simple "pop cap" that flips up/down to close the hole on the bracket once the handle bar has been removed.

The column is collapsible or celescopic so that the handles are at a suitable height for the adult to be able to walk while pushing the child's bike.

The column is secured firmly into the bracket, whilst not being intended for use by the child for riding the bicycle.

The handle remains in its horizontal position by means of a button clip or similar until no longer reguired, at which point it pivots to a vertical position so that it can then be made smaller and removed by the adult.

The handle is wide enough to be comfortably held with one hand. The cross piece includes a rubber grip so as not bare metal that the parent holds -this may affect how the handles pivot & fold down.

The handle crcsspiece to have end caps.

The column is telescopic to allow for 2-3 vertical height adjustment positions by means of button clips as used on tent poles & ladders etc. The fixing is design not to interfere with the child's normal use of the bicycle and has no sharp edges or holes that small fingers can be stuck into.

Typical diameter of column is 16mm -22.5mm. The column has a shim to allow for different diameters. The column, at full length, extends approximately 400mm above the existing handles.

In a further embodiment the handle bar is fixed permanently and can pivot at the connection point.

The handle bars are around 33cm wide however they would not need to be so wide as will generally be held with only one hand around the central vertical column.

The column 1 and handle 2 are shown in figure 1. This shows how the handle 2 pivots to a position whereby the handle 2 is perpendicular to the column 1.

Figure 2 shows how the column 1 being connected to handle bars 3 of a bicycle using a fixing bracket 4.

The bracket 3 is shown in figures 3 to 5. The bracket 3 includes a cap fixing 5 which is simply pushed into the bracket housing. The bracket 4 is placed around the handle bar 3 and secured using a securing bolt 6. A shim 7 is includes for ensuring a tight fit.

The bracket includes spring button release groove 8 and a guide channel 9 for a spring button.

Figures 6 to 8 are exploded views of the handle 2. The handle 2 includes a rubber cover 10. The handle securing assembly oomprising a ball bearing lock U. Details of the ball bearing lock 11 is shown in figure 9. Which shows the inside of the handle "piston" that moves inside the handle tube when it is being closed.

The handle 2 further comprises an inner axis top section 12 with bearing lock holes 13, an inner tube 14 and a spring clip 15. The handle 2 also comprises a shim 16 to retain smooth travel, a lower tube 17 and a further spring clip 18.

Figure 10 illustrates the steering column attached to a bicycle in use. Figure 11 shows the bicycle with the steering column removed and the cap 5 is place.

It will be understood, that the various embodiments described herein have been described by way of example only and that modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined in the accompanying claims.

Claims

Claims 1. A steering column for connection to handlebars of a bicycle, one end of the column defining a handle and the other end, in use, being received in a clamping device to clamp said end to the handlebars, the steering column being telescopic to allow variation in height during use.
2. A steering column according to claim 1, wherein the handle of the steering column is pivotable between a first position whereby the handle provides a vertical extension to the column and a second position whereby the handle extend perpendicular to CO15 the column. r
3. A steering column according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the handle section includes a ball bearing lock member connectable to an inner top section of the column and wherein the column comprises an inner tube secured within an outer tube with a shim therebetween.
4. A handle bar assembly for a bicycle, the handlebar including a steering column formed integral therewith, wherein the steering column is pivotable from a position whereby the column extends outwardly from the handlebar to a position whereby the column is folded against the handlebar.
5. A steering assembly for a bicycle comprising a steering column and a fixing bracket to secure one end of the steering column to handlebars of the bicycle.
6. An assembly according to claim 5, wherein the bracket comprises a first connection part defining an aperture in a generally horizontal orientation through which to receive and secure the handlebars and a second connection part defining an aperture in a generally vertical orientation to receive the steering column.
7. An assembly according to claim 6, wherein the bracket further includes a plug for insertion into the aperture of the second connection part when the steering column is not connected to the bracket.r
8. A steering column as hereinbefore described and referred to in the accompanying figures.
9. A handlebar assembly as hereinbefore described and referred to in the accompanying figures.19. A steering assembly as hereinbefore described and referred to in the accompanying figures.