US20230415841A1 - Handlebar with a mounting arrangement - Google Patents
Handlebar with a mounting arrangement Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20230415841A1 US20230415841A1 US18/251,577 US202118251577A US2023415841A1 US 20230415841 A1 US20230415841 A1 US 20230415841A1 US 202118251577 A US202118251577 A US 202118251577A US 2023415841 A1 US2023415841 A1 US 2023415841A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- handlebar
- transverse support
- mounting
- opening
- grippable element
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62K—CYCLES; CYCLE FRAMES; CYCLE STEERING DEVICES; RIDER-OPERATED TERMINAL CONTROLS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR CYCLES; CYCLE AXLE SUSPENSIONS; CYCLE SIDE-CARS, FORECARS, OR THE LIKE
- B62K21/00—Steering devices
- B62K21/12—Handlebars; Handlebar stems
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62K—CYCLES; CYCLE FRAMES; CYCLE STEERING DEVICES; RIDER-OPERATED TERMINAL CONTROLS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR CYCLES; CYCLE AXLE SUSPENSIONS; CYCLE SIDE-CARS, FORECARS, OR THE LIKE
- B62K21/00—Steering devices
- B62K21/12—Handlebars; Handlebar stems
- B62K21/16—Handlebars; Handlebar stems having adjustable parts therein
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62K—CYCLES; CYCLE FRAMES; CYCLE STEERING DEVICES; RIDER-OPERATED TERMINAL CONTROLS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR CYCLES; CYCLE AXLE SUSPENSIONS; CYCLE SIDE-CARS, FORECARS, OR THE LIKE
- B62K21/00—Steering devices
- B62K21/26—Handlebar grips
Definitions
- the present teachings relate to a handlebar for controlling a travelling direction of a vehicle.
- a handlebar is primarily used to control a travelling direction of the vehicle to which it is incorporated.
- a handlebar provides a hand position for a user that allows the user to pivot the handlebar to effect a change in vehicle travelling direction.
- a handlebar may have one or more secondary functions.
- such secondary functions may include: providing a mounting platform for control mechanisms (e.g. brake levers, gear levers etc.) and accessories (e.g. a bell, a horn, a GPS device, a cyclocomputer etc.); and providing one or more supplementary hand positions for the user of the handlebar.
- an attachment such as for example a brake lever mechanism
- a circular clamp To mount the attachment to the handlebar, the circular clamp is slid over a free end of the handlebar and pushed along the handlebar, away from the free end. Once the clamp is in the desired position, the clamp is secured to the handlebar, for example, by tightening the clamp to increase the friction between the clamp and the handlebar.
- a handlebar it is common for a handlebar to have a circular profile with a 24 mm diameter, and for the circular clamp to be sized accordingly.
- Handlebars known in the art require such a circular profile along at least a portion of the handlebar extending between the free end and the desired position of the attachment. Otherwise, the circular clamp may not be able to fit over the free end of the handlebar, the circular clamp may not be able to be slid along the handlebar, and/or the circular clamp may not be able to be securely attached to the handlebar.
- known handlebars are restricted to having a circular profile along part or all of their length, the design of the shape of known handlebars is inflexible and restricted.
- the present invention aims to overcome or mitigate the problems associated with the prior art.
- a handlebar for controlling a travelling direction of a vehicle.
- the handlebar comprises: a transverse support for mounting to a vehicle, the transverse support extending substantially along a first axial direction; a first grippable element extending from a first end of the transverse support, the first grippable element including a free end; and a mounting arrangement for mounting an attachment to the handlebar.
- the mounting arrangement comprises a mounting plate arranged to at least partially abut a surface of the transverse support or the first grippable element, the mounting plate having a first face.
- the first face includes a hole for receiving a fastener for mounting an attachment.
- the mounting arrangement allows an attachment to be securely mounted to the handlebar without the need to use a circular mounting bracket, as is common in the prior art. Since a circular mounting bracket is no longer required, the handlebar is not limited to having a circular profile. This allows the handlebar to have beneficial shapes, which may, for example, reduce the aerodynamic drag of the handlebar and/or improve the ergonomics of the handlebar.
- the hole in the mounting plate may be a threaded hole.
- the mounting plate may be at least partially located within a cavity formed in the transverse support or the first grippable element.
- the first face may be at least partially accessible via an opening in an external surface of the transverse support or the first grippable element.
- the mounting plate By locating the mounting plate at least partially in a cavity, the mounting plate is less exposed to air travelling over the handlebar. Therefore, the mounting plate may have little or no effect on the aerodynamic drag of the handlebar.
- the opening in the transverse support or the first grippable element may face a second axial direction substantially perpendicular to the first axial direction.
- the first face may have at least one spatial dimension which is greater than at least one spatial dimension of the opening, such that the mounting plate may be prevented from passing through the opening.
- An area of the first face may be greater than an area of the opening.
- this helps to retain the mounting plate within the cavity.
- the mounting plate may include a second face opposite to the first face.
- the second face may be accessible via a cavity entrance in the transverse support or the first grippable element.
- the cavity entrance may be spaced from the opening.
- a person When attaching an attachment to the handlebar, a person may insert one or more fingers into the cavity via the cavity entrance to press the first face of the mounting plate against the opening.
- the handlebar may further comprise a removable cap arranged to close the cavity entrance.
- the hole in the first face may extend through the second face.
- extending the hole through the second face allows longer fasteners to be used to mount an attachment to the handlebar, since the fastener can pass through the mounting plate.
- the mounting plate may be removable from the cavity via the cavity entrance.
- a position of the hole relative to a perimeter of the opening may be adjustable in at least one direction.
- the position of the hole relative to the perimeter of the opening may be adjustable in two perpendicular directions.
- this allows the position of the attachment to be adjusted relative to the handlebar to suit the needs of the person using the handlebar.
- a portion of the first face may be arranged to abut a contact surface of the cavity.
- the contact surface may be adjacent the opening.
- the first face and the contact surface may have corresponding curved profiles.
- the first face and the contact surface may have arcuate profiles.
- this allows the orientation of an attachment mounted to the handlebar to be adjusted relative to an orientation of the handlebar.
- the attachment includes a brake lever
- the external surface of the transverse support or the first grippable element comprising the opening may have a curved profile. Said external surface may have an arcuate profile.
- this allows the orientation of an attachment mounted to the handlebar to be adjusted relative to an orientation of the handlebar.
- the handlebar may further comprise a first tunnel opening and a second tunnel opening.
- the first tunnel opening may be adjacent the mounting arrangement.
- the second tunnel opening may be formed in the transverse support and be spaced from the first tunnel opening.
- the first tunnel opening and the second tunnel opening may be in communication with a tunnel for receiving a cable therethrough.
- Said tunnel may be formed within at least a portion of the transverse support.
- the mounting arrangement may be located on the first grippable element.
- the first tunnel opening may be formed in the first grippable element.
- the cabling may have little or no adverse effect on the aerodynamic drag of the handlebar.
- the transverse support may comprise a mounting portion for mounting to a vehicle.
- the second tunnel opening may be formed in or adjacent to said mounting portion.
- this helps to ensure that cabling is not exposed to air travelling over the handlebar.
- the handlebar may further comprise an attachment secured to the mounting arrangement.
- the attachment may be chosen from one of: a brake mechanism; a gear shift mechanism; a combined brake and gear shift mechanism; a bell; or a cyclocomputer.
- the attachment may comprise an attachment mount including a hole.
- a fastener may pass through the hole in the attachment mount and the hole in the mounting plate such that the attachment is secured to the mounting plate.
- the mounting arrangement may be located on an attachment portion of the first grippable element.
- the attachment portion may have a non-circular profile in a plane normal to a longitudinal axis of the attachment portion.
- the attachment portion may be shaped to, for example, reduce the aerodynamic drag of the attachment portion and/or to increase the comfort of a person gripping the attachment portion.
- the attachment portion may have a substantially aerofoil-shaped profile in a plane parallel to a second axial direction. Said second axial direction may be substantially perpendicular to the first axial direction.
- the aerofoil shaped profile reduces the aerodynamic drag of the attachment portion.
- At least a portion of the first grippable element may have a non-circular profile in a plane normal to a longitudinal axis of the first grippable element.
- the grippable element may be shaped to, for example, reduce the aerodynamic drag of the grippable element and/or to make the grippable element more ergonomic, i.e. increase the comfort of a person gripping the grippable element.
- Known handlebars do not provide these benefits. This is because known handlebars require grippable elements with circular profiles to allow attachments such as brake levers to be mounted to the handlebar.
- the first grippable element may include an end portion comprising the free end.
- the first grippable element may have a non-circular profile in a plane normal to the longitudinal axis along said end portion.
- the end region of the grippable element may be shaped to, for example, reduce the aerodynamic drag of the end region of the grippable element and/or to increase the comfort of a person gripping the end region of the grippable element.
- At least a portion of the end portion may have a profile including at least one substantially flat side. Said profile may be in a plane normal to the longitudinal axis.
- Providing at least a portion of the end portion with a flattened profile may improve the ability of a person to grip the end portion. This is because the flat side inhibits a person's hand from rotating about the end portion. Further, the flat side may provide the end portion with a truncated aerofoil shaped profile, which may reduce the aerodynamic drag of the end portion.
- a majority or all of the first grippable element may have a non-circular profile in a plane normal to the longitudinal axis.
- this allows a majority or all of the grippable element to be shaped to, for example, reduce the aerodynamic drag of the grippable element and/or to increase the comfort of a person gripping the grippable element.
- the first grippable element may extend from the first end of the transverse support at a non-zero angle thereto.
- the first grippable element may extend from the first end of the transverse support such that the longitudinal axis of the first grippable element follows a curved path.
- the first grippable element may be at least partially arcuate.
- At least a portion of the first grippable element may have a substantially aerofoil-shaped profile in a plane parallel to a second axial direction. Said second axial direction may be substantially perpendicular to the first axial direction.
- the aerofoil shaped profile reduces the aerodynamic drag of the grippable element.
- the substantially aerofoil-shaped profile may have a truncated trailing edge.
- providing the aerofoil-shaped profile with a truncated trailing edge may improve the comfort of a person gripping that portion of the handlebar. Further, truncating the trailing edge may have little or no adverse effect on the drag-reducing properties of the aerofoil-shaped profile.
- the first grippable element may have a non-uniform profile in a plane normal to the longitudinal axis of the first grippable element along at least a portion of the first grippable element.
- this may allow the grippable element to be ergonomically shaped.
- At least a portion of the transverse support may have a non-circular profile in a plane normal to a longitudinal axis of the transverse support.
- the transverse support may be shaped to, for example, reduce the aerodynamic drag of the transverse support and/or to increase the comfort of a person gripping the transverse support.
- At least a portion of the transverse support may have a substantially aerofoil-shaped profile in a plane parallel to a second axial direction, said second axial direction substantially perpendicular to the first axial direction.
- the aerofoil shaped profile reduces the aerodynamic drag of the transverse support.
- the substantially aerofoil-shaped profile may have a truncated trailing edge.
- providing the aerofoil-shaped profile with a truncated trailing edge may improve the comfort of a person gripping that portion of the handlebar. Further, truncating the trailing edge may have little or no adverse effect on the drag-reducing properties of the aerofoil-shaped profile.
- the transverse support may comprise: a mounting portion for mounting to a vehicle; and a first transverse portion extending between the mounting portion and the first grippable element.
- the first transverse portion may have a substantially aerofoil-shaped profile defined in a plane parallel to the second axial direction.
- the mounting portion may have a substantially aerofoil-shaped profile defined in a plane parallel to the second axial direction.
- the substantially aerofoil-shaped profile may have a truncated trailing edge.
- providing the aerofoil-shaped profile with a truncated trailing edge may improve the comfort of a person gripping that portion of the handlebar. Further, truncating the trailing edge may have little or no adverse effect on the drag-reducing properties of the aerofoil-shaped profile.
- the first grippable element may include an ergonomic portion.
- the ergonomic portion may be contoured to correspond to at least a portion of a gripping hand.
- this increases the comfort of the person gripping the grippable element.
- the handlebar may further comprise a second grippable element extending from a second end of the transverse support.
- the second grippable element may be substantially a mirror image of the first grippable element about a plane normal to the first axial direction.
- the transverse support and/or the first grippable element may be formed at least partially from carbon fibre.
- the transverse support may include a mounting portion comprising a mounting structure for mounting the handlebar to a vehicle.
- the mounting structure may comprise a clamp.
- a vehicle comprising the handlebar according to the first aspect.
- the vehicle may be one of: a bicycle; a tricycle; or a quadracycle.
- FIG. 1 is a side view of a bicycle comprising a handlebar according to an embodiment
- FIG. 2 is a front view of the handlebar according to the embodiment
- FIG. 3 is a top view of the handlebar shown in FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 4 is a rear view of the handlebar shown in FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 5 is a side view of the handlebar shown in FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 6 is an isometric view of the handlebar shown in FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 7 is a magnified rear view of a grippable element according to the embodiment.
- FIG. 8 is a front magnified view of a mounting arrangement according to the embodiment.
- FIG. 9 is a rear cross-sectional view of the mounting arrangement shown in FIG. 8 ;
- FIG. 10 is a front isometric view of a mounting plate according to the embodiment.
- FIG. 11 is a first side view of the mounting plate shown in FIG. 10 ;
- FIG. 12 is a rear isometric view of the mounting plate shown in FIG. 10 ;
- FIG. 13 is a second side view of the mounting plate shown in FIG. 10 ;
- FIG. 14 is an isometric view of a removable cap according to the embodiment.
- FIG. 15 is a first side view of an attachment secured to the mounting arrangement shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 with its skirt in a retracted position;
- FIG. 16 is a first side view of the attachment shown in FIG. 15 with its skirt in an extended position;
- FIG. 17 is an isometric second side view of the attachment shown in FIG. 15 ;
- FIG. 18 is a lower view of the handlebar shown in FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the first grippable element along line A-A shown in FIG. 5 ;
- FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the mounting portion along line B-B shown in FIG. 4 ;
- FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the first transverse portion along line C-C shown in FIG. 4 .
- a handlebar 100 is used for controlling a travelling direction of a vehicle, such as a push bicycle, a motorcycle, a tricycle, or a quadracycle.
- FIG. 1 shows an example where the vehicle comprising the handlebar 100 is a push bicycle 212 .
- the push bicycle 212 includes the handlebar 100 , a frame 214 , a front wheel 216 a , a rear wheel 216 b and a seat 218 .
- the vehicle may be a motorcycle, a tricycle (motorised or non-motorised), or a quadracycle (motorised or non-motorised).
- a quadracycle includes any four-wheeled vehicle.
- the vehicle may include more than four wheels.
- the handlebar 100 includes a transverse support 102 , a first grippable element 104 a and a second grippable element 104 b .
- the first grippable element 104 a includes a first free end 112 a
- the second grippable element 104 b includes a second free end 112 b.
- the transverse support 102 , the first grippable element 104 a and the second grippable element 104 b are formed at least partially from carbon fibre.
- one or more of the transverse support 102 , the first grippable element 104 a and the second grippable element 104 b may be formed from any alternative suitable material, such as alloys of aluminium, titanium or steel for example.
- the grippable elements 104 a , 104 b are each for receiving a gripping hand of a user of the handlebar 100 .
- the transverse support 102 supports the grippable elements 104 a , 104 b , and provides moment arms for pivoting the handlebar 100 via the grippable elements 104 a , 104 b .
- the transverse support 102 may also be suitable for receiving a gripping hand.
- the transverse support 102 includes a mounting portion 108 , an elongate first transverse portion 110 a and an elongate second transverse portion 110 b .
- the first grippable element 104 a extends from a first end 109 a of the transverse support 102 , i.e. from an end of the first transverse portion 110 a furthest from the mounting portion 108 .
- the second grippable element 104 b extends from a second end 109 b of the transverse support 102 , i.e. from an end of the second transverse portion 110 b furthest from the mounting portion 108 .
- the first transverse portion 110 a extends between the mounting portion 108 and the first grippable element 104 a
- the second transverse portion 110 b extends between the mounting portion 108 and the second grippable element 104 b.
- the mounting portion 108 includes a mounting structure for mounting the handlebar 100 to the bicycle 212 .
- the mounting structure is a clamp 111 including a circular aperture 113 .
- a portion of a steering tube 220 is received within the aperture 113 of the clamp 111 , and is secured in place using fasteners (not shown).
- the steering tube 220 passes through a head tube 222 , which is part of the frame 214 of the bicycle 212 , and a fork 224 extends from the steering tube 220 .
- the front wheel 216 a is mounted to the fork 224 , as is known in the art.
- the head tube 222 includes a head set with bearings that allow for pivoting of the handlebar 100 about an axis 226 causing the fork 224 to pivot about the axis 226 with respect to the frame 214
- the handlebar 100 is mounted to the bicycle 212 such that pivoting of the handlebar 100 about an axis 226 causes the fork 224 to pivot about the axis 226 with respect to the frame 214 . Pivoting of the fork 224 about the axis 226 causes the front wheel 216 a to pivot about the axis 226 . As such, pivoting of the handlebar 100 about the axis 226 allows a user of the bicycle 212 to change the travelling direction of the bicycle 212 when the bicycle 212 is moving.
- the transverse support 102 extends substantially along a first axial direction 106 (represented by a dot-dash line in FIGS. 2 to 4 and 6 ). In the illustrated embodiment, the transverse support 102 does not extend parallel to the first axial direction 106 . Instead, the first transverse portion 110 a and the second transverse portion 110 b extend away from the mounting portion 108 at an acute angle relative to the first axial direction 106 . As such, the transverse support 102 has a substantially chevron-shaped profile when viewed as shown in FIG. 3 .
- providing the transverse support 102 with a chevron-shaped profile increases the stiffness of the transverse support 102 .
- the mounting portion 108 has a smaller length as measured perpendicular to the first axial direction 106 relative to if the transverse support 102 was straight. This is because the first and second transverse portions 110 a , 110 b space the grippable element 104 a , 104 b from the steering tube 220 to provide a comfortable riding position, instead of the mounting portion 108 .
- the transverse support 102 may extend parallel to the first axial direction 106 , i.e. the transverse support 102 may be substantially straight.
- the transverse support 102 may have any suitable non-straight and non-chevron shape.
- the first grippable element 104 a extends from the transverse support 102 along a first longitudinal axis 114 a
- the second grippable element 104 b extends from the transverse support 102 along a second longitudinal axis 114 b
- the first and second longitudinal axes 114 a , 114 b (represented as dotted lines in FIGS. 5 and 6 ) extend centrally through the first and second grippable elements 104 a , 104 b respectively.
- the first grippable element 104 a extends from the first end 109 a of the transverse support 102 at a non-zero angle thereto; i.e. the first longitudinal axis 114 a extends from a central axis (not shown) of the first transverse portion 110 a at a non-zero angle.
- the second grippable element 104 a extends from the second end 109 b of the transverse support 102 at a non-zero angle thereto.
- the handlebar 100 is not a straight handlebar.
- the first grippable element 104 a extends from the first end 109 a of the transverse support 102 such that the first longitudinal axis 114 a follows a curved path.
- the second grippable element 104 b extends from the second end 109 b of the transverse support 102 such that the second longitudinal axis 114 b follows a curved path.
- first longitudinal axis 114 a extends from the first end 109 a at a non-zero angle to a central axis (not shown) of the first transverse portion 110 a , curves around to travel substantially along a second axial direction 116 , curves around to travel substantially along a third axial direction 118 , and finally curves around to travel substantially along the second axial direction 116 in reverse.
- the second longitudinal axis 114 b follows a substantially similar curved path.
- the first 106 , second 116 and third 118 axial directions are all mutually perpendicular.
- the first and second longitudinal axes 114 a , 114 b and therefore the first and second grippable elements 104 a , 104 b , are partially arcuate; see, for example, FIGS. 5 and 6 .
- the handlebar 100 is a drop handlebar, as found on road bicycles for example.
- first and second longitudinal axes 114 a , 114 b may follow any suitable path.
- the grippable elements 104 a , 104 b may extend from the transverse support 102 such that they are substantially parallel to the respective first and second transverse portions 110 a , 110 b ; e.g. the handlebar 100 may be a flat handlebar, as found on mountain bicycles for example.
- the grippable elements 104 a , 104 b and the transverse support 102 may be shaped such that the handlebar 100 is any one of: a bullhorn handlebar; a BMX style handlebar; a triathlon style handlebar; an upright/North Road handlebar; a moustache handlebar; an ape hanger handlebar; and a recumbent handlebar.
- the first grippable element 104 a will be discussed further in the following.
- the first transverse portion 110 a will be discussed further in the following.
- the second grippable element 104 b and the second transverse portion 110 b may include any of the features described below in relation to the first grippable element 104 a and the first transverse portion 110 a respectively.
- the first grippable element 104 a has a non-circular profile in a plane normal to the first longitudinal axis 114 a .
- all of the first grippable element 104 a has a non-circular profile in a plane normal to the first longitudinal axis; i.e. the first grippable element 104 a has a non-circular profile along the entire first longitudinal axis 114 a in planes normal to the first longitudinal axis 114 a.
- the first grippable element 104 a includes a first end portion 120 a which includes the first free end 112 a .
- the first grippable element 104 a has a non-circular profile in a plane normal to the first longitudinal axis 114 a along the first end portion 120 a.
- the non-circular profile of the first end portion 120 a includes a substantially flat side 122 .
- a curved edge 124 joins the two ends of the flat side 122 to complete the profile of the first end portion 120 a .
- the flat side 122 faces substantially in the direction opposite to the third axial direction 118 and generally faces the transverse support 102 .
- the first end portion 120 a may have any suitable non-circular profile including one or more flat sides 122 .
- the non-circular profile of the first end portion 120 a may be polygonal.
- the first grippable element 104 a may not have a non-circular profile along the entire first longitudinal axis 114 a in planes normal to the first longitudinal axis 114 a .
- the first end portion 120 a may have a circular profile in a plane normal to the first longitudinal axis 114 a along at least part of the first end portion 120 a .
- one or more portions of the first grippable element 104 a spaced from or adjacent to the first end portion 120 a will have a non-circular profile in a plane normal to the first longitudinal axis 114 a .
- only the first end portion 120 a may have a non-circular profile in a plane normal to the first longitudinal axis 114 a.
- the first grippable element 104 a has a non-uniform profile in a plane normal the first longitudinal axis 114 a along at least a portion of the first grippable element 104 a .
- at least a portion of the first grippable element 104 a includes profiles in two spaced-apart planes which are both normal to the first longitudinal axis 114 a , where the profile of the first grippable element 104 a in a first of the two planes is different to the profile of the first grippable element 104 a in a second of the two planes in regard to size and/or shape.
- the first grippable element 104 a may have a uniform profile in a plane normal the first longitudinal axis 114 a along its length.
- the transverse support 102 has a non-circular profile in a plane normal to a longitudinal axis running centrally through the transverse support 102 .
- the first transverse portion 110 a , the second transverse portion 110 b and the mounting portion 108 all have a non-circular profile in a plane normal to the longitudinal axis running centrally through the transverse support 102 .
- only a portion or portions of the first transverse portion 110 a , the second transverse portion 110 b and/or the mounting portion 108 may have a non-circular profile in a plane normal to the longitudinal axis running centrally through the transverse support 102 .
- first transverse portion 110 a the second transverse portion 110 b and/or the mounting portion 108 may have a circular profile in a plane normal to a longitudinal axis running centrally through the transverse support 102 .
- prior art circular clamps may be unsuitable for mounting attachments (e.g. a brake lever mechanism) to the first grippable element 104 a .
- a prior art circular clamp may be unable to slide over a portion of the first grippable element 104 a (e.g. the first free end 112 a ), and therefore a prior art circular clamp may be unable to be slid along the first grippable element 104 a to its desired position.
- the non-circular profile of the first grippable element 104 a at said desired position may inhibit the circular clamp from making sufficient contact with an external surface of the first grippable element 104 a , such that the attachment cannot be securely mounted.
- transverse support 102 may have a non-circular profile
- prior art circular clamps may be unsuitable for mounting attachments (e.g. a brake lever mechanism) to the transverse support 102 for similar reasons as above.
- the handlebar 100 includes a first mounting arrangement 126 a for mounting an attachment to the handlebar 100 ; e.g. to the first grippable element 104 a .
- the attachment could be: a brake mechanism; a gear shift mechanism; a combined brake and gear shift mechanism; a bell; or a cyclocomputer.
- the first grippable element 104 a comprises an attachment portion 125 a .
- the attachment portion 125 a is configured to receive the first mounting arrangement 126 a .
- the attachment portion 125 a may be sized and shaped to receive the first mounting arrangement 126 a .
- the attachment portion 125 a includes a cavity 134 , which is sized and shaped to receive the first mounting arrangement 126 a therein.
- the first mounting arrangement 126 a is configured to mount the attachment to the attachment portion 125 a.
- the attachment portion 125 a of the first grippable element 104 a includes the first mounting arrangement 126 a.
- the first mounting arrangement 126 a includes a mounting plate 128 which is arranged to at least partially abut a surface of the first grippable element 104 a .
- the mounting plate 128 includes a first face 130 , which includes a hole 132 for receiving a fastener for mounting an attachment.
- the hole 132 is a threaded hole. However, in alternative embodiments (not shown), the hole 132 may be unthreaded.
- the mounting plate 128 is formed from a metallic material.
- the mounting plate 128 may be formed from any suitable material, such as for example, a stiff polymeric material.
- the mounting plate 128 is at least partially located within a cavity 134 formed in the first grippable element 104 a .
- the first face 130 is at least partially accessible via an opening 136 in an external surface 138 of the first grippable element 104 a.
- the first face 130 of the mounting plate 128 has a width 140 and a length 142 .
- the length 142 is greater than the width 140 .
- the width 140 of the first face 130 may be substantially equal to the length 142 of the first face 130 .
- the opening 136 has a width 144 and a length 146 .
- the length 146 is greater than the width 144 .
- the width 144 of the opening 136 may be substantially equal to the length 146 of the opening 136 .
- the width 140 and the length 142 of the first face 130 are greater than the width 144 and the length 146 of the opening 136 respectively; i.e. the area of the first face 130 is greater than the area of the opening 136 .
- the mounting plate 128 is prevented from passing through the opening 136 when the mounting plate 128 is orientated such that the first face 130 faces the opening 136 .
- the mounting plate 128 may be able to pass through the opening 136 if the width 140 of the first face 130 is less than the length 146 of the opening 136 , and the depth of the mounting plate 128 is less than the width 144 of the opening 136 .
- the width 140 or the length 142 of the first face 130 may be less than or equal to the width 144 or the length 146 of the opening 136 respectively.
- the mounting plate 128 may still be prevented from passing through the opening 136 when the mounting plate 128 is orientated such that the first face 130 faces the opening 136 since either the width 140 or the length 142 of the first face 130 is greater than the width 144 or the length 146 of the opening 136 respectively.
- the first grippable element 104 a comprises a cavity entrance 150 .
- the cavity entrance 150 leads to the cavity 134 formed in the first grippable element 104 a .
- the mounting plate 128 is accessible via the cavity entrance 150 .
- the mounting plate 128 includes a second face 148 which is opposite to the first face 130 .
- the second face 148 is accessible via the cavity entrance 150 in the first grippable element 104 a .
- the hole 132 in the first face 130 of the mounting plate 128 extends through the second face 148 .
- the cavity entrance 150 is spaced from the opening 136 .
- the cavity entrance 150 is located substantially on an opposite side of the first grippable element 104 a to the opening 136 .
- the cavity entrance 150 is sized relative to the mounting plate 128 such that the mounting plate 128 is removable from the cavity 134 via the cavity entrance 150 .
- the cavity entrance 150 is closed via a removable cap 152 (shown in isolation in FIG. 14 ).
- the removable cap 152 has a profile shaped to correspond to the cavity entrance 150 and is formed from a flexible material (e.g. a flexible polymeric material such as rubber).
- the removable cap 152 includes a channel 154 extending around a periphery of the removable cap 152 .
- the cavity entrance 150 is closed by pressing a portion of the removable cap 152 into the cavity 134 via the cavity entrance 150 , until a wall surrounding the cavity entrance 150 is received in the channel 154 .
- the removable cap 152 is removed via a reversal of this process.
- a portion of the first face 130 of the mounting plate 128 is arranged to abut a contact surface 160 of the cavity 134 .
- the contact surface 160 is adjacent to and surrounds the opening 136 .
- the first face 130 and the contact surface 160 have corresponding curved profiles.
- the first face 130 and the contact surface 160 have corresponding arcuate profiles. As shown in FIG. 11 , the first face 130 has an arcuate profile along its length 142 . As shown in FIG. 13 , the first face 130 also has an arcuate profile along its width 140 .
- the corresponding curved profiles of the contact surface 160 and the first face 130 allow the position and the orientation of the hole 132 to be adjusted relative to a perimeter of the opening 136 by sliding a portion of the first face 130 over the contact surface 160 , whilst maintaining contact between the contact surface 160 and said portion of the first face 130 .
- the position of the hole 132 relative to the perimeter of the opening 136 is adjustable in two perpendicular axial directions 156 , 158 .
- the orientation of the hole 132 i.e. the orientation of an axis extending centrally through the hole 132 ) relative to the perimeter of the opening 136 is adjustable about the two axial directions 156 , 158 .
- the position and the orientation of the hole 132 may be adjusted relative to the perimeter of the opening 136
- the position and the orientation of an attachment secured to the mounting plate 128 is adjustable relative to the perimeter of the opening 136 .
- This may allow an attachment mounted to the handlebar 100 via the mounting arrangement 126 a , such as a brake and/or gear lever for example, to be adjusted such that it can be more comfortably reached by a hand gripping the handlebar 100 .
- the position and/or orientation of the hole 132 relative to the perimeter of the opening 136 may be adjustable in one direction only.
- the cavity 134 may be configured such that the mounting plate 128 is restricted from moving along or about one of the axial directions 156 , 158 .
- the external surface 138 of the first grippable element 104 a that includes the opening 136 has a curved profile.
- the external surface 138 has an arcuate profile along the axial direction 156 (as illustrated in FIG. 8 ), and along the axial direction 158 (as illustrated in FIG. 5 ).
- the curved profile of the external surface 138 substantially corresponds to the curved profile of the contact surface 160 .
- some attachments may include an attachment mount or other supporting structure, which is arranged to abut the external surface 138 when mounted to the mounting arrangement 126 a . Therefore, the curved profile of the external surface 138 allows the orientation of the attachment to be adjusted relative to an orientation of the handlebar 100 , whilst ensuring consistent contact between the attachment supporting structure and the external surface 138 .
- an attachment 162 is secured to the first mounting arrangement 126 a .
- the attachment 162 is a combined brake and gear shift mechanism, and the attachment 162 is mounted to the first grippable element 104 a of the handlebar 100 .
- the attachment 162 includes an attachment mount 164 and a lever 172 .
- An abutment surface (not shown) of the attachment mount 164 includes a hole 166 (shown in phantom in FIG. 15 ).
- the hole 166 is a threaded hole.
- the abutment surface of the attachment mount 164 is placed against the external surface 138 .
- the abutment surface has a curved profile corresponding to the curved profile of the external surface 138 .
- the mounting plate 128 is positioned within the cavity 134 such that the first face 130 faces the opening 136 and the hole 132 in the mounting plate 128 is coincident with the hole 166 in the attachment mount 164 .
- This can be achieved by a user inserting one or more fingers into the cavity 134 via the cavity entrance 150 to manipulate the mounting plate 128 .
- a fastener 168 (shown in phantom in FIG. 15 ) is then introduced into the cavity 134 via the cavity entrance 150 and inserted through the hole 132 from the second face 148 of the mounting plate 128 (shown in phantom in FIG. 15 ).
- the fastener 168 is a threaded fastener, which is screwed into the threaded hole 132 .
- the fastener 168 passes through the hole 132 into the mounting plate 128 until a distal end of the fastener 168 extends away from the first face 130 of the mounting plate, through the opening 136 and into the hole 166 in the attachment mount 164 .
- the fastener 168 is screwed into the hole 166 in the attachment mount 164 until the attachment mount 164 is fixedly secured to the first mounting arrangement 126 a.
- the attachment 162 includes a skirt 170 , which is formed from a flexible material (e.g. a flexible polymeric material such as rubber).
- the skirt 170 is in a retracted position in Figure Once the attachment 162 has been secured to the first mounting arrangement 126 a as described, the skirt 170 is extended over the attachment mount 164 such that it covers the first mounting arrangement 126 a , as shown in FIG. 16 .
- the skirt 170 inhibits air flowing over the handlebar 100 from contacting the first mounting arrangement 126 a or the attachment mount 164 , and provides a smooth continuous surface for air to flow over. As such, the skirt 170 acts to reduce the aerodynamic drag of the handlebar 100 .
- the opening 136 of the first mounting arrangement 126 a generally faces the second axial direction 116 .
- the attachment 162 mounted to the first mounting arrangement 126 a generally faces the second axial direction 116 .
- the attachment 162 may be located proximate one or more fingers of a user's hand which is gripping the first grippable element 104 a .
- one or more fingers of a user's hand may be able to actuate the lever 172 .
- the opening 136 may face in any suitable direction.
- the transverse support 102 may include the first mounting arrangement 126 a .
- the mounting plate 128 is arranged to at least partially abut a surface of the transverse support 102 .
- the mounting plate 128 may at least partially be located within a cavity formed in the transverse support 102 .
- the first face 130 of the mounting plate 128 may at least partially be accessible via an opening in an external surface of the transverse support 102 .
- the first mounting arrangement may share any of the features described regarding the first mounting arrangement 126 a located on the first grippable element 104 a.
- Some attachments may require cabling to extend between the attachment and part of the bicycle 212 to which the handlebar 100 is mounted.
- the attachment is a brake lever mechanism
- brake cabling it is common for brake cabling to extend between the brake lever mechanism and a brake mechanism, which is usually proximate one or both of the wheels 216 a , 216 b of the bicycle 212 .
- cabling It is also common for such cabling to run external to the handlebar 100 , and as such, be exposed to oncoming air flow when the bicycle 212 is travelling. Exposed attachment cabling may increase the aerodynamic drag of the handlebar 100 , and may also harm the aesthetic appearance of the handlebar 100 .
- the handlebar 100 is configured to minimise the amount of attachment cabling that is exposed.
- the handlebar 100 includes a first tunnel opening 174 adjacent the first mounting arrangement 126 a , and a second tunnel opening 176 in the transverse support 102 and spaced from the first tunnel opening 174 .
- the first tunnel opening 174 is formed in the first grippable element 104 a
- the second tunnel opening 176 is formed in the mounting portion 108 .
- a frame 175 is secured to the first grippable element 104 a , and is arranged to surround the external surface 138 .
- the frame 175 includes three apertures 177 a , 177 b , 177 c adjacent to the first tunnel opening 174 . Cabling may extend through the apertures 177 a , 177 b , 177 c into the first tunnel opening 174 .
- the first tunnel opening 174 is formed as a single aperture adjacent to the contact surface 160 .
- the frame 175 has been removed for clarity.
- the first tunnel opening 174 and the second tunnel opening 176 are in communication with a tunnel 178 (represented by dashed lines in FIG. 18 ) for receiving one or more cables therethrough.
- the tunnel 178 is formed within the transverse support 102 and the first grippable element 104 a , and extends between the first tunnel opening 174 and the second tunnel opening 176 .
- a first cable 180 a and a second cable 180 b extend from the attachment 162 into the first tunnel opening 174 .
- the first cable 180 a is for controlling a braking mechanism (not shown)
- the second cable 180 b is for controlling a gear mechanism (not shown).
- the first and second cables 180 a , 180 b are arranged to extend through the tunnel 178 and out of the second tunnel opening 176 from where they can be connected to the braking mechanism (not shown) and the gear mechanism (not shown) respectively.
- the arrangement of the first tunnel opening 174 , the second tunnel opening 176 and the tunnel 178 helps to limit the length of the first and the second cables 180 a , 180 b that are exposed to air travelling over the handlebar 100 . As such, the effect of the first and the second cables 180 a , 180 b on the aerodynamic drag of the handlebar 100 is limited.
- FIG. 19 shows a cross-section through the attachment portion 125 a of the first grippable element 104 a along the line A-A shown in FIG. 5 . Note that the cross-section is represented by hatching to show the external profile of the handlebar 100 more clearly.
- the cross-section does not show the internal features of the handlebar 100 .
- the attachment portion 125 a has a non-circular profile in a plane normal to the first longitudinal axis 114 a (which corresponds to a longitudinal axis of the attachment portion 125 a ).
- the attachment portion 125 a has a substantially aerofoil-shaped profile 182 in a plane parallel to the second axial direction 116 .
- the substantially aerofoil-shaped profile 182 includes a leading edge 184 and a trailing edge 186 . It will be appreciated that when an attachment is secured to the first mounting arrangement 126 a , such as the attachment 162 in FIGS. 15 to 17 for example, the leading edge 184 will be covered by the attachment. As such, a portion of said attachment will form the leading edge of the substantially aerofoil-shaped profile 182 .
- a linear axis 188 running substantially between the leading edge 184 and the trailing edge 186 is generally aligned with the second axial direction 116 .
- air flowing over the attachment portion 125 a and along the opposite second axial direction 116 will flow from the leading edge 184 , around the profile 182 and over the trailing edge 186 .
- the substantially aerofoil-shaped profile 182 will help to inhibit air travelling around the substantially aerofoil-shaped profile 182 from separating from the attachment portion 125 a ; i.e. help to inhibit the boundary layer from separating from the attachment portion 125 a .
- the profile drag of the attachment portion 125 a will be less relative to if the attachment portion 125 a was a bluff body for example.
- the substantially aerofoil-shaped profile 182 includes a truncated trailing edge 186 .
- the trailing edge 186 may be pointed or rounded.
- providing the substantially aerofoil-shaped profile 182 with a truncated trailing edge 186 may improve the comfort of a person gripping that portion of the handlebar 100 . Further, truncating the trailing edge 186 may have little or no adverse effect on the drag-reducing properties of the substantially aerofoil-shaped profile 182 .
- one or more portions of the first grippable element 104 a spaced from or adjacent to the attachment portion 125 a may have a substantially aerofoil-shaped profile in a plane parallel to the second axial direction 116 .
- the attachment portion 125 a may not have a substantially aerofoil-shaped profile in a plane parallel to the second axial direction 116 .
- FIG. 20 shows a cross-section through the mounting portion 108 of the transverse support 102 along the line B-B shown in FIG. 4 .
- the cross-section is represented by hatching to show the external profile of the handlebar 100 more clearly.
- the cross-section does not show the internal features of the handlebar 100 .
- the mounting portion 108 has a substantially aerofoil-shaped profile 190 in a plane parallel to the second axial direction 116 .
- the substantially aerofoil-shaped profile 190 includes a leading edge 192 and a trailing edge 194 .
- the trailing edge 194 is a truncated trailing edge. However, in alternative embodiments (not shown), the trailing edge 194 may be pointed or rounded.
- a linear axis 196 running substantially between the leading edge 192 and the trailing edge 194 is generally aligned with the second axial direction 116 . As such, air flowing over the mounting portion 108 and along the opposite second axial direction 116 will flow from the leading edge 192 , around the profile 190 and over the trailing edge 194 .
- FIG. 21 shows a cross-section through the first transverse portion 110 a of the transverse support 102 along the line C-C shown in FIG. 4 .
- the cross-section is represented by hatching to show the external profile of the handlebar 100 more clearly.
- the cross-section does not show the internal features of the handlebar 100 .
- the mounting portion 108 has a substantially aerofoil-shaped profile 198 in a plane parallel to the second axial direction 116 .
- the substantially aerofoil-shaped profile 198 includes a leading edge 200 and a trailing edge 202 .
- the trailing edge 202 is a truncated trailing edge. However, in alternative embodiments (not shown), the trailing edge 202 may be pointed or rounded.
- a linear axis 204 running substantially between the leading edge 200 and the trailing edge 202 is generally aligned with the second axial direction 116 .
- air flowing over the first transverse portion 110 a and along the opposite second axial direction 116 will flow from the leading edge 200 , around the profile 198 and over the trailing edge 202 .
- only the mounting portion 108 or only the first transverse portion 110 a has a substantially aerofoil-shaped profile defined in a plane parallel to the second axial direction.
- none of the transverse support 102 has a substantially aerofoil-shaped profile defined in a plane parallel to the second axial direction.
- the first grippable element 104 a includes an ergonomic portion 206 .
- the ergonomic portion 206 is represented as the portion of the first grippable element 104 a within the dotted box in FIG. 21 .
- the ergonomic portion 206 is shaped/contoured to correspond to at least a portion of a gripping hand (not shown).
- the ergonomic portion 206 includes a wall 208 , which is configured to be received within a space formed between the thumb and index finger of a gripping hand (not shown), and to extend towards a user's wrist.
- the wall 208 may provide support to a user's hand.
- An external surface 210 of the ergonomic portion 206 is adjacent to the wall 208 .
- the external surface 210 is contoured to improve the grip between one or more fingers of a gripping hand (not shown) and the external surface 210 .
- the ergonomic portion 206 may increase the comfort of a user gripping the ergonomic portion 206 , as well as increasing the ability of said user to grip the ergonomic portion 206 .
- the handlebar 100 is substantially symmetric about the plane M illustrated in FIG. 2 , which is normal to the first axial direction 106 .
- the second grippable element 104 b is substantially a mirror image of the first grippable element 104 a about the plane M
- the second transverse portion 110 b is substantially a mirror image of the first transverse portion 110 a about the plane M. Therefore, the second grippable element 104 b and the second transverse portion 110 b may include any of the features previously described in relation to the first grippable element 104 a and the first transverse portion 110 a respectively.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Steering Devices For Bicycles And Motorcycles (AREA)
Abstract
A handlebar for controlling a travelling direction of a vehicle, the handlebar comprising: a transverse support for mounting to a vehicle, the transverse support extending substantially along a first axial direction; a first grippable element extending from a first end of the transverse support, the first grippable element including a free end; and a mounting arrangement for mounting an attachment to the handlebar, wherein the mounting arrangement comprises a mounting plate arranged to at least partially abut a surface of the transverse support or the first grippable element, the mounting plate having a first face, wherein the first face includes a hole for receiving a fastener for mounting an attachment, wherein the mounting plate is at least partially located within a cavity formed in the transverse support or the first grippable element, wherein the first face is at least partially accessible via an opening in an external surface of the transverse support or the first grippable element, wherein the transverse support or the first grippable element comprises a cavity entrance spaced from the opening, the cavity entrance leading to the cavity, wherein the mounting plate is accessible via the cavity entrance.
Description
- The present teachings relate to a handlebar for controlling a travelling direction of a vehicle.
- It is known for a variety of vehicles to incorporate a handlebar, such as for example, push bicycles, motorcycles, tricycles and quadracycles. A handlebar is primarily used to control a travelling direction of the vehicle to which it is incorporated. A handlebar provides a hand position for a user that allows the user to pivot the handlebar to effect a change in vehicle travelling direction. However, it is common for a handlebar to have one or more secondary functions. For example, such secondary functions may include: providing a mounting platform for control mechanisms (e.g. brake levers, gear levers etc.) and accessories (e.g. a bell, a horn, a GPS device, a cyclocomputer etc.); and providing one or more supplementary hand positions for the user of the handlebar.
- To mount an attachment to a handlebar, such as for example a brake lever mechanism, it is known to first secure the attachment to a circular clamp. To mount the attachment to the handlebar, the circular clamp is slid over a free end of the handlebar and pushed along the handlebar, away from the free end. Once the clamp is in the desired position, the clamp is secured to the handlebar, for example, by tightening the clamp to increase the friction between the clamp and the handlebar.
- It is common for a handlebar to have a circular profile with a 24 mm diameter, and for the circular clamp to be sized accordingly. Handlebars known in the art require such a circular profile along at least a portion of the handlebar extending between the free end and the desired position of the attachment. Otherwise, the circular clamp may not be able to fit over the free end of the handlebar, the circular clamp may not be able to be slid along the handlebar, and/or the circular clamp may not be able to be securely attached to the handlebar.
- Since known handlebars are restricted to having a circular profile along part or all of their length, the design of the shape of known handlebars is inflexible and restricted.
- The present invention aims to overcome or mitigate the problems associated with the prior art.
- According to a first aspect, there is provided a handlebar for controlling a travelling direction of a vehicle. The handlebar comprises: a transverse support for mounting to a vehicle, the transverse support extending substantially along a first axial direction; a first grippable element extending from a first end of the transverse support, the first grippable element including a free end; and a mounting arrangement for mounting an attachment to the handlebar. The mounting arrangement comprises a mounting plate arranged to at least partially abut a surface of the transverse support or the first grippable element, the mounting plate having a first face. The first face includes a hole for receiving a fastener for mounting an attachment.
- Advantageously, the mounting arrangement allows an attachment to be securely mounted to the handlebar without the need to use a circular mounting bracket, as is common in the prior art. Since a circular mounting bracket is no longer required, the handlebar is not limited to having a circular profile. This allows the handlebar to have beneficial shapes, which may, for example, reduce the aerodynamic drag of the handlebar and/or improve the ergonomics of the handlebar.
- The hole in the mounting plate may be a threaded hole.
- The mounting plate may be at least partially located within a cavity formed in the transverse support or the first grippable element. The first face may be at least partially accessible via an opening in an external surface of the transverse support or the first grippable element.
- By locating the mounting plate at least partially in a cavity, the mounting plate is less exposed to air travelling over the handlebar. Therefore, the mounting plate may have little or no effect on the aerodynamic drag of the handlebar.
- The opening in the transverse support or the first grippable element may face a second axial direction substantially perpendicular to the first axial direction.
- The first face may have at least one spatial dimension which is greater than at least one spatial dimension of the opening, such that the mounting plate may be prevented from passing through the opening.
- An area of the first face may be greater than an area of the opening.
- Advantageously, this helps to retain the mounting plate within the cavity.
- The mounting plate may include a second face opposite to the first face. The second face may be accessible via a cavity entrance in the transverse support or the first grippable element. The cavity entrance may be spaced from the opening.
- When attaching an attachment to the handlebar, a person may insert one or more fingers into the cavity via the cavity entrance to press the first face of the mounting plate against the opening.
- The handlebar may further comprise a removable cap arranged to close the cavity entrance.
- The hole in the first face may extend through the second face.
- Advantageously, extending the hole through the second face allows longer fasteners to be used to mount an attachment to the handlebar, since the fastener can pass through the mounting plate.
- The mounting plate may be removable from the cavity via the cavity entrance.
- This allows the mounting plate to be removed for repair or for replacement.
- A position of the hole relative to a perimeter of the opening may be adjustable in at least one direction.
- The position of the hole relative to the perimeter of the opening may be adjustable in two perpendicular directions.
- Advantageously, this allows the position of the attachment to be adjusted relative to the handlebar to suit the needs of the person using the handlebar.
- A portion of the first face may be arranged to abut a contact surface of the cavity. The contact surface may be adjacent the opening. The first face and the contact surface may have corresponding curved profiles.
- The first face and the contact surface may have arcuate profiles.
- Advantageously, this allows adjustment which is otherwise not possible as there is no traditional clamp to adjust.
- Further, this allows the orientation of an attachment mounted to the handlebar to be adjusted relative to an orientation of the handlebar. For example, when the attachment includes a brake lever, it is important to adjust the position of the brake lever so that the user can reach it with their fingers.
- The external surface of the transverse support or the first grippable element comprising the opening may have a curved profile. Said external surface may have an arcuate profile.
- Advantageously, this allows the orientation of an attachment mounted to the handlebar to be adjusted relative to an orientation of the handlebar.
- The handlebar may further comprise a first tunnel opening and a second tunnel opening. The first tunnel opening may be adjacent the mounting arrangement. The second tunnel opening may be formed in the transverse support and be spaced from the first tunnel opening. The first tunnel opening and the second tunnel opening may be in communication with a tunnel for receiving a cable therethrough. Said tunnel may be formed within at least a portion of the transverse support.
- The mounting arrangement may be located on the first grippable element. The first tunnel opening may be formed in the first grippable element.
- This helps to ensure that cabling from, for example, a braking mechanism or a gear mechanism, is not exposed to air travelling over the handlebar. Therefore, advantageously, the cabling may have little or no adverse effect on the aerodynamic drag of the handlebar.
- The transverse support may comprise a mounting portion for mounting to a vehicle. The second tunnel opening may be formed in or adjacent to said mounting portion.
- Advantageously, this helps to ensure that cabling is not exposed to air travelling over the handlebar.
- The handlebar may further comprise an attachment secured to the mounting arrangement.
- The attachment may be chosen from one of: a brake mechanism; a gear shift mechanism; a combined brake and gear shift mechanism; a bell; or a cyclocomputer.
- The attachment may comprise an attachment mount including a hole. A fastener may pass through the hole in the attachment mount and the hole in the mounting plate such that the attachment is secured to the mounting plate.
- The mounting arrangement may be located on an attachment portion of the first grippable element. The attachment portion may have a non-circular profile in a plane normal to a longitudinal axis of the attachment portion.
- Advantageously, the attachment portion may be shaped to, for example, reduce the aerodynamic drag of the attachment portion and/or to increase the comfort of a person gripping the attachment portion.
- The attachment portion may have a substantially aerofoil-shaped profile in a plane parallel to a second axial direction. Said second axial direction may be substantially perpendicular to the first axial direction.
- Advantageously, the aerofoil shaped profile reduces the aerodynamic drag of the attachment portion.
- At least a portion of the first grippable element may have a non-circular profile in a plane normal to a longitudinal axis of the first grippable element.
- Advantageously, the grippable element may be shaped to, for example, reduce the aerodynamic drag of the grippable element and/or to make the grippable element more ergonomic, i.e. increase the comfort of a person gripping the grippable element. Known handlebars do not provide these benefits. This is because known handlebars require grippable elements with circular profiles to allow attachments such as brake levers to be mounted to the handlebar.
- The first grippable element may include an end portion comprising the free end. The first grippable element may have a non-circular profile in a plane normal to the longitudinal axis along said end portion.
- Advantageously, the end region of the grippable element may be shaped to, for example, reduce the aerodynamic drag of the end region of the grippable element and/or to increase the comfort of a person gripping the end region of the grippable element.
- At least a portion of the end portion may have a profile including at least one substantially flat side. Said profile may be in a plane normal to the longitudinal axis.
- Providing at least a portion of the end portion with a flattened profile may improve the ability of a person to grip the end portion. This is because the flat side inhibits a person's hand from rotating about the end portion. Further, the flat side may provide the end portion with a truncated aerofoil shaped profile, which may reduce the aerodynamic drag of the end portion.
- A majority or all of the first grippable element may have a non-circular profile in a plane normal to the longitudinal axis.
- Advantageously, this allows a majority or all of the grippable element to be shaped to, for example, reduce the aerodynamic drag of the grippable element and/or to increase the comfort of a person gripping the grippable element.
- The first grippable element may extend from the first end of the transverse support at a non-zero angle thereto.
- This may provide a more comfortable hand position to a person gripping the grippable element.
- The first grippable element may extend from the first end of the transverse support such that the longitudinal axis of the first grippable element follows a curved path.
- The first grippable element may be at least partially arcuate.
- This may provide multiple different gripping positions along the grippable element.
- At least a portion of the first grippable element may have a substantially aerofoil-shaped profile in a plane parallel to a second axial direction. Said second axial direction may be substantially perpendicular to the first axial direction.
- Advantageously, the aerofoil shaped profile reduces the aerodynamic drag of the grippable element.
- The substantially aerofoil-shaped profile may have a truncated trailing edge.
- Advantageously, providing the aerofoil-shaped profile with a truncated trailing edge may improve the comfort of a person gripping that portion of the handlebar. Further, truncating the trailing edge may have little or no adverse effect on the drag-reducing properties of the aerofoil-shaped profile.
- The first grippable element may have a non-uniform profile in a plane normal to the longitudinal axis of the first grippable element along at least a portion of the first grippable element.
- Advantageously, this may allow the grippable element to be ergonomically shaped.
- At least a portion of the transverse support may have a non-circular profile in a plane normal to a longitudinal axis of the transverse support.
- Advantageously, the transverse support may be shaped to, for example, reduce the aerodynamic drag of the transverse support and/or to increase the comfort of a person gripping the transverse support.
- At least a portion of the transverse support may have a substantially aerofoil-shaped profile in a plane parallel to a second axial direction, said second axial direction substantially perpendicular to the first axial direction.
- Advantageously, the aerofoil shaped profile reduces the aerodynamic drag of the transverse support.
- The substantially aerofoil-shaped profile may have a truncated trailing edge.
- Advantageously, providing the aerofoil-shaped profile with a truncated trailing edge may improve the comfort of a person gripping that portion of the handlebar. Further, truncating the trailing edge may have little or no adverse effect on the drag-reducing properties of the aerofoil-shaped profile.
- The transverse support may comprise: a mounting portion for mounting to a vehicle; and a first transverse portion extending between the mounting portion and the first grippable element. The first transverse portion may have a substantially aerofoil-shaped profile defined in a plane parallel to the second axial direction. The mounting portion may have a substantially aerofoil-shaped profile defined in a plane parallel to the second axial direction.
- The substantially aerofoil-shaped profile may have a truncated trailing edge.
- Advantageously, providing the aerofoil-shaped profile with a truncated trailing edge may improve the comfort of a person gripping that portion of the handlebar. Further, truncating the trailing edge may have little or no adverse effect on the drag-reducing properties of the aerofoil-shaped profile.
- The first grippable element may include an ergonomic portion. The ergonomic portion may be contoured to correspond to at least a portion of a gripping hand.
- Advantageously, this increases the comfort of the person gripping the grippable element.
- The handlebar may further comprise a second grippable element extending from a second end of the transverse support. The second grippable element may be substantially a mirror image of the first grippable element about a plane normal to the first axial direction.
- The transverse support and/or the first grippable element may be formed at least partially from carbon fibre.
- The transverse support may include a mounting portion comprising a mounting structure for mounting the handlebar to a vehicle.
- The mounting structure may comprise a clamp.
- According to a second aspect, there is provided a vehicle comprising the handlebar according to the first aspect.
- The vehicle may be one of: a bicycle; a tricycle; or a quadracycle.
- Embodiments are now disclosed by way of example only with reference to the drawings, in which:
-
FIG. 1 is a side view of a bicycle comprising a handlebar according to an embodiment; -
FIG. 2 is a front view of the handlebar according to the embodiment; -
FIG. 3 is a top view of the handlebar shown inFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 4 is a rear view of the handlebar shown inFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 5 is a side view of the handlebar shown inFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 6 is an isometric view of the handlebar shown inFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 7 is a magnified rear view of a grippable element according to the embodiment; -
FIG. 8 is a front magnified view of a mounting arrangement according to the embodiment; -
FIG. 9 is a rear cross-sectional view of the mounting arrangement shown inFIG. 8 ; -
FIG. 10 is a front isometric view of a mounting plate according to the embodiment; -
FIG. 11 is a first side view of the mounting plate shown inFIG. 10 ; -
FIG. 12 is a rear isometric view of the mounting plate shown inFIG. 10 ; -
FIG. 13 is a second side view of the mounting plate shown inFIG. 10 ; -
FIG. 14 is an isometric view of a removable cap according to the embodiment; -
FIG. 15 is a first side view of an attachment secured to the mounting arrangement shown inFIGS. 8 and 9 with its skirt in a retracted position; -
FIG. 16 is a first side view of the attachment shown inFIG. 15 with its skirt in an extended position; -
FIG. 17 is an isometric second side view of the attachment shown inFIG. 15 ; -
FIG. 18 is a lower view of the handlebar shown inFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the first grippable element along line A-A shown inFIG. 5 ; -
FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the mounting portion along line B-B shown inFIG. 4 ; and -
FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the first transverse portion along line C-C shown inFIG. 4 . - A
handlebar 100 is used for controlling a travelling direction of a vehicle, such as a push bicycle, a motorcycle, a tricycle, or a quadracycle. -
FIG. 1 shows an example where the vehicle comprising thehandlebar 100 is apush bicycle 212. Thepush bicycle 212 includes thehandlebar 100, aframe 214, afront wheel 216 a, arear wheel 216 b and aseat 218. - In alternative embodiments (not shown), the vehicle may be a motorcycle, a tricycle (motorised or non-motorised), or a quadracycle (motorised or non-motorised). A quadracycle includes any four-wheeled vehicle. The vehicle may include more than four wheels.
- With reference to
FIGS. 2 to 6 , thehandlebar 100 includes atransverse support 102, a firstgrippable element 104 a and a secondgrippable element 104 b. The firstgrippable element 104 a includes a firstfree end 112 a, and the secondgrippable element 104 b includes a secondfree end 112 b. - In the illustrated embodiment, the
transverse support 102, the firstgrippable element 104 a and the secondgrippable element 104 b are formed at least partially from carbon fibre. However, in alternative embodiments (not shown), one or more of thetransverse support 102, the firstgrippable element 104 a and the secondgrippable element 104 b may be formed from any alternative suitable material, such as alloys of aluminium, titanium or steel for example. - The
grippable elements handlebar 100. Thetransverse support 102 supports thegrippable elements handlebar 100 via thegrippable elements transverse support 102 may also be suitable for receiving a gripping hand. - The
transverse support 102 includes a mountingportion 108, an elongate firsttransverse portion 110 a and an elongate secondtransverse portion 110 b. The firstgrippable element 104 a extends from afirst end 109 a of thetransverse support 102, i.e. from an end of the firsttransverse portion 110 a furthest from the mountingportion 108. Likewise, the secondgrippable element 104 b extends from asecond end 109 b of thetransverse support 102, i.e. from an end of the secondtransverse portion 110 b furthest from the mountingportion 108. As such, the firsttransverse portion 110 a extends between the mountingportion 108 and the firstgrippable element 104 a, and the secondtransverse portion 110 b extends between the mountingportion 108 and the secondgrippable element 104 b. - The mounting
portion 108 includes a mounting structure for mounting thehandlebar 100 to thebicycle 212. In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting structure is aclamp 111 including acircular aperture 113. A portion of a steering tube 220 is received within theaperture 113 of theclamp 111, and is secured in place using fasteners (not shown). - The steering tube 220 passes through a
head tube 222, which is part of theframe 214 of thebicycle 212, and afork 224 extends from the steering tube 220. Thefront wheel 216 a is mounted to thefork 224, as is known in the art. Thehead tube 222 includes a head set with bearings that allow for pivoting of thehandlebar 100 about anaxis 226 causing thefork 224 to pivot about theaxis 226 with respect to theframe 214 - The
handlebar 100 is mounted to thebicycle 212 such that pivoting of thehandlebar 100 about anaxis 226 causes thefork 224 to pivot about theaxis 226 with respect to theframe 214. Pivoting of thefork 224 about theaxis 226 causes thefront wheel 216 a to pivot about theaxis 226. As such, pivoting of thehandlebar 100 about theaxis 226 allows a user of thebicycle 212 to change the travelling direction of thebicycle 212 when thebicycle 212 is moving. - The
transverse support 102 extends substantially along a first axial direction 106 (represented by a dot-dash line inFIGS. 2 to 4 and 6 ). In the illustrated embodiment, thetransverse support 102 does not extend parallel to the firstaxial direction 106. Instead, the firsttransverse portion 110 a and the secondtransverse portion 110 b extend away from the mountingportion 108 at an acute angle relative to the firstaxial direction 106. As such, thetransverse support 102 has a substantially chevron-shaped profile when viewed as shown inFIG. 3 . - Advantageously, providing the
transverse support 102 with a chevron-shaped profile increases the stiffness of thetransverse support 102. Further, since the first and secondtransverse portions portion 108 at an acute angle relative to the firstaxial direction 106, the mountingportion 108 has a smaller length as measured perpendicular to the firstaxial direction 106 relative to if thetransverse support 102 was straight. This is because the first and secondtransverse portions grippable element portion 108. - In alternative embodiments (not shown), the
transverse support 102 may extend parallel to the firstaxial direction 106, i.e. thetransverse support 102 may be substantially straight. Alternatively, thetransverse support 102 may have any suitable non-straight and non-chevron shape. - With reference to
FIGS. 5 and 6 , the firstgrippable element 104 a extends from thetransverse support 102 along a firstlongitudinal axis 114 a, and the secondgrippable element 104 b extends from thetransverse support 102 along a secondlongitudinal axis 114 b. The first and secondlongitudinal axes FIGS. 5 and 6 ) extend centrally through the first and secondgrippable elements - The first
grippable element 104 a extends from thefirst end 109 a of thetransverse support 102 at a non-zero angle thereto; i.e. the firstlongitudinal axis 114 a extends from a central axis (not shown) of the firsttransverse portion 110 a at a non-zero angle. Likewise, the secondgrippable element 104 a extends from thesecond end 109 b of thetransverse support 102 at a non-zero angle thereto. As such, thehandlebar 100 is not a straight handlebar. - As shown in
FIG. 6 , the firstgrippable element 104 a extends from thefirst end 109 a of thetransverse support 102 such that the firstlongitudinal axis 114 a follows a curved path. Likewise, the secondgrippable element 104 b extends from thesecond end 109 b of thetransverse support 102 such that the secondlongitudinal axis 114 b follows a curved path. - In particular, the first
longitudinal axis 114 a extends from thefirst end 109 a at a non-zero angle to a central axis (not shown) of the firsttransverse portion 110 a, curves around to travel substantially along a secondaxial direction 116, curves around to travel substantially along a thirdaxial direction 118, and finally curves around to travel substantially along the secondaxial direction 116 in reverse. Likewise, the secondlongitudinal axis 114 b follows a substantially similar curved path. The first 106, second 116 and third 118 axial directions are all mutually perpendicular. - The first and second
longitudinal axes grippable elements FIGS. 5 and 6 . In the illustrated embodiment, thehandlebar 100 is a drop handlebar, as found on road bicycles for example. - In alternative embodiments (not shown), the first and second
longitudinal axes grippable elements transverse support 102 such that they are substantially parallel to the respective first and secondtransverse portions handlebar 100 may be a flat handlebar, as found on mountain bicycles for example. Alternatively, thegrippable elements transverse support 102 may be shaped such that thehandlebar 100 is any one of: a bullhorn handlebar; a BMX style handlebar; a triathlon style handlebar; an upright/North Road handlebar; a moustache handlebar; an ape hanger handlebar; and a recumbent handlebar. - Of the two
grippable elements grippable element 104 a will be discussed further in the following. Likewise, of the twotransverse portions transverse portion 110 a will be discussed further in the following. However, it should be noted that the secondgrippable element 104 b and the secondtransverse portion 110 b may include any of the features described below in relation to the firstgrippable element 104 a and the firsttransverse portion 110 a respectively. - The first
grippable element 104 a has a non-circular profile in a plane normal to the firstlongitudinal axis 114 a. In particular, all of the firstgrippable element 104 a has a non-circular profile in a plane normal to the first longitudinal axis; i.e. the firstgrippable element 104 a has a non-circular profile along the entire firstlongitudinal axis 114 a in planes normal to the firstlongitudinal axis 114 a. - The first
grippable element 104 a includes afirst end portion 120 a which includes the firstfree end 112 a. The firstgrippable element 104 a has a non-circular profile in a plane normal to the firstlongitudinal axis 114 a along thefirst end portion 120 a. - As shown most clearly in
FIG. 7 , the non-circular profile of thefirst end portion 120 a includes a substantiallyflat side 122. Acurved edge 124 joins the two ends of theflat side 122 to complete the profile of thefirst end portion 120 a. Theflat side 122 faces substantially in the direction opposite to the thirdaxial direction 118 and generally faces thetransverse support 102. - In alternative embodiments (not shown), the
first end portion 120 a may have any suitable non-circular profile including one or moreflat sides 122. For example, the non-circular profile of thefirst end portion 120 a may be polygonal. - In alternative embodiments (not shown), the first
grippable element 104 a may not have a non-circular profile along the entire firstlongitudinal axis 114 a in planes normal to the firstlongitudinal axis 114 a. For example, thefirst end portion 120 a may have a circular profile in a plane normal to the firstlongitudinal axis 114 a along at least part of thefirst end portion 120 a. In such embodiments, one or more portions of the firstgrippable element 104 a spaced from or adjacent to thefirst end portion 120 a will have a non-circular profile in a plane normal to the firstlongitudinal axis 114 a. Alternatively, only thefirst end portion 120 a may have a non-circular profile in a plane normal to the firstlongitudinal axis 114 a. - The first
grippable element 104 a has a non-uniform profile in a plane normal the firstlongitudinal axis 114 a along at least a portion of the firstgrippable element 104 a. By this it is meant that at least a portion of the firstgrippable element 104 a includes profiles in two spaced-apart planes which are both normal to the firstlongitudinal axis 114 a, where the profile of the firstgrippable element 104 a in a first of the two planes is different to the profile of the firstgrippable element 104 a in a second of the two planes in regard to size and/or shape. - However, in alternative embodiments (not shown), the first
grippable element 104 a may have a uniform profile in a plane normal the firstlongitudinal axis 114 a along its length. - The
transverse support 102 has a non-circular profile in a plane normal to a longitudinal axis running centrally through thetransverse support 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the firsttransverse portion 110 a, the secondtransverse portion 110 b and the mountingportion 108 all have a non-circular profile in a plane normal to the longitudinal axis running centrally through thetransverse support 102. However, in alternative embodiments (not shown), only a portion or portions of the firsttransverse portion 110 a, the secondtransverse portion 110 b and/or the mountingportion 108 may have a non-circular profile in a plane normal to the longitudinal axis running centrally through thetransverse support 102. In further alternative embodiments (not shown), the firsttransverse portion 110 a, the secondtransverse portion 110 b and/or the mountingportion 108 may have a circular profile in a plane normal to a longitudinal axis running centrally through thetransverse support 102. - Since at least a portion of the first
grippable element 104 a has a non-circular profile, prior art circular clamps may be unsuitable for mounting attachments (e.g. a brake lever mechanism) to the firstgrippable element 104 a. For example, a prior art circular clamp may be unable to slide over a portion of the firstgrippable element 104 a (e.g. the firstfree end 112 a), and therefore a prior art circular clamp may be unable to be slid along the firstgrippable element 104 a to its desired position. Further, even if a prior art circular clamp is able to be slid into a desired position, the non-circular profile of the firstgrippable element 104 a at said desired position may inhibit the circular clamp from making sufficient contact with an external surface of the firstgrippable element 104 a, such that the attachment cannot be securely mounted. - Likewise, since at least a portion of the
transverse support 102 may have a non-circular profile, prior art circular clamps may be unsuitable for mounting attachments (e.g. a brake lever mechanism) to thetransverse support 102 for similar reasons as above. - To overcome these problems, the
handlebar 100 includes a first mountingarrangement 126 a for mounting an attachment to thehandlebar 100; e.g. to the firstgrippable element 104 a. For example, the attachment could be: a brake mechanism; a gear shift mechanism; a combined brake and gear shift mechanism; a bell; or a cyclocomputer. - The first
grippable element 104 a comprises anattachment portion 125 a. Theattachment portion 125 a is configured to receive the first mountingarrangement 126 a. For example, to allow theattachment portion 125 a to be configured to receive the first mountingarrangement 126 a, theattachment portion 125 a may be sized and shaped to receive the first mountingarrangement 126 a. As will be discussed in more detail below, in the illustrated embodiment, theattachment portion 125 a includes acavity 134, which is sized and shaped to receive the first mountingarrangement 126 a therein. - The
first mounting arrangement 126 a is configured to mount the attachment to theattachment portion 125 a. - In the illustrated embodiment, the
attachment portion 125 a of the firstgrippable element 104 a includes the first mountingarrangement 126 a. - With reference to
FIGS. 8 to 14 , the first mountingarrangement 126 a includes a mountingplate 128 which is arranged to at least partially abut a surface of the firstgrippable element 104 a. The mountingplate 128 includes afirst face 130, which includes ahole 132 for receiving a fastener for mounting an attachment. - In the illustrated embodiment, the
hole 132 is a threaded hole. However, in alternative embodiments (not shown), thehole 132 may be unthreaded. - In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting
plate 128 is formed from a metallic material. However, in alternative embodiments (not shown), the mountingplate 128 may be formed from any suitable material, such as for example, a stiff polymeric material. - The mounting
plate 128 is at least partially located within acavity 134 formed in the firstgrippable element 104 a. Thefirst face 130 is at least partially accessible via anopening 136 in anexternal surface 138 of the firstgrippable element 104 a. - The
first face 130 of the mountingplate 128 has awidth 140 and alength 142. In the illustrated embodiment, thelength 142 is greater than thewidth 140. However, in alternative embodiments (not illustrated), thewidth 140 of thefirst face 130 may be substantially equal to thelength 142 of thefirst face 130. - The
opening 136 has awidth 144 and alength 146. In the illustrated embodiment, thelength 146 is greater than thewidth 144. However, in alternative embodiments (not illustrated), thewidth 144 of theopening 136 may be substantially equal to thelength 146 of theopening 136. - The
width 140 and thelength 142 of thefirst face 130 are greater than thewidth 144 and thelength 146 of theopening 136 respectively; i.e. the area of thefirst face 130 is greater than the area of theopening 136. As such, the mountingplate 128 is prevented from passing through theopening 136 when the mountingplate 128 is orientated such that thefirst face 130 faces theopening 136. In some orientations, the mountingplate 128 may be able to pass through theopening 136 if thewidth 140 of thefirst face 130 is less than thelength 146 of theopening 136, and the depth of the mountingplate 128 is less than thewidth 144 of theopening 136. - In alternative embodiments (not shown), the
width 140 or thelength 142 of thefirst face 130 may be less than or equal to thewidth 144 or thelength 146 of theopening 136 respectively. In such embodiments, the mountingplate 128 may still be prevented from passing through theopening 136 when the mountingplate 128 is orientated such that thefirst face 130 faces theopening 136 since either thewidth 140 or thelength 142 of thefirst face 130 is greater than thewidth 144 or thelength 146 of theopening 136 respectively. - The first
grippable element 104 a comprises acavity entrance 150. Thecavity entrance 150 leads to thecavity 134 formed in the firstgrippable element 104 a. The mountingplate 128 is accessible via thecavity entrance 150. - The mounting
plate 128 includes asecond face 148 which is opposite to thefirst face 130. Thesecond face 148 is accessible via thecavity entrance 150 in the firstgrippable element 104 a. In the illustrated embodiment, thehole 132 in thefirst face 130 of the mountingplate 128 extends through thesecond face 148. - The
cavity entrance 150 is spaced from theopening 136. In the illustrated embodiment, thecavity entrance 150 is located substantially on an opposite side of the firstgrippable element 104 a to theopening 136. - The
cavity entrance 150 is sized relative to the mountingplate 128 such that the mountingplate 128 is removable from thecavity 134 via thecavity entrance 150. - The
cavity entrance 150 is closed via a removable cap 152 (shown in isolation inFIG. 14 ). Theremovable cap 152 has a profile shaped to correspond to thecavity entrance 150 and is formed from a flexible material (e.g. a flexible polymeric material such as rubber). Theremovable cap 152 includes achannel 154 extending around a periphery of theremovable cap 152. - The
cavity entrance 150 is closed by pressing a portion of theremovable cap 152 into thecavity 134 via thecavity entrance 150, until a wall surrounding thecavity entrance 150 is received in thechannel 154. Theremovable cap 152 is removed via a reversal of this process. - A portion of the
first face 130 of the mountingplate 128 is arranged to abut acontact surface 160 of thecavity 134. Thecontact surface 160 is adjacent to and surrounds theopening 136. Thefirst face 130 and thecontact surface 160 have corresponding curved profiles. - In the illustrated embodiment, the
first face 130 and thecontact surface 160 have corresponding arcuate profiles. As shown inFIG. 11 , thefirst face 130 has an arcuate profile along itslength 142. As shown inFIG. 13 , thefirst face 130 also has an arcuate profile along itswidth 140. - The corresponding curved profiles of the
contact surface 160 and thefirst face 130 allow the position and the orientation of thehole 132 to be adjusted relative to a perimeter of theopening 136 by sliding a portion of thefirst face 130 over thecontact surface 160, whilst maintaining contact between thecontact surface 160 and said portion of thefirst face 130. The position of thehole 132 relative to the perimeter of theopening 136 is adjustable in two perpendicularaxial directions opening 136 is adjustable about the twoaxial directions - Advantageously, since the position and the orientation of the
hole 132 may be adjusted relative to the perimeter of theopening 136, the position and the orientation of an attachment secured to the mountingplate 128 is adjustable relative to the perimeter of theopening 136. This may allow an attachment mounted to thehandlebar 100 via the mountingarrangement 126 a, such as a brake and/or gear lever for example, to be adjusted such that it can be more comfortably reached by a hand gripping thehandlebar 100. - In alternative embodiments (not shown), the position and/or orientation of the
hole 132 relative to the perimeter of theopening 136 may be adjustable in one direction only. For example, thecavity 134 may be configured such that the mountingplate 128 is restricted from moving along or about one of theaxial directions - The
external surface 138 of the firstgrippable element 104 a that includes theopening 136 has a curved profile. In particular, theexternal surface 138 has an arcuate profile along the axial direction 156 (as illustrated inFIG. 8 ), and along the axial direction 158 (as illustrated inFIG. 5 ). In the illustrated embodiment, the curved profile of theexternal surface 138 substantially corresponds to the curved profile of thecontact surface 160. - As demonstrated in the example below, some attachments may include an attachment mount or other supporting structure, which is arranged to abut the
external surface 138 when mounted to the mountingarrangement 126 a. Therefore, the curved profile of theexternal surface 138 allows the orientation of the attachment to be adjusted relative to an orientation of thehandlebar 100, whilst ensuring consistent contact between the attachment supporting structure and theexternal surface 138. - With reference to
FIGS. 15 to 17 , anattachment 162 is secured to the first mountingarrangement 126 a. In particular, theattachment 162 is a combined brake and gear shift mechanism, and theattachment 162 is mounted to the firstgrippable element 104 a of thehandlebar 100. - The
attachment 162 includes anattachment mount 164 and alever 172. An abutment surface (not shown) of theattachment mount 164 includes a hole 166 (shown in phantom inFIG. 15 ). In the illustrated embodiment, thehole 166 is a threaded hole. - To secure the
attachment 162 to the first mountingarrangement 126 a, the abutment surface of theattachment mount 164 is placed against theexternal surface 138. In the illustrated embodiment, the abutment surface has a curved profile corresponding to the curved profile of theexternal surface 138. As such, the position and orientation of theattachment mount 164 relative to the perimeter of theopening 136 can be adjusted whilst ensuring contact is maintained between the abutment surface and theexternal surface 138. - Once the
attachment mount 164 is in a desired position relative to the perimeter of theopening 136, the mountingplate 128 is positioned within thecavity 134 such that thefirst face 130 faces theopening 136 and thehole 132 in the mountingplate 128 is coincident with thehole 166 in theattachment mount 164. This can be achieved by a user inserting one or more fingers into thecavity 134 via thecavity entrance 150 to manipulate the mountingplate 128. - A fastener 168 (shown in phantom in
FIG. 15 ) is then introduced into thecavity 134 via thecavity entrance 150 and inserted through thehole 132 from thesecond face 148 of the mounting plate 128 (shown in phantom inFIG. 15 ). In the illustrated embodiment, thefastener 168 is a threaded fastener, which is screwed into the threadedhole 132. Thefastener 168 passes through thehole 132 into the mountingplate 128 until a distal end of thefastener 168 extends away from thefirst face 130 of the mounting plate, through theopening 136 and into thehole 166 in theattachment mount 164. Thefastener 168 is screwed into thehole 166 in theattachment mount 164 until theattachment mount 164 is fixedly secured to the first mountingarrangement 126 a. - The
attachment 162 includes askirt 170, which is formed from a flexible material (e.g. a flexible polymeric material such as rubber). Theskirt 170 is in a retracted position in Figure Once theattachment 162 has been secured to the first mountingarrangement 126 a as described, theskirt 170 is extended over theattachment mount 164 such that it covers the first mountingarrangement 126 a, as shown inFIG. 16 . Theskirt 170 inhibits air flowing over thehandlebar 100 from contacting the first mountingarrangement 126 a or theattachment mount 164, and provides a smooth continuous surface for air to flow over. As such, theskirt 170 acts to reduce the aerodynamic drag of thehandlebar 100. - As shown in
FIG. 6 , theopening 136 of the first mountingarrangement 126 a generally faces the secondaxial direction 116. As such, theattachment 162 mounted to the first mountingarrangement 126 a generally faces the secondaxial direction 116. As such, theattachment 162 may be located proximate one or more fingers of a user's hand which is gripping the firstgrippable element 104 a. For example, one or more fingers of a user's hand may be able to actuate thelever 172. - However, in alternative embodiments (not shown), the
opening 136 may face in any suitable direction. - In alternative embodiments (not shown), the transverse support 102 (e.g. the first
transverse portion 110 a or the mounting portion 108) may include the first mountingarrangement 126 a. In such embodiments, the mountingplate 128 is arranged to at least partially abut a surface of thetransverse support 102. The mountingplate 128 may at least partially be located within a cavity formed in thetransverse support 102. Thefirst face 130 of the mountingplate 128 may at least partially be accessible via an opening in an external surface of thetransverse support 102. In such embodiments, the first mounting arrangement may share any of the features described regarding the first mountingarrangement 126 a located on the firstgrippable element 104 a. - Some attachments may require cabling to extend between the attachment and part of the
bicycle 212 to which thehandlebar 100 is mounted. For example, if the attachment is a brake lever mechanism, it is common for brake cabling to extend between the brake lever mechanism and a brake mechanism, which is usually proximate one or both of thewheels bicycle 212. It is also common for such cabling to run external to thehandlebar 100, and as such, be exposed to oncoming air flow when thebicycle 212 is travelling. Exposed attachment cabling may increase the aerodynamic drag of thehandlebar 100, and may also harm the aesthetic appearance of thehandlebar 100. - To overcome these problems, the
handlebar 100 is configured to minimise the amount of attachment cabling that is exposed. - With reference to
FIGS. 8, 9, 17 and 18 , thehandlebar 100 includes a first tunnel opening 174 adjacent the first mountingarrangement 126 a, and a second tunnel opening 176 in thetransverse support 102 and spaced from thefirst tunnel opening 174. In the illustrated embodiment, thefirst tunnel opening 174 is formed in the firstgrippable element 104 a, and the second tunnel opening 176 is formed in the mountingportion 108. - In
FIG. 8 , aframe 175 is secured to the firstgrippable element 104 a, and is arranged to surround theexternal surface 138. Theframe 175 includes threeapertures first tunnel opening 174. Cabling may extend through theapertures first tunnel opening 174. - As shown in
FIG. 9 , thefirst tunnel opening 174 is formed as a single aperture adjacent to thecontact surface 160. InFIG. 9 , theframe 175 has been removed for clarity. - The
first tunnel opening 174 and the second tunnel opening 176 are in communication with a tunnel 178 (represented by dashed lines inFIG. 18 ) for receiving one or more cables therethrough. In the illustrated embodiment, thetunnel 178 is formed within thetransverse support 102 and the firstgrippable element 104 a, and extends between thefirst tunnel opening 174 and thesecond tunnel opening 176. - As shown in
FIG. 17 , afirst cable 180 a and asecond cable 180 b extend from theattachment 162 into thefirst tunnel opening 174. Thefirst cable 180 a is for controlling a braking mechanism (not shown), and thesecond cable 180 b is for controlling a gear mechanism (not shown). Although not shown, the first andsecond cables tunnel 178 and out of the second tunnel opening 176 from where they can be connected to the braking mechanism (not shown) and the gear mechanism (not shown) respectively. - The arrangement of the
first tunnel opening 174, the second tunnel opening 176 and thetunnel 178 helps to limit the length of the first and thesecond cables handlebar 100. As such, the effect of the first and thesecond cables handlebar 100 is limited. -
FIG. 19 shows a cross-section through theattachment portion 125 a of the firstgrippable element 104 a along the line A-A shown inFIG. 5 . Note that the cross-section is represented by hatching to show the external profile of thehandlebar 100 more clearly. - The cross-section does not show the internal features of the
handlebar 100. - Although the plane illustrated in
FIG. 19 is not necessarily normal to the firstlongitudinal axis 114 a, it will be appreciated that theattachment portion 125 a has a non-circular profile in a plane normal to the firstlongitudinal axis 114 a (which corresponds to a longitudinal axis of theattachment portion 125 a). - In the illustrated embodiment, the
attachment portion 125 a has a substantially aerofoil-shapedprofile 182 in a plane parallel to the secondaxial direction 116. The substantially aerofoil-shapedprofile 182 includes aleading edge 184 and a trailingedge 186. It will be appreciated that when an attachment is secured to the first mountingarrangement 126 a, such as theattachment 162 inFIGS. 15 to 17 for example, theleading edge 184 will be covered by the attachment. As such, a portion of said attachment will form the leading edge of the substantially aerofoil-shapedprofile 182. - It can be seen in
FIG. 19 that alinear axis 188 running substantially between theleading edge 184 and the trailingedge 186 is generally aligned with the secondaxial direction 116. As such, air flowing over theattachment portion 125 a and along the opposite secondaxial direction 116 will flow from theleading edge 184, around theprofile 182 and over the trailingedge 186. It will be appreciated that the substantially aerofoil-shapedprofile 182 will help to inhibit air travelling around the substantially aerofoil-shapedprofile 182 from separating from theattachment portion 125 a; i.e. help to inhibit the boundary layer from separating from theattachment portion 125 a. As such, the profile drag of theattachment portion 125 a will be less relative to if theattachment portion 125 a was a bluff body for example. - In the illustrated embodiment, the substantially aerofoil-shaped
profile 182 includes atruncated trailing edge 186. However, in alternative embodiments (not shown), the trailingedge 186 may be pointed or rounded. - Advantageously, providing the substantially aerofoil-shaped
profile 182 with atruncated trailing edge 186 may improve the comfort of a person gripping that portion of thehandlebar 100. Further, truncating the trailingedge 186 may have little or no adverse effect on the drag-reducing properties of the substantially aerofoil-shapedprofile 182. - In alternative embodiments (not shown), one or more portions of the first
grippable element 104 a spaced from or adjacent to theattachment portion 125 a may have a substantially aerofoil-shaped profile in a plane parallel to the secondaxial direction 116. - In alternative embodiments (not shown), the
attachment portion 125 a may not have a substantially aerofoil-shaped profile in a plane parallel to the secondaxial direction 116. -
FIG. 20 shows a cross-section through the mountingportion 108 of thetransverse support 102 along the line B-B shown inFIG. 4 . Note that the cross-section is represented by hatching to show the external profile of thehandlebar 100 more clearly. The cross-section does not show the internal features of thehandlebar 100. - In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting
portion 108 has a substantially aerofoil-shapedprofile 190 in a plane parallel to the secondaxial direction 116. The substantially aerofoil-shapedprofile 190 includes aleading edge 192 and a trailingedge 194. - In the illustrated embodiment, the trailing
edge 194 is a truncated trailing edge. However, in alternative embodiments (not shown), the trailingedge 194 may be pointed or rounded. - It can be seen in
FIG. 20 that alinear axis 196 running substantially between theleading edge 192 and the trailingedge 194 is generally aligned with the secondaxial direction 116. As such, air flowing over the mountingportion 108 and along the opposite secondaxial direction 116 will flow from theleading edge 192, around theprofile 190 and over the trailingedge 194. - It will be appreciated that, in use, a member of the
frame 214 of thebicycle 212 will extend through theaperture 113, as shown inFIG. 22 . As such, air will be inhibited or prevented from travelling through theaperture 113. -
FIG. 21 shows a cross-section through the firsttransverse portion 110 a of thetransverse support 102 along the line C-C shown inFIG. 4 . Note that the cross-section is represented by hatching to show the external profile of thehandlebar 100 more clearly. The cross-section does not show the internal features of thehandlebar 100. - In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting
portion 108 has a substantially aerofoil-shapedprofile 198 in a plane parallel to the secondaxial direction 116. The substantially aerofoil-shapedprofile 198 includes aleading edge 200 and a trailingedge 202. - In the illustrated embodiment, the trailing
edge 202 is a truncated trailing edge. However, in alternative embodiments (not shown), the trailingedge 202 may be pointed or rounded. - It can be seen in
FIG. 21 that alinear axis 204 running substantially between theleading edge 200 and the trailingedge 202 is generally aligned with the secondaxial direction 116. As such, air flowing over the firsttransverse portion 110 a and along the opposite secondaxial direction 116 will flow from theleading edge 200, around theprofile 198 and over the trailingedge 202. - In alternative embodiments (not shown), only the mounting
portion 108 or only the firsttransverse portion 110 a has a substantially aerofoil-shaped profile defined in a plane parallel to the second axial direction. - In alternative embodiments (not shown), none of the
transverse support 102 has a substantially aerofoil-shaped profile defined in a plane parallel to the second axial direction. - With reference to
FIG. 21 , the firstgrippable element 104 a includes anergonomic portion 206. Theergonomic portion 206 is represented as the portion of the firstgrippable element 104 a within the dotted box inFIG. 21 . Theergonomic portion 206 is shaped/contoured to correspond to at least a portion of a gripping hand (not shown). - The
ergonomic portion 206 includes awall 208, which is configured to be received within a space formed between the thumb and index finger of a gripping hand (not shown), and to extend towards a user's wrist. Thewall 208 may provide support to a user's hand. - An
external surface 210 of theergonomic portion 206 is adjacent to thewall 208. Theexternal surface 210 is contoured to improve the grip between one or more fingers of a gripping hand (not shown) and theexternal surface 210. - Advantageously, the
ergonomic portion 206 may increase the comfort of a user gripping theergonomic portion 206, as well as increasing the ability of said user to grip theergonomic portion 206. - The
handlebar 100 is substantially symmetric about the plane M illustrated inFIG. 2 , which is normal to the firstaxial direction 106. As such, the secondgrippable element 104 b is substantially a mirror image of the firstgrippable element 104 a about the plane M, and the secondtransverse portion 110 b is substantially a mirror image of the firsttransverse portion 110 a about the plane M. Therefore, the secondgrippable element 104 b and the secondtransverse portion 110 b may include any of the features previously described in relation to the firstgrippable element 104 a and the firsttransverse portion 110 a respectively.
Claims (18)
1. A handlebar for controlling a travelling direction of a vehicle, the handlebar comprising:
a transverse support for mounting to a vehicle, the transverse support extending substantially along a first axial direction;
a first grippable element extending from a first end of the transverse support, the first grippable element including a free end; and
a mounting arrangement for mounting an attachment to the handlebar,
wherein the mounting arrangement comprises a mounting plate arranged to at least partially abut a surface of the transverse support or the first grippable element, the mounting plate having a first face, wherein the first face includes a hole for receiving a fastener for mounting an attachment,
wherein the mounting plate is at least partially located within a cavity formed in the transverse support or the first grippable element, wherein the first face is at least partially accessible via an opening in an external surface of the transverse support or the first grippable element,
wherein the transverse support or the first grippable element comprises a cavity entrance spaced from the opening, the cavity entrance leading to the cavity, wherein the mounting plate is accessible via the cavity entrance by one or more fingers of a user.
2. The handlebar of claim 1 , wherein the mounting plate includes a second face opposite to the first face, wherein the second face is accessible via the cavity entrance; optionally, wherein the hole in the first face extends through the second face.
3. The handlebar of claim 1 , wherein the mounting plate is removable from the cavity via the cavity entrance.
4. The handlebar of any preceding claim 1 , wherein the cavity entrance is located substantially on an opposite side of the transverse support or the first grippable element to the opening.
5. The handlebar of any preceding claim 1 , wherein the first face has at least one spatial dimension which is greater than at least one spatial dimension of the opening, such that the mounting plate may be prevented from passing through the opening, optionally, wherein an area of the first face is greater than an area of the opening.
6. The handlebar of claim 5 , wherein a width and a length of the first face are greater than a width and a length of the opening respectively.
7. The handlebar of any preceding claim 1 , wherein a portion of the first face is arranged to abut a contact surface of the cavity, wherein the contact surface is adjacent the opening, and wherein the first face and the contact surface have corresponding curved profiles, optionally, wherein the first face and the contact surface have arcuate profiles.
8. The handlebar of any preceding claim 1 , further comprising a first tunnel opening and a second tunnel opening, wherein the first tunnel opening is adjacent the mounting arrangement, wherein the second tunnel opening is formed in the transverse support and is spaced from the first tunnel opening, wherein the first tunnel opening and the second tunnel opening are in communication with a tunnel for receiving a cable therethrough, said tunnel formed within at least a portion of the transverse support.
9. The handlebar of claim 8 , wherein the mounting arrangement is located on the first grippable element, and wherein the first tunnel opening is formed in the first grippable element.
10. The handlebar of claim 8 , wherein the transverse support comprises a mounting portion for mounting to a vehicle, and wherein the second tunnel opening is formed in or adjacent to said mounting portion.
11. The handlebar of claim 1 , further comprising a removable cap arranged to close the cavity entrance; optionally, wherein the removable cap is formed from a flexible material.
12. The handlebar of claim 1 , wherein a position of the hole relative to a perimeter of the opening is adjustable in at least one direction, optionally, wherein the position of the hole relative to the perimeter of the opening is adjustable in two perpendicular directions.
13. The handlebar of claim 1 , wherein the external surface of the transverse support or the first grippable element comprising the opening has a curved profile, optionally, wherein said external surface has an arcuate profile.
14. The handlebar of claim 1 , further comprising an attachment secured to the mounting arrangement, optionally, wherein the attachment is chosen from one of: a brake mechanism; a gear shift mechanism; a combined brake and gear shift mechanism; a bell; or a cyclocomputer.
15. The handlebar of claim 14 , wherein the attachment comprises an attachment mount including a hole, and wherein a fastener passes through the hole in the attachment mount and the hole in the mounting plate such that the attachment is secured to the mounting plate.
16. The handlebar of claim 1 , wherein the mounting arrangement is located on an attachment portion of the first grippable element, wherein the attachment portion has a non-circular profile in a plane normal to a longitudinal axis of the attachment portion, optionally, wherein the attachment portion has a substantially aerofoil-shaped profile in a plane parallel to a second axial direction, said second axial direction substantially perpendicular to the first axial direction.
17. The handlebar of claim 1 further comprising a second grippable element extending from a second end of the transverse support, wherein the second grippable element is substantially a mirror image of the first grippable element about a plane normal to the first axial direction.
18. A vehicle comprising a handlebar for controlling a travelling direction of a vehicle, the handlebar comprising:
a transverse support for mounting to a vehicle, the transverse support extending substantially along a first axial direction;
a first grippable element extending from a first end of the transverse support, the first grippable element including a free end; and
a mounting arrangement for mounting an attachment to the handlebar,
wherein the mounting arrangement comprises a mounting plate arranged to at least partially abut a surface of the transverse support or the first grippable element, the mounting plate having a first face, wherein the first face includes a hole for receiving a fastener for mounting an attachment,
wherein the mounting plate is at least partially located within a cavity formed in the transverse support or the first grippable element, wherein the first face is at least partially accessible via an opening in an external surface of the transverse support or the first grippable element,
wherein the transverse support or the first grippable element comprises a cavity entrance spaced from the opening, the cavity entrance leading to the cavity, wherein the mounting plate is accessible via the cavity entrance by one or more fingers of a user claim, wherein the vehicle is one of: a bicycle; a tricycle; or a quadracycle.
Applications Claiming Priority (5)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP20205557.0 | 2020-11-03 | ||
EP20205558.8 | 2020-11-03 | ||
EP20205558.8A EP3992070A1 (en) | 2020-11-03 | 2020-11-03 | Handlebar |
EP20205557.0A EP3992069A1 (en) | 2020-11-03 | 2020-11-03 | Handlebar |
PCT/GB2021/052838 WO2022096866A1 (en) | 2020-11-03 | 2021-11-02 | Handlebar with a mounting arrangement |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20230415841A1 true US20230415841A1 (en) | 2023-12-28 |
Family
ID=78599046
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US18/251,574 Pending US20240101216A1 (en) | 2020-11-03 | 2021-11-02 | Handlebar with attachment portion |
US18/251,577 Pending US20230415841A1 (en) | 2020-11-03 | 2021-11-02 | Handlebar with a mounting arrangement |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US18/251,574 Pending US20240101216A1 (en) | 2020-11-03 | 2021-11-02 | Handlebar with attachment portion |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
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US (2) | US20240101216A1 (en) |
TW (2) | TW202233475A (en) |
WO (2) | WO2022096865A1 (en) |
Family Cites Families (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6546827B2 (en) * | 2001-03-28 | 2003-04-15 | Shimano Inc. | Bicycle handlebar |
US8172247B2 (en) * | 2010-07-02 | 2012-05-08 | Trek Bicycle Corporation | Bicycle aero handlebar assembly |
US8307736B2 (en) * | 2011-03-22 | 2012-11-13 | Chang Hui Lin | Adjustable bicycle handlebar |
US8359713B1 (en) * | 2011-11-17 | 2013-01-29 | Sienna Group Corporation | Bike auxiliary handle fixing structure |
US10227104B2 (en) * | 2015-12-14 | 2019-03-12 | Sram, Llc | Bicycle control device mounting assembly |
US9994280B1 (en) * | 2017-04-12 | 2018-06-12 | Tien Hsin Industries Co., Ltd. | Auxiliary control device for bicycle |
IT201800005850A1 (en) * | 2018-05-30 | 2019-11-30 | HANDLEBAR FOR BICYCLES, STEERING ASSEMBLY FOR BICYCLES INCLUDING THIS HANDLEBAR AND BICYCLE INCLUDING THIS HANDLEBAR |
-
2021
- 2021-11-01 TW TW110140560A patent/TW202233475A/en unknown
- 2021-11-01 TW TW110140558A patent/TW202233474A/en unknown
- 2021-11-02 WO PCT/GB2021/052836 patent/WO2022096865A1/en active Application Filing
- 2021-11-02 WO PCT/GB2021/052838 patent/WO2022096866A1/en active Application Filing
- 2021-11-02 US US18/251,574 patent/US20240101216A1/en active Pending
- 2021-11-02 US US18/251,577 patent/US20230415841A1/en active Pending
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WO2022096865A1 (en) | 2022-05-12 |
TW202233475A (en) | 2022-09-01 |
US20240101216A1 (en) | 2024-03-28 |
TW202233474A (en) | 2022-09-01 |
WO2022096866A1 (en) | 2022-05-12 |
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