GB2615160A

GB2615160A - Stem and handlebar assembly

Info

Publication number: GB2615160A
Application number: GB2216783.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Bigham Daniel; Bigham Grant; Booker Michael
Original assignee: Anemoi Labs Ltd
Current assignee: Anemoi Labs Ltd
Priority date: 2022-11-10
Filing date: 2022-11-10
Publication date: 2023-08-02
Anticipated expiration: 2042-11-10
Also published as: GB202308552D0; GB2615286B; GB202216783D0; GB2615160B; GB2615286A

Abstract

An integrated stem and handlebar assembly 1 for a bicycle comprises a stem body extending along a longitudinal axis 4 and comprising a first stem portion 42 integrated with a handlebar 10 and a second stem portion 44 connectable to a steerer, wherein the first stem portion 42 is releasably connectable to the second stem portion 44 such that they can move along the longitudinal axis 4 relative to each other; and wherein either the first stem portion 42 or the second stem portion 44 comprises a rail 18 extending therefrom and received in the other. The stem portions may be secured by a longitudinal screw 32. Spacers 76 may set the length of the stem and screws (92, figure 2) perpendicular to the axis 4 may limit relative movement and provide failsafe protection against the stem separating.

Description

STEM AND HANDLEBAR ASSEMBLY

The steering assembly of a bicycle may typically comprise a steerer tube connected to a fork, a stem and handlebars. The steerer tube is generally rotatably connectable to a frame of the bicycle, allowing for steering of the bicycle. The steerer tube is typically connected near a rear end of the stem and the handlebars are connected near a front end of the stem. In this way, the length of the stem from the front cnd to thc rear cnd will be a factor in dictating the distance between the steerer tube and the handlebars.

The distance between a saddle and the handlebars will affect the "reach" measurement of the bicycle and therefore affect a rider's position and different riders may prefer different riding positions depending on, for example, performance and/or comfort reasons. As the stem is disposed between the saddle and the handlebars, the length of the stem affects the distance between the saddle and the handlebars.

The stern and handlebars inay be formed integrally and as such changing the stern length requires a replacement of the entire integrated stem and handlebar assembly.

It is an aim of the present invention to mitigate or at least overcome one or more

problems associated with the prior art.

According to an aspect of the invention there is provided an integrated stem and handlebar assembly for a bicycle, the assembly comprising: a stem body extending along a longitudinal axis and comprising a first stem portion and a second stern portion, the first stern portion comprising an integrated connection with a handlebar assembly and the second stem portion configured to form a connection with a steerer tube; wherein the first stem portion is releasably connectable to the second stem portion such that the first stem portion and the second stem portion can move along the longitudinal axis relative to each other; and wherein either the first stem portion or the second stem portion comprises a rail extending therefrom and the other of the first stem portion or the second stem portion is configured to receive at least a portion of the rail.

Advantageously, the first stem portion and the second stem portion may be moved along the longitudinal axis relative to each other such that, in use, the distance between a steerer tube of a bicycle and the handlebars can be lengthened and/or shortened. In this way, the distance between the steerer tube and the handlebars may be adjusted without replacement of the integrated stem and handlebar assembly.

The longitudinal axis may be defined as an axis extending through approximately the centre of the stern body between a front end and a rear end. The length of the stem body may be defined as the distance between the front end and the rear end The front end may be described as a terminal point or region of the integrated stem and handlebar assembly located away from the steerer tube and approximately near to or at the longitudinal axis. The rear end may be described as a tenninal point or region of the integrated stem and handlebar assembly opposing the front end. As such, the distance between the front end and the rear end of the integrated stem and handlebar assembly may be lengthened and/or shortened. The distance between the front end and the rear end may be described as a stem body length The rail may have a length extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis. The first stern portion or the second stem portion may be configured to receive up to the entire length of the rail. The rail may comprise a smaller outer diameter than the outer diameter of the first stem portion and the second stem portion.

The first stem portion and the second stem portion may be configured to move along the longitudinal axis relative to each other between a maximum and minimum stem body length. The stern body may be arranged at a minimum length when the entire length of the rail has been received into the first stem portion or the second stern portion. The stern body length may be increased by moving the front end away from the rear end until the rail portion is no longer received by the first stem portion or the second stem portion. As such, the maximum length of the stem body may be dependent on the length of the rail.

The rail may be formed integrally with the first stem portion or the second stem portion. The rail may be formed separately and connected to the first stem portion or the second stern portion via any suitable means, such as welding, an adhesive, bonding, or any suitable mechanical connecting means, for example. The rail may be affixed to the first stern portion or second stem portion at a connection end and may extend along its length to a free end.

An outer surface of the rail may comprise any suitable cross-sectional shape. The outer surface of the rail may comprise a consistent cross-sectional shape along its length. An internal surface of the stem portion configured to receive the rail may comprise a similar cross-sectional shape to the external surface of the rail. In this way, the internal surface of the stern portion configured to receive the rail may be configured to guide the rail inside the stem portion along the longitudinal axis.

The stem body may comprise one or more means for preventing relative rotation of the first stem portion and the second stem portion.

The one or more means for preventing relative rotation of the first stem portion and the second stem portion may be located substantially or entirely within the stem body, in use. Advantageously, the one or more means for preventing relative rotation may not affect the aerodynamics of the stem assembly, in use. Advantageously, by being located substantially or entirely within the stem body the one or more means for preventing relative rotation may be substantially protected from external elements such as rain or any other liquids, dirt and other contaminants, for example.

The external surface of the rail and internal surface of the first stem portion or second stein portion may have cooperating cross-sectional shapes configured to prevent relative rotation between the first stem portion and second stem portion. For example, the external surface of the rail and internal surface of the first stem portion or second stem portion may have a substantially square, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, or any other suitable regular or irregular polygonal cross-sectional shape.

The rail and the internal surface of the first stem portion or second stem portion may comprise one or more cooperating features configured to prevent relative rotation between the first stem portion and the second stem portion. The rail may comprise one or more slots, grooves, cut outs or the like. The one or more slots, grooves, cut outs or the like may extend substantially, parallel to the longitudinal axis. The first stem portion or the second stem portion may comprise one or more protrusions, ridges, projections, protuberances or the like. The one or more protrusions, ridges, projections, protuberances or the like may be configured to interact with the one or more slots, grooves, cut outs or the like of the rail to prevent relative rotation of the first stein portion and the second stem portion The one or more slots, grooves, cut outs or the like of the rail may be configured to at least partially receive the one or more protrusions, ridges, projections, protuberances or the like of the first stem portion or the second stem portion when the first stem portion or second stem portion at least partially receives the rail. in other examples, the rail may comprise one or more protrusions, ridges, projections, protuberances or the like and the first stem portion or the second stem portion may comprise one or more cooperating slots, grooves, cut outs or the like.

The stem body may comprise one or more locking means configured to prevent movement of the first stem portion and the second stem portion relative to each other in at least one direction along the longitudinal axis. The one or more locking means may be operable to temporarily prevent movement of the first stem portion and the second stem portion relative to each other.

The one or more locking means configured to prevent movement of the first stem portion and the second stem portion relative to each other may be disposed substantially, or entirely, within the stem body, in use. In this way, the one or more locking means may not affect the aerodynamics of the stem assembly, in use.

A first locking means may be configured to prevent relative movement of the first stem portion and the second stem portion in at least one direction along the longitudinal axis. The first locking means may be configured to prevent the front end moving further from the rear end. The first locking means may be configured to prevent the front end moving closer to the rear end.

A first locking means may comprise a first threaded hole configured to form a connection with a threaded shaft of a bolt or the like. The first threaded hole may be disposed substantially, or entirely, within the stem body, in use. in this way, the first locking means may not affect the aerodynamics of the stem assembly, in use The first threaded hole may be arranged to extend along at least a portion of the length of the rail. The threaded hole may extend along at least a substantial portion of the length of the rail. The first threaded hole may be arranged substantially along, or substantially parallel to, the longitudinal axis.

The threaded hole may be disposed within a central portion of material arranged to extend along a length within the rail. The central portion of material may be fixedly connected to any suitable portion of an internal surface of the rail and/or the second stern portion. The central portion of material may be configured to substantially fill an internal region of the rail. The central portion of material may comprise an elongate member arranged to extend along a length within the rail and/or the second stem portion. The central region of material may be affixed within the rail by one or more arms arranged to extend from the central portion to an internal surface of the rail and/or second stem portion.

Where the first stem portion comprises the rail, the first threaded hole may extend along at least a portion of the length of the first stem portion. Where the second stem portion comprises the rail, the first threaded hole may extend along at least a portion of the length of the second stem portion.

The first stern portion may comprise a first recess disposed at the front end of the stem body. The first recess may extend from the front end towards the rear end of the stem body. The first recess may be configured to at least partially receive a head of a bolt, or the like. The first recess may have a circular cross-section.

The first stem portion may comprise a first aperture disposed near the front end of the stem body. The first aperture may be arranged to extend from the first recess away from the front end. The first aperture may be configured such that a threaded shaft of the bolt of the like may extend through the first aperture The first aperture may comprise a circular cross-section. The diameter of the recess may be greater than the diameter of the first aperture.

The diameter of the first aperture may be at least the same diameter as the diameter of the threaded shaft of the bolt and less than the diameter of the head of the bolt, in this way, the head of the bolt may have a diameter too large to extend through the aperture.

The first recess may be arranged concentrically with the first aperture. In this way, the first stem portion may comprise a first bolt contact surface disposed at the rearwards end of the first recess and the front end of the first aperture. The first bolt contact surface may have a ring shape comprising an outer diameter equal to the diameter of the first recess and an inner diameter equal to the diameter of the first aperture. The first bolt contact surface may be arranged in a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

The recess may be configured such that it may at least partially receive the head of the bolt. The recess may be configured to receive substantially all the head of the bolt. The first recess and the first aperture may be configured such that the threaded shaft of a bolt may be inserted through the first recess and through the first aperture. The bolt may be inserted through the first aperture such that the threaded shaft extends from the aperture towards the rear end of the stem body. The threaded shaft of the bolt may extend through the first aperture until the head of the bolt abuts the first bolt contact surface. In this way, the first bolt contact surface may limit the distance the bolt may be received into the first stem portion. In this way, the first bolt contact surface may act as a limiting means configured to prevent the bolt moving further through the first stem portion towards the rear end of the stem body.

The diameter of the first aperture and the diameter of the recess may be configured to receive a bolt having any standard size. The bolt may comprise a socket head cap screw, a socket cap screw, an Allen bolt, or a socket screw, for example.

in examples, the second stem portion may comprise the rail. The bolt may be inserted through the first aperture. At least a portion of the rail may be received by the first stem portion and the rail may be moved towards the front end of the stem body until an end of the threaded shaft of the bolt abuts the threaded hole of the rail. The bolt may be rotated such that the threaded shaft engages the threaded hole, and the threaded shaft moves axially along the threaded hole. in this way, the threaded engagement of the bolt and the rail may act to hold the bolt and the rail at constant relative positions.

The first bolt contact surface may act to prevent the bolt from being received further into the first stem portion and as such, when the threaded shaft of the bolt is engaged with the threaded hole the rail may be prevented from moving towards the rear end of the stem body. In this way, when threadedlv engaged with the threaded hole, the bolt may prevent the front end from moving further away from the rear end in the longitudinal direction.

The bolt may be rotated such that the threaded shaft moves axially through the threaded hole. As the first bolt contact surface may prevent the bolt from moving closer to the rear end of the body, as the bolt is rotated such that the threaded shaft moves axially through the threaded hole towards the rear end of the stem body, the front end and the rear end of the stem body may move closer together.

The bolt may be rotated in the opposing direction such that the threaded shaft moves axially through the threaded hole away from the rear end of the stem body. In this way, the front end may be moved away from the rear end. As such, the first locking means may act to increase and decrease the maximum distance between the front end and the rear end of the stem body.

A failsafe means may be configured to limit the maximum distance between the front end and the rear end. The failsafe means may be configured to prevent, limit and/or restrict relative movement of the first stem portion and the second stem portion along the longitudinal axis. The failsafe means may be configured to prevent the front end moving further than a pre-detennined limit from the rear end. The failsafe means may be operable to prevent the rail from being entirely removed from the first stem portion or second stem portion.

The failsafe means may comprise one or more failsafe members arranged or arrangeable to interact with the rail to prevent, limit and/or restrict relative movement of the first stem portion and the second stem portion along the longitudinal axis. The one or more failsafe members may comprise one or more failsafe bolts, pins, clips or the like.

A first failsafe aperture may be disposed within the stem portion configured to receive at least a portion of the rail. The first failsafe aperture may be configured to allow a first failsafe member to extend therethrough into an internal portion of stem portion into which the rail may be received.

In some examples, the first failsafe aperture may comprise a hole through which the first failsafe member may be removably inserted. In some examples, the first failsafe aperture may comprise a threaded internal wall configured to interact with a threaded shaft of the first failsafe member.

The first failsafe aperture may be configured such that the first failsafe member may extend thcrethrough and be orientated at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis. The first failsafe member may be orientated substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the stern body.

The failsafe means may be configured such that the one or more failsafe members may be disposed substantially or entirely within the external perimeter of the stem body. In this way, the failsafe means may not negatively affect the aerodynamics of the stem body, in use.

The first failsafe aperture may be arranged to allow the first failsafe member to extend near to or at a side of the rail, when the rail has been at least partially received into a stem portion. A second failsafe aperture may be arranged similarly and configured to allow a second failsafe member to extend near to or at an opposing side of the rail to the first failsafe member.

The rail may comprise an outer cross-sectional shape that changes along its length. The rail may comprise one or more portions haying a wider cross-section disposed near to or at the free end of the rail. The rail may comprise a substantially constant width along a first portion of its length and may comprise a greater width along a second portion of its length located near to or at the free end. The portions of the rail may be described as a narrow portion and a wide portion.

The wide portion of the rail may comprise a circular external cross-section. The narrow portion of the rail may comprise substantially planar side portions. The rail may comprise two planar side portions arranged substantially parallel and disposed on opposing sides of the rail. Each planar side portion may extend along any suitable length of the rail.

The first failsafe aperture and the second failsafe aperture may be spaced apart by a distance such that when the first failsafe member and the second failsafe member extend through the failsafe apertures, the first failsafe member and the second failsafe member are spaced apart by a distance equal to or greater than the width of the narrow portion of the rail. The first failsafe aperture and the second failsafe aperture may be spaced apart by a distance such that when the first failsafe member and the second failsafe member extend through the failsafe apertures, the first failsafe member and the second failsafe member are spaced apart by a distance that is less than the width of the wide portion of the rail. in this way, the failsafe means may prevent the wide portion of the rail from moving past the failsafe members. The failsafe means may be configured to provide a limit for the maximum distance between the front end and the rear end.

In use, the rail may be inserted into the relevant stem portion and the rear end may be moved towards the front end such that the wide portion is closer to the front end than the one or more failsafe apertures. The one or more failsafe members may then be inserted into the failsafe apertures such that the failsafe members are adjacent to the narrow portion of the rail. The rail may be freely moveable along the longitudinal axis where the failsafe members are disposed adjacent the narrow portion of the rail. If the front end is moved away from the rear end by a distance such that the wide portion abuts the failsafe members, the failsafe members may prevent the front end from moving further from the rear end. Advantageously, if the first locking means was to become damaged or worn such that it did not act to prevent the front end from moving fiwther from the rear end, the failsafe means may provide a means for preventing separation of the first stem portion and the second stem portion. The failsafe means may provide a maximum limit of the distance between the front end and the rear end where the rail is at least partially received by a stem portion. The failsafe means may provide a limit of the maximum stem body length.

The first stem portion and the second stem portion may each comprise an outer surface defining one or more air flow surfaces. The outer surface of the first stem portion and the second stem portion may comprise a plurality of walls. The walls may include a top wall, a bottom wall and two opposing side walls. Each of the walls may be described as forming a separate air flow surface. The top wall may be approximately parallel to the bottom wall. The side walls may be approximately parallel each other. The two opposing side walls may be spaced apart from each other and configured to space apart the top wall and the bottom wall. In this way, the first stem portion and the second stem portion may each comprise an outer surface having a generally rectangular cross-section. The walls may be connected by curved, rounded, or chamfered edges, for example. In this way, the outer surface may have a generally rectangular cross-section with curved rounded, or chamfered corners. In other examples, the stem portions may comprise any suitable number of walls The first stem portion and/or second stem portion may comprise one or more detachable portions configured to form part of an outer surface, such as detachable covers, caps or the like. Any detachable portions may be configured to form a detachable connection via any suitable means such as one or more pins, clips, clamps, or the like. One or more detachable portions may be arranged to form a smooth airflow surface with one or more portions of the outer surface of the stem body.

The walls of the first stem portion may extend from near to or at the front end towards the rear end. The walls of the second stern portion may extend from near to or at the rear end towards the front end.

A rearward end of the walls of the first stem portion may define a first stem contact surface. A front end of the walls of the second stem portion may define a second stem contact surface. The first stem contact surface and the second stem contact surface may be configured such that when at least a portion of the rail has been received by the first or second stem portion, the first stem contact surface and the second stem contact surface face one another.

The first stem contact surface may comprise an outer perimeter. The second stem contact surface may comprise an outer perimeter. The outer perimeters of the first stem contact surface and the second stem contact surface may have the same shape.

When the entire length of the rail has been received, the outer perimeters of the first stem contact surface and the second stem contact surface may contact one another such that a smooth interface is provided between the first stem portion and the second stem portion. The outer perimeters of the first stem contact surface and the second stem contact surface may contact one another around a substantial portion of, or the entirety of, the outer perimeters. Advantageously, a smooth interface between the first stem portion and the second stem portion may provide one or more smooth air flow surfaces.

The first stem portion and/or the second stem portion and/or the rail may be configured to detachably connect to one or more spacers. The one or more spacers may be configured to be releasably connectable with the rail such that the one or more spaces can be moved along at least a portion of the length of the rail. The one or more spacers may be configured to extend around the outer surface of the rail.

The one or more spacers may comprise a front face and a rear face separated by a thickness. When connected to the rail, each spacer may be releasably connectable to the rail between the first stem contact surface and the second stem contact surface. In this way, the one or more spacers may be operable to space the first stem contact surface and the second stem contact surface apart. In this way, the minimum distance between the front end and the rear end of the stem body may be increased by a distance equal to the total thickness of the spacers connected to the rail.

Each spacer may comprise any suitable thickness. Each spacer may comprise the same thickness or a different thickness to any one or more further spacers. Any one or more spacers may comprise a thickness of approximately linm, 2mm, 5mm, lOmm, 15mm, 20mm or 25mm, for example. Any one or more spacers may comprise a thickness of approximately 2.5mm, for example.

The one or more spacers may define an enclosed aperture. In this way, when the rail has not been received into the first stem portion or second stem portion, one or more spacers may be slidably connectable with the rail from the free end of the rail.

In use, one or more spacers may be connected to the rail in any suitable way. A first spacer may be connected to the rail and moved along the rail such that the rear face of the first spacer contacts the second stern contact portion. The rail may then be received into the first stem portion and the rear end of the stem body may be moved towards the front end of the stem body until the first stem contact portion abuts the front face of the first spacer.

In this way, the first spacer may act as a limiting means preventing the first stem contact portion from moving closer to the second stem contact portion when the stern contact portions have abutted the front face and rear face of the first spacer.

Where more than one spacer is connected to the rail, the first spacer may be moved along the rail such that the rear face of the first spacer contacts the second stem contact portion. Any subsequent spacers may then be moved along the rail until the rear face of any subsequent spacer contacts the front face of the adjacent spacer. The rail may then be received into the first stem portion and the rear end of the stem body may be moved towards the front end of the stem body until the first stem contact portion abuts the front face of the spacer closest to the front end, In this way, a plurality of spacers may be used to adjust the distance between the front end of the stern body and the rear end of the stem body. The adjustment distance may be determined by the combined thickness of the plurality of spacers.

Any one or more spacers may comprise a plurality of sections, such as two separate sections for example. One or more spacers may comprise a first spacer section and a second spacer section. Each first spacer section may be configured to connect to a second spacer section to form a spacer, wherein the formed spacer is configured to extend around the perimeter of the rail. The first spacer section may be positioned onto the rail such that it extends around at least a portion of the rail. The second spacer section may also be positioned onto the rail such that the first and second spacer sections extend around the entire perimeter of the rail. The first and second spacer sections may be connectable via any suitable means such as pins, clips, bolts or the like. In this way, when the rail has been partially received into the first or second stem portion, a first spacer section and second spacer section may be connected to the rail. Advantageously, the one or more spacers may be connected to the rail when the rail has been partially received into the first stem portion or the second stem portion.

The one or more spacers may have an outer surface comprising the same cross-sectional shape as the outer perimeter of the first stem contact surface and/or the outer perimeter of the second stem contact surface. In this way, when connected to the rail the one or more spacers may form a smooth air flow surface along one or more walls of the stem body. In this way, when first stem contact surface and the second stem contact surface do not abut, one or more spacers may be connected to the rail to provide a smooth air flow surface extending between the first stem contact surface and the second stern contact surface.

The one or more spacers may comprise an outer surface configured such that when connected to the rail, a smooth interface is provided between the outer surface of one or more spacers and an outer surface of the first stem portion and/or the second stem portion. The one or more spacers may comprise an outer surface configured such that when connected to the rail, a smooth interface is provided between the one or more spacers and any one or more of the top wall, side walls and/or bottom wall of either stem portion.

The first stem portion may comprise an integrated connection with any suitable portion of a handlebar assembly. The first stem portion may comprise an integrated connection with a handlebar assembly wherein the handlebar assembly comprises a flat bar, bull horn bars, riser bars, drop bars or base bars, for example. The handlebar assembly may comprise handlebars suitable for road cycling, gravel cycling, cyclocross cycling or the like. The handlebar assembly may comprise base bar handlebars suitable for time trial cycling or the like. An aperture may be provided such that a wire, cable or the like may extend through at least a portion of the handlebars and into the stem body.

The second stem portion may comprise a steerer tube connector. The steerer tube connector may be disposed near to or at the rear end of the stem assembly. The steerer tube connector may comprise a cut out, a slot, an aperture, a through hole or the like comprising an internal diameter and configured to receive at least a portion of a steerer tube. It should be understood that different steerer tubes may comprise different diameters and as such the dimensions of the steerer tube connector may be configured depending on the steerer tube to which a connection is required.

The steerer tube connector may comprise any suitable means for forming a connection with a steerer tube such that the steerer tube is rotationally fixed relative to the second stem portion. For example, the steerer tube connector may comprise a clamping arrangement configured such that the internal diameter of the cut out, slot, aperture, through hole or the like may be adjusted. In this way, a portion of a steerer tube may be received by the steerer tube connector and then clamped to prevent relative movement.

According to a second aspect there is provided a method of adjusting the distance between a front end and rear end of the integrated stern and handlebar assembly of the first aspect Advantageously, the method may allow the distance between the steerer tube and the handlebars to be adjusted without replacement of the integrated stem and handlebar assembly.

In some examples, the second stem portion comprises the rail and the first stem portion is configured to receive at least a portion of the rail.

The method may comprise a step of at least partially inserting the rail into the first stem portion.

The method may comprise a step of inserting the threaded shaft of a bolt into the first aperture and moving the threaded shaft through the first aperture until the threaded shaft contacts the threaded hold disposed within the rail. Alternatively, the bolt head may be received into the recess until the bolt head abuts the first bolt contact surface and then the rail may be received into the first stem portion until the threaded hole disposed within the rail contacts the threaded shaft.

The method may comprise a step of rotating the bolt such that the threaded shaft of the bolt engages the threaded hole of the rail. The method may comprise the step of rotating the bolt such that the threaded shaft of the bolt moves axially along the threaded hole of the rail. In this way, the rail may be moved further inside the first stern portion and towards the front end of the stem body. When the threaded shaft of the bolt has engaged the threaded hole of the rail and the head of the bolt has contacted the first bolt contact surface, the rail and therefore the second stem portion may be prevented from moving away from the front end of the stem body. The method may comprise rotating the bolt until the rear end of the stem body is at a desired distance from the front end of the stern body. The method may comprise rotating the bolt until the first stem contact surface abuts the second stem contact surface.

The method may comprise a step of positioning one or more spacers onto the rail before the rail is received into the first stem portion. The method may comprise a step of positioning one or more spacers onto the rail after the rail has been at least partially received into the first stern portion.

The method may comprise rotating the bolt such that the rear end moves towards the front end until the rear face of the first spacer contacts the second stem contact portion and the first stem contact portion abuts the front face of either the first spacer, or where a plurality of spacers are positioned on the rail the first stem contact portion abuts the front face of the spacer located closest to the front end.

The method may comprise inserting one or more failsafe members into one or more corresponding failsafe apertures.

A third aspect of the invention provides a kit of parts comprising the integrated stem and handlebar assembly of the first aspect and one or more spacers, wherein the one or more spacers are releasably connectable with the rail.

The skilled person will appreciate that except where mutually exclusive, a feature or parameter described in relation to any one of the above aspects may be applied to any other aspect. Furthermore, except where mutually exclusive, any feature or parameter described herein may be applied to any aspect and/or combined with any other feature or parameter described herein.

Example embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of an integrated stem and handlebar assembly for a bicycle according to an embodiment; Figure 2 is an exploded view of the integrated stem and handlebar assembly; Figure 3 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the integrated stem and handlebar assembly; Figure 4 is a side cross-sectional view of the integrated stem and handlebar assembly; Figure 5 is a top view of the integrated stem and handlebar assembly; and Figure 6 is a cross-section view of the rail.

Referring to Figures 1 to 5, an integrated stem and handlebar assembly 1 for a bicycle is shown. The integrated stem and handlebar assembly 1 comprises a stem body 2 extending along a longitudinal axis 4. The stem body 2 comprises a first stem portion 6 and a second stem portion 8.

The first stem portion 6 comprises an integrated connection with a handlebar assembly 10 and the second stem portion 8 is configured to form a connection with a stccrcr tube (not shown).

The second stem portion 8 comprises a rail 12. The first stem portion 6 is configured to slidably receive at least a portion of the rail 12. In this way, the first stem portion 6 is releasably connectable to the second stem portion 8 such that the first stern portion 6 and the second stem portion 8 can move along the longitudinal axis 4 relative to each other. As such, the distance between a steerer tube of a bicycle and the handlebar assembly 10 can be lengthened and/or shortened.

The stem body 2 comprises an elongate shape extending from a front end 14 to a rear end 16. The front end 14 and rear end 16 are disposed at opposing longitudinal ends of the stem body 2. The stem body 2 is configured such that, in usc, the front end 14 is directed approximately towards the direction of travel of a bicycle The rail 12 comprises an elongate shape extending in the longitudinal direction. The rail 12 is formed integrally with the first stem portion 6. The rail 12 extends from a rail 12 rear end 16 to a rail 12 front end 14. The rail 12 rear end 16 and the rail 12 front end 14 are disposed at opposing longitudinal ends of the rail 12. The rail 12 is configured to be slidably received into the first stem portion 6. The rail 12 comprises a locating groove 18 configured to engage with a corresponding locating protrusion 20 disposed inside the first rail 12 portion. Engagement between the locating groove 18 and the corresponding locating protrusion 20 prevents relative rotation between the second stem portion 8 and the first stem portion 6 when connected. The rail 12 may comprise any further grooves, slits, cut outs or the like and/or protrusions configured to interact with corresponding features disposed within the first stem portion 6 to assist with providing a secure connection between the rail 12 and the first stem portion 6.

The integrated stem and handlebar assembly 1 comprises a first locking means configured to prevent the front end 14 from moving away from the rear end 16 along the longitudinal axis 4.

The rail 12 comprises a first threaded hole 22 having a diameter configured to form a connection with a threaded shaft 31 of a bolt 32. The first threaded hole 22 is disposed entirely within the stern body 2, in use. The first threaded hole 22 is arranged to extend along an internal portion of the rail 12.

The first threaded hole 22 is disposed within a central portion 24 of material arranged to extend along a length within the rail 12. The central portion 24 of material is fixedly connected to an internal surface 26 of the rail 12. A first arm 28a, a second arm 28b and a third arm 28c extend from the central portion 24 and form a fixed connection between the central portion 24 and the internal wall of the rail 12. In this way, the threaded hole 22 is fixedly disposed along an internal portion of the rail 12. Each arm 28a, 28b, 28c extends along the length of the central portion 24. In some examples, more than three arms are provided. Each arm 28a, 28b, 28c may be spaced apart equally, or unequally.

Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the rail 12. The first arm 28a, second arm 28b and third arm 28e are shown extending from the central portion 24 and forming a fixed connection with the internal wall of the rail 12, in this way, the threaded hole 22 is fixedly held in the centre of the rail 12.

The first stem portion 6 comprises a first recess 30 disposed at the front end 14 of the stem body 2. The first recess 30 extends from the front end 14 towards the rear end 16.

The first recess 30 is configured to receive a head 34 of the bolt 32. The first recess 30 has a circular cross-section.

The first stem portion 6 comprise a first aperture 36 disposed near the front end 14 of the stem body 2. The first aperture 36 extends from the first recess 30 in the direction of the rear end 16 of the stem body 2. The first aperture 36 is configured such that the threaded shaft 31 of the bolt 32 may extend through the first aperture 36. The first aperture 36 comprises a circular cross-section having a smaller diameter than the diameter of the first recess 30. In this way, a bolt 32 may be selected having a threaded shaft 31 diameter smaller than the diameter of the first aperture 36 and a head 34 having a diameter larger than the diameter of the first aperture 36 but smaller than the diameter of the first recess 30 diameter.

It should be understood that the diameter of the threaded hole 22, first recess 30 and the first aperture 36 may be configured for any suitable bolt 32.

A first bolt contact surface 38 is disposed at the reanvards end of the first recess 30 and the front end 14 of the first aperture 36. The first bolt contact surface 38 has a ring shape comprising an outer diameter equal to the diameter of the first recess 30 and an inner diameter equal to the diameter of the first aperture 36. In use, the threaded shaft 31 of the bolt 32 may be extended through the first aperture 36 and the head 34 of the bolt 32 may be received into the first recess 30 until the head 34 of the bolt 32 contacts the first bolt contact surface 38. in this way, the bolt 32 is prevented from moving further towards the rear end 16 of the stem body 2 by the first bolt contact surface 38.

The first stem portion 6 comprises an outer surface 42 and the second stem portion 8 comprises an outer surface 44 where each outer surface defines air flow surfaces In use when a bicycle is moving, air will flow over the air flow surfaces.

The outer surface 42 of the first stem portion 6 comprises a top wall 46, a bottom wall 48 and two opposing side walls 50a, 50b where each of the four walls 46, 48, 50a, 50b comprise substantially planar surfaces. The top wall 46 is approximately parallel to the bottom wall 48. The side walls 50a, 50b are approximately parallel each other. The two opposing side walls 50a, 50b are spaced apart from each other and configured to space apart the top wall 46 and the bottom wall 48. The four walls of the first stem portion 6 are connected along longitudinal edges by curved edges. Near to the front end 14, the walls converge to a curved front end 14 portion. In this way, the font end of the stem body 2 comprises a smooth surface.

Near to the front end 14, each side wall of the first stem portion 6 forms an integral connection with a portion of the handlebar assembly 10. A left hand handlebar portion 52 extends from one of the side walls 50a and a right hand handlebar portion 54 extends from the other side wall 50b. Both the left hand and right hand handlebar portions 52, 54 extend substantially horizontally away from the stem body 2.

In some examples, the handlebar portions extend away from the stem body 2 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 4, in other examples, the handlebar portions extend away in a direction angled to the longitudinal axis 4.

in the example shown in the Figures, the handlebar assembly 10 comprises base bars configured for use in time trial cycling events and the like. Each handlebar portion 52, 54 comprises a riser attachment 56a. 56b suitable for forming a connection with a riser (not shown). Each riser may be suitable for forming a connection with arm rests and/or extensions suitable for time trial cycling or the like, in other examples, the handlebar portions 52,54 may form part of any suitable type of handlebar assembly.

The outer surface 44 of the second stern portion 8 comprises a top wall 58, a bottom wall 60 and two opposing side walls 62a, 62b where each of the four walls 58, 60, 62a, 62b comprise substantially planar surfaces. The top wall 58 is approximately parallel to the bottom wall 60. The side walls 62a, 62h are approximately parallel each other. The two opposing side walls 62a, 62b are spaced apart from each other and configured to space apart the top wall 58 and the bottom wall 60. The four walls 58, 60, 62a, 62b of the second stem portion 8 arc connected along longitudinal edges by curved edges. Towards the rear end 16, the four walls 58, 60, 62a, 62b of the second stem portion 8 converge to form a curved rear surface 64.

Each wall comprises a thickness. A rearward end of the four walls 46, 48, 50a, Sob of the first stem portion 6 defines a first stem contact surface 66. The first stem contact surface 66 is disposed substantially within a plane orientated perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis 4.

A front end 14 of the four walls 58, 60, 62a, 62b of the second stem portion 8 defines a second stem contact surface 68. The second stem contact surface 68 is disposed substantially within a plane orientated perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis 4.

The first stem contact surface 66 and the second stem contact surface 68 are configured such that when at least a portion of the rail 12 has been received by the first stem portion 6, the planes in which the first stem contact surface 66 and the second stern contact surface 68 are disposed are orientated substantially parallel to each other.

The first stem contact surface 66 comprises an outer perimeter 70. The second stem contact surface 68 comprises an outer perimeter 72. The outer perimeters 70, 72 of the first stem contact surface 66 and the second stem contact surface 68 have the same shape In use, the first stem portion 6 may receive the entire length of the rail 12. When the entire length of the rail 12 has been received into the first stem portion 6, the outer perimeters 70, 72 of the first stem contact surface 66 and the second stem contact surface 68 abut one another such that a smooth interface is provided between the first stem portion 6 and the second stem portion 8. In this way, a smooth interface between the first stem portion 6 and the second stem portion 8 provides substantially smooth air flow surfaces along the portion of the stem body 2 where the first stem portion 6 and the second stem portion 8 abut.

A plurality of spacers 74 are configured to detachably connect to the rail 12. Each spacer 74 comprises a corresponding top section 76 and a bottom section 78. The top section 76 and bottom section 78 of each spacer 74 may be connected to opposing sides of the rail 12. Each corresponding top section 76 and bottom section 78 is configured to form a single spacer 74 configured to extend around the circumference of the rail 12. Each spacer 74 is configured to be releasably connectable with the rail 12 such that the one or more spaces 74 can be moved along the length of the rail 12.

Each spacer 74 comprises a front face 80 and a rear face 82 separated by a thickness. In use, the front face 80 of any spacer connected to the rail 12 will face substantially towards the front end 14 and the rear face 82 will face substantially towards the rear end 16. When connected to the rail 12, any suitable number of spacers 74 can be connected to the rail 12 and disposed between the first stem contact surface 66 and the second stem contact surface 68. In this way, the plurality of spacers 74 are configured to space the first stem contact surface 66 and the second stem contact surface 68 apart.

Each spacer 74 comprises a thickness of 2.5mm. As such, the minimum distance between the front end 14 and the rear end 16 of the stem body 2 may be adjusted in increments of 2.5inm using one or more spacers 74. Further spacers 74 may be provided having any suitable thickness, such as 5mm or lOmm, for example. Any combination of spacers 74 having the same or different thicknesses may be used.

In use, the top section 76 and the bottom section 78 of a first spacer 74a can be connected to the rail 12 such that the first spacer 74a extends around the perimeter of the rail 12. The first spacer 74a can then be manually moved along the rail 12 such that the rear face 82 of the first spacer 74a contacts the second stem contact portion 68. A second spacer 74b may then be connected to the rail 12 in the same way and then moved along the rail 12 such that the rear face of the second spacer abuts the front face of the first spacer 74a. A third 74c, fourth 74d and fifth 74e spacer may then be connected similarly to the rai I 12. Any suitable number of spacers 74 may be connected to the rail 12, In some examples, the rail 12 may be partially received into the first stem portion 6 before one or more spacers 74 are connected to the rail 12. In other examples, after one or more spacers 74 have been connected to the rail 12, the rail 12 can then be received into the first stem portion 6. The rear end 16 of the stem body 2 can be manually moved towards the front end 14 of the stern body 2 until the first stem contact portion 66 abuts the front face 80 of the spacer disposed further from the rear end 16 of the stem body 2.

Each spacer 74 has the same shape outer perimeter as the outer perimeter 70 of the first stem contact surface 66 and the outer perimeter 72 of the second stem contact surface 68. In this way, when one or more spacers have been connected to the rail 12, a smooth interface is provided between the first stem portion 6, the second stem portion 8 and the spacers 74, thus providing a substantially smooth air flow surfaces along the stem body 2 extending between the first stem portion 6 and the second stem portion 8.

In this way, the spacers 74 act as a limiting means preventing the rear end 16 of the stem body 2 from moving closer to the front end 14 of the stem body 2 when the first stem contact portion 66 and second stem contact portion 68 have abutted the front face and rear face of the spacers and each spacer is abutting any adjacent spacers.

In use, after the spacers 74 have been connected to the rail 12 and the first stem portion 6 has been moved towards the second stem portion 8, the bolt 32 may be inserted into the recess 30 such that the threaded shaft 31 extends through the aperture and towards the rail 12. In other examples, any suitable number of spacers may be connected to the rail 12.

The bolt 32 may be inserted further through the aperture by a user until the end of the threaded shaft 31 abuts the threaded hole 22 of the rail 12. The bolt 32 can then be rotated such that the threaded shaft 31 engages the threaded hole 22, and the threaded shaft 31 moves axially along the threaded hole 22. The threaded engagement between the bolt 32 and the rail 12 prevents relative axial movement without rotation of the bolt 32.

A user may rotate the bolt 32 such that the threaded shaft 31 of the bolt 32 moves axially along the threaded hole 22 until the head 34 of the bolt 32 contact the first bolt contact surface 38. A user may then continue to rotate the bolt 32 by applying any suitable torque. As the bolt 32 is rotated to move the front end 14 towards the rear end 16 of the stem body 2, the spacers will act on the first stem contact portion 66 and the second stern contact portion 68 to bias the two stem portions apart.

By rotating the bolt 32 to a pre-determined torque, the first stem contact surface 66 and the second stem contact surface 68 will apply a force to the spacers 74 such that the spacers are pressed tightly together. As such, the rail 12 acts to prevent relative rotation between the first stem portion 6 and second stem portion 8, the first locking means acts to prevent the front end 14 from moving further from the rear end 16, and the spacers act to prevent the front end 14 from moving closer to the rear end 16. By tightening the bolt 32 to a pre-determined torque, any play along the stem body 2 will be reduced.

The integrated stem and handlebar assembly 1 comprises a failsafe means configured to limit the maximum distance between the front end 14 and the rear end 16.

The rail 12 comprises a narrow portion 84 and a wide portion 86. In use, the wide portion 86 is disposed nearer to the front end 14 than the narrow portion 84. The narrow portion 84 extends along a portion of the length of the rail 12 from near to the second stem contact surface 68 in a direction away from the rear end 16. The narrow portion 84 comprises a first planar region 84a disposed on a side of the rail 12. The narrow portion 84 comprises a similar planar region (not shown) disposed on the opposing side of the rail 12. Each planar region 84a is arranged in a plane that is substantially vertical, in use. The planes in which the planar regions 84a are arranged are substantially parallel and arranged on opposing sides of the longitudinal axis 4 Each planar region 84a is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 4.

The wide portion 86 extends along a portion of the length of the rail 12 from the narrow portion 84 in a direction away from the rear end 16. The wide portion 86 has a width that is greater than the width of the narrow portion 84. In this way, the wide portion 86 extends further away from the longitudinal axis 4 in a horizontal direction than the planar regions 84 of the narrow portion 84.

The first stem portion 6 comprises a first failsafe aperture 88 and a second failsafe aperture 90, configured to receive a first failsafe member 92 and a second failsafe member 94 respectively.

In use, the rail 12 may be inserted into the first stem portion 6. The rear end 16 may be moved towards the front end 14 such that the rail 12 is received further into the first stem portion 6 until the entire wide portion 86 is closer to the front end 14 than the first failsafe aperture 88 and the second failsafe aperture 90. The first failsafe member 92 and second failsafe member 94 may then be inserted into the first failsafe aperture 88 and the second failsafe aperture 90. In some examples, the first failsafe member 92 and second failsafe member 94 may be threadably engageable with the first failsafe aperture 88 and the second failsafe aperture 90.

The first failsafe member 92 and second failsafe member 94 extend through the apertures 90, 92 into the first stem portion 6 and are disposed on opposing sides of the rail 12. Each of the first failsafe member 92 and second failsafe member 94 are disposed adjacent a planar region 84a. The first failsafe member 92 and second failsafe member 94 are disposed substantially parallel to the planar regions 84a.

in some examples, the first failsafe member 92 and second failsafe member 94 abut the planar regions 84a and provide a frictional engagement. In some examples, the first failsafe member 92 and second failsafe member 94 are disposed near to but do not abut the planar regions 84a.

The first failsafe aperture 88 and the second failsafe aperture 90 are spaced apart by a distance such that when the first failsafe member 92 and the second failsafe member 94 extend through the failsafe apertures 88, 90, the first failsafe member 92 and the second failsafe member 94 are spaced apart by a distance equal to or greater than the width of the narrow portion 84 of the rail 12, and also a distance that is less than the width of the wide portion 86 of the rail 12.

When the first failsafe member 92 and second failsafe member 94 have been inserted into the first failsafe aperture 88 and the second failsafe aperture 90, the front end 14 may be moved further away from the rear end 16 until the wide portion 86 contacts the first failsafe member 92 and the second failsafe member 94. In this way, the first failsafe member 92 and the second failsafe member 94 prevent the rear end 16 from moving further away from the front end 14. As such, the failsafe means provides a means for preventing the rail 12 from being removed from the first stem portion 6.

The second stem portion 8 comprises a steerer tube connector 96. The steerer tube connector 96 is disposed near to the rear end 16 of the stem assembly I. The steerer tube connector 96 comprises an aperture configured to receive at least a portion of a bicycle steerer tube (not shown) The steerer tube connector 96 comprises a damping arrangement including two bolts configured such that the internal diameter of the aperture can be reduced by tightening of the bolts. In this way, a portion of a steerer tube may be received by the steerer tube connector 96 and then clamped to prevent relative movement. When clamped together, movement of the integrated stem and handlebar assembly 1 will cause the steerer tube and therefore a connected wheel of the bicycle to move, thus allowing a user to steer the bicycle.

It will be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Various modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the concepts disclosed herein. Except where mutually exclusive, any of the features may be employed separately or in combination with any other features and the disclosure extends to all combinations and sub-combinations of one or more features disclosed herein.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An integrated stern and handlebar assembly for a bicycle, the assembly cornprising: a stem body extending along a longitudinal axis and comprising a first stem portion and a second stem portion, the first stem portion comprising an integrated connection with a handlebar assembly and the second stem portion configured to form a connection with a steerer tube; wherein the first stern portion is releasably connectable to the second stern portion such that the first stern portion and the second stem portion can move along the longitudinal axis relative to each other; and wherein either the first stern portion or the second stem portion comprises a rail extending therefrom and the other of the first stem portion or the second stern portion is configured to receive at least a portion of the rail.
2. An integrated stern and handlebar assembly as claimed in claim I wherein the first stem portion is releasably connectable to the second stem portion such that the distance between a front end and a rear end of the integrated stem and handlebar assembly can be lengthened and/or shortened.
3. An integrated stern and handlebar assembly as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the first stem portion and the second stem portion may be configured to move along the longitudinal axis relative to each other between a maximum and minimum stem body length.
4. An integrated stem and handlebar assembly as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the rail is formed integrally with the first stein portion or the second stein portion.
S. An integrated stem and handlebar assembly as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the stem body comprises one or more means for preventing relative rotation of the first stem portion and the second stern portion.
6. An integrated stem and handlebar assembly as claimed in claim 5 wherein the one or more means for preventing relative rotation of the first stern portion and the second stem portion is located substantially or entirely within the stem body, in use.
7. An integrated stem and handlebar assembly as claimed in claim 5 or claim 6 wherein the rail comprises one or more slots, grooves, cut outs or the like and the first stem portion or the second stem portion comprises one or more protrusions, ridges, projections, protuberances or the like configured to interact with the one or more slots, grooves, cut outs or the like of the rail to prevent relative rotation of the first stern portion and the second stem portion.
8 An integrated stem and handlebar assembly as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the stem body comprises one or more locking means configured to prevent movement of the first stem portion and the second stem portion relative to each other in at least one direction along the longitudinal axis.
9. An integrated stem and handlebar assembly as claimed in any preceding claim wherein one or more locking means configured to prevent movement of the first stem portion and the second stem portion relative to each other is disposed substantially, or entirely, within the stem body, in use.
10. An integrated stem and handlebar assembly, as claimed in any preceding claim wherein a first locking means is configured to prevent the front end moving further from the rear end.
11. An integrated stem and handlebar assembly as claimed in claim 10 wherein the first locking means comprises a first threaded hole configured to form a connection with a threaded shaft of a bolt or the like, optionally wherein the first threaded hole is disposed substantially, or entirely, within the stem body, in use.
12. An integrated stem and handlebar assembly as claimed in claim 11 wherein the first threaded hole is arranged to extend along at least a portion of the length of the rail.
13. An integrated stem and handlebar assembly as claimed in claim 10, 11 or 12 wherein the first stem portion comprises a first recess disposed at the front end of the stem body configured to at least partially receive a head of a bolt, and a first aperture configured such that a threaded shaft of the bolt may extend therethrough, wherein the first aperture is arranged to extend from the first recess away from the front end.
14. An integrated stem and handlebar assembly as claimed in claim 13 wherein the bolt can be rotated such that the threaded shaft engages the threaded hole, thereby causing the threaded shaft to move axially along the threaded hole.
IS. An integrated stem and handlebar assembly as claimed in any preceding claim comprising a failsafe means configured to limit the maximum distance between the front end and the rear end.
16. An integrated stem and handlebar assembly as claimed in claim 15 wherein a first failsafe aperture and a second failsafe aperture are spaced apart by a distance such that a first failsafe member and a second failsafe member are extendable through the failsafe apertures, wherein the first failsafe member and the second failsafe member are spaced apart by a distance equal to or greater than the width of a narrow portion of the rail and the first failsafe member and the second failsafe member arc spaced apart by a distance that is less than the width of a wide portion of the rail.
17. An integrated stem and handlebar assembly as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the outer surface of the first stem portion and the second stem portion comprises one or more walls.
IS. An integrated stem and handlebar assembly as claimed in claim 17 wherein a rearward end of the walls of the first stem portion defines a first stem contact surface and a front end of the walls of the second stern portion defines a second stern contact surface, wherein the first stem contact surface comprises an outer perimeter and the second stem contact surface comprises an outer perimeter, and optionally wherein the outer perimeters of the first stem contact surface and the second stem contact surface have the same shape.
19. An integrated stem and handlebar assembly as claimed in claim I 8 wherein when the entire length of the rail has been received, the outer perimeters of the first stem contact surface and the second stem contact surface contact one another such that a smooth interface is provided between the first stem portion and the second stem portion.
20. An integrated stem and handlebar assembly as claimed in any preceding claim wherein one or more spacers are configured to form a detachable connection with the first stem portion and/or the second stem portion and/or the rail.
21. An integrated stem and handlebar assembly as claimed in claim 20 wherein the one or more spacers comprise a front face and a rear face separated by a thickness, wherein when connected to the rail each spacer is configured to be disposed between the first stem contact surface and the second stem contact surface.
22. An integrated stem and handlebar assembly as claimed in claim 20 or claim 21 wherein the one or more spacers are configured to extend around the outer surface of the rail.
23. An integrated stem and handlebar assembly as claimed in claim 20, 21 or 22 wherein one or more spacers comprise a first spacer section and a second spacer section, wherein each first spacer section is configured to connect to a second spacer section to form a spacer, wherein the formed spacer is configured to extends around a perimeter of the rail.
24 An integrated stem and handlebar assembly as claimed in claim 20, 21, 22 or 23 wherein the one or more spacers comprise an outer surface configured such that when connected to the rail, a smooth interface is provided between the outer surface of one or more spacers and an outer surface of the first stem portion and/or the second stem portion.
25. A kit of parts comprising the integrated stem and handlebar assembly of any of claims 1-24 and one or more spacers, wherein the one or more spacers are releasably connectable with the rail.