TW202321093A - Grip assembly for vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

A lever system using a linkage assembly creates linear movement from a rotational movement of a lever. The lever system may be arranged as a grip assembly to activate a braking system of a vehicle. The linkage assembly may include a slide linkage, a bearing linkage, and a pivot linkage such that the lever may cause an end of the bearing linkage and an end of the pivot linkage to move toward the slide linkage, which causes the slide linkage to move in a linear direction. The grip assembly may have a lever that is pivotally connected with a housing of the grip assembly at a predetermined distance and with a contact region to prevent rotational movement in one direction while allowing rotational movement in the opposite direction. Further, the grip assembly may include a bearing linkage that is pivotally connected to the lever.

Description

Grip assembly for vehicles

Aspects of the invention relate to actuation systems, generally to rod assemblies contained within a housing or at least partially contained within a housing.

Many types of mechanical devices can be used to actuate different types of mechanisms. Rod and linkage assemblies can be used to reduce the force required to activate a mechanical system or to change the force applied in one direction to cause movement in a different direction. As an example, in the braking or accelerator system of a vehicle such as a bicycle, motorcycle or motorcycle, an externally mounted lever may be used to apply a force to a cable or hydraulic braking system to activate braking. However, externally mounted poles can be cumbersome and cumbersome and difficult for some users to operate.

This [Summary of the Invention] introduces in a simplified form some general concepts related to the present invention that will be further described in the following [Embodiments]. This [Summary] is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the invention.

In some aspects, the invention relates to a rod system that includes a housing, a rod, and a linkage assembly. The housing may have a first end, a second end opposite to the first end, and a housing body extending between the first end and the second end, wherein the first end has a A first opening in and a second opening on a lower portion of the housing extending into the inner chamber. The first axis can define a longitudinal axis of the handle assembly. The lever may have a first end pivotally engaged with the housing at a first position, a second end opposite the first end, and a second end extending between the first end and the second end. Rod body. The linkage assembly may include: (a) a sliding linkage having a first end, a second end opposite the first end and extending between the first end and the second end a sliding link set body; (b) a bearing link set having a first end pivotally engaged with the sliding link set and a second end opposite the first end; and (c ) a pivot linkage set having a first end pivotally engaged with the housing at a second position and also slidably engaged with the sliding linkage set and the first end of the bearing linkage set The two ends are pivotally joined to a second end opposite to the first end. As the rod rotates toward the lumen, both the second end of the bearing linkage and the second end of the pivot linkage can move toward the sliding linkage to cause the sliding linkage to move along the The vertical axis moves. In some examples, when the rod is rotated toward the lumen, the sliding linkages can move toward the first opening, while in other examples, when the rod is rotated toward the lumen, the sliding linkages can move Move away from the first opening. The sliding linkage may have a receptacle near the first end for receiving a cable, wherein the cable is part of a braking system of a vehicle. The sliding linkage set is connectable to a piston configured to attach to a hydraulic line of a braking system of a vehicle. The second end of the bearing linkage set and the second end of the pivot linkage set can be connected to a first roller bearing. The rod body may include a pocket having a bottom surface, wherein the first roller bearing contacts the bottom surface. The first end of the rod can be enclosed within the housing and a portion of the rod body extends through the second opening. The housing may include a lip on the second opening that provides a stop to limit rotation of the rod in a direction away from the lumen. The housing body may include a first member having the first opening and a curved upper surface and a second member having the second opening, wherein the inner member is formed when the first member and the second member are joined together. cavity. The first member and the second member are releasably joined together.

Other aspects of the present invention may relate to a handle assembly including a housing, a rod and a link assembly. The housing may have a first end, a second end opposite to the first end, and a housing body extending between the first end and the second end, wherein the first end has a A first opening in and a second opening on a lower portion of the housing extending into the inner chamber. The first opening can define a longitudinal axis of the handle assembly. A rod may have a first end pivotally engaged with the housing at a first position, a second end opposite the first end, and a shaft extending between the first end and the second end. Rod body. A linkage assembly may include: (a) a sliding linkage having a first end, a second end opposite the first end and extending between the first end and the second end A sliding linkage body, wherein the first end of the sliding linkage is configured to be connected to a brake cable; (b) a bearing linkage having a bearing pivotally connected to the sliding linkage engaging a first end, a second end opposite to the first end, and a bearing linkage set body extending between the first end and the second end, wherein the first end of the bearing linkage set end closer to the second end of the sliding linkage than the first end of the sliding linkage; and (c) a pivot linkage having a second position that pivots with the housing a first end engaged and also slidably engaged with the sliding link set and a second end opposite the first end pivotally engaged with the second end of the bearing link set, wherein further The first end of the pivot linkage set that is closer to the first end of the slide linkage set than to the second end of the slide linkage set is connected to the slide linkage set. As the rod rotates toward the lumen, the second end of the bearing linkage set and the second end of the pivot linkage set can move toward the sliding linkage set to cause the sliding linkage set to move away from the Open first. The second end of the sliding link set can be connected to a first roller bearing. The first end of the rod can be enclosed within the housing and a portion of the rod body extends through the second opening. The housing body may include a first member having the first opening and a curved upper surface and a second member having the second opening, wherein the inner member is formed when the first member and the second member are joined together. cavity.

Other aspects of the present invention may relate to a handle assembly including a housing, a rod and a link assembly. The housing may have a first end, a second end opposite to the first end, and a housing body extending between the first end and the second end, wherein the first end has a A first opening in and a second opening on a lower portion of the housing extending into the inner cavity. The first opening can define a longitudinal axis of the handle assembly. The lever may have a first end pivotally engaged with the housing at a first position, a second end opposite the first end, and a second end extending between the first end and the second end. Rod body. The linkage assembly may include: (a) a sliding linkage having a first end, a second end opposite the first end and extending between the first end and the second end A sliding link set body, wherein the first end of the sliding link set is configured to be connected to a piston; (b) a bearing link set having a shaft pivotally engaged with the sliding link set A first end, a second end opposite to the first end, and a bearing connecting rod set body extending between the first end and the second end, wherein the first end of the bearing connecting rod set is further proximate the first end of the sliding linkage set but not the second end of the sliding linkage set; and (c) a pivot linkage set having pivotal engagement with the housing at a second position and a first end also slidably engaged with the sliding linkage set and a second end opposite the first end pivotally engaged with the second end of the bearing linkage set, wherein closer to the The second end of the sliding link set is connected to the sliding link set to the first end of the pivot link set instead of the first end of the sliding link set. As the rod rotates toward the lumen, the second end of the bearing linkage and the second end of the pivot linkage are movable toward the sliding linkage to cause the sliding linkage to move from the first One opening moves forward. The first end of the rod is enclosed in the housing and a part of the rod body extends through the second opening. The first opening can be located in a groove on the housing, wherein the groove is configured to receive a tubular member from a handlebar of a vehicle. The housing body may include a first member having the first opening and a curved upper surface and a second member having the second opening, wherein the inner member is formed when the first member and the second member are joined together. cavity. A first roller bearing can be attached near the first end of the sliding link set and the first roller bearing contacts an inner surface of the housing.

Additional aspects of the invention may relate to a handlebar assembly for a vehicle comprising: (a) a housing having a first end, a second end opposite the first end and extending over the A housing body between the first end and the second end, wherein the housing includes a curved outward surface along a top side of the housing, the first end of the housing having a first end extending into a cavity an opening and a second opening extending into the cavity on a bottom side of the housing opposite the top side, and the first opening receives a handlebar of the vehicle; and (b) a lever, It has a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a rod body extending between the first end and the second end, the rod being positioned to be in contact with the first end of the rod pivotally connected to the housing at a lever pivot at a predetermined distance, wherein the lever body includes a bottom wall extending from a first end of the lever to the second end of the lever, a pair of lever side walls and An end wall at the second end. The lever may also include an inner region between the first end of the lever and the lever pivot and configured to contact a user's index finger and between the second end of the lever and the lever pivot between and configured for an outer region of a little finger of the user, wherein the inner region may contain a contact that contacts a stop to prevent rotational movement of the rod toward the housing when a force is applied to the inner region area. The grip assembly also includes a pivot linkage having a first end pivotally engaged with the housing, a second end opposite the first end, and a bearing linkage, the bearing connecting The rod set has a first end including a first roller bearing and a second end opposite the first end pivotally engaged at a pivot joint with the second end of the pivot link set , wherein the first roller bearing moves along an inner surface of the housing. The grip assembly can be used to operate a brake system such that when the outer region of the lever is rotated toward the inner cavity of the housing, the first end of the bearing linkage moves away from the first end of the housing to A braking system of the vehicle is caused to engage a wheel of the vehicle. The bearing linkage set can be connected to a cable of the braking system. The rod may include an inner bearing surface contacting a second roller bearing disposed at the pivotal connection, wherein the inner bearing surface includes a convexly curved surface. In some examples, the stopper contacting the contact area can be integrally formed with the housing. In addition, a clamp may fix the handlebar to the housing, wherein the clamp forms the stop contacting the contact area of the bar. The rod pivot may be positioned a predetermined distance from the first end of the rod, wherein the predetermined distance is within a range of 25% to 50% of an overall length of the rod. In some examples, the lever pivot may be positioned a predetermined distance from the first end of the lever, wherein the predetermined distance is in a range of one of 10% to 90% of an overall length of the lever.

Other aspects of the present invention may relate to a handlebar assembly for a vehicle comprising: (a) a housing having a first end, a second end opposite to the first end and extending over the a housing body between the first end and the second end, wherein the first end has a first opening extending into a lumen and a second opening of the housing extending into the lumen, wherein the the first opening receives a handlebar of the vehicle; (b) a rod having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a shaft extending between the first end and the second end a rod body pivotally connected to the housing at a rod pivot located at a predetermined distance from the first end of the rod, wherein the rod includes a between the pivots and configured to contact an inner region of a user's index finger and between the second end of the rod and the rod pivot and configured for one of the user's little fingers Outer region; (c) a bearing link set having a first end pivotally connected to the rod at a first link set pivot and a first end opposite the first end of the bearing link set a second end of the bearing link set connected to a cable anchor; and (d) a swing link set having a second end pivotally connected to the bearing link set at a second link set pivot A first end of the second end and a second end of the swing link set pivotally connected to the housing at a third link set pivot. The inner region of the rod may include a contact region that contacts a stop to prevent rotational movement of the rod when a force is applied to the inner region of the rod. The grip assembly can be used to operate a braking system such that when the outer region of the lever is rotated toward the inner cavity, the second end of the bearing linkage moves away from the first end of the housing to cause the vehicle A braking system engages a wheel of the vehicle. The stopper contacting the contact area can be integrally formed with the housing. In some examples, a clamp can secure the handlebar to the housing, wherein the clamp forms the stop that contacts the contact area. Additionally, the clamp may include an aperture to receive a cable from the braking system, wherein the cable is connected to the cable anchor and extends through the aperture. The rod pivot may be positioned a predetermined distance from the first end of the rod, wherein the predetermined distance is within a range of 25% to 50% of an overall length of the rod. The contact area may include a boss on an inner surface of the rod. The housing may include an aperture to receive a cable from the braking system, wherein the cable is connected to the cable anchor and extends through the aperture into the handlebar, wherein the aperture includes a channel configured to receive A tapered opening of a receiver of a cable housing.

Other aspects of the present invention may relate to a handlebar assembly for a vehicle comprising: (a) a housing having a first end, a second end opposite to the first end and extending over the a housing body between the first end and the second end, wherein the first end has a first opening extending into a lumen and a second opening of the housing extending into the lumen, and wherein the first opening receives a handlebar of the vehicle; (b) a rod having a first end, a second end opposite the first end and extending between the first end and the second end a rod body, wherein the rod is pivotally connected to the housing at a rod pivot positioned at a predetermined distance from a first end of the rod; and (c) a bearing linkage assembly having a first end of a first roller bearing and a second end of the bearing link set are pivotally connected to the rod using a link set pivot, wherein the first roller bearing is along one of the housings The inner surface is moved and one of the cable anchors is connected to the first end of the bearing linkage set. The lever may include an inner region between the first end of the lever and the lever pivot and configured to contact a user's index finger and between the second end of the lever and the lever pivot. and is configured for an outer region of a little finger of the user, wherein the inner region includes a contact region that contacts a stop to prevent rotational movement of the rod when a force is applied to the inner region. The grip assembly can be used to operate a braking system such that when the outer region of the lever is rotated toward the inner cavity, the first end of the bearing linkage moves away from the first end of the housing to cause the vehicle A braking system engages a wheel of the vehicle. The inner surface of the housing contacting the first roller bearing may be angled relative to an upper edge of the housing, wherein a distance from an outboard end of the inner surface is closer to the housing than an inboard end of the inner surface It should be the upper edge. The second end of the housing can include an access port to allow access to the lumen of the housing. A clamp is attachable to the housing to secure the handlebar to the housing, wherein the clamp forms the stop contacting the contact area, wherein the clamp comprises an aperture to receive a cable from the braking system, and wherein The cable is connected to the cable anchor and extends through the aperture. The housing may include an aperture to receive a cable from the braking system, wherein the cable is connected to the cable anchor and extends through the aperture into the handlebar.

Additional aspects of the invention may relate to a handlebar assembly for a vehicle comprising: (a) a housing having a first end, a second end opposite the first end and extending over the a housing body between the first end and the second end, wherein the first end has a first opening extending into a lumen and a second opening of the housing extending into the lumen, and wherein the first opening receives a handlebar of the vehicle; (b) a rod having a first end, a second end opposite the first end and extending between the first end and the second end a rod body pivotally connected to the housing at a rod pivot positioned at a predetermined distance from the first end of the rod, wherein the rod includes a position between the first end of the rod and the between the lever pivot and configured to contact an inner area of a user's index finger and between the second end of the lever and the lever pivot and configured for the user's little finger an outer region having a contact region that contacts a stop to prevent rotational movement of the rod when a force is applied to the inner region; and (c) a bearing linkage set having A set of pivots is pivotally connected to a first end of the rod and a second end of the bearing link set to a piston, wherein the piston is slidably connected to a hydraulic cylinder connected to It is a hydraulic pipeline that is part of a hydraulic brake system. The grip assembly can be used to operate a braking system such that when the outer region of the rod is rotated toward the inner cavity of the housing, the second end of the bearing linkage pushes the piston to cause the hydraulic pressure of the vehicle A braking system engages one of the wheels of the vehicle. The hydraulic cylinder is fixed within the cavity of the housing, wherein the hydraulic line can extend from the hydraulic cylinder and then into the handlebar of the vehicle. In some examples, the hydraulic cylinder can be fixed to the bar, wherein the hydraulic line can extend from the hydraulic cylinder and then to the outside of the handlebar of the vehicle.

Cross References to Related Applications This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 17/478,519, filed September 17, 2021, which is a part of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16/892,112, filed June 3, 2020 Continuation case. The entire contents of the above cited applications are incorporated by reference.

Various examples of rod assemblies that may be contained or partially contained within a housing are described below. In an example, the lever assembly may be part of a handlebar assembly as described herein for a braking system of a vehicle. In this disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration various exemplary structures and environments in which aspects of the invention may be practiced.

It is to be understood that other structures and environments may be utilized and that structural and functional modifications may be made from the specifically described structures without departing from the scope of the present invention. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the disclosures herein are not limited to the scale, dimensions, proportions and/or orientations shown in the drawings. Additionally, although the terms "center," "top," "bottom," "front," "back," "left," "right," "side," "rear," and the like may be used in this Various example features and elements of the invention are described, but for convenience these terms are used herein based on, for example, the example orientations shown in the figures or orientations during typical use. In addition, as used herein, the term "plural number" refers to any number greater than one, disjunctively or conjunctively as necessary, up to an infinite number. Nothing in this specification should be construed as requiring a particular three-dimensional orientation of structures in order to fall within the scope of this invention. The reader is advised that the accompanying drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

Examples described herein provide a rod system located or at least partially within a housing such that a linkage assembly may allow vertical or rotational movement of a rod to cause a linear movement through a linkage assembly. In some examples, the lever system may be located within a housing for a handlebar assembly of a vehicle, wherein the lever assembly may be attached to one of the vehicles (such as a bicycle, motorcycle, motorcycle, or other type of vehicle). brake or accelerator system. The handle assembly can be used in other systems that require linear movement activated by a rotating rod, such as a safety knife or other type of system.

1-11C illustrate an example lever system 100 configured as a handlebar assembly 102 to activate the braking system 10 of a vehicle 20 . The brake system 10 in the example of FIGS. 1-11C may be a hydraulic brake system having a hydraulic line 14 routed inside the handlebar 22 such that the hydraulic line is not externally visible at the intersection of the grip assembly 102 . The handle assembly 102 can include a housing 110 , a rod 130 and a linkage assembly 140 , wherein the rod 130 can be at least partially located within a cavity 114 of the housing 110 . Linkage assembly 140 can be at least partially enclosed within housing 110 and can include three primary linkage components, such as a sliding linkage set 150, a bearing linkage set 160, and a pivot linkage set 170, Wherein the linkage members are pivotally engaged with each other. For example, sliding linkage set 150 may be pivotally engaged with bearing linkage set 160 and pivot linkage set 170 , and bearing linkage set 160 and pivot linkage set 170 may be pivotally engaged with each other. Rod 130 is also pivotally attached to housing 110 such that when a user applies a force to rod 130 , rod 130 rotates toward interior cavity 114 of housing 110 . As the rod 130 rotates toward the inner chamber 114, both a portion of the bearing linkage set 160 and a portion of the pivot linkage set 170 move toward the sliding linkage set 150 to cause the sliding linkage set 150 to move along the handlebar assembly 102. A longitudinal axis 104 moves.

As shown in FIGS. 3A , 3B, 7 and 11A-11C , linkage assembly 140 may include three main linkage members 150 , 160 , 170 . When connected, the linkage members 150, 160, 170 may form a substantially triangular shape. In this example, the sliding link set 150 may have a first end 151 , a second end 152 and a sliding link set body 153 extending between the first end 151 and the second end 152 . Similarly, the bearing connecting rod assembly 160 may have a first end 161, a second end 162 opposite to the first end 161, and a bearing connecting rod assembly body 163 extending between the first end 161 and the second end 162, And the pivot link set 170 can have a first end 171 , a second end 172 opposite to the first end 171 , and a pivot link set body 173 extending between the first end 171 and the second end 172 . In some examples, first end 151 of sliding linkage 150 is configured to connect to piston 12 of hydraulic braking system 10 such that the piston is configured to push fluid within hydraulic line 14 of hydraulic braking system 10 .

Linkage assembly 140 may be configured such that first end 161 of bearing linkage set 160 is pivotally connected closer to first end 151 of sliding linkage set 150 than to second end 152 of sliding linkage set 150 . The first end 161 of the bearing linkage set 160 can be received in a forward slot 154 . The forward slot 154 can extend through an upper surface and a lower surface of the sliding linkage body 153 . Additionally, the first end 161 of the bearing linkage set may have a pin 141 that receives a pin 141 extending through the opening 164 and the opening 155 of the slide linkage set body 153 to pivotally connect the bearing linkage set 160 to the slide linkage set One of 150 has an opening 164 . Additionally, the pivot link set 170 that is closer to the second end 152 of the slide link set 150 than to the first end 151 is pivotally and slidably connected to the slide link set 150 . Pivot linkage body 173 may have a first U-shaped hook 174 at first end 171 that receives a portion of sliding linkage body 153 . Pivot linkage set 170 may have a U-shaped hook 174, 176 at each end. First clevis 174 can receive a portion of sliding link set body 153 and can access pin 142 through a rear slot 156 extending through an opening 175 in first clevis 174 of pivot link set 170 Connected to the sliding linkage body 153 . Rear slot 156 may extend through the front and rear surfaces of slide linkage body 153 . Pin 142 may also connect slide linkage set 150 and pivot linkage set 170 to housing 110 . By securing the pin 142 to the housing 110 , the sliding linkage set 150 is movable relative to the housing 110 in one direction toward and away from the opening 115 . The second end 162 of the bearing linkage set body can have a U-shaped hook 165 that receives a roller bearing 143, and the second end 172 of the pivot linkage set 170 can have the second end 162 that receives the bearing linkage set 160 One of the second U-shaped hooks 176 . Pin 144 can extend through opening 166 in clevis 165, opening 177 in second clevis 176, and through roller bearing 143 to connect bearing link set 160, pivot link set 170, and rollers. Bearings 143 are connected together. In addition, a second roller bearing 145 can be installed in the forward slot 154 of the sliding link set 150 . The second roller bearing 145 can contact and roll along an inner guide surface 125 located on the first member 118 of the housing 110 as shown in FIG. 7 . In some examples, the length of bearing linkage set 160 and the length of pivot linkage set 170 may be substantially the same length, or within 10% of each other's length. The length of bearing link set 160 and pivot link set 170 can be defined as the distance between the centers of holes 264 and 266 of bearing link set 160 and the distance between the centers of holes 275 and 277 of pivot link set 170. distance.

The rod 130 can have a first end 131 , a second end 132 and a rod body 133 extending from the first end 131 to the second end 132 . First end 131 of rod 130 may be pivotally coupled to housing 110 using pin 146 at a location behind pin 144 that connects pivot linkage set 170 and slide linkage set 150 together, or pin 146 may be positioned as It is closer to the second end 112 of the housing 110 than to the first end 111 of the housing 110 . Alternatively, the rod 130 may be pivotally attached to the housing 110 in other locations, such as pivotally attaching the rod 130 closer to the first end 111 of the housing 110 than to the second end 112 . The first end 131 of the rod body 133 can be enclosed in the inner cavity 114 in the housing 110, and a portion of the rod body 133 can extend through a lower opening 116 in a lower portion of the housing 110, so that a portion of the rod body 133 is exposed to outside of the casing 110 . Alternatively or optionally, the rod 130 is pivotally attached to the housing 110 , wherein the rod 130 is located entirely outside the housing 110 .

The rod body 133 can include a pocket 135 having a bottom surface 136 such that the roller bearing 143 can contact the bottom surface 136 . When the rod 130 is rotated toward the inner cavity 114, the bottom surface 136 can exert a force on the roller bearing 143 to cause the second end 162 of the bearing linkage set 160 and the second end 172 of the pivot linkage set 170 to move towards the sliding link. The movement of the group 150 causes the sliding linkage group 150 to move forward from the side opening 115 of the housing 110 . When the linkage set 150 is slid toward the side opening 115, the piston 12 pushes hydraulic fluid within the hydraulic brake system 10 to cause brake engagement.

The housing 110 has a first end 111 , a second end 112 opposite to the first end 111 , and a housing body 113 extending between the first end 111 and the second end 112 . The first end 111 may have a side opening 115 extending into a lumen 114 and a lower opening 116 on a lower portion of the housing 110 also extending into the lumen 114 . The side opening 115 may have a cylindrical shape that defines the longitudinal axis 104 of the handle assembly 102 . The housing 110 may also have a groove 117 formed at the first end 111 coaxial with the longitudinal axis 104 . Recess 117 may receive a portion of a tubular member of handlebar 22 to couple grip assembly 102 to vehicle 20 . The housing 110 may have a pair of opposing flanges 124 spaced on either side of an opening 126 extending into the groove 117 . A pair of mechanical fasteners 128 may extend through the opening in the flange to secure the handlebar assembly 102 to the tubular member of the vehicle 20 .

The housing body 113 may include a first member 118 and a second member 119 releasably engaged together. For example, first member 118 and second member 119 may be releasably engaged using mechanical fasteners 121 as in the example shown to allow disassembly and any maintenance or repair. The first member 118 can have an upwardly curved outward surface 120 and form the side opening 115 and an upper portion of the inner cavity 114 . The second member 119 may have a downwardly curved outward surface and form the lower opening 116 and a lower portion of the inner cavity 114 . Additionally, the lower member 119 is pivotally connected to the rod 130 and also has an opening for receiving the pin 142 to fix the position of the first end of the pivot linkage set 170 . When the first member 118 and the second member 119 are joined together, the lumen 114 may be formed. An edge 127 of the lower opening 116 can contact a portion of the rod body 133 to provide a stop to limit the rotation of the rod 130 in a direction away from the inner cavity 114 .

Additionally, the first member 118 of the housing may have a groove 122 along the first member 118 that may be configured to receive a flexible or polymer coating to enhance the feel of the grip assembly 102 . In some examples, a removable cover may be installed over the entire handle assembly 102 or a large portion of the handle assembly 102 to enhance the feel of the handle assembly 102 . The removable cover can act as a moisture and dirt barrier to prevent unwanted moisture and debris from entering the internal components of the grip assembly 102 .

As best shown in FIGS. 11A-11C , the rod 130 can be rotated toward the inner cavity 114 of the housing 110 to cause the sliding linkage 150 to move linearly toward the opening 115 of the housing 110 . In the example depicted in FIGS. 11A-11C , housing 110 is removed to illustrate movement of linkage assembly 140 . In FIG. 11A, rod 130 and linkage assembly 140 are in a normal or rest position. In FIG. 11B , rod 130 has received a force F to cause rod 130 to rotate upwardly toward sliding linkage 150 . As the rod 130 moves upward, the roller bearing 143 begins to roll along the bottom surface 136 of the groove 135 and the second end 162 of the bearing link set 160 and the second end of the pivot link set 170 begin to move upward. As the first end 171 of the pivot linkage set 170 moves rearwardly within the rear slot 156, upward movement of the second ends 162, 172 causes the slide linkage set 150 to move horizontally. Because end 171 of pivot linkage set 170 is fixed to housing 110 , sliding linkage set 150 moves toward opening 115 of the housing to begin pushing fluid in the hydraulic line while also compressing spring 148 in hydraulic line 14 . As shown in FIG. 11C , the rear slot 156 acts as a stop for the sliding linkage set 150 as well as a stop for the upward movement of the rods, so that a length of the rear slot 156 determines the horizontal movement of the sliding linkage set 150. length. In this fully extended condition, the vehicle's brakes can be fully engaged. Additionally, the angle between pivot linkage set 170 and bearing linkage set 160 may be greater in the fully extended condition as compared to the rest condition. When the force is removed from the rod 130, the spring 148, which was compressed when the brake was engaged, exerts a force to return the linkage assembly 140 to its rest condition.

Components of the grip assembly 102, such as linkage members 150, 160, 170 and rod 130 and housing members 118, 119, may be made of metallic materials such as, but not limited to, aluminum, magnesium, steel, or non-metallic materials such as a polymeric material, carbon-based composite or other lightweight material). Components may be formed by known procedures such as molding, casting, forging, machining, or other methods known to those skilled in the art.

12-14C illustrate an example lever system 200 configured as a handlebar assembly 202 to actuate the brake-by-wire system 10 of a vehicle 20 . For the examples of FIGS. 12-14C , features are referenced using the "2xx" series element numbers rather than similar element numbers under "1xx" as used in the embodiments of FIGS. 1-11C . Accordingly, certain features of the handle assembly 202 that have been described above with respect to the handle assembly 102 of FIGS. 1-11C may be described in greater detail or may not be described at all. The handlebar assembly 202 may be connected to a braking system 10 configured as a cable oriented braking system 10 with a cable 32 routed inside the handlebar 22 such that the cable 32 is not externally visible at the intersection of the handlebar assembly 202 . The handle assembly 202 can include a housing 210 , a rod 230 and a linkage assembly 240 , wherein the rod 230 can be at least partially located within an inner cavity 214 of the housing 210 . The linkage assembly 240 may include three main linkage members, such as a sliding linkage 250, a bearing linkage 260, and a pivot linkage 270, wherein the linkage members are pivotally engaged with each other. For example, sliding linkage set 250 may be pivotally engaged with bearing linkage set 260 and pivot linkage set 270 , and bearing linkage set 260 and pivot linkage set 270 may be pivotally engaged with each other. Rod 230 is also pivotally attached to housing 210 such that when a user frame applies a force to rod 230 , rod 230 rotates toward interior cavity 214 of housing 210 . As the rod 230 rotates toward the inner chamber 214, both a portion of the bearing linkage set 260 and a portion of the pivot linkage set 270 move toward the sliding linkage set 250 to cause the sliding linkage set 250 to slide along one of the handlebar assemblies 202. The longitudinal axis 204 moves.

As shown in Figure 13, the linkage assembly 240 may include three main linkage members. In this example, the sliding link set 250 can have a first end 251 , a second end 252 and a sliding link set body 253 extending between the first end 251 and the second end 252 . Similarly, the bearing connecting rod assembly 260 may have a first end 261, a second end 262 opposite to the first end 261, and a bearing connecting rod assembly body 263 extending between the first end 261 and the second end 262, And the pivot link set 270 may have a first end 271 , a second end 272 opposite to the first end 271 , and a pivot link set body 273 extending between the first end 271 and the second end 272 . In some examples, first end 251 of sliding linkage set 250 may have a receptacle 259 configured to receive engagement member 34 of cable 32 of cable braking system 10 . Linkage assembly 240 may be configured such that first end 261 of bearing linkage set 160 is pivotally connected closer to second end 252 of sliding linkage set 250 than to first end 251 of sliding linkage set 250 . The first end 261 of the bearing linkage set 260 is receivable in a rear slot 256 . Rear slot 256 may extend through an upper and lower surface of slide linkage body 253 and may have the form of a U-shaped hook. In addition, the first end 261 of the bearing linkage set can have an opening 255 that receives the opening 255 extending through the opening 264 and through the slide linkage set body 253 to pivotally connect the bearing linkage set 260 to the slide linkage set 250. A pin 242 has an opening 264 . Pin 242 may also connect sliding linkage set 250 and bearing linkage set 260 to housing 210 . By securing the pin 242 to the housing 210 , the sliding linkage set 250 can move relative to the housing 210 . Furthermore, the pivot linkage set 270 is pivotally and slidably connected to the slide linkage set 250 closer to the first end 251 of the slide linkage set 250 than to the second end 252 . Pivot linkage body 273 may have a first U-shaped hook 274 at first end 271 that receives a portion of sliding linkage body 253 . The pivot link set body 273 can be connected to the slide link set 250 through a forward slot 254 using a pin 241 extending through an opening 275 in the first U-shaped hook 274 of the pivot link set 270 . The forward slot 254 can extend through the front and rear surfaces of the sliding linkage body 253 . The second end 262 of the bearing link set body can have a U-shaped hook 265 that receives a roller bearing 243, and the second end 272 of the pivot link set 270 can have the second end 262 that receives the bearing link set 260 One of the second U-shaped hooks 276 . Pin 244 can extend through opening 266 in clevis 265, opening 277 in second clevis 276, and through roller bearing 243 to connect bearing link set 260, pivot link set 270, and rollers. Bearings 243 are connected together. In addition, a second roller bearing 245 can be installed in the rear slot 256 of the sliding link assembly 250 . The second roller bearing 145 can contact and roll along an inner surface of the rod 230 .

The rod 230 may have a first end 231 , a second end 232 and a rod body 233 extending from the first end 231 to the second end 232 . The first end 231 of the rod 230 is pivotally engageable with the housing 210 at a location aft of the pin 242 that connects the bearing linkage set 260 and the sliding linkage set 250 together. The first end 231 of the rod body 233 can be enclosed in the inner cavity 214 of the housing 210 , and a portion of the rod body 233 can extend through a lower opening 216 in a lower portion of the housing 210 . The rod body 233 can include a pocket 235 having a bottom surface 236 such that the roller bearing 243 can contact the bottom surface 236 . When the rod 230 is rotated toward the inner cavity 214, the bottom surface 236 can exert a force on the roller bearing 243 to cause the second end 262 of the bearing linkage set 260 and the second end 272 of the pivot linkage set 270 to move towards the sliding link. The movement of the group 250 causes the sliding linkage group 250 to move away from the side opening 215 of the housing 210 . As the sliding linkage 250 moves away from the side opening 215 , the cable 32 is pulled to cause the braking system 10 to engage one of the wheels 25 on the vehicle 20 .

The housing 210 has a first end 211 , a second end 212 opposite to the first end 211 , and a housing body 213 extending between the first end 211 and the second end 212 . The first end 211 may have a side opening 215 extending into a lumen 214 and a lower opening 216 on a lower portion of the housing 210 also extending into the lumen 214 . The side opening 215 may have a cylindrical shape that defines the longitudinal axis 204 of the handle assembly 202 . The housing 210 may also have a groove 217 formed at the first end 211 coaxial with the longitudinal axis 204 . Recess 217 may receive a portion of the tubular member of handlebar 22 to connect grip assembly 202 to braking system 10 of vehicle 20 . The housing body 213 may include a first member 218 and a second member 219 releasably engaged together. The first member 218 may have an upwardly curved outward surface and form the side opening 215 and an upper portion of the inner cavity 214 . The second member 219 may have a downwardly curved outward surface and form the lower opening 216 and a lower portion of the inner cavity 214 . When the first member 218 and the second member 219 are joined together, the lumen 214 may be formed. An edge 227 of the lower opening 216 can contact a portion of the rod body 233 to provide a stop to limit the rotation of the rod 230 in a direction away from the inner cavity 214 .

As best shown in FIGS. 14A-14C , the rod 230 can be rotated toward the inner cavity 214 of the housing 210 to cause the sliding linkage 250 to move linearly away from the opening 215 of the housing 210 . In the example depicted in FIGS. 14A-14C , housing 210 is removed to illustrate movement of linkage assembly 240 . In Figure 14A, rod 230 and linkage assembly 240 are in a normal or rest position. In FIG. 14B , the rod 230 has received a force F to cause the rod 230 to rotate upwardly toward the sliding linkage set 250 . As the rod 230 moves upward, the roller bearing 243 begins to roll along the bottom surface 236 of the groove 235 and the second end 262 of the bearing link set 260 and the second end 272 of the pivot link set 270 begin to move upward. The upward movement of the second ends 262 , 272 causes the sliding linkage set 250 to move horizontally away from the side opening 215 to pull the cable 32 into the housing 210 . As the sliding link set 250 moves, the forward slot 254 moves relative to the first end 271 of the pivot link set 270 . As shown in FIG. 11C , the forward slot 254 acts as a stop for the sliding linkage set 250 and a stop for the upward movement of the rods so that the length of the forward slot 254 determines the level of the sliding linkage set 250 The length of the move. In this fully extended condition, the vehicle's brakes can be fully engaged. Additionally, the angle between pivot linkage set 270 and bearing linkage set 260 may be greater in the fully extended condition than in the resting condition.

FIGS. 15-20 illustrate another exemplary handlebar assembly 302 having a lever system 300 configured to activate the cable brake system 10 of a vehicle 20 . For the examples of FIGS. 15-19 , similar component numbers under the "3xx" series of component numbers are used instead of the "1xx" used in the embodiments of FIGS. 1-11C and in the embodiments of FIGS. 12-14C The component notation "2xx" is used to refer to features. Accordingly, certain features of the handle assembly 302 that have been described above with respect to the handle assembly 102 of FIGS. 1-11C and the handle assembly 202 of FIGS. describe. The handlebar assembly 302 can be connected to a braking system 10 configured as a cable directional braking system 10 with a cable 32 routed inside the handlebar 22 such that the cable 32 is not externally visible at the intersection of the handlebar assembly 302 . The handle assembly 302 can have a top side 304 , a bottom side 306 opposite the top side 304 , an outer end 308 and an inner end 309 opposite the outer end 308 . The handle assembly 302 can include a housing 310 , a rod 330 and a linkage assembly 340 , wherein the rod 330 can be located at least partially within a cavity 314 of the housing 310 and extend below a bottom edge of the housing 310 . The linkage assembly 340 includes a pair of linkage members, such as a bearing linkage 360 and a pivot linkage 370, wherein the bearing linkage 360 is connectable to the pivot linkage at a pivotal connection 346. 370 is pivotally engaged. The lever 330 may be pivotally attached to the housing 310 at a lever pivot 334 spaced a predetermined distance from a first end 331 of the lever 330 . The lever 330 can have a contact area 335 disposed on an inner surface of the lever body 333 between the lever pivot 334 and the first end 331, wherein the contact area 335 can contact a stopper 390 to prevent when an upward force is applied to The inner region 337 of the rod 330 rotates toward the housing 310 when the rod 330 moves. The contact area 335 may include a boss 339 or raised surface on an inner surface of the rod body 333 . In some examples, contact area 335 may be enhanced with a coating or other surface treatment to improve its durability. Stop 390 can be positioned on inner end 311 of housing 310 and can be integrally formed with housing 310 in some examples. A clip 395 is optionally attached to the inboard end 311 of the housing 310 and extends around a majority of the inboard end 311 of the housing 310 to help secure the housing 310 to the handlebar 22 of the vehicle 20 . In some examples, clip 395 may be integrally formed with housing 310 . The clamp 395 may include a stop 390 that contacts the contact area 335 to prevent rotational movement of the rod 330 when a force is applied to an inboard region 337 of the rod 330, where the inboard region 337 may be the region between the rod pivot 334 and the inboard end 311 . Clamp 395 may be secured to housing 310 using certain clips 396 . Lever pivot 334 position can allow a user to always keep their hands on brake lever 330 to help increase a user's safety, wherein one of the user's index and middle fingers can be located on lever pivot 334 on inner region 337 One of the user's ring and little fingers can be positioned outside the lever pivot 334 on the outside area 338 . Thus, when a user applies a force to the inner region 337 of the brake lever 330 (for example, when a user uses an index and middle finger to squeeze inboard of the lever pivot 334 between the first end 331 and the lever pivot 334 When the lever 330 is depressed), the interaction between the contact area 335 and the stop 390 prevents the rotational movement of the lever 330 towards the inner end 311 to prevent any accidental braking. To apply a braking force, a user can apply a force to the outer region 338 of the lever 330 outside of the lever pivot 334 (for example, when a user is between the second end 332 and the lever pivot 334). When the rod 330 is squeezed outside the housing 334), the rod 330 can rotate toward the inner cavity 314 of the housing 310. When the rod 330 is rotated toward the inner cavity 314, an inner bearing surface 336 of the rod 330 may push the pivot connection 346 to cause the pivot connection 346 to move upward toward an upper inner surface 317 of the housing 310 to cause one of the bearing linkage sets 360 to move upward. The first end 361 moves toward an outboard end 312 of the housing 310 , which pulls the cable 32 in an outboard direction to engage the brakes of the vehicle 20 . In some examples, the inner bearing surface 336 of the rod 330 may have a convex or angled shape that causes the pivot connection 346 to move upward and outward as the rod 330 is rotated toward the inner cavity 314 . Alternatively, rod 330 may be configured such that outer region 333 includes contact region 335 to prevent rotation toward housing 310 when an upward force is applied to outer region 338, and rod 330 is capable of rotating toward housing 310 when a force is applied to inner region 337 to cause the braking system to engage a wheel 25 of a vehicle.

As shown in FIGS. 18-20 , linkage assembly 340 may include a pair of linkage members. In this example, the bearing linkage assembly 360 may have a first end 361, a second end 362 opposite to the first end 361, and a bearing linkage assembly body extending between the first end 361 and the second end 362. 363, and the pivot link set 370 can have a first end 371, a second end 372 opposite to the first end 371 and a pivot link set body extending between the first end 371 and the second end 372 373. The pivot connection 346 can connect the second end 362 of the bearing link set 360 and the second end 372 of the pivot link set. First end 371 of pivot linkage 370 may be pivotally connected to housing 310 (or mounted to a fixed insert in housing 310 ) at a linkage connection 379 . Linkage connection 379 may be located inboard of lever pivot 334 . In some examples, pivot connection 346 may include a roller bearing to allow smooth rolling and movement of pivot connection 346 along inner bearing surface 336 of rod 330 . In some examples, first end 361 of bearing linkage set 360 may be configured to connect directly to cable 32 via a cable anchor 392 attached to bearing linkage set 360, or cable 32 may be indirectly connected to Bearing linkage 360 such that movement of first end 361 also moves cable 32 . The first end 361 of the bearing linkage set 360 may also include a roller bearing connected such that the roller bearing can contact and roll along an upper inner surface 317 of the housing 310 . In addition, linkage set connection 379 and pivot connection 346 may include a pin connection, which may include a clevis and/or a receiver to allow relative free rotation of linkage sets 360, 370.

The housing 310 has a first or inner end 311 , a second or outer end 312 opposite to the inner end 311 , and a housing body 313 extending between the inner end 311 and the outer end 312 . The inner end 311 may have a side opening 315 extending into a lumen 314 and a lower opening 316 on the housing 310 also extending into the lumen 314 . The side opening 315 may have a cylindrical shape defining the longitudinal axis 303 of the handle assembly 302 . Side opening 315 of housing 310 may receive a portion of a tubular member of handlebar 22 to connect grip assembly 302 to braking system 10 of vehicle 20 . The outer end 312 of the housing 310 may include an inlet and outlet 319 to allow access to the inner cavity 314 of the housing 310 . The housing body 313 may be formed as one unitary member or may be formed from a plurality of members that are releasably or permanently joined together. The housing 310 may have a curved upper-outward facing surface opposite the lower opening 316 . In addition, the housing 310 may have a curved side surface extending downward from the upper-outer surface toward the lower opening 316 .

The rod 330 can have a first end 331 , a second end 332 and a rod body 333 extending from the first end 331 to the second end 332 . The rod body 333 may include a bottom wall having an outward surface extending from a first end 331 of the rod 330 to a second end 332 of the rod 330, a pair of rod side walls extending upward from the bottom wall and at the second end 332. An end wall extending between the bottom wall and the side wall of the rod. As discussed above, the lever 330 is pivotally engageable with the housing 310 at a lever pivot 334 . Rod pivot 334 may be located inboard of pivot connection 346 of bearing link set 360 and pivot link set 370 . As discussed above, the lever 330 may be pivotally attached to the housing 310 at a lever pivot 334 spaced a predetermined distance from an inboard end 311 of the lever 330 . The predetermined distance may be about 50% of a total length of the rod 330 , wherein the total length of the rod 330 is the distance from a first end 331 to a second end 332 . In some examples, the predetermined distance may be within a range of 25% to 50% of the total length of the rod 330 or within a range of 35% to 45% of the total length of the rod 330 . The predetermined distance can optionally be in the range of 10% to 90% of the total length of the rod 331 or in the range of 25% to 75% of the total length of the rod 330 . Additionally, the inner side of the inner end 331 of the rod 330 may be spaced farther inboard (ie, toward the handlebar) than the inner end 311 of the housing 310 . Additionally, the lever pivot 334 may be located less than 50% of a length of the housing defined as the distance from the inboard end 311 of the housing 310 to the outboard end 312 of the housing 310 . A portion of the rod body 333 can be enclosed in the inner cavity 314 of the housing 310 , and a portion of the rod body 333 can extend through a lower opening in the housing 310 . As discussed above, the inner bearing surface 336 can have a contoured shape that can have one of contact and push the pivot connection 346 to cause the pivot connection 346 to move upward and/or outward when the rod 330 is rotated toward the inner cavity 314. Curved convex or angular (relative to a longitudinal axis 303 of the housing 310). The inner bearing surface 336 may be integrally formed with the rod 330 . In some examples, inner bearing surface 336 may be a separate component, such as a pin connected to rod 330 where the pin contacts a roller bearing at pivot connection 346 . As the pivot connection 346 moves upward (or upward and outward) toward the upper inner surface 317, the first end 361 of the bearing linkage set 360 can move away from the side opening 315 of the housing 310 to pull the cable 32 of the brake system 10 , which causes the brake to engage one of the wheels 25 on the vehicle 20 . Additionally, when the outer region 338 of the rod 330 is moved toward the housing 310 , the inner region 337 may move away from the housing 310 .

As best shown in FIGS. 18-19 , a force F applied to the lever 330 between the second end 332 and the lever pivot 334 can cause the lever 330 to rotate toward the inner cavity 314 of the housing 310 . When the rod 330 rotates, the first end 361 of the bearing linkage set 360 can move linearly away from the side opening 315 of the housing 310 toward the outer end 312 of the housing 310 . In Figure 17, rod 330 and linkage assembly 340 are in a normal or rest position. In FIG. 18 , the lever 330 has received a force F to cause the lever 330 to rotate upwardly toward the lumen 314 of the housing 310 to an engaged position. As the rod 330 moves upward, the pivot connection 346 begins to move along the inner bearing surface 336 of the rod 330 (i.e., the second end 362 of the bearing link set 360 and the second end 372 of the pivot link set 370 start to move up or and lateral movement). Movement of pivot connection 346 causes first end 361 of bearing linkage set 360 to move linearly away from side opening 315 to pull cable 32 into housing 310 . When the first end 361 of the bearing linkage set 360 pulls the cable 32 into the housing 310 , the brake can engage a wheel 25 of the vehicle 20 . Once the force F is removed, the tension from the cable 32 pulls the linkage assembly 340 back to the normal or rest position, as shown in FIG. 18 .

FIGS. 21-25 illustrate another exemplary handlebar assembly 402 having a lever system 400 configured to activate the cable brake system 10 of a vehicle 20 . For the examples of FIGS. 21-25 , similar component numbers under the "4xx" series of component numbers are used instead of the "1xx" used in the embodiments of FIGS. 1-11C , in the embodiments of FIGS. 12-14C The reference numerals "2xx" and "3xx" are used in the embodiments of FIGS. 15-20 to refer to features. Accordingly, certain features of grip assembly 402 that have been described above with respect to grip assemblies 102, 202, and 302 may not be described in greater detail or may not be described at all. The grip assembly 402 may be connected to a braking system 10 configured as a cable directional braking system 10 with a cable 32 routed inside or outside the handlebar 22 . The handle assembly 402 can include a housing 410 , a rod 430 and a bearing linkage 460 , wherein the rod 430 can be at least partially located within a cavity 414 of the housing 410 . Bearing linkage set 460 is pivotally engageable with rod 430 at a linkage pivot 447 . As with other examples, the lever 430 may be pivotally attached to the housing 410 at a lever pivot 434 spaced a predetermined distance from a first end 431 of the lever 430 . The lever 430 can have a contact area 435 between the lever pivot 434 and the first end 431 , wherein the contact area 435 can contact a stop 490 to prevent rotational movement toward an inner end 411 of the housing 410 . The stop 490 can be positioned on the housing 410 and in some examples can be integrally formed with the housing 410 . A clip 495 is optionally attached to the housing 410 and extends around a majority of the first end 411 of the housing 410 to help secure the housing 410 to the handlebar 22 of the vehicle 20 . Clamp 495 may include a stop 490 that contacts contact area 435 to prevent rotational movement of rod 430 when a force is applied to inner area 437 . The lever pivot 434 position can allow a user to always keep their hands on the brake lever 430 to help increase a user's safety, where a user's index and middle fingers can be located on the lever pivot on the inside area 437 Inboard of 434 and one of a user's ring and little fingers may be located outboard of lever pivot 434 on outboard region 438 . Thus, when a user applies a force to the inner region 437 of the brake lever 430 (for example, when a user uses an index and middle finger to squeeze inboard of the lever pivot 434 between the first end 431 and the lever pivot 434 When the lever 430 is depressed), the interaction between the contact area 435 and the stop 490 prevents the rotational movement of the lever 430 to prevent any accidental braking. To apply a braking force, a user may apply a force F to the outer region 438 of the lever 430 (e.g. when a user squeezes the lever outside of the lever pivot 434 between the second end 432 and the lever pivot 434 430 ), the rod 430 is rotatable toward the inner cavity 414 of the housing 410 . As the outer region 438 of the rod 430 rotates toward the inner cavity 414, the first end 461 of the bearing linkage set 460 moves away from the first end 411 of the housing 410 to cause the braking system 10 of the vehicle 20 to engage the wheels 25 of the vehicle 20 . When the brake is engaged, the first end 461 of the bearing linkage set 460 can move toward the outboard end 412 of the housing 410, which pulls the cable 32 in an outboard direction.

As shown in FIGS. 21 to 25 , the bearing linkage set 460 can have a first end 461, a second end 462 opposite to the first end 461 and a shaft extending between the first end 461 and the second end 462. Bearing linkage body 463, wherein first end 461 may comprise a roller bearing, wherein the roller bearing may contact and roll along an inner surface 417 of housing 410 and second end 462 may be at the linkage pivot Pivotally connected to rod 430 at 447. Linkage pivot 447 may be a pin connection in which bearing linkage 460 may engage rod 430 . In some examples, the first end 461 of the bearing linkage set 460 can be configured to connect directly to the cable 32 via a cable anchor 492, or the cable 32 can be indirectly connected to the bearing linkage set 460 such that the first Movement of end 461 also moves cable 32 . The inner surface 417 of the housing 410 may face the lower opening 416 of the housing 410 and be angled relative to an upper edge of the housing 410 (i.e., a plane parallel to one of the uppermost longitudinal edges of a top surface of the housing 410), wherein the inner surface 417 A distance of an outer end 418 may be closer to the upper edge of the housing than an inner end of the inner surface 417 . Additionally, the pivotal connection between bearing linkage set 460 and cable anchor 492 may include a pin connection, which may include a clevis and/or a receiver to allow bearing linkage set 460 and cable anchor 492 to be relative. rotate around each other. As another option, a disc 498 may be disposed on either or both sides of the cable anchor 492 to allow the first end 461 of the bearing linkage set 460 to roll along the inner surface 417 as shown in FIG. 22 .

The housing 410 has a first or inner end 411 , a second or outer end 412 opposite to the inner end 411 , and a housing body 413 extending between the inner end 411 and the outer end 412 . The inner end 411 may have a side opening 415 extending into a lumen 414 and a lower opening 416 on the housing 410 also extending into the lumen 414 . The outer end 412 of the housing 410 may include an inlet and outlet 419 to allow access to the inner cavity 414 of the housing 410 . As discussed in more detail below, the housing 410 may also include an aperture 493 for routing the cable 32 through the housing 410 and a cable boot receiver 494 for receiving the cable boot 36 .

The rod 430 may have a first end 431 , a second end 432 and a rod body 433 extending from the first end 431 to the second end 432 . As discussed above, lever 430 may be pivotally engaged with housing 410 at lever pivot 434 . The rod pivot 434 may be located inboard of the linkage pivot 447 connecting the bearing linkage 460 to the rod 430 . The lever 430 may be pivotally attached to the housing 410 at a lever pivot 434 spaced a predetermined distance from a first end 431 of the lever 430 . The predetermined distance may be about 50% of the total length of the rod 430 , where the total length of the rod 430 is the distance from a first end 431 to a second end 432 . In some examples, the predetermined distance may be within a range of 25% to 50% of the total length of the rod 430 or within a range of 35% to 45% of the total length of the rod 430 . The predetermined distance can optionally be in the range of 10% to 90% of the total length of the rod 430 or in the range of 25% to 75% of the total length of the rod 430 . A portion of the rod body 433 can be enclosed in the inner cavity 414 of the housing 410 , and a portion of the rod body 433 can extend through a lower opening 416 in the housing 410 . As the first end 461 of the bearing linkage set 460 moves upward and outward along the inner surface 417, the first end 461 of the bearing linkage set 460 can pull the cable 32 of the braking system 10, which causes the brakes to engage the brake system on the vehicle 20. 25 for a wheel.

As best shown in FIGS. 21 and 25 , a force F applied to the lever 430 between the second end 432 and the lever pivot 434 can cause the lever 430 to rotate toward the inner cavity 414 of the housing 410 . As the rod 430 rotates, the first end 461 of the bearing linkage set 460 can move linearly upward and outward away from the side opening 415 of the housing 410 toward the outer end 412 of the housing 410 . In FIG. 21, the rod 430 and bearing linkage set 460 are in a normal or rest position. In FIG. 25 , the rod 430 has received an F to cause the rod 430 to rotate upwardly toward the lumen 414 of the housing 410 to an engaged position. As the rod 430 moves upward, the first end 461 of the bearing link set 460 can move upward and outward to pull the cable 32 into the housing 410 . When the first end 461 of the bearing linkage set 460 pulls the cable 32 into the housing 410 , the brake can engage a wheel 25 of the vehicle 20 . Once the force F is removed, the tension from the cable 32 pulls the bearing linkage set 460 back to the normal or rest position.

FIGS. 26-30 illustrate another exemplary handlebar assembly 502 having a lever system 500 configured to activate the cable brake system 10 of a vehicle 20 . For the examples of FIGS. 26-30 , similar component numbers under the "5xx" series of component numbers are used instead of the "1xx" used in the embodiments of FIGS. 1-11C , in the embodiments of FIGS. 12-14C The reference numerals "2xx", "3xx" used in the embodiment of Figs. 16-20 and "4xx" used in the embodiment of Figs. 21-25 refer to features. Accordingly, certain features of grip assembly 502 that have been described above with respect to grip assemblies 102, 202, 302, and 402 may not be described in greater detail or may not be described at all. The grip assembly 502 may be connected to a brake system 10 configured as a cable directional brake system 10 with a cable 32 routed inside or outside the handlebar 22 . The handle assembly 502 can include a housing 510 , a rod 530 , a bearing linkage 560 and a swing linkage 580 , wherein the rod 530 is at least partially located within an inner cavity 514 of the housing 510 . Bearing linkage set 560 may be pivotally connected to rod 530 at a first linkage set pivot 547 and also pivotally connected to swing linkage 580 at a second linkage set pivot 548 . The swing link set 580 is also pivotally connected to the housing 510 . As with other examples, the lever 530 may be pivotally attached to the housing 510 at a lever pivot 534 spaced a predetermined distance from an inboard end 531 of the lever 530 . The lever 530 can have a contact area 535 between the lever pivot 534 and the first end 531 , wherein the contact area 535 can contact a stop 590 to prevent rotational movement toward the inner end 511 of the housing 510 . The stop 590 can be positioned on the housing 510 and in some examples can be integrally formed with the housing 510 . A clip 595 is optionally attached to the housing 510 and extends around a majority of the first end 511 of the housing 510 to help secure the housing 510 to the handlebar 22 of the vehicle 20 . Clamp 595 may include a stop 590 that contacts contact region 535 to prevent rotational movement of rod 530 when a force is applied to inner region 537 . The lever pivot 534 position can allow a user to keep their hands on the lever 530 at all times to help increase a user's safety, wherein a user's index and middle fingers can be located on the lever pivot 534 on the inside area 537 The inner side and one of a user's ring finger and little finger can be located outside the lever pivot 534 on the outer area 538 . Thus, when a user applies a force to the inner region 537 of the lever 530 (for example, when a user uses an index and middle finger to squeeze the inside of the lever pivot 534 between the first end 531 and the lever pivot 534 lever 530), the interaction between the contact area 535 and the stop 590 prevents rotational movement of the lever 530 to prevent any accidental braking. To apply a braking force, a user may apply a force F to the outer region 538 of the lever 530 (for example, when a user squeezes the lever outside the lever pivot 534 between the second end 532 and the lever pivot 534 530), the rod 530 is rotatable toward the inner cavity 514 of the housing 510. When the outer region 538 of the rod 530 is rotated toward the inner cavity 514, the second end 562 of the bearing linkage set 560 can move away from the first end 511 of the housing 510 to cause the braking system 10 of the vehicle 20 to engage the wheels 25 of the vehicle 20. join. When the brake is engaged, the second end 562 of the bearing linkage set 560 can move toward the outboard end 512 of the housing 510, which pulls the cable 32 in an outboard direction.

As shown in FIGS. 26-30 , the link set assembly 540 may include a bearing link set 560 and a swing link set 580 . The bearing connecting rod assembly 560 may have a first end 561 , a second end 562 opposite to the first end 561 , and a bearing connecting rod assembly body 563 extending between the first end 561 and the second end 562 . Similarly, the swing link set 580 may include a first end 581 , a second end 582 and a swing link set body 583 . The first end 561 is pivotally connected to the rod 530 at a first linkage pivot 547 and the second end 562 is pivotally connectable to the swing linkage at a second linkage pivot 548 One of the 580 is a first end 581 . A second end 582 of the swing link assembly 580 is pivotally connected to an inner surface within the inner cavity 514 of the housing 510 . In some examples, the second end 562 of the bearing linkage set 560 can be configured to connect directly to the cable 32 via a cable anchor 592, or the cable 32 can be indirectly connected to the bearing linkage set 560 such that the second Movement of end 562 also moves cable 32 . Additionally, the linkage pivots 547, 548, 549 may be pivotal connections comprising a pin connection which may comprise a clevis and/or a receiver. For example, as shown in FIG. 27, linkage pivot 548 includes a clevis and pin connection to allow bearing linkage 560 and cable anchor 592 to rotate relative to each other.

The housing 510 has a first or inner end 511 , a second or outer end 512 opposite to the inner end 511 , and a housing body 513 extending between the inner end 511 and the outer end 512 . The inner end 511 may have a side opening 515 extending into a lumen 514 and a lower opening 516 on the housing 510 also extending into the lumen 514 . The outer end 512 of the housing 510 may include an inlet and outlet 519 to allow access to the inner cavity 514 of the housing 510 . As discussed in more detail below, the housing 510 may also include an aperture 593 for routing the cable 32 through the housing 510 and a cable boot receiver 594 for receiving the cable boot 36 .

The rod 530 can have a first end 531 , a second end 532 and a rod body 533 extending from the first end 531 to the second end 532 . As discussed above, lever 530 may pivotally engage housing 510 at lever pivot 534 . Rod pivot 534 may be inboard of first link set pivot 547 connecting bearing link set 560 to rod 530 and may also be inboard of second link set pivot 548 and third link set pivot 549 . The lever 530 may be pivotally attached to the housing 510 at a lever pivot 534 spaced a predetermined distance from a first end 531 of the lever 530 . The predetermined distance may be about 50% of a total length of the rod 530 , wherein the total length of the rod 530 is the distance from a first end 531 to a second end 532 . In some examples, the predetermined distance may be within a range of 25% to 50% of the total length of the rod 530 or within a range of 35% to 45% of the total length of the rod 530 . The predetermined distance can optionally be in the range of 10% to 90% of the total length of the rod 530 or in the range of 25% to 75% of the total length of the rod 530 . A portion of the rod body 533 can be enclosed in the inner cavity 514 of the housing 510 , and a portion of the rod body 533 can extend through a lower opening 516 in the housing 510 .

As best shown in FIGS. 26 and 30 , a force F applied to the lever 530 between the second end 532 and the lever pivot 534 can cause the lever 530 to rotate toward the inner cavity 514 of the housing 510 . As the rod 530 rotates, the second end 562 of the bearing linkage set 560 can move upward and outboard away from the side opening 515 of the housing 510 and toward the outboard end 512 of the housing 510 . In FIG. 26, rod 530 and bearing linkage set 560 are in a normal or rest position. In FIG. 30 , the rod 530 has received an F to cause the rod 530 to rotate upwardly toward the lumen 514 of the housing 510 to an engaged position. As the rod 530 moves upward, the second end 562 of the bearing linkage set 560 can move outboard or up and outboard to pull the cable 32 into the housing 510 . When the second end 562 of the bearing linkage set 560 pulls the cable 32 into the housing 510 , the brake can engage a wheel 25 of the vehicle 20 . Once the force F is removed, the tension from the cable 32 pulls the bearing linkage set 560 back to the normal or rest position.

The grip assembly 402, 502 may also include the option of routing the cable 32 of the braking system 10 through the handlebar 22 of the vehicle or externally of the handlebar 22, as shown in FIGS. 31-34. Although FIGS. 31-34 are shown using the handle assembly 502 , this same cable routing applies to the handle assembly 402 as well. This flexibility of routing the cable 32 inside or outside the handlebar allows retrofitting of an existing vehicle 20 using the handlebar assembly 402 , 502 . FIGS. 31-32 illustrate one option for routing the brake cable 32 through the housing 510 into the handlebar 22 of the vehicle 20 in both a rest position in FIG. 31 and an engaged position in FIG. 32 . Housing 510 may include an aperture 593 extending through lumen 514 and allowing access to side opening 515 . Aperture 593 may provide a path for cable 32 to extend from cable anchor 592 through aperture 593 into handlebar 22 and then to other brake components of braking system 10 . The cable 32 can be sheathed in a cable housing 36 that can be routed through the handlebar 22 and the opening 515 . Next, the cable housing 36 is received in one of the receivers 594 of the housing 510 . The receiver 594 can abut the aperture 593 such that the cable 32 can extend through both the aperture 593 and the receiver 594 . Receiver 594 may have a diameter larger than aperture 593 to receive shell 36 . Shell 36 may be secured into receiver 594 using a friction fit. Additionally, the receiver 594 may include a tapered region 597 at one end to assist in fitting the shell 36 into the receiver 594 . The tapered region 597 may form an asymmetrical taper to help guide the shell 36 into the receiver 594 from different directions. Access port 519 allows access to handle assembly 502 to allow a user to feed cable 32 through outer end 512 of housing 510 .

FIGS. 33-34 illustrate one option for routing the brake cable 32 outside the housing 510 and outside the handlebar 22 of the vehicle 20 in a rest position in FIG. 33 and an engaged position in FIG. 34 . In FIGS. 33-34 , the cable 32 can be connected to the cable anchor 592 and routed through the lower opening 516 of the housing 510 . Cable 32 may also extend through an opening via a pin connecting lever 530 and housing 510 at lever pivot 534 . Additionally, the cable 32 may extend through an aperture in the clamp 595 . Additionally, the clamp 595 may have a receptacle 598 that receives the cable housing 36 . The cable boot 36 may be secured via a friction fit with one of the receivers 598 . The cable 32 may extend from the cable anchor 592 through the lower opening 516 to the exterior of the handlebar 22 and then to other brake components of the braking system 10 .

Although the illustrated exemplary handlebar assembly 302, 402, 502 is configured for a cable-type braking system, the handlebar assembly 304, 402, 502 may be configured to be similar to the handlebar assembly 102 The hydraulic braking system works with one of the hydraulic braking systems described in , as described in more detail below. In a hydraulic braking system, the bearing linkage set may be configured to move the inside of one end when the outboard region of the rod is squeezed to move hydraulic fluid within a hydraulic braking system. In some examples of the handlebar assembly used in the hydraulic braking system described herein, the distance that one end of a linkage set needs to travel can be up to 50% less to engage a hydraulic brake system than a cable-actuated braking system. Braking System.

35-39 illustrate another exemplary grip assembly 602 having a lever system 600 configured to activate a hydraulic braking system 10 of a vehicle 20 . The brake system 10 in the example depicted in FIGS. 35-39 may be a hydraulic brake system with a hydraulic line routed inside the handlebar such that the hydraulic lines are not externally visible at the intersection of the grip assembly 602 . For the examples of FIGS. 35-39 , similar component numbers under the "6xx" series of component numbers are used instead of the "1xx" used in the embodiments of FIGS. 1-11C , in the embodiments of FIGS. 12-14C The component symbol "2xx" used, the component symbol "3xx" used in the embodiment of Fig. 16 to Fig. 20, the component symbol "4xx" used in the embodiment of Fig. 21 to Fig. 25 and Fig. 26 to Fig. 34 The designations "5xx" are used in the embodiments to refer to features. Accordingly, certain features of grip assembly 602 that have been described above with respect to grip assemblies 102, 202, 302, 402, and 502 may not be described in greater detail or may not be described at all. The handlebar assembly 602 may be connected to a brake system 10 configured as a hydraulic brake system 10 wherein a hydraulic line 14 of the hydraulic brake system 10 is routed inside the handlebar of the vehicle. The handle assembly 602 can include a housing 610 , a rod 630 and a bearing linkage 660 , wherein the rod 630 can be at least partially located within a cavity 614 of the housing 610 . Bearing linkage set 660 may be pivotally connected to rod 630 at a first linkage set pivot 647 and also pivotally connected to a piston 12 at a second linkage set pivot 648 . Piston 12 is slidably engageable with a hydraulic cylinder 16 to move hydraulic fluid within hydraulic lines to engage the braking system of the vehicle. The hydraulic cylinder 16 may be anchored within a lumen 614 of the housing 610 . Additionally, the hydraulic cylinder 16 may have a first end 24 that receives the piston 12, a second end 26 opposite the first end 24 having a nipple or other connection feature 28 for connection to a hydraulic line of the vehicle braking system. . As with other examples, the lever 630 may be pivotally attached to the housing 610 at a lever pivot 634 spaced a predetermined distance from an inboard end 631 of the lever 630 . The lever 630 can have a contact area 635 between the lever pivot 634 and the first end 631 , wherein the contact area 635 can contact a stop 690 to prevent rotational movement toward the inner end 611 of the housing 610 . The stop 690 can be positioned on the housing 610 and in some examples can be integrally formed with the housing 610 . A clip 695 is optionally attached to the housing 610 and extends around a majority of the first end 611 of the housing 610 to help secure the housing 610 to the handlebar of the vehicle. Clamp 695 may include a stop 690 that contacts contact region 635 to prevent rotational movement of rod 630 when a force is applied to inner region 637 . The lever pivot 634 position can allow a user to always keep their hands on the brake lever 630 to help increase a user's safety, where a user's index and middle fingers can be located on the lever pivot on the inside area 637 Inboard of 634 and one of a user's ring and little fingers may be located outboard of lever pivot 634 on outboard region 638 . Thus, when a user applies a force to the inner region 637 of the brake lever 630 (for example, when a user uses an index and middle finger to squeeze inboard of the lever pivot 634 between the first end 631 and the lever pivot 634 When lever 630 is depressed), the interaction between contact area 635 and stop 690 prevents rotational movement of lever 630 to prevent any accidental braking. To apply a braking force, a user may apply a force F to the outer region 638 of the lever 630 (for example, when a user squeezes the lever outside the lever pivot 634 between the second end 632 and the lever pivot 634 630 ), the rod 630 is rotatable toward the inner cavity 614 of the housing 610 . As the outer region 638 of the rod 630 rotates toward the inner cavity 614, the second end 662 of the bearing linkage set 660 moves toward the first end 611 of the housing 610 to cause the piston 12 to move toward the first end 611 of the housing 610 to propel the vehicle. Hydraulic fluid in a braking system 10 to cause a brake to engage a wheel 25 of the vehicle.

As shown in Figures 35 to 39, the bearing link assembly 660 can have a first end 661, a second end 662 opposite to the first end 661, and a shaft extending between the first end 661 and the second end 662. Bearing connecting rod body 663 . The first end 661 is pivotally connected to the rod 630 at a first linkage pivot 647 and the second end 662 is pivotally connected to the piston 12 at a second linkage pivot 648 . The second linkage pivot 648 may be located near one of the rear surfaces 13 of the piston 12 . Movement of the second end 662 of the bearing linkage set 660 is configured to also move the piston 12 . Additionally, the linkage pivots 647, 648 may be pivotal connections that include a pin connection that may include a clevis and/or a receiver. For example, as shown in FIG. 37 , linkage pivot 647 includes a clevis and pin connection to allow bearing linkage 660 to rotate relative to piston 12 .

The housing 610 has a first or inner end 611 , a second or outer end 612 opposite to the inner end 611 , and a housing body 613 extending between the inner end 611 and the outer end 612 . The inner end 611 may have a side opening 615 extending into a lumen 614 and a lower opening 616 on the housing 610 also extending into the lumen 614 . The outer end 612 of the housing 610 may include an access port 619 to allow access to the drain rod 18 extending from the hydraulic cylinder 16 . The relief rod 18 may extend from a rear surface 13 of the piston and may include an internal passage 19 extending through the relief rod 18 and the piston 12 for fluid communication with the hydraulic cylinder 16 . The bleed rod 18 may include a valve near the end of the bleed rod 18 to allow a user to perform maintenance on the hydraulic system. The bleed rod 18 may be a rigid tube that slidably engages the port 619 and moves with the piston 12 or, in some examples, may have one end fixed to the port 619 but configured to allow the piston 12 to move in the cylinder 16 Move one of the flexible tubes inside.

The rod 630 may have a first end 631 , a second end 632 and a rod body 633 extending from the first end 631 to the second end 632 . As discussed above, lever 630 may be pivotally engaged with housing 610 at lever pivot 634 . The lever pivot 634 may be located inboard of the first link set pivot 647 connecting the bearing link set 660 to the lever 630 and also inboard of the second link set pivot 648 . The lever 630 may be pivotally attached to the housing 610 at a lever pivot 634 spaced a predetermined distance from a first end 631 of the lever 630 . The predetermined distance may be about 50% of the total length of the rod 630 , where the total length of the rod 630 is the distance from a first end 631 to a second end 632 . In some examples, the predetermined distance may be within a range of 25% to 50% of the total length of the rod 630 or within a range of 35% to 45% of the total length of the rod 630 . The predetermined distance can optionally be in the range of 10% to 90% of the total length of the rod 630 or in the range of 25% to 75% of the total length of the rod 630 . A portion of the rod body 633 can be enclosed in the inner cavity 614 of the housing 610 , and a portion of the rod body 633 can extend through a lower opening 616 in the housing 610 .

As best shown in FIGS. 35-36 , a force F applied to the rod 630 in the outboard region 638 between the second end 632 and the rod pivot 634 can cause the rod 630 to rotate toward the inner cavity 614 of the housing 610 . As the rod 630 rotates, the second end 662 of the bearing linkage set 660 can move up or up and inboard toward the side opening 615 of the housing 610 to push the piston 12 within the cylinder 16 . In Figure 35, the rod 630 and bearing linkage set 660 are in a normal or rest position. In FIG. 36 , the lever 630 has received a force F to cause the lever 630 to rotate upwardly toward the lumen 614 of the housing 610 to an engaged position. When the rod 630 moves upward, the second end 662 of the bearing linkage set 660 can move upward or upward and inboard to push the piston 12 into the cylinder 16 to push the hydraulic fluid out of the cylinder 16 so that a brake system and one of the vehicles The wheels 25 are engaged. Once the force F is removed, the pressure in the hydraulic line 14 pushes the piston 12 and bearing linkage set 660 back to the normal or rest position.

40-44 illustrate another exemplary grip assembly 702 having a lever system 700 configured to activate a hydraulic braking system 10 of a vehicle 20 . The braking system 10 in the example depicted in FIGS. 40-44 may be a hydraulic braking system having a hydraulic line 14 routed externally to the handlebar such that the hydraulic line is not external at the intersection of the grip assembly 702. visible. For the example of Figures 40-44, a similar component number under the "7xx" series of component numbers is used instead of the "1xx" used in the embodiment of Figures 1-11C, in the embodiment of Figures 12-14C The component symbol "2xx" used, the component symbol "3xx" used in the embodiment of Fig. 16 to Fig. 20, the component symbol "4xx" used in the embodiment of Fig. 21 to Fig. 25, Fig. 26 to Fig. 34 The reference numerals "5xx" used in the embodiments of Figs. 35-39 and "6xx" used in the embodiments of Figs. 35-39 refer to features. Accordingly, certain features of grip assembly 702 that have been described above with respect to grip assemblies 102, 202, 302, 402, 502, and 602 may not be described in greater detail or may not be described at all. The handlebar assembly 702 may be connected to a brake system 10 configured as a hydraulic brake system 10 wherein a hydraulic line 14 of the hydraulic brake system 10 is routed outside the handlebars of the vehicle. The handle assembly 702 can include a housing 710 , a rod 730 and a bearing linkage set 760 , wherein the rod 730 can be at least partially located within a cavity 714 of the housing 710 . Bearing linkage set 760 may pivotally connect a first end 761 to housing 710 at a first linkage set pivot 747 and also pivotally connect a second end 762 to housing 710 at a second linkage set pivot 748. A piston 12 is pivotally connected. Piston 12 is slidably engageable with a hydraulic cylinder 16 to move hydraulic fluid within hydraulic lines to engage braking system 10 of the vehicle. Hydraulic cylinder 16 may be anchored to rod 730 . In addition, hydraulic cylinder 16 may have a first end 24 that receives piston 12 , a nipple or other connection feature 28 to connect to a second end 24 opposite first end 24 of hydraulic line 14 of vehicle braking system 10 . End 26. As with other examples, the lever 730 may be pivotally attached to the housing 710 at a lever pivot 734 spaced a predetermined distance from an inboard end 731 of the lever 730 . The lever 730 can have a contact area 735 between the lever pivot 734 and the first end 731 , wherein the contact area 735 can contact a stop 790 to prevent rotational movement towards the inner end 711 of the housing 710 . Stop 790 can be positioned on housing 710 and in some examples can be integrally formed with housing 710 . A clip 795 is optionally attached to the housing 710 and extends around a majority of the first end 711 of the housing 710 to help secure the housing 710 to the handlebar of the vehicle. Clamp 795 may include a stop 790 that contacts contact area 735 to prevent rotational movement of rod 730 when a force is applied to inner area 737 . The lever pivot 734 position can allow a user to always keep their hands on the brake lever 730 to help increase a user's safety, where a user's index and middle fingers can be located on the lever pivot on the inside area 737 The inner side of 734 and one of a user's ring and little fingers can be located outside of the lever pivot 734 on the outer area 738 . Thus, when a user applies a force to the inner region 737 of the brake lever 730 (for example, when a user squeezes the inner side of the lever pivot 734 between the first end 731 and the lever pivot 734 with an index finger and middle finger). When lever 730 is depressed), the interaction between contact area 735 and stop 790 prevents rotational movement of lever 730 to prevent any accidental braking. To apply a braking force, a user may apply a force F to the outer region 738 of the lever 730 (for example, when a user squeezes the lever outside of the lever pivot 734 between the second end 732 and the lever pivot 734 730), the rod 730 is rotatable toward the inner cavity 714 of the housing 710. As the outer region 738 of the rod 730 rotates toward the inner cavity 714, the second end 762 of the bearing linkage set 760 moves toward the first end 731 of the rod 730 to cause the piston 12 to move toward the second end 26 of the cylinder 16 to propel the vehicle. Hydraulic fluid in hydraulic line 14 of braking system 10 causes a brake to engage a wheel 25 of vehicle 20 .

As shown in FIGS. 40 to 44, the bearing link assembly 760 can have a first end 761, a second end 762 opposite to the first end 761, and a bearing connecting rod extending from the first end 761 and the second end 762. The rod set body 763. The first end 761 is pivotally connected to the housing 710 at a first linkage pivot 747 and the second end 762 is pivotally connected to the piston 12 at a second linkage pivot 748 . The second linkage pivot 748 may be located near one of the rear surfaces 13 of the piston 12 . Movement of the second end 1762 of the bearing linkage set 760 is configured to move the piston 12 as well. Additionally, the linkage pivots 747, 748 may be pivotal connections that include a pin connection that may include a clevis and/or a receiver. For example, the second linkage set pivot 748 includes a clevis and pin connection to allow the bearing linkage set 760 to rotate relative to the piston 12 .

The housing 710 has a first or inner end 711 , a second or outer end 712 opposite to the inner end 711 , and a housing body 713 extending between the inner end 711 and the outer end 712 . The inner end 711 may have a side opening 715 extending into a lumen 714 and a lower opening 716 on the housing 710 also extending into the lumen 714 .

The rod 730 can have a first end 731 , a second end 732 and a rod body 733 extending from the first end 731 to the second end 732 . As discussed above, lever 730 may be pivotally engaged with housing 710 at lever pivot 734 . Rod pivot 734 may be located inboard of first link set pivot 747 connecting bearing link set 760 to housing 710 and also inboard of second link set pivot 748 . The second link set pivot 748 can be located inside the first link set pivot 747 . The lever 730 may be pivotally attached to the housing 710 at a lever pivot 734 spaced a predetermined distance from a first end 731 of the lever 730 . The predetermined distance may be about 50% of the total length of the rod 730 , where the total length of the rod 730 is the distance from a first end 731 to a second end 732 . In some examples, the predetermined distance may be within a range of 25% to 50% of the total length of the rod 730 or within a range of 35% to 45% of the total length of the rod 730 . The predetermined distance can optionally be within a range of 10% to 90% of the total length of the rod 730 or within a range of 25% to 75% of the total length of the rod 730 . A portion of the rod body 733 can be enclosed in the inner cavity 714 of the housing 710 , and a portion of the rod body 733 can extend through a lower opening 716 in the housing 710 . The outboard end 732 of the rod 730 may include an access port 739 to allow access to a discharge rod 18 extending from the hydraulic cylinder 16 . The bleed rod 18 may extend from the hydraulic cylinder 16 and may also include an internal passage 19 extending through the bleed rod 18 for fluid communication with the hydraulic cylinder 16 . The bleed rod 18 can be a rigid tube with one end fixed to the inlet port 739 or it can be a flexible tube with one end fixed to the port port 739 and the other end fixed to the cylinder 16 .

As best shown in FIGS. A force in one direction) can cause the rod 730 to rotate toward the inner cavity 714 of the housing 710 . As the rod 730 rotates, the second end 762 of the bearing linkage set 760 can move upwardly and/or toward an inboard end 731 of the rod 730 to push the piston 12 within the cylinder 16 . In Figure 40, the rod 730 and bearing linkage set 760 are in a normal or rest position. In FIG. 41 , the rod 730 has received a force F to cause the rod 730 to rotate upwardly toward the lumen 714 of the housing 710 to an engaged position. As the rod 730 moves upward, the second end 762 of the bearing linkage set 760 can move upward and/or inboard to push the piston 12 into the cylinder 16 to push hydraulic fluid out of the cylinder 16 to allow a brake system to communicate with the vehicle 20. A wheel 25 is engaged. Once the force F is removed, the pressure in the hydraulic line 14 pushes the piston 12 and bearing linkage set 760 back to the normal or rest position.

45-46 illustrate another exemplary grip assembly 802 having a lever system 800 configured to activate a hydraulic braking system 10 of a vehicle. The braking system 10 in the example depicted in FIGS. 45-46 may be a hydraulic braking system having a hydraulic line 14 routed outside the handlebar such that the hydraulic line is visible externally at the intersection of the grip assembly 802 . For the example of Figures 45-46, a similar component number under the "8xx" series of component numbers is used instead of the "1xx" used in the embodiment of Figures 1-11C, in the embodiment of Figures 12-14C The component symbol "2xx" used, the component symbol "3xx" used in the embodiment of Fig. 16 to Fig. 20, the component symbol "4xx" used in the embodiment of Fig. 21 to Fig. 25, Fig. 26 to Fig. 34 The element symbol "5xx" used in the embodiment of the above, the element symbol "6xx" used in the embodiment of Fig. 35 to Fig. 39, and the element symbol "7xx" used in the embodiment of Fig. 40 to Fig. 44 are referred to feature. Accordingly, certain features of grip assembly 802 that have been described above with respect to grip assemblies 102, 202, 302, 402, 502, 602, and 702 may not be described in greater detail or may not be described at all. The handlebar assembly 802 may be connected to a brake system 10 configured as a hydraulic brake system 10 with a hydraulic line 14 of the hydraulic brake system 10 routed outside the handlebar 22 of the vehicle 20 . The handle assembly 802 can include a housing 810 , a rod 830 and a bearing linkage 860 , wherein the rod 830 can be located at least partially within a cavity 814 of the housing 810 . The bearing linkage set 860 can pivotally connect a first end 861 to the rod 830 at a first linkage pivot 847 and also pivotally connect a second end 862 to the rod 830 at a second linkage pivot 848. A piston 12 is pivotally connected. Piston 12 is slidably engageable with a hydraulic cylinder 16 to move hydraulic fluid within hydraulic line 14 to engage braking system 10 of the vehicle. Hydraulic cylinder 16 may be anchored to housing 810 . In some examples, hydraulic cylinder 16 may extend through lower opening 816 of housing 810 and into rod 830 . Additionally, the hydraulic cylinder 16 may have a first end 24 that receives the piston 12 and a second end 26 opposite the first end 24 . A bleed rod 18 may be attached to an exterior of the cylinder 16 and extend outboard to connect to an inlet and outlet 819 in the outboard end 812 of the housing 810 . Drain rod 18 may be in fluid communication with the cylinder and extend toward inboard end 811 of housing 810 and/or inboard end 831 of rod 830 . The inboard end of the bleeder rod 18 may include a nipple or other connection feature 28 for connection to the hydraulic line 14 of the vehicle braking system 10 .

As with other examples, the lever 830 may be pivotally attached to the housing 810 at a lever pivot 834 spaced a predetermined distance from an inboard end 831 of the lever 830 . The lever 830 can have a contact area 835 between the lever pivot 834 and the first end 831 , wherein the contact area 835 can contact a stop 890 to prevent rotational movement towards the inner end 811 of the housing 810 . Stop 890 can be positioned on housing 810 and can be integrally formed with housing 810 in some examples. A clip 895 is optionally attached to the housing 810 and extends around a majority of the first end 811 of the housing 810 to help secure the housing 810 to the handlebar of the vehicle. Clamp 895 may include a stop 890 that contacts contact area 835 to prevent rotational movement of rod 830 when a force is applied to inner area 837 . Lever pivot 834 position can allow a user to always keep their hand on the brake lever 830 to help increase a user's safety, wherein a user's index and middle fingers can be located on the lever pivot on the inside area 837 The inner side of 834 and one of a user's ring and little fingers can be located outside of the lever pivot 834 on the outer area 838 . Thus, when a user applies a force to the inner region 837 of the brake lever 830 (for example, when a user uses an index and middle finger to squeeze inboard of the lever pivot 834 between the first end 831 and the lever pivot 834 When lever 830 is depressed), the interaction between contact area 835 and stop 890 prevents rotational movement of lever 830 to prevent any accidental braking. To apply a braking force, a user may apply a force F to the outer region 838 of the lever 830 (for example, when a user squeezes the lever outside of the lever pivot 834 between the second end 832 and the lever pivot 834 830), the rod 830 is rotatable toward the inner cavity 814 of the housing 810. As the outboard region 838 of the rod 830 rotates toward the inner cavity 814, the second end 862 of the bearing linkage set 860 moves outboard and/or upwardly and toward the second end 26 of the hydraulic cylinder 16 to cause the piston 12 to move toward the second end 26 of the cylinder 16. The end 26 moves to push hydraulic fluid into the hydraulic line 14 of the braking system 10 of the vehicle to cause a brake to engage a wheel 25 of the vehicle 20 .

As shown in FIGS. 45 to 46 , the bearing linkage set 860 can have a first end 861, a second end 862 opposite to the first end 861, and a shaft extending between the first end 861 and the second end 862. Bearing connecting rod body 863 . The first end 861 is pivotally connected to the rod 830 at a first linkage pivot 847 and the second end 862 is pivotally connected to the piston 12 at a second linkage pivot 848 . The second linkage pivot 848 may be located near one of the rear surfaces 13 of the piston 12 . Movement of the second end 862 of the bearing linkage set 860 is configured to also move the piston 12 . Additionally, the linkage pivots 847, 848 may be pivotal connections that include a pin connection that may include a clevis and/or a receiver. For example, the second linkage set pivot 848 may comprise a clevis and pin connection to allow the bearing linkage set 860 to rotate relative to the piston 12 .

The housing 810 has a first or inner end 811 , a second or outer end 812 opposite to the inner end 811 , and a housing body 813 extending between the inner end 811 and the outer end 812 . The inner end 811 may have a side opening 815 extending into a lumen 814 and a lower opening 816 on the housing 810 also extending into the lumen 814 . The outer end 812 of the housing 810 may include an access port 819 to allow access to the drain rod 18 extending from the hydraulic cylinder 16 . The bleed rod 18 may extend from the hydraulic cylinder 18 and may also include an internal passage 19 extending through the bleed rod 18 for fluid communication with the hydraulic cylinder 16 . The bleed rod 18 can be a rigid tube with one end fixed to the inlet port 819 , or it can be a flexible tube with one end fixed to the port port 819 and the other end fixed to the cylinder 16 . Drain rod 18 may be configured adjacent to an upper side of hydraulic cylinder 16 and in some cases routed through an aperture in clamp 895 .

The rod 830 may have a first end 831 , a second end 832 and a rod body 833 extending from the first end 831 to the second end 832 . As discussed above, lever 830 may be pivotally engaged with housing 810 at lever pivot 834 . The lever pivot 834 may be located outboard of the first link set pivot 847 connecting the bearing link set 860 to the lever 830 and also outboard of the second link set pivot 848 . The second linkage pivot 848 may be located outboard of the first linkage pivot 847 . The lever 830 may be pivotally attached to the housing 810 at a lever pivot 834 spaced a predetermined distance from a first end 831 of the lever 830 . The predetermined distance may be about 50% of the total length of the rod 830 , where the total length of the rod 830 is the distance from a first end 831 to a second end 832 . In some examples, the predetermined distance may be within a range of 25% to 50% of the total length of the rod 830 or within a range of 35% to 45% of the total length of the rod 830 . The predetermined distance can optionally be within a range of 10% to 90% of the total length of the rod 830 or within a range of 25% to 75% of the total length of the rod 830 . A portion of the rod body 833 can be enclosed in the inner cavity 814 of the housing 810 , and a portion of the rod body 833 can extend through a lower opening 816 in the housing 810 .

As best shown in FIGS. 45-46 , a force F applied to the rod 830 in the outboard region 838 between the second end 832 and the rod pivot 834 can cause the rod 830 to rotate toward the inner cavity 814 of the housing 810 . As the rod 830 rotates, the second end 862 of the bearing linkage set 860 can move up and/or toward the outboard end 812 of the housing 810 to push the piston 12 within the cylinder 16 . In FIG. 45, rod 830 and bearing linkage set 860 are in a normal or rest position. In FIG. 46 , the rod 830 has received a force F to cause the rod 830 to rotate upwardly toward the lumen 814 of the housing 810 to an engaged position. As the rod 830 moves upward, the second end 862 of the bearing linkage set 860 can move upward and/or outboard to push the piston 12 into the cylinder 16 to push hydraulic fluid out of the cylinder 16 so that a brake system is connected to the vehicle 20. A wheel 25 is engaged. Once the force F is removed, the pressure in the hydraulic line 14 pushes the piston 12 and bearing linkage set 860 back to the normal or rest position.

47-48 illustrate another exemplary handlebar assembly 902 configured to activate a hydraulic braking system 10 of a vehicle. The braking system 10 in the example depicted in FIGS. 47-48 may be a hydraulic braking system having a hydraulic line 14 routed outside the handlebar such that the hydraulic line 14 is between the grip assembly 902 and the handlebar. The intersection is visible externally. For the example of Figures 47-48, a similar component number under the "9xx" series of component numbers is used instead of the "1xx" used in the embodiment of Figures 1-11C, in the embodiment of Figures 12-14C The component symbol "2xx" used, the component symbol "3xx" used in the embodiment of Fig. 16 to Fig. 20, the component symbol "4xx" used in the embodiment of Fig. 21 to Fig. 25, Fig. 26 to Fig. 34 The component symbol "5xx" used in the embodiment of the above, the component symbol "6xx" used in the embodiment of Figure 35 to Figure 39, the component symbol "7xx" used in the embodiment of Figure 40 to Figure 44 and the figure 45-46 are used in the embodiments of Figures "8xx" to refer to features. Accordingly, certain features of grip assembly 902 that have been described above with respect to grip assemblies 102, 202, 302, 402, 502, 602, 702, and 802 may not be described in greater detail or may not be described at all. The handlebar assembly 902 may be connected to a brake system 10 configured as a hydraulic brake system 10 with a hydraulic line 14 of the hydraulic brake system 10 routed outside the handlebar 22 of the vehicle 20 . The handle assembly 902 can include a housing 910 and a rod 930 , wherein the rod 930 can be located at least partially within a cavity 914 of the housing 910 . The rod 930 includes a plunger pin 988 adjacent to a rear surface 13 of the piston 12 . Piston 12 is slidably engageable with a hydraulic cylinder 16 to move hydraulic fluid within hydraulic line 14 to engage braking system 10 of the vehicle. Hydraulic cylinder 16 may be anchored to housing 910 . In some examples, hydraulic cylinder 16 may extend through lower opening 916 of housing 910 and into rod 930 . Piston 12 is slidably engageable with a hydraulic cylinder 16 to move hydraulic fluid within hydraulic line 14 to engage braking system 10 of the vehicle. Additionally, the hydraulic cylinder 16 may have a first end 24 that receives the piston 12 and a second end 26 opposite the first end 24 . A bleed rod 18 may be attached to an exterior of the cylinder 16 and extend outboard to connect to an inlet and outlet 919 in the outboard end 912 of the housing 910 . Drain rod 18 may be in fluid communication with the cylinder and extend toward inboard end 911 of housing 910 and/or inboard end 931 of rod 930 . The inboard end of the bleeder rod 18 may include a nipple or other connection feature 28 for connection to the hydraulic line 14 of the vehicle braking system 10 .

As with other examples, the lever 930 may be pivotally connected to the housing 910 at a lever pivot 934 spaced a predetermined distance from an inboard end 931 of the lever 930 . The lever 930 can have a contact area 935 between the lever pivot 934 and the first end 931 , wherein the contact area 935 can contact a stop 990 to prevent rotational movement toward the inner end 911 of the housing 910 . Stop 990 can be positioned on housing 910 and can be integrally formed with housing 910 in some examples. A clip 995 is optionally attached to the housing 910 and extends around a majority of the first end 911 of the housing 911 to help secure the housing 910 to the handlebar of the vehicle. Clamp 995 may include a stop 990 that contacts contact area 935 to prevent rotational movement of rod 930 when a force is applied to inner area 937 . The lever pivot 934 position can allow a user to always keep their hands on the brake lever 930 to help increase a user's safety, where a user's index and middle fingers can be located on the lever pivot on the inside area 937 The inner side of 934 and one of a user's ring and little fingers can be located outside of the lever pivot 934 on the outer area 938 . Thus, when a user applies a force to the inner region 937 of the brake lever 930 (for example, when a user uses an index and middle finger to squeeze inboard of the lever pivot 934 between the first end 931 and the lever pivot 934 When lever 930 is depressed), the interaction between contact area 935 and stop 990 prevents rotational movement of lever 930 to prevent any accidental braking. To apply a braking force, a user can apply a force F to the outer region 938 of the lever 930 (for example, when a user squeezes the lever outside the lever pivot 934 between the second end 932 and the lever pivot 934). 930), the rod 930 is rotatable toward the inner cavity 914 of the housing 910. As the outboard region 938 of the rod 930 is rotated toward the inner cavity 914, the plunger pin 988 may move outboard and/or upwardly toward the second end 26 of the hydraulic cylinder 16 to cause the piston 12 to move toward the second end 26 of the cylinder 16 to propel the vehicle. Hydraulic fluid in hydraulic line 14 of brake system 10 causes a brake to engage a wheel 25 of vehicle 20 .

As shown in FIGS. 47-48 , the rod 930 may have a first end 931 , a second end 932 and a rod body 933 extending from the first end 931 to the second end 932 . As discussed above, lever 930 may be pivotally engaged with housing 910 at lever pivot 934 . The lever 930 may be pivotally attached to the housing 910 at a lever pivot 934 spaced a predetermined distance from the first end 931 of the lever 930 . The predetermined distance may be about 50% of the total length of the rod 930 , where the total length of the rod 930 is the distance from a first end 931 to a second end 932 . In some examples, the predetermined distance may be within a range of 25% to 50% of the total length of the rod 930 or within a range of 35% to 45% of the total length of the rod 930 . The predetermined distance can optionally be within a range of 10% to 90% of the total length of the rod 930 or within a range of 25% to 75% of the total length of the rod 930 . A portion of the rod body 933 can be enclosed in the inner cavity 914 of the housing 910 , and a portion of the rod body 933 can extend through a lower opening 916 in the housing 910 . The plunger pin 988 can be connected to the rod 930 or integrally formed with the rod 930 . The plunger pin 988 can be located outside of the lever pivot 934 and in some cases, the plunger pin 988 can also be located below the lever pivot 934 (ie, in a direction away from the housing 910 under the opening 916 toward the lever 930 ).

The housing 910 has a first or inner end 911 , a second or outer end 912 opposite the inner end 911 , and a housing body 913 extending between the inner end 911 and the outer end 912 . The inner end 911 may have a side opening 915 extending into a lumen 914 and a lower opening 916 on the housing 910 also extending into the lumen 914 . The outer end 912 of the housing 910 may include an access port 919 to allow access to a drain rod 18 extending from the hydraulic cylinder 16 . The bleed rod 18 may extend from the hydraulic cylinder 16 and may also include an internal passage 19 extending through the bleed rod 18 for fluid communication with the hydraulic cylinder 16 . The bleed rod 18 can be a rigid tube with one end fixed to the inlet and outlet 919 , or it can be a flexible tube with one end fixed to the inlet and outlet 919 and the other end to the cylinder 16 . Drain rod 18 may be configured adjacent to an upper side of hydraulic cylinder 16 and in some cases routed through an aperture in clamp 995 .

As best shown in FIGS. 47-48 , a force F applied to the rod 930 in the outer region 938 between the second end 932 and the rod pivot 934 can cause the rod 930 to rotate toward the inner cavity 914 of the housing 910 . As the rod 930 rotates, the plunger pin 988 can move upward and/or outboard to push the piston 12 within the cylinder 16 . In Figure 47, the lever 930 may be in a normal or rest position. In FIG. 48 , the rod 930 has received a force F to cause the rod 930 to rotate upwardly toward a lumen 914 of the housing 910 to an engaged position. As the rod 930 moves upward, the plunger pin 988 can rotate with the rod 930 to contact and push the piston 12 into the cylinder 16 to push hydraulic fluid out of the cylinder 16 to engage a braking system with a wheel 25 of the vehicle 20 . Once the force F is removed, the pressure in the hydraulic line 14 pushes the piston 12 which in turn pushes back onto the plunger pin 988 to move the rod 930 back to the normal or rest position.

49-50 illustrate another exemplary handlebar assembly 1002 configured to activate the cable brake system 10 of a vehicle 20 . For the examples of FIGS. 49-50 , similar component numbers under the "10xx" series of component numbers are used instead of the "1xx" used in the embodiments of FIGS. 1-11C , in the embodiments of FIGS. 12-14C The component symbol "2xx" used, the component symbol "3xx" used in the embodiment of Fig. 16 to Fig. 20, the component symbol "4xx" used in the embodiment of Fig. 21 to Fig. 25, Fig. 26 to Fig. 34 The component symbol "5xx" used in the embodiment of the above, the component symbol "6xx" used in the embodiment of Figure 35 to Figure 39, the component symbol "7xx" used in the embodiment of Figure 40 to Figure 44, the figure The reference numerals "8xx" used in the embodiments of Figs. 45-46 and "9xx" used in the embodiments of Figs. 47-48 refer to features. Accordingly, certain features of grip assembly 1002 that have been described above with respect to grip assemblies 102, 202, 302, 402, 502, 602, 702, 802, and 902 may not be described in greater detail or may not be described at all. The handlebar assembly 1002 can be connected to a brake system 10 configured as a cable directional brake system 10 with a cable 32 routed inside or outside the handlebar 22 . The handle assembly 1002 can include a housing 1010 and a rod 1030 , wherein the rod 1030 can be at least partially positioned within a cavity 1014 of the housing 1010 . Rod 1030 may include a cable anchor 1092 mounted on an inner surface of rod 1030 . The cable anchor 1092 can secure the cables of the braking system (not shown in FIGS. 49-50 ). As the lever 1030 rotates, the cable anchor 1092 rotates in an outboard direction and pulls the cable of the braking system to engage a brake with a wheel 25 of the vehicle 20 .

As with other examples, the lever 1030 may be pivotally attached to the housing 1010 at a lever pivot 1034 spaced a predetermined distance from an inboard end 1031 of the lever 1030 . The lever 1030 can have a contact area 1035 between the lever pivot 1034 and the first end 1031 , wherein the contact area 1035 can contact a stop 1090 to prevent rotational movement towards the inner end 1011 of the housing 1010 . Stop 1090 can be positioned on housing 1010 and can be integrally formed with housing 1010 in some examples. A clip 1095 is optionally attached to the housing 1010 and extends around a majority of the first end 1011 of the housing 1010 to help secure the housing 1010 to the handlebar of the vehicle. Clamp 1095 may include a stop 1090 that contacts contact region 1035 to prevent rotational movement of rod 1030 when a force is applied to inner region 1037 . In addition, the clamp 1095 may also include a receiver 1098 for receiving the cable housing. A cable may extend from the cable anchor 1092 to the outside of the handlebar assembly 1002 and along the outside of the handlebar and then to other brake components of the braking system.

The location of the lever pivot 1034 allows a user to always keep their hands on the brake lever 1030 to help increase a user's safety, where a user's index and middle fingers can be located on the lever pivot 1034 on the inside area 1037 The inner side and one of a user's ring finger and little finger can be located outside of the lever pivot 1034 on the outer area 1038 . Thus, when a user applies a force to the inner region 1037 of the brake lever 1030 (for example, when a user uses an index and middle finger to squeeze inboard of the lever pivot 1034 between the first end 1031 and the lever pivot 1034 When lever 1030 is depressed), the interaction between contact area 1035 and stop 1090 prevents rotational movement of lever 1030 to prevent any accidental braking. To apply a braking force, a user can apply a force F to the outer region 1038 of the lever 1030 (for example, when a user squeezes the lever outside of the lever pivot 1034 between the second end 1032 and the lever pivot 1034 1030), the rod 1030 can be rotated toward the inner cavity 1014 of the housing 1010. When the outboard region 1038 of the rod 1030 is rotated toward the inner cavity 1014 , the cable anchor 1092 may move outboard and/or up the cable of the braking system 10 of the vehicle to cause a brake to engage a wheel 25 of the vehicle 20 .

As shown in FIGS. 49-50 , the rod 1030 may have a first end 1031 , a second end 1032 and a rod body 1033 extending from the first end 1031 to the second end 1032 . As discussed above, lever 1030 may be pivotally engaged with housing 1010 at lever pivot 1034 . The lever 1030 may be pivotally attached to the housing 1010 at a lever pivot 1034 spaced a predetermined distance from the first end 1031 of the lever 1030 . The predetermined distance may be about 50% of the total length of the rod 1030 , where the total length of the rod 1030 is the distance from a first end 1031 to a second end 1032 . In some examples, the predetermined distance may be within a range of 25% to 50% of the total length of the rod 1030 or within a range of 35% to 45% of the total length of the rod 1030 . The predetermined distance can optionally be in the range of 10% to 90% of the total length of the rod 1030 or in the range of 25% to 75% of the total length of the rod 1030 . A portion of the rod body 1033 can be enclosed in the inner cavity 1014 of the housing 1010 , and a portion of the rod body 1033 can extend through a lower opening 1016 in the housing 1010 . Cable anchor 1092 may be formed separately and connected to rod 1030 or may be integrally formed with rod 1030 . Cable anchor 1092 may be located inboard of lever pivot 1034 and in some cases, cable anchor 1092 may also be located below lever pivot 1034 (ie, in a direction away from housing 1010 under opening 1016 toward lever 1030 ).

The housing 1010 has a first or inner end 1011 , a second or outer end 1012 opposite to the inner end 1011 , and a housing body 1013 extending between the inner end 1011 and the outer end 1012 . The inner end 1011 may have a side opening 1015 extending into a lumen 1014 and a lower opening 1016 on the housing 1010 also extending into the lumen 1014 .

As best shown in FIGS. 49-50 , a force F applied to the rod 1030 in the outboard region 1038 between the second end 1032 and the rod pivot 1034 can cause the rod 1030 to rotate toward the inner cavity 1014 of the housing 1010 . As the lever 1030 rotates, the cable anchor 1092 moves with the lever 1030 to pull the brake system's cable to engage the brake. In Figure 49, the lever 1030 may be in a normal or rest position. In FIG. 50 , the rod 1030 has received a force F to cause the rod 1030 to rotate upwardly toward a lumen 1014 of the housing 1010 to an engaged position. As the lever 1030 moves upward, the cable anchor 1092 can rotate with the lever 1030 to pull the cable toward one outboard end 1012 of the housing 1010 to engage the braking system. Once the force F is removed, the tension in the cable pulls the cable anchor 1092, along with the rod 1030, back to the normal or rest position.

The invention has been disclosed above and in the accompanying drawings with reference to various examples and embodiments. The purpose of the invention, however, is to provide examples of various features and concepts related to the invention, not to limit the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many changes and modifications can be made to the aspects described above without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. The scope of the claims is not limited to the details of the preferred embodiments except as stated in the claims, and the definitions of the claimed terms should not be incorporated into the preferred embodiments by narrowly defining the claimed terms The details are used as an excuse to limit the scope of the patent application to the details of the preferred embodiment.

10: Brake system 12: Piston 13: rear surface 14: Hydraulic pipeline 16: hydraulic cylinder 18: Drain lever 19: Internal channel 20: Vehicles 22: handlebar 24: first end 25: Wheels 26: Second end 28: Threaded joints/other connection features 32: cable 34: Joining components 36: Cable sheath 100: rod system 102: Grip assembly 104: vertical axis 110: shell 111: first end 112: second end 113: shell body 114: inner cavity 116: Lower opening 117: Groove 118: first component 119: Second component 120: Curved upward towards the outward surface 121: Mechanical fasteners 122: Groove 124: Flange 126: opening 127: edge 130: Rod 131: first end 132: second end 133: rod body 135: Groove 136: bottom surface 140: Connecting rod assembly 141: pin 142: pin 143: Roller bearing 144: pin 145: Second roller bearing 146: pin 148: spring 150: sliding link group 151: first end 152: second end 153: sliding link group body 154: Forward slot 155: opening 156: rear slot 160: Bearing connecting rod set 161: first end 162: second end 163: Bearing connecting rod body 164: opening 165: U-shaped hook 166: opening 170: pivot link group 171: first end 172: second end 173: pivot link group body 174: The first U-shaped hook 175: opening 176: Second U-shaped hook 177: opening 200: rod system 202: Grip assembly 210: shell 211: first end 212: second end 213: shell body 216: Lower opening 217: Groove 218: first component 219: Second component 230: Rod 240: Connecting rod assembly 241: pin 242: pin 243: Roller bearing 244: pin 245: Second roller bearing 250: sliding link group 251: first end 252: second end 253: sliding link group body 254: Forward slot 255: opening 256: rear slot 260: Bearing connecting rod set 261: first end 262: second end 263: Bearing connecting rod body 264: opening 265: U-shaped hook 266: opening 270:Pivot linkage set 271: first end 272: second end 273: Pivot link group body 274: The first U-shaped hook 275: hole/opening 276: Second U-shaped hook 277: hole/opening 300: rod system 302: Grip assembly 303: vertical axis 304: top side 306: bottom side 308: outer end 309: Medial end 310: Shell 311: first end/inboard end 312: second end/outer end 313: shell body 314: inner cavity 315: side opening 316: Lower opening 317: upper inner surface 319: import and export 330: Rod 331: first end/inner end 332: second end 333: rod body 334: Rod Pivot 335: contact area 336: inner bearing surface 337: Inner area 338: Outer area 339:Boss 340: Connecting rod assembly 346: Pivot connection 360: Bearing connecting rod set 361: first end 362: second end 363: Bearing connecting rod body 370:Pivot linkage set 371: first end 372: second end 373:Pivot link group body 379: Connecting rod group connection 390: stop gear 392: Cable Anchor 395: fixture 396: Fixer 400: rod system 402: Grip assembly 410: shell 411: inner end/first end 412: outer end/second end 413: shell body 414: inner cavity 415: side opening 416: Lower opening 417: inner surface 418: outer end 419: import and export 430: Rod 431: first end 432: second end 433: rod body 434: Rod Pivot 435: contact area 437: Inner area 438: Outer area 447: Link Group Pivot 460: Bearing connecting rod set 461: first end 462: second end 463: Bearing connecting rod body 490: stop 492: Cable Anchor 493: porosity 494: Cable sheath receiver 495: Fixture 498: Disc 500: rod system 502: Grip assembly 510: shell 511: inner end/first end 512: outer end/second end 513: shell body 514: inner cavity 515: side opening 516: Lower opening 519: import and export 530: Rod 531: first end/inboard end 532: second end 533: rod body 534: Rod Pivot 535: contact area 537: Inner area 538: Outer area 540: Connecting rod assembly 547: First linkage group pivot 548:Second Link Group Pivot 549: Link Group Pivot 560: Bearing connecting rod set 561: first end 562: second end 563: Bearing connecting rod body 580: swing link group 581: first end 582: second end 583: Oscillating link group body 590: stop file 592: Cable Anchor 593: porosity 594: Cable sheath receiver 595: Fixture 597: Tapered area 598: Receiver 600: rod system 602: Grip assembly 610: shell 611: Medial end/first end 612: outer end/second end 613: shell body 614: inner cavity 615: side opening 616: Lower opening 619: import and export 630: pole 631: first end/inboard end 632: second end 633: rod body 634: Rod Pivot 635: contact area 637: Inner area 638: Outer area 647: First Linkage Pivot 648:Second Link Group Pivot 660: Bearing connecting rod set 661: first end 662: second end 663: Bearing connecting rod body 690: stop 695: Fixture 700: rod system 702: Grip assembly 710: shell 711: Medial end/first end 712: outer end/second end 713: shell body 714: inner cavity 715: side opening 716: Lower opening 730: Rod 731: first end/inboard end 732: second end/outer end 733: rod body 734: Rod Pivot 735: contact area 737: Inner area 738: Outer area 739: import and export 747: First Link Group Pivot 748:Second Link Group Pivot 760: Bearing connecting rod set 761: first end 762: second end 763: Bearing connecting rod body 790: stop file 795: Fixture 800: rod system 802: Grip assembly 810: shell 811: medial end/first end 812: outer end/second end 813: shell body 814: inner cavity 815: side opening 816: Lower opening 819: import and export 830: Rod 831: first end/inboard end 832: second end 833: rod body 834: Rod Pivot 835: contact area 837: Inner area 838: Outer area 847:First Link Group Pivot 848:Second Link Group Pivot 860: Bearing connecting rod set 861: first end 862: second end 863: Bearing connecting rod body 890: stop file 895: Fixture 902: Grip assembly 910: shell 911: medial end/first end 912: outer end/second end 913: shell body 914: inner cavity 915: side opening 916: Lower opening 919: import and export 930: Rod 931: medial end/first end 932: second end 933: rod body 934: Rod Pivot 935: contact area 937: Inner area 938: Outer area 988: plunger pin 990: stop file 995: fixture 1002: Grip assembly 1010: shell 1011: inner end/first end 1012: outer end/second end 1013: shell body 1014: inner cavity 1015: side opening 1016: Lower opening 1030: Rod 1031: inner end/first end 1032: second end 1033: rod body 1034: Rod Pivot 1035: contact area 1037: Inner area 1038: Outer area 1090: stop file 1092: Cable Anchor 1095: Fixture 1098: Receiver F: force

Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary handlebar assembly with a bar assembly for a vehicle according to aspects disclosed herein.

2A is a schematic diagram of the exemplary handlebar assembly of FIG. 1 coupled to a braking system of a vehicle, according to aspects disclosed herein.

2B illustrates a perspective view of the exemplary handlebar assembly of FIG. 1 coupled to a vehicle according to aspects disclosed herein.

3A illustrates a perspective exploded view of the exemplary grip assembly of FIG. 1 in accordance with aspects disclosed herein.

3B illustrates a perspective exploded view of the linkage assembly of FIG. 3A according to aspects disclosed herein.

4 illustrates a front view of the exemplary handle assembly of FIG. 1 in accordance with aspects disclosed herein.

5 illustrates a rear view of the exemplary handle assembly of FIG. 1 in accordance with aspects disclosed herein.

6 illustrates a top view of the exemplary handle assembly of FIG. 1 in accordance with aspects disclosed herein.

7 depicts a cross-sectional front view of the exemplary grip assembly of FIG. 1 in accordance with aspects disclosed herein.

8 illustrates a bottom view of the exemplary grip assembly of FIG. 1 in accordance with aspects disclosed herein.

9 illustrates a left side view of the exemplary handle assembly of FIG. 1 in accordance with aspects disclosed herein.

10 illustrates a right side view of the exemplary grip assembly of FIG. 1 in accordance with aspects disclosed herein.

11A illustrates a perspective view of the exemplary grip assembly of FIG. 1 with some components removed for clarity, according to aspects disclosed herein.

11B depicts a perspective view of the exemplary grip assembly of FIG. 1 with some components removed for clarity, according to aspects disclosed herein.

11C illustrates a perspective view of the exemplary grip assembly of FIG. 1 with some components removed for clarity, according to aspects disclosed herein.

12 depicts a perspective view of an alternative exemplary handlebar assembly for a vehicle having a bar system according to aspects disclosed herein.

13 illustrates a perspective exploded view of the linkage assembly of the handle assembly of FIG. 12 according to aspects disclosed herein.

14A illustrates a perspective view of the exemplary grip assembly of FIG. 12 with some components removed for clarity, according to aspects disclosed herein.

14B depicts a perspective view of the exemplary grip assembly of FIG. 12 with some components removed for clarity, according to aspects disclosed herein.

14C illustrates a perspective view of the exemplary grip assembly of FIG. 12 with some components removed for clarity, according to aspects disclosed herein.

15 depicts a front view of another exemplary handlebar assembly with a bar system for a vehicle according to aspects disclosed herein.

16 illustrates an outside view of the exemplary handlebar assembly of FIG. 15 coupled to a vehicle in accordance with aspects disclosed herein.

17 illustrates an inside view of the exemplary handlebar assembly of FIG. 15 coupled to a vehicle in accordance with aspects disclosed herein.

18 illustrates a front cross-sectional view of the handle assembly of FIG. 15 according to aspects disclosed herein.

19 illustrates a front cross-sectional view of the handle assembly of FIG. 15 according to aspects disclosed herein.

20 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the handle assembly of FIG. 18 along line 20-20 according to aspects disclosed herein.

21 depicts a front cross-sectional view of an alternative grip assembly according to aspects disclosed herein.

22 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the handle assembly of FIG. 21 along line 22-22 according to aspects disclosed herein.

23 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the handle assembly of FIG. 21 along line 23-23, according to aspects disclosed herein.

24 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the handle assembly of FIG. 21 along line 24-24, according to aspects disclosed herein.

25 illustrates a front cross-sectional view of the handle assembly of FIG. 21 according to aspects disclosed herein.

26 depicts a front cross-sectional view of an alternative grip assembly according to aspects disclosed herein.

27 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the handle assembly of FIG. 26 along line 27-27, according to aspects disclosed herein.

28 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the handle assembly of FIG. 26 along line 28-28, according to aspects disclosed herein.

29 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the handle assembly of FIG. 26 along line 29-29 in accordance with aspects disclosed herein.

30 illustrates a front cross-sectional view of the handle assembly of FIG. 26 according to aspects disclosed herein.

31 illustrates a front cross-sectional view of the handle assembly of FIG. 26 according to aspects disclosed herein.

32 illustrates a front cross-sectional view of the handle assembly of FIG. 26 according to aspects disclosed herein.

33 illustrates a front cross-sectional view of the handle assembly of FIG. 26 according to aspects disclosed herein.

34 illustrates a front cross-sectional view of the alternative grip assembly of FIG. 26 according to aspects disclosed herein.

35 illustrates a front cross-sectional view of a grip assembly according to aspects disclosed herein.

36 illustrates a front cross-sectional view of the handle assembly of FIG. 35 according to aspects disclosed herein.

37 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the handle assembly of FIG. 35 along line 37-37 in accordance with aspects disclosed herein.

38 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the handle assembly of FIG. 35 along line 38-38 in accordance with aspects disclosed herein.

39 illustrates a front cross-sectional view of the handle assembly of FIG. 35 along line 39-39, according to aspects disclosed herein.

40 depicts a front cross-sectional view of an alternative grip assembly according to aspects disclosed herein.

41 illustrates a front cross-sectional view of the handle assembly of FIG. 40 according to aspects disclosed herein.

42 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the handle assembly of FIG. 40 along line 42-42 in accordance with aspects disclosed herein.

43 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the handle assembly of FIG. 40 along line 43-43, according to aspects disclosed herein.

44 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the handle assembly of FIG. 40 along line 44-44 according to aspects disclosed herein.

45 depicts a front cross-sectional view of an alternative grip assembly according to aspects disclosed herein.

46 illustrates a front cross-sectional view of the handle assembly of FIG. 45 according to aspects disclosed herein.

47 depicts a front cross-sectional view of an alternative grip assembly according to aspects disclosed herein.

48 illustrates a front cross-sectional view of the handle assembly of FIG. 47 according to aspects disclosed herein.

49 depicts a front cross-sectional view of an alternative grip assembly according to aspects disclosed herein.

50 illustrates a front cross-sectional view of the handle assembly of FIG. 47 according to aspects disclosed herein.

20: Vehicles

22: handlebar

32: cable

300: rod system

302: Grip assembly

310: shell

311: first end/inboard end

312: second end/outer end

313: shell body

314: inner cavity

315: side opening

316: Lower opening

317: upper inner surface

319: import and export

330: Rod

331: first end/inner end

332: second end

333: rod body

334: Rod Pivot

335: contact area

336: inner bearing surface

337: Inner area

338: Outer area

346: Pivot connection

360: Bearing connecting rod set

361: first end

362: second end

363: Bearing connecting rod body

370:Pivot linkage set

371: first end

372: second end

392: Cable Anchor

395: fixture

396: Fixer

Claims (25)

A handlebar assembly for a vehicle, comprising: A housing, which has a first end, a second end opposite to the first end, and a housing body extending between the first end and the second end, wherein the housing includes a A curved outward surface of the side, the first end of the housing has a first opening extending into a cavity and a bottom side of the housing opposite to the top side extending into the cavity a second opening, wherein the first opening receives a handlebar of the vehicle; a rod having a first end, a second end opposite the first end and a rod body extending between the first end and the second end, the rod being positioned relative to the The first end is pivotally connected to the housing at a lever pivot at a predetermined distance, wherein the lever body includes a bottom wall extending from the first end of the lever to the second end of the lever, a pair of a rod side wall and an end wall at the second end; wherein the lever also includes an inner region between the first end of the lever and the lever pivot and configured to contact an inner side of a user's index finger and between the second end of the lever and the lever pivot between and configured for an outer region of a little finger of the user, the inner region has a contact region that contacts a stop to prevent rotational movement of the rod toward the housing when a force is applied to the inner region; a pivot linkage set having a first end pivotally engaged with the housing and a second end opposite the first end; A bearing linkage set having a first end including a first roller bearing and a second end opposite the first end pivotally engaged with the pivot linkage set at a pivot joint , wherein the first roller bearing moves along an inner surface of the housing; and wherein when the outer region of the rod is rotated toward the inner cavity of the housing, the first end of the bearing linkage moves away from the first end of the housing to cause a brake system of the vehicle to engage a brake system of the vehicle wheel. The handlebar assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bearing linkage set is connected to a cable of the brake system. The handle assembly according to claim 1, wherein an inner bearing surface of the rod is in contact with a second roller bearing disposed at the pivot joint. The handle assembly according to claim 3, wherein the inner bearing surface includes a convex curved surface. The handle assembly for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the stopper contacting the contact area is integrally formed with the housing. The handlebar assembly of claim 1, wherein a clamp secures the handlebar to the housing, and wherein the clamp forms the stop that contacts the contact area. The handle assembly of claim 1, wherein the predetermined distance is within a range of 10% to 90% of a total length of the rod. A handlebar assembly for a vehicle, comprising: A shell, which has a first end, a second end opposite to the first end, and a shell body extending between the first end and the second end, wherein the first end has a a first opening in the cavity and a second opening of the housing extending into the cavity, wherein the first opening receives a handlebar of the vehicle; a rod having a first end, a second end opposite the first end and a rod body extending between the first end and the second end, the rod being positioned relative to the The first end is pivotally connected to the housing at a lever pivot at a predetermined distance, wherein the lever includes a lever positioned between the first end of the lever and the lever pivot and configured to contact a user An inner region of an index finger and an outer region positioned between the second end of the rod and the rod pivot and configured for a little finger of the user, the inner region has a stop to prevent when a contact area where the rod moves rotationally when a force is applied to the inner area; A bearing linkage set having a first end pivotally connected to the rod at a first linkage set pivot and connected to a cable anchor opposite the first end of the bearing linkage set a second end of the bearing-connecting rod set; a swing link set having a first end pivotally connected to the second end of the bearing link set at a second link set pivot and pivoting at a third link set pivot a second end of the swing link set rotationally connected to the housing; and Wherein when the outer region of the rod rotates toward the inner cavity, the second end of the bearing linkage moves away from the first end of the housing to cause a braking system of the vehicle to engage a wheel of the vehicle. The handle assembly according to claim 8, wherein the stopper contacting the contact area is integrally formed with the housing. The handlebar assembly of claim 8, wherein a clamp secures the handlebar to the housing, and wherein the clamp forms the stop that contacts the contact area. The handlebar assembly of claim 10, wherein the clamp includes an aperture for receiving a cable from the braking system, wherein the cable is connected to the cable anchor and extends through the aperture. The handle assembly of claim 8, wherein the predetermined distance is within a range of 25% to 50% of a total length of the rod. The handle assembly of claim 8, wherein the contact area includes a boss on an inner surface of the rod. The handlebar assembly of claim 8, wherein the housing includes an aperture for receiving a cable from the brake system, wherein the cable is connected to the cable anchor and extends through the aperture into the handlebar. The handle assembly of claim 14, wherein the aperture includes a tapered opening leading to a receiver configured to receive a cable jacket. A handlebar assembly for a vehicle, comprising: A shell, which has a first end, a second end opposite to the first end, and a shell body extending between the first end and the second end, wherein the first end has a a first opening in the cavity and a second opening of the housing extending into the cavity, wherein the first opening receives a handlebar of the vehicle; a rod having a first end, a second end opposite the first end and a rod body extending between the first end and the second end, the rod being positioned relative to the The first end is pivotally connected to the housing at a lever pivot at a predetermined distance, wherein the lever includes a lever positioned between the first end of the lever and the lever pivot and configured to contact a user An inner region of an index finger and an outer region positioned between the second end of the rod and the rod pivot and configured for a little finger of the user, the inner region has a stop to prevent when a contact area where the rod moves rotationally when a force is applied to the inner area; a bearing linkage having a first end comprising a first roller bearing and a second end of the bearing linkage pivotally connected to the rod using a linkage pivot, wherein the first a roller bearing moves along an inner surface of the housing, and one of the cable anchors is connected to the first end of the bearing linkage set; and Wherein when the outer region of the rod rotates toward the inner cavity, the first end of the bearing linkage moves away from the first end of the housing to cause a braking system of the vehicle to engage a wheel of the vehicle. The handle assembly of claim 16, wherein the inner surface of the housing is angled relative to an upper edge of the housing, wherein a distance from an outer end of the inner surface is closer than an inner end of the inner surface The upper edge of the shell. The handle assembly according to claim 16, wherein the second end of the housing includes an opening to allow access to the inner cavity of the housing. The handlebar assembly of claim 16, wherein a clamp is attached to the housing to secure the handlebar to the housing, wherein the clamp forms the stop that contacts the contact area; and Wherein the clamp includes an aperture for receiving a cable from the braking system, wherein the cable is connected to the cable anchor and extends through the aperture. The handlebar assembly of claim 16, wherein the housing includes an aperture for receiving a cable from the brake system, wherein the cable is connected to the cable anchor and extends through the aperture into the handlebar. A handlebar assembly for a vehicle, comprising: A shell, which has a first end, a second end opposite to the first end, and a shell body extending between the first end and the second end, wherein the first end has a a first opening in the cavity and a second opening of the housing extending into the cavity, wherein the first opening receives a handlebar of the vehicle; a rod having a first end, a second end opposite the first end and a rod body extending between the first end and the second end, the rod being positioned relative to the The first end is pivotally connected to the housing at a lever pivot at a predetermined distance, wherein the lever includes a lever positioned between the first end of the lever and the lever pivot and configured to contact a user An inner region of an index finger and an outer region positioned between the second end of the rod and the rod pivot and configured for a little finger of the user, the inner region has a stop to prevent when a contact area where the rod moves rotationally when a force is applied to the inner area; a bearing link set having a first end pivotally connected to the rod at a first link set pivot and a second end of the bearing link set connected to a piston, wherein the piston is slidably connected to a hydraulic cylinder connected to a hydraulic line that is part of a hydraulic braking system; and Wherein when the outer region of the rod is rotated toward the inner cavity, the second end of the bearing linkage pushes the piston to cause the hydraulic braking system of the vehicle to engage a wheel of the vehicle. The handle assembly according to claim 21, wherein the hydraulic cylinder is fixed in the cavity of the housing. The handlebar assembly according to claim 22, wherein the hydraulic line extends from the hydraulic cylinder and then extends into the handlebar of the vehicle. The handle assembly according to claim 21, wherein the hydraulic cylinder is fixed to the rod. The handlebar assembly according to claim 24, wherein the hydraulic line extends from the hydraulic cylinder and then extends to the outside of the handlebar of the vehicle.

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