WO2012014176A1

WO2012014176A1 - Anti-vibration protection tape for grips of sports equipment pieces such as bicycle handles

Info

Publication number: WO2012014176A1
Application number: PCT/IB2011/053373
Authority: WO
Inventors: Giuseppe Bigolin
Original assignee: Selle Italia S.R.L.
Priority date: 2010-07-29
Filing date: 2011-07-28
Publication date: 2012-02-02
Also published as: TW201221185A; IT1404084B1; IT1401394B1; EP2598209A1; ITVI20100338A1; ITVI20100210A1; WO2012014166A1; TW201212981A

Abstract

An anti-vibration protection tape (1, 1 '), adapted to be wound on a grip (H) of sports and recreational equipment pieces, such as a bicycle handle or tennis racket, comprises a central member (2) made of a first elastically-deformable base material having length (L), width (W) and maximum thickness (S). The central member (2) has substantially parallel longitudinal edge portions (5, 6) with respective thicknesses (s1; s2) gradually decreasing towards the margins (7, 8), and such portions (5, 6) are at least partially superimposable. The edge portions (5, 6) have a substantially rectilinear profile on the side of the upper surface (3) of the tape (1 ) and a shaped profile (9, 10) on the side of the lower surface (4). The shaped profiles (9, 10) have substantially complementary form and respective thicknesses (s-i, s2) such that the sum of the single thicknesses (s-i, s2) results less than or equal to the maximum thickness (S) of the central member (2).

Description

ANTI-VIBRATION PROTECTION TAPE FOR GRIPS OF SPORTS EQUIPMENT PIECES SUCH AS BICYCLE HANDLES

Field of application

The present finding is generally applicable to the field of devices for the protection and safety of the human body, and particularly has as object an anti-vibration protection tape applicable to grips of sports and recreational equipment pieces, such as bicycle handles, tennis rackets and the like.

In a second aspect, the finding regards a grip for sports and recreational equipment pieces covered with a protection tape of the type indicated above.

State of the Art

Anti-vibration and anti-slip protection tapes are known, which are wound as a spiral on any grip of a sports equipment piece, such as a bicycle handle or a tennis racket, in order to reduce the risk of sliding, avoid discomfort and accidents and allow the users to enjoy an excellent comfort level.

In general, the known protection tapes, of the type illustrated in FIG. 1 , have an extended central member B, formed by at least one layer made of a base material comprising (for example) polyurethane (PU), possibly coupled to further layers.

The central member B has an approximately rectangular cross section, with an upper surface S intended to come into contact with the hands of the user and a lower surface T possibly covered with an adhesive in order to be stably anchored to the outer surface of the grip H.

The central member B has tapered longitudinal end edges E, F to facilitate the application of the tape on the grip. Using tapes of this type, the users, sports enthusiasts and athletes can cover the surface of the handle or grip by tightly winding the tape in helical spirals, in a manner such that one of the end edges E is at least partially superimposed on the other end edge F in order to fully cover the surface of the handle.

Known from EP1435256 is a protection tape having a base layer made of fabric or elastomer material, such as polyurethane, EVA or the like, and an underlying layer made of relatively sticky gel material, capable of stably adhering to a grip or to a bicycle handle.

Known from EP 2075184 is an anti-vibration tape which can be wound around a bicycle handle in order to reduce slipping, cushion the grip, increase comfort and avoid possible risks for users.

One drawback of such protection tapes is constituted by the fact that, even if the end edges are tapered, as shown in FIG. 2, helical projections are created at the overlaps of the longitudinal edges; such projections have a total thickness greater than the average thickness of the central member. This relief projection reduces comfort and can even cause abrasions or tearing of the athlete's tissues in case of prolonged use.

It would be appropriate to arrange a protection tape in which the sum of the thicknesses at the superimposed edges is not greater than the average thickness of the central member, in a manner so as to avoid projections and make the protection of the grip itself safer and more comfortable.

In addition, it would be appropriate to provide a system for indicating, in a simple and safe manner, the direction of application of the tape on the grip, in a manner so as to protect the user in the quickest and simplest way possible. Presentation of the invention

The object of the present invention is to overcome the drawbacks mentioned above by obtaining an anti-vibration protection tape for grips of sports and recreational equipment pieces that is highly efficient and relatively economical.

A particular object is to obtain a protection tape that allows avoiding excessive thicknesses at the superimposed end edges.

Another particular object is to provide a protection tape that is provided with suitable indications on the direction of application, in a manner so as to facilitate and accelerate the operation of application to the grip. Such objects, as well as others which will appear clearer below, are attained by an anti-vibration protection tape for grips of sports and recreational equipment pieces in accordance with claim 1 .

In addition, according to the invention, a protection is provided for a grip obtained with the tape indicated above, in accordance with claim 12.

The dependent claims relate to particular and alternative and/or advantageous embodiment features of the invention. Brief description of the drawings

Further features and advantages of the invention will be more apparent in light of the detailed description of several preferred but not exclusive embodiments of a protection tape according to the invention, illustrated as a non-limiting example with the aid of the attached drawing tables, in which:

FIGURES 1 and 2 represent section views of a tape and of a bicycle handle of the state of the art (Prior Art); FIG. 3 represents a section view in enlarged scale of a first embodiment of the protection tape according to the invention;

FIG. 3' represents a section view in enlarged scale of a slightly different variant of the first embodiment of the protection tape shown in to FIG. 3;

FIG. 4 represents a section view of the tape of FIG. 3 or FIG. 3', in slightly reduced scale and wound on a bicycle handle or on a similar grip in a manner so as to achieve a protection;

FIG. 5 represents a top view of the tape of FIG. 3 or FIG. 3';

FIG. 6 represents a section view in enlarged scale of a second embodiment of the protection tape according to the invention;

FIG. 7 represents a section view of the tape of FIG. 6 wound on a bicycle grip or similar grip in a manner so as to achieve a protection;

FIG. 8 represents a top view of the tape of FIG. 6.

Detailed description of a preferred embodiment

With reference to the mentioned figures, the tape according to the invention, overall indicated with the reference number 1 , can be wound on a grip H in order to obtain a protection cover.

Generally, the tape 1 is formed by a strap-shaped central member 2 with length L, width W and maximum thickness S, which are substantially uniform. As a non-limiting example, the length L can be comprised between 1 m and 3m and will preferably be equal to 2m, the width W can be comprised between 20 mm and 40 mm and will preferably be equal to 30 mm, the thickness can be comprised between 2 mm and 5 mm and will preferably be comprised between 2 mm and 3.5 mm.

With reference to the first embodiment illustrated in Figures 3, 3', 4 and 5, the central member 2 has a cross section substantially inscribed in a rectangle, with greater side equal to W and smaller side equal to S.

The central member 2 can be made of an elastically pliable and deformable material, such as PVC or polyurethane (PUR).

The aforesaid central member 2 can have an upper surface 3 intended to come into contact with the user, with finish adapted to protect the user's hands and confer a certain comfort and safety during use; the member 2 also has a lower surface 4 intended to hold/retain the grip H to be protected, and is possibly covered by an adhesive layer 4'. The latter will in turn be protected by an anti-adherent layer, not illustrated in the drawings, to be detached at the time of application on the surface of the grip H.

Preferably, the central member 2 has opposing, parallel longitudinal edge portions, respectively indicated 5 and 6 and which for ease of description will be defined respectively front and rear portion, both having a thickness gradually decreasing towards the margins 7, 8.

Suitably, the edge portions 5, 6 have a substantially rectilinear profile on the side of the upper surface 3 of the tape and a shaped profile 9, 10 on the side of the lower surface 4. In particular, the shaped profile 9 is convex, with convexity directed downward and the profile 10 is concave with convexity directed downward. The alternative embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3' is different from that of FIG. 3 essentially in that the shaped profile 10' is concave with upward concavity.

According to the invention, the shaped profiles 9, 10, respectively 9, 10' have substantially complementary shape with thicknesses Si , s₂ that vary point by point, comprised between 0 and S; such profiles can be superimposed in a manner such that the sum of the single thicknesses results substantially less than or equal to the maximum thickness S of the central member 2, according to the simple equation : s-_\ + s₂ = S .

Suitably, the surface 9 is convex, with inner radius of curvature R of predetermined value, e.g. comprised between 1 0 and 50 mm, preferably close to 25 mm, and the surface 10 respectively 10' is concave with outer radius of curvature R having a value close or equal to that of the inner radius.

In such a manner, when the tape 1 is wound on the outer surface of the handle or grip H, the front edge portion 5 will be superimposed on the rear edge portion 6 and will compress it in a manner so as to deform it, making its lower surface adhere to the outer surface of the grip.

Thus, the sum of the thickness Si , s₂ of the two superimposed edge portions 5, 6 will at most be equal to the maximum thickness S of the central member 2, preventing the development of helical projections, as normally occurs for the tapes on the market.

Suitably, on the upper surface 3 of the central member 2, identifications 11 are obtained which allow readily identifying the winding direction for the tape on the grip.

Preferably, the indications 11 are constituted by regularly spaced sections 12, obtained by means of deposition of paint or dye with a different pigmentation with respect to the base material of the central member 2, with any technique of application, deposition or integration in the base material.

The sections 12 can be arranged along the entire length L of the central member 2 or along an initial part thereof. Possibly, the paint or dye sections 12 can have the shape of a logo or trademark of the producer or distributor, and they can also constitute an advertizing member. The tape 1 can be obtained with any one working technique, e.g. starting from a section with rectangular-shaped cross section, by means of removal of material along the edge portions 5, 6 with blades or knives of appropriate shape.

Alternatively, the tape 1 can be made by means of molding of the base material in liquid state in a linear mold, or by means of hot extrusion. The tape 1 of length L can be wound and sold in packages or blister packs of appropriate shape.

With reference to Figures 6, 7 and 8, a second embodiment is illustrated of the tape 1 ' according to the invention, which is different from the first only in that the central member 2' in PVC mixture comprises a further layer 13 of a material with lower compressibility, e.g. NWF (Non Woven Fabric) impregnated with an elastomer. In this case, the lower surface 4 of the layer 13 can be covered by an adhesive layer 13', in turn covered by a sheet of anti-adherent material, not illustrated in the drawings, to be detached at the time of application.

A protection 20, 20' for the grip H can be obtained with a section L of tape 1 or 1 ' having a central member 2 with width W and maximum thickness S that are substantially constant, wherein the tape 1 is wound on the outer surface of a grip H with spirals of helical shape, and wherein the edge portions 5, 6 of the tape are at least partially superimposed, in a manner so as to have a total thickness s-i + s₂ that is substantially constant, less than or equal to the maximum thickness S of the central member of the tape. Tanks to this configuration, the protection 20, 20' will not have any localized projection or swelling along the edge portions 5, 6, as in tapes of the past, avoiding discomfort and abrasions for the user's hands. The tape and the protection according to the invention are susceptible to numerous modifications and variants, all falling within the inventive concept expressed in the enclosed claims. All details can be substituted by other technically equivalent elements, and the materials can be different as needed, without departing from the scope of the invention.

Even if the tape and the grip were described with particular reference to the enclosed figures, the reference numbers used in the description and in the claims are used to improve the comprehension of the invention, and do not constitute any limitation of the claimed protective scope.

Claims

1 . An anti-vibration protection tape (1 , 1 '), intended to be wound on a grip (H) of sports and recreational equipment pieces, such as a bicycle handle or a tennis racket, comprising a central member (2) made of a first elastically- deformable base material having predetermined length (L), width (W) and maximum thickness (S) that are substantially constant, said central member (2) having an upper surface (3), a lower surface (4) and substantially parallel longitudinal edge portions (5, 6) with respective thicknesses (Si , s₂) gradually decreasing towards the margins (7, 8),with at least partially superimposable on each other, characterized in that said edge portions (5, 6) have a substantially rectilinear profile on the side of the upper surface (3), and a shaped profile (9, 10) on the side of the lower surface (4), said shaped profiles (9, 10) having substantially complementary shape and respective thicknesses (s-i , s₂) such that the sum (s-i , s₂) thereof results substantially less than or equal to the maximum thickness (S) of said central member (2).

2. Tape according to claim 1 , wherein one (9) of said shaped profiles has convex shape and the other (10) of said shaped profiles has concave shape.

3. Tape according to claim 1 , wherein said concave-shaped profile (10) has concavity directed downward.

4. Tape according to claim 1 , wherein said concave-shaped profile (10') has concavity directed upward.

5. Tape according to claim 2, wherein said shaped profiles (9, 10; 9, 10') have radii of curvature, respectively inner and outer, that are substantially equal (R).

6. Tape according to claim 1 , wherein said central member (2) comprises a further layer (13) of a material with different compressibility.

7. Tape according to claim 1 , wherein on the upper surface (3) of the central member (2), identifications (1 1 ) are obtained which allow immediately and easily identifying the winding direction for the tape on the grip (H).

8. Tape according to claim 7, wherein said indications (1 1 ) are constituted by regularly spaced sections (12), obtained by means of deposition of paint or dye with a different pigmentation with respect to the base material of the central member (2).

9. Tape according to claim 8, wherein said sections (12) can be arranged along the entire length (L) of the central member (2) or along an initial zone.

10. Tape according to claim 8, wherein said paint or dye sections (12) can have the shape of a logo or trademark of the manufacturer or distributor and they can be distributed in a manner so as to constitute an advertizing member.

1 1 . Tape according to claim 8, wherein said central member (2) is obtained with a material with a predetermined elasticity and deformability, such as

PVC or polyurethane (PUR), and said further layer (13) is obtained with a material with lower compressibility, such as NWF (Non Woven Fabric) impregnated with an elastomer.

12. A protection (20, 20') for a grip (H), comprising a section (L) of tape (1 , 1 ') having a central member (2) with width (W) and maximum thickness (S) that are substantially constant, said tape (1 , 1 ') being wound on the outer surface of the grip (H) with spirals of helical form, characterized in that said central member (2, 2') comprises edge portions (5, 6) with shaped profiles (9, 10; 9, 10') of substantially complementary form, said edge portions (5, 6) being at least partially superimposed in a manner so as to have a substantially constant total thickness (s1 + s2), less than or equal to the maximum thickness of said central member (2), avoiding projections at the zone of overlap.