WO1992020565A1 - A handlebar for a cycle - Google Patents

A handlebar for a cycle Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO1992020565A1
WO1992020565A1 PCT/AU1992/000226 AU9200226W WO9220565A1 WO 1992020565 A1 WO1992020565 A1 WO 1992020565A1 AU 9200226 W AU9200226 W AU 9200226W WO 9220565 A1 WO9220565 A1 WO 9220565A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
handlebar
shock
cycle
absorbing means
flat spring
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/AU1992/000226
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Anthony Robert Stock
Original Assignee
Anthony Robert Stock
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Anthony Robert Stock filed Critical Anthony Robert Stock
Publication of WO1992020565A1 publication Critical patent/WO1992020565A1/en

Links

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
    • B62K21/14—Handlebars; Handlebar stems having resilient parts therein
    • B62K21/145—Handlebars; Handlebar stems having resilient parts therein the handlebar itself being flexible

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a handlebar for a cycle and in particular to a handlebar for a bicycle.
  • a preferred object of the present invention is to provide a simple yet effective system to dampen the shocks transmitted through the handlebar and subsequently to the cyclist.
  • This invention provides a handlebar for a cycle for connection to the cycle at substantially the central region of the handlebar, which handlebar comprises a shock-absorbing means, which shock- absorbing means comprise at least one first portion arranged to the left of the central region and at least one second portion arranged to the right of the central region, each portion being adapted to flex up-and-down but not, to a significant degree, to- and-fro, the shock-absorbingmeans not comprising any parts which are adapted to move with respect to each other except in so far as the portions flex up-and-down.
  • Figures la, lb and lc are front, plan and perspective views of one very simple, generally straight embodiment
  • Figures 2a, 2b and 2c illustrate in front, plan and perspective views an embodiment in which shock-absorbing means project forwardly with reference to the stem of a cycle frame;
  • Figures 3a, 3b and 3c illustrate in front, plan and perspective views a development of the embodiment of Figures 2a, 2b and 2c.
  • the shock- absorbing means comprises one first portion only and one second portion only.
  • the first portion of the shock-absorbing means is integral when fitted to the cycle with the second portion of the shock-absorbing means.
  • the handlebar according to the invention comprises hand grip means, one being attached to each of the first and second portions of the shock-absorbing means generally outboard of the respective shock-absorbing means.
  • each portion of the shock absorbing means comprises at least one substantially flat spring means.
  • each substantially flat spring means is arranged so that in use it is generally parallel or at a relatively small angle to the major plane of the surface over which the cycle is travelling.
  • each flat spring means is elongated in a direction from the central region of the handlebar towards the attachment region of the respective hand grip means.
  • each flat spring means is slightly tapered in a direction from the central region of the handlebar towards the attachment region of the respective hand grip means.
  • an attachment means for attaching the handlebar to the cycle frame is provided between the first portion of the handlebar and the second portion of the handlebar.
  • This invention also provides an assembly comprising a handlebar as described above together with a stem for attachment to a cycle.
  • a handlebar 1 is provided with a central attachment means 2, on one side of which is connected a substantially flat spring means 3 and on the other side of which is connected a substantially flat spring means 4.
  • a hand grip means 5 is connected to flat spring means 3 and a hand grip means 6 is connected to the other flat spring means 4.
  • Numeral 7 indicates a cycle stem (the cycle frame is not shown) and numeral 8 indicates a clamp for gripping attachment means 2.
  • a handlebar 9 is provided with a central attachment means 10, in the shape of an elongated cylinder. On one side of attachment means 10, and projecting forwardly therefrom, is connected a substantially flat spring means 11. On the same side of attachment means 10 and also projecting forwardly therefrom, but at an angle to the line of projection of flat spring means 11, is connected another flat spring means 12. Connected to, and swept back from, flat spring means 11 is a hand grip means 13. A corresponding hand grip means 14 is also connected to flat spring means 12. Numeral 15 indicates a cycle stem (the cycle frame is not shown) and numeral 16 indicates a clamp for gripping attachment means 10.
  • a handlebar 17 comprises two swept forward flat spring means 18 and 19 generally in the form of a gull-wing.
  • Hand grip means 20 and 21 are connected to flat spring means 18 and 19 respectively and are swept back therefrom.
  • Flat spring means 18 and 19 slope upwardly to form a shallow "V" as seen from the front.
  • An integral stem 22 is attached to the underside of flat spring means 20 and 21 fits into cycle frame 23 (part only is shown) .
  • a bolt 24 is located along centre line 25 at the join of flat spring means 18 and 19 and attaches the handlebar to cycle frame 23.
  • Part or all of the embodiments illustrated above may be made of a material such as spring steel, Duralumin, a plastics material or a reinforced carbon fibre material.
  • the handlebars described in the preferred embodiments are particularly advantageous because they substantially reduce the amount of vibration felt by the rider through the handlebar.
  • the reduction in vibration is such that the rider can traverse ridges or obstacles in his path that would, if using a conventional handlebar, normally dislodge the rider from his bike.
  • Another advantage of the described handlebars is that they can be produced from a number of materials and so relatively inexpensive versions can be made for general use. Thus, it is possible for most bicycles to be fitted with such a device whereas previously only professional riders could readily afford the expense of fitting vibration damping devices.
  • shock absorber type arrangements are fitted to the fork of bicycle a small portion of the rider's energy when taking off from a standing position is lost to the compression of the spring in the shock absorber. This is contrary to the working of the embodiments described herein wherein all the starting effort or energy of the rider is converted to forward driving motion.
  • Another advantage of the present invention is that when a carry basket is used on the bicycle and the basket is positioned on the handlebar the weight of the basket is a sprung weight and not a dead load.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Steering Devices For Bicycles And Motorcycles (AREA)

Abstract

A handlebar (1) comprises a central attachment means (2) for attaching the handlebar to a cycle. The handlebar comprises a shock-absorbing means which comprises two portions (3) and (4) outboard of the central attachment means. Hand grip means (5) and (6) are connected to portions (3) and (4) respectively.

Description

TITLE; A Handlebar for a Cycle
FIELD OF THE INVENTION: The present invention relates to a handlebar for a cycle and in particular to a handlebar for a bicycle.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION: A common complaint voiced by many cyclists is that their wrists and hands become sore because of the vibrations transmitted to them via the handlebar of the bicycle. On very bumpy road surfaces the vibrations transmitted can be quite severe and can consequently make riding unpleasant. Professional cyclists who ride for extremely long periods can suffer injury and become fatigued as a result of this continued vibration.
Attempts have been made to prevent or at least substantially reduce the amount of vibration transmitted to the hands of a rider through the handlebar of the bicycle. In one arrangement a conventional shock absorber is fitted to each front fork of the bicycle. Vibrations felt by the front wheel are dampened by the shock absorber. An arrangement of this type which is used by some cyclists is sold under the trademark Rock Shox.
Although some of these vibration dampening arrangements are quite effective they can be very expensive. Furthermore, when using such arrangements it is often necessary to modify the mounting for the front brake thereby further increasing the cost of these arrangements. A preferred object of the present invention is to provide a simple yet effective system to dampen the shocks transmitted through the handlebar and subsequently to the cyclist.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION: This invention provides a handlebar for a cycle for connection to the cycle at substantially the central region of the handlebar, which handlebar comprises a shock-absorbing means, which shock- absorbing means comprise at least one first portion arranged to the left of the central region and at least one second portion arranged to the right of the central region, each portion being adapted to flex up-and-down but not, to a significant degree, to- and-fro, the shock-absorbingmeans not comprising any parts which are adapted to move with respect to each other except in so far as the portions flex up-and-down.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:- Three embodiments exemplifying the invention are disclosed as follows:-
Figures la, lb and lc are front, plan and perspective views of one very simple, generally straight embodiment;
Figures 2a, 2b and 2c illustrate in front, plan and perspective views an embodiment in which shock-absorbing means project forwardly with reference to the stem of a cycle frame; and
Figures 3a, 3b and 3c illustrate in front, plan and perspective views a development of the embodiment of Figures 2a, 2b and 2c.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION: Preferably, the shock- absorbing means comprises one first portion only and one second portion only.
Preferably, the first portion of the shock-absorbing means is integral when fitted to the cycle with the second portion of the shock-absorbing means.
Preferably, the handlebar according to the invention comprises hand grip means, one being attached to each of the first and second portions of the shock-absorbing means generally outboard of the respective shock-absorbing means.
Conveniently, in the handlebar according to the invention each portion of the shock absorbing means comprises at least one substantially flat spring means.
Preferably, each substantially flat spring means is arranged so that in use it is generally parallel or at a relatively small angle to the major plane of the surface over which the cycle is travelling.
Preferably, each flat spring means is elongated in a direction from the central region of the handlebar towards the attachment region of the respective hand grip means. In one variation, each flat spring means is slightly tapered in a direction from the central region of the handlebar towards the attachment region of the respective hand grip means.
More preferably, an attachment means for attaching the handlebar to the cycle frame is provided between the first portion of the handlebar and the second portion of the handlebar.
This invention also provides an assembly comprising a handlebar as described above together with a stem for attachment to a cycle.
Turning to Figures la, lb and lc, a handlebar 1 is provided with a central attachment means 2, on one side of which is connected a substantially flat spring means 3 and on the other side of which is connected a substantially flat spring means 4. A hand grip means 5 is connected to flat spring means 3 and a hand grip means 6 is connected to the other flat spring means 4. Numeral 7 indicates a cycle stem (the cycle frame is not shown) and numeral 8 indicates a clamp for gripping attachment means 2.
With reference to Figures 2a, 2b and 2c, a handlebar 9 is provided with a central attachment means 10, in the shape of an elongated cylinder. On one side of attachment means 10, and projecting forwardly therefrom, is connected a substantially flat spring means 11. On the same side of attachment means 10 and also projecting forwardly therefrom, but at an angle to the line of projection of flat spring means 11, is connected another flat spring means 12. Connected to, and swept back from, flat spring means 11 is a hand grip means 13. A corresponding hand grip means 14 is also connected to flat spring means 12. Numeral 15 indicates a cycle stem (the cycle frame is not shown) and numeral 16 indicates a clamp for gripping attachment means 10.
Turning to Figures 3a, 3b and 3c, a handlebar 17 comprises two swept forward flat spring means 18 and 19 generally in the form of a gull-wing. Hand grip means 20 and 21 are connected to flat spring means 18 and 19 respectively and are swept back therefrom. Flat spring means 18 and 19 slope upwardly to form a shallow "V" as seen from the front. An integral stem 22 is attached to the underside of flat spring means 20 and 21 fits into cycle frame 23 (part only is shown) . A bolt 24 is located along centre line 25 at the join of flat spring means 18 and 19 and attaches the handlebar to cycle frame 23.
Part or all of the embodiments illustrated above may be made of a material such as spring steel, Duralumin, a plastics material or a reinforced carbon fibre material.
The handlebars described in the preferred embodiments are particularly advantageous because they substantially reduce the amount of vibration felt by the rider through the handlebar. The reduction in vibration is such that the rider can traverse ridges or obstacles in his path that would, if using a conventional handlebar, normally dislodge the rider from his bike. Another advantage of the described handlebars is that they can be produced from a number of materials and so relatively inexpensive versions can be made for general use. Thus, it is possible for most bicycles to be fitted with such a device whereas previously only professional riders could readily afford the expense of fitting vibration damping devices.
It is important to note that when shock absorber type arrangements are fitted to the fork of bicycle a small portion of the rider's energy when taking off from a standing position is lost to the compression of the spring in the shock absorber. This is contrary to the working of the embodiments described herein wherein all the starting effort or energy of the rider is converted to forward driving motion.
Another advantage of the present invention is that when a carry basket is used on the bicycle and the basket is positioned on the handlebar the weight of the basket is a sprung weight and not a dead load.
The embodiments described are by way of example only and modifications are possible within the scope of the invention.

Claims

The claims defining the invention are as follows:
1. A handlebar for a cycle for connection to the cycle at substantially the central region of the handlebar, which handlebar comprises a shock-absorbing means, which shock- absorbing means comprises a first portion arranged to the left of the central region and a second portion arranged to the right of the central region, each portion being adapted to flex up-and-down but not, to a significant degree, to- and-fro, the shock-absorbing means not comprising any parts which are adapted to move with respect to each other except in so far as the portions flex up-and-down.
2. A handlebar as claimed in claim 1, wherein the shock- absorbing means comprises one first portion only and one second portion only.
3. A handlebar as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first portion of the shock-absorbing means is integral with the second portion of the shock-absorbing means.
4. A handlebar as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3, which comprises hand grip means, one being attached to each of the first and second portions of the shock-absorbing means generally outboard of the respective shock-absorbing means.
5. A handlebar as claimed in any of claims 1 to 4, wherein each portion of the shock-absorbing means comprises at least one substantially flat spring means.
6. A handlebar as claimed in claim 5 ,wherein each substantially flat spring means is arranged so that in use it is generally parallel or at a relatively small angle to the major plane of the surface over which the cycle is travelling.
7. A handlebar as claimed in claim 5 or claim 6, wherein each flat spring means is elongated in a direction from the central region of the handlebar towards the attachment region of the respective hand grip means.
8. A handlebar as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein each flat spring means is slightly tapered in a direction from the central region of the handlebar towards the attachment region of the respective hand grip means.
9. A handlebar as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein an attachment means for attaching the handlebar to the cycle frame is provided between the first portion of the handlebar and the second portion of the handlebar.
10. An assembly comprising a handlebar as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9 together with a stem for attachment to a cycle.
PCT/AU1992/000226 1991-05-20 1992-05-20 A handlebar for a cycle WO1992020565A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AUPK625791 1991-05-20
AUPK6257 1991-05-20

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1992020565A1 true WO1992020565A1 (en) 1992-11-26

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/AU1992/000226 WO1992020565A1 (en) 1991-05-20 1992-05-20 A handlebar for a cycle

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO1992020565A1 (en)

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2690127A1 (en) * 1992-04-16 1993-10-22 Tunesi Roger Cycle handlebar bends with shock absorbing variable stiffness - uses long continuous fibre composites providing intermediate sections stiff in the steering and less in the absorbing planes
FR2751607A1 (en) * 1996-07-25 1998-01-30 Ardouin Jean Jacques Handlebar for bicycle
EP2003050A1 (en) * 2007-06-15 2008-12-17 DOMINO S.p.A. Handlebar with elastic hinges
US20180362110A1 (en) * 2015-12-18 2018-12-20 Canyon Bicycles Gmbh Bicycle Handlebar

Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB153636A (en) * 1919-07-22 1920-10-22 Henry Weston Allkin Improvements in handle bars for motor and other cycles
GB258853A (en) * 1925-09-26 1927-01-06 Anton Gazda Improvements in or relating to handle bars, more particularly for cycles or motor cycles
FR660526A (en) * 1928-09-17 1929-07-12 Soft handlebars for cycles and motorcycles
FR876435A (en) * 1940-11-20 1942-11-05 Soft handlebars for cycles
GB560994A (en) * 1942-10-27 1944-05-01 Alfred John Ottignon Improvements in handlebars for cycles
US2462381A (en) * 1945-11-01 1949-02-22 Gazda Antoine Spring handle bar for motorcycles and the like
GB651106A (en) * 1948-11-09 1951-03-14 Roelof Carel De Boer Improvements in or relating to flexibly suspended handles for cycles and the like
FR976349A (en) * 1948-12-09 1951-03-16 Bicycle handlebars
FR1009638A (en) * 1950-02-02 1952-06-03 Handlebars for bicycles, motorcycles, etc.

Patent Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB153636A (en) * 1919-07-22 1920-10-22 Henry Weston Allkin Improvements in handle bars for motor and other cycles
GB258853A (en) * 1925-09-26 1927-01-06 Anton Gazda Improvements in or relating to handle bars, more particularly for cycles or motor cycles
FR660526A (en) * 1928-09-17 1929-07-12 Soft handlebars for cycles and motorcycles
FR876435A (en) * 1940-11-20 1942-11-05 Soft handlebars for cycles
GB560994A (en) * 1942-10-27 1944-05-01 Alfred John Ottignon Improvements in handlebars for cycles
US2462381A (en) * 1945-11-01 1949-02-22 Gazda Antoine Spring handle bar for motorcycles and the like
GB651106A (en) * 1948-11-09 1951-03-14 Roelof Carel De Boer Improvements in or relating to flexibly suspended handles for cycles and the like
FR976349A (en) * 1948-12-09 1951-03-16 Bicycle handlebars
FR1009638A (en) * 1950-02-02 1952-06-03 Handlebars for bicycles, motorcycles, etc.

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2690127A1 (en) * 1992-04-16 1993-10-22 Tunesi Roger Cycle handlebar bends with shock absorbing variable stiffness - uses long continuous fibre composites providing intermediate sections stiff in the steering and less in the absorbing planes
FR2751607A1 (en) * 1996-07-25 1998-01-30 Ardouin Jean Jacques Handlebar for bicycle
EP2003050A1 (en) * 2007-06-15 2008-12-17 DOMINO S.p.A. Handlebar with elastic hinges
WO2008151974A1 (en) * 2007-06-15 2008-12-18 Domino S.P.A. Handlebar with elastic hinges
US20180362110A1 (en) * 2015-12-18 2018-12-20 Canyon Bicycles Gmbh Bicycle Handlebar
US10526036B2 (en) * 2015-12-18 2020-01-07 Canyon Bicycles Gmbh Bicycle handlebar

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