Handle Bars Patents (Class 74/551.1)
  • Publication number: 20120304803
    Abstract: Handlebars having a master tube, two handgrips at opposite ends of the master tube, a stem for attaching to a fork, and at least one portion with doubled section, the cross section of which comprises an upper outer wall, a lower outer wall, an upper inner wall and a lower inner wall. The upper outer wall is distanced from and joined to the upper inner wall, the lower outer wall is distanced from and joined to the lower inner wall, and the upper inner wall is distanced from the lower inner wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: Campagnolo S.r.I.
    Inventor: Mario Meggiolan
  • Publication number: 20120255391
    Abstract: Bicycle handlebar stem including a lightweight material, notably composite material, body (2) provided with at least one housing to receive a cylindrical part, and means (S) for clamping that part in the housing to assemble the stem and said part; the clamping means (S) comprise at least two studs (6) fixed in the stem body (2) in the vicinity of the housing (3) to project from the body, the stem including in a part facing but spaced from the area provided with the studs at least two conjugate holes (8) adapted to have the studs pass through them, and a nut (9) associated with each stud to clamp the cylindrical element in the stem, this clamping being obtained without causing the studs to turn in the stem body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicant: Time Sport International
    Inventor: Jean-Marc Gueugneaud
  • Patent number: 8262292
    Abstract: A bicycle headset includes a lower cup, a bearing, a pressed ring, and an upper cup. The lower cup includes a first surface and a block extended on the first surface. The bearing is engaged in the lower cup. The pressed ring is rotatably engaged in the bearing. The upper cup is rotatably engaged with the lower cup and includes a second surface facing the first surface, and a channel extended in the second surface and having an arc shape. The channel includes first and second stop walls. The channel receives the block and includes the first and second stop walls selectively abutted against the block. The first and second stop walls are distanced from each other with an arc length. The arc length has an angle not greater than 180 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Tien Hsin Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ming-Lun Hsieh
  • Patent number: 8262114
    Abstract: A tool-less coupling of a child vehicle having a front frame and a rear frame includes a post coupled to one of the front or rear frames; a locking insert having at least one flexible table coupled to the post, and a head tube coupled to the other of the front or rear frame, wherein an opening in a first end of the head tube is sized to cause inward flexing of the flexible tab as the post is inserted through the head tube, and the flexible tab flexes back outwardly after passing through the opening in the head tube so that a portion of the flexible tab is adjacent an end surface of the head tube such that the flexible tab cannot move back through the opening. Accordingly, the removal of the post from the head tube is prohibited and the front and rear frames are coupled together. A method for a tool-less assembly of a child vehicle is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Huffy Corporation
    Inventor: Donald K. Jessie, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8230758
    Abstract: A multi-adjustable handlebar and handlebar mounting riser assembly that rotates and pivots about multiple axes. This offers a high degree of adjustability by utilizing multiple adjusting members while integrating a number of elements to enhance safety and control. These include alignment keys, anti-separation grooves, caps, and stops as well as rotation stops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Inventor: Harry Greb Eddy
  • Patent number: 8215203
    Abstract: A handlebar clamp which can be removably affixed to the transverse clamping plate of any type of bicycle thereby allowing the bicycle to accommodate a multiplicity of handlebars. The handlebar clamp can be fitted to accommodate a multiplicity of different transverse clamping plates. The clamp is held in position by a quick-release attachment to the transverse clamping plate of a bicycle. The clamp has two jaws, the lower of which has at least two different sized partial openings, one each on its upper and lower sides, so that the lower jaw, upon rotation, accommodates different sized handlebars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Inventor: Paul Swift
  • Publication number: 20120160054
    Abstract: A handlebar support structure for sandwiching a steering handlebar (12) between a lower holder (25) and an upper holder (28) includes an instrument mounting area (30) for supporting an instrument panel unit (14) fitted removably thereto and a shield mounting area (32) for supporting a windshield (16) fitted removably thereto. The instrument mounting area (30) and the shield mounting area (32) are formed integrally with each other. The instrument mounting area (30) and the shield mounting area (32) altogether represent a forwardly pursed shape along a direction conforming to a forwardly tilted direction (D).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Inventors: Hideaki Kawai, Mitsuru Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 8152190
    Abstract: A stem connecting the handlebars and steerable fork of a cycle has one tube attached to the handlebars and another tube attached to the steerable fork with the tubes capable of being rotated and locked with respect to one another. This arrangement allows for various configurations of the handlebars and fork including the typical riding configuration as well as an alternate configuration where the handlebars are folded with respect to the fork. Change in configuration is accomplished without tools by way of a biased locking arrangement for the tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Inventor: Alejandro Lacreu
  • Publication number: 20120079910
    Abstract: A handlebar/stem attachment interface with minimal frontal area comprises a handlebar body and a stem between which is disposed a threaded element to screw or unscrew the stem. By such arrangements, it is convenient for the user to replace the handlebar as desired, and the smooth even configuration of the handlebar body can further reduce the drag coefficient of the bicycle while increasing the riding rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Inventors: Kristopher T. Wehage, Ronald J. Correa
  • Patent number: 8087685
    Abstract: The invention relates to a securing device for head tube bearings of two-wheel vehicles, e.g. bicycles. The head tube bearing comprises a top and a bottom bearing unit, with the aid of which a tubular shaft of the fork of the two-wheel vehicle can be rotatably connected to a head tube of the frame of the two-wheel vehicle. The inventive securing device is composed of a thrust bearing which can be locked onto the tubular shaft above the top bearing unit and is effectively connected to a mechanism applying an axial pressure to the top bearing unit, henceforth referred to as an axial pressure mechanism. This has the advantage that securing the clearance of the head tube bearing is entirely independent of the handlebar fixture. The thrust bearing is locked in relation to the tubular shaft once the disclosed thrust bearing comprising the axial pressure mechanism has been placed on the tubular shaft and has been slid onto the top bearing unit until reaching the stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Inventor: Frank Weidner
  • Patent number: 8056439
    Abstract: A device to mount a control lever to a bicycle handlebar includes a bracket, an expanding bolt, and a fixing member. The bracket is configured to be connected to the control lever and includes an inlet opening with a center axis, a first tapered portion extending along an axial direction, and at least one tapered outer serration formed on the first tapered portion. The expanding bolt includes a tubular portion and a second tapered portion extending along the axial direction. The tubular portion includes an outer threaded surface. The fixing member is disposed on the tubular portion of the expanding bolt. The first and second tapered portions are configured to operate so as to push the fixing member against an inner surface of the bicycle handlebar when the device is mounted to the bicycle handlebar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Seiji Fukui, Kenji Nakahara
  • Publication number: 20110266844
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus may permit the mounting of bicycle components (16) such as seats, handlebars, and the like, to bicycles. A bicycle component mount (3) may be isolated from the structure of a bicycle. Forces generated at various points on the bicycle's structure may be substantially impeded or eliminated from transmission through an isolated bicycle component mount (3). Multidimensional motion of a bicycle component mount (3) may include rotational, translational, and rototranslational motion with progressive elastomeric resistance in multiple directions. A bicycle component mount (3) may exhibit movement about its own center of mass (12). Motions of a rider on a bicycle may be biomechanically compensated for by a bicycle component mount (3) to facilitate rider comfort, promote efficient transfer of rider motion to the operation of a bicycle, and decrease wear on bicycle components (16).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2011
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Inventors: Thomas H. Petrie, Ross Shafer
  • Patent number: 8029011
    Abstract: An adjustable handlebar assembly for a saddle-type vehicle includes a base member, a support member, a left handlebar and a right handlebar. The support member is rotatably coupled to the base member and each of the left handlebar and the right handlebar is attached to the support member. The support member is configured to permit the left handlebar and the right handlebar to be selectively moved relative to the support member and the base member, independently of one another, to selectively adjust each of the left handlebar and the right handlebar in respective, generally longitudinal directions along a saddle-type vehicle, when the adjustable handlebar assembly is pivotally coupled to a frame of the saddle-type vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Darin D. King, Robert S. Zimmerman, Daniel T. Sellars, Scott D. Batdorf
  • Patent number: 8020884
    Abstract: A bicycle including a main frame, a front fork rotationally coupled to the main frame, a rear wheel rotationally coupled to the main frame, a front wheel rotationally coupled to the front fork, a handlebar, and a stem assembly coupling the handlebar to the front fork. The stem assembly includes a stem base coupled to the front fork, a face plate coupled to the stem base with the handlebar sandwiched between the face plate and the stem base, and an auxiliary retention system that holds the face plate engaged with the stem base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron J. Foley, Dennis John Wrobleski
  • Publication number: 20110219908
    Abstract: A bicycle stem comprises a steerer tube base including a pivotal end having a pivotal hole and two blocking devices provided in the pivotal end and slightly protruding from an inner side of the pivotal hole; a clamp arm including a coupled end pivotally coupled to the pivotal end; and a lock unit including two lock sleeves, an engaged bolt disposed in the pivotal hole of the pivotal end and a blocking element for preventing the engaged bolt detaching from the pivotal end; wherein the lock unit is operable between a first position and a second position. In the first position of the lock unit, the clamp arm is fixed and can not pivot with respect to the steerer tube base, and in the second position of the lock unit, the clamp arm is able to pivot with respect to the steerer tube base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2010
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Inventor: Kristopher Wehage
  • Patent number: 7992690
    Abstract: The present invention describes a device for locking a lever of a motor vehicle. The device permits an operator to quickly lock the lever in an engaged position and unlock the lever from the engaged position. The device may be used even when the manual dexterity of the operator is limited by protective equipment. The device includes a pin and spring. The pin passes through aligned holes in the flange and lever. Releasing the lever exerts a lateral force on the pin, thereby preventing the pin from lifting from the lever hole and locking the lever in the engaged position. The spring lifts the pin from the locked position when the lateral force is reduced. The device may be used on a brake or clutch lever of a motorcycle, thereby permitting the operator to have at least one free hand at a stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Inventor: James William Cross
  • Publication number: 20110154942
    Abstract: Disclosed is a safety device on a steering handle, capable of controlling a direction-control wheel of a wheeled vehicle. The handlebar is engaged with the head part by its mortise with a tenon of the head part. When an outer bar end of the handlebar is hit, an inner tube of the handlebar will be pushed to disengage the mortise and the tenon to rotate the handlebar along. Alternatively, paired washers with wedge-shaped teeth can be utilized to engage the handlebar with the head part. When the outer bar end is hit, the washers are disengaged to allow the handlebar to rotate. Moreover, a hydraulic system or an inserting rod with a chassis groove system can be employed to maintain the original direction of the direction-control wheel when the handlebar is hit. Therefore, a sudden turn of the direction-control wheel and an fall-over of the rider and the vehicle can be prevented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2010
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicant: National Taiwan University of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Mau-Pin Hsu, Hsin-Wei Su, Chih-Hao Wang, Ruei-Fu Wang
  • Publication number: 20110120257
    Abstract: A structure for sufficiently spacing a steering handle from a top bridge, thereby greatly improving design flexibility. A relief portion for allowing the deformation of a washer is formed to overlap a second contact surface and adjacent to a first contact surface as viewed in the axial direction of each bolt member. The first contact surface is located so as not to overlap the second contact surface as viewed in the axial direction of each bolt member. Therefore, a bending force acts on the washer to allow the deformation of the washer. That is, the washer can exhibit a spring function to relax the effect of the bending force. As a result, the steering handle can be sufficiently spaced from the top bridge to thereby greatly improve design flexibility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Inventors: Kosei Hayashi, Yasuki Ito, Shunichi Nakajima, Yoshitaka Seki, Terunari Saiki, Masataka Nakano
  • Patent number: 7900948
    Abstract: A fork assembly for a bicycle includes a pair of forks and a steerer tube that extend in generally opposite directions from a fork crown. The assembly includes first and second means for securing the steerer tube to the fork crown. Preferably, the steerer tube is threaded and bonded to the fork crown. The fork crown includes a pair of cavities that each slidably receives a respective fork. Preferably, each fork is formed of a carbon fiber material and has an end whose shape substantially matches a shape of a respective cavity formed in the crown. The forks and crown cavities cooperate to efficiently communicate loads between the forks and the fork crown while maintaining a lightweight and robust fork, fork crown, and steerer tube assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Trek Bicycle Corporation
    Inventor: Barry Lewis
  • Patent number: 7891687
    Abstract: A bicycle is provided including a tubular frame having interconnected tubes defining hollow passageways. A curvilinear hollow handlebar is operatively coupled to the frame. The handlebar includes at least one aperture and an opening providing access to the passageways in the frame. A control lever is operatively mounted to the handlebar for controlling a component of the bicycle. A control cable has a first end fixedly secured to the control lever and a second end adapted to be secured to the component of the bicycle for actuation thereof. The control cable extends through the aperture into the handlebar and through the opening of the handlebar into the passageways of the frame between the first and second ends to conceal the control cable within the frame and the handlebar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Magna Marque International Inc.
    Inventor: John Schmider
  • Patent number: 7874229
    Abstract: A bicycle handlebar assembly is provided with a handlebar, a first gearshift operating part and a second gearshift operating part. The handlebar includes a central portion, a first end portion on a first lateral side of the central portion and a second end portion on a second lateral side of the central portion. The first gearshift operating part is attached to the first end portion of the handlebar with the first gearshift operating part being arranged to electrically control a front derailleur to selectively perform a first gearshift operation. The second gearshift operating part is attached to the first end portion of the handlebar with the second gearshift operating part being arranged to electrically control a rear derailleur to selectively perform a second gearshift operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Toshio Tetsuka
  • Patent number: 7870809
    Abstract: A handlebar assembly (100) is disclosed comprising a lower base portion (101) which is adapted to support a handlebar (202) through a guide means which is so constructed and arranged to permit the handlebar (202) to move along a path relative to the base portion (101) whereby upon movement of the handlebar (202) along the path to the left or the right relative to a central position the handlebar (202) tilts and the center of the handlebar (202) moves downwards relative to the base portion (101) as well as horizontally from the central position. The assembly allows the handlebars to move in a way which mimics the movement of the handlebars of a bicycle. In a modification, the guide means may restrain the handlebar for movement up/down or forwards/backwards or side to side, again to provide a more realistic range of movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Inventor: Michael Joseph Patrick Rice
  • Patent number: 7866002
    Abstract: A handlebar grip capable of combining with or without an auxiliary handle is disclosed. Four first tongue plates in an annular arrangement extend from a main grip. There is a gap between two adjacent first tongue plates. Each first tongue plate has a first rib extending therefrom. A cap having second tongue plates corresponding to the first tongue plates is fixed on the outer end of the main grip by interlacing the tongue plates. A hitching ring is sandwiched between the cap and main grip to form an extended portion of the main grip. Each the second tongue plate has a second rib, which connects the first ribs to form an annular rib with the first ribs. The ring has an annular groove to receiving the annular rib and to engage the main grip and cap. The ring may be changed into a horn shape as an auxiliary handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Inventor: John Wang
  • Publication number: 20100294877
    Abstract: This apparatus is a new VTOL roadable aircraft having fore and aft sections joined by a seating midsection; with compact inlets built into its fuselage, also pairs of flight stabilizing surfaces and tail fins; the fuselage structure being a Lifting Body that provides aerodynamic lift during both forward flight and vertical descent; provided with intake chambers containing propelling surfaces rotating on longitudinal axis in opposite senses, and external pairs of swiveled nozzles producing thrust vectoring; these nozzles using conventional devices and having spins directed by original controls of corresponding identical movement directions; with standard automobile equipment integrated with the vehicle compact design and dimensions, making it compatible for road transport and enabling direct transitions to flight mode; and safe landing systems for emergencies are provided with half the technology being off the shelf devices as those in use by NASA and the US Airforce.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Inventor: Laurentiu Jianu
  • Patent number: 7832752
    Abstract: A suspension assembly for a front end of a vehicle to provide lateral flex for absorption of lateral forces. The suspension assembly comprises a steering shaft including two ends: an end coupled to an upper triple clamp and another end coupled to a lower triple clamp. A spring unit couples one of the two ends of the steering shaft to the associated triple clamp and absorbs forces that are transferred from a road surface up through a front wheel and the pair of forks retained by the upper and lower triple clamps. A pivot mechanism couples the other triple clamp to the other one of the two ends of the steering shaft and creates a pivoting axis. The suspension assembly permits the front end to pivot about the pivoting axis and causes the spring unit to flex laterally in response to bumps in the road surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: MotoCzysz LLC
    Inventor: Michael Czysz
  • Publication number: 20100275723
    Abstract: The stem includes a stem body (2) that is provided with first elements (3) for attaching the stem (1) to a pivoting tube and second elements (25) for attaching a handlebar to the stem. The latter include a U-shaped cap (27) that has first connecting elements (32) that are able to be connected to the second connecting elements (33) that are provided at the front end of the stem body (2) to attach the U-shaped cap (27) opposite a recess (30) that is provided on the front end of the stem body to receive the handlebar. The length of the stem can be modified using at least one crescent-shaped spacer (35) that is placed in the shape of a U for obtaining a reduced length of the stem or in the recess (30) for obtaining a more significant length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Applicant: LOOK CYCLE INTERNATIONAL
    Inventor: Sébastien SERVET
  • Patent number: 7815206
    Abstract: A securing device for a bicycle front fork has a clamping sleeve, an upper pressing base and a lower pressing base. The clamping sleeve is hollow, is made of a resilient material and has a C-shaped cross section. The upper pressing base is attached to a top end of the clamping sleeve and has a threaded hole and an upper pressing surface. The threaded hole is defined in the upper pressing base to screw with a connecting bolt. The upper pressing surface is conical and pressing against the inner surface of the clamping sleeve. The lower pressing base is attached to a bottom end of the clamping sleeve, is connected to the upper pressing base in a thread manner and has a lower pressing surface. The lower pressing surface is conical and presses against the inner surface the clamping sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Inventor: Peng-Yu Tseng
  • Patent number: 7798511
    Abstract: A steering system for a motorcycle includes a head pipe, a steering stem, a top bridge, a bottom bridge, a front fork, and a steering handlebar. The steering stem is supported by the head pipe. The top bridge has a center portion, a side portion extending from the center portion, and a holding portion provided at the side portion. The top bridge is supported by the steering stem at the center portion to steerably move around the head pipe. The bottom bridge is supported by the steering stem to steerably move around the head pipe. The front fork is held by the top bridge through the holding porting and is held by the bottom bridge. The top bridge has a protruding portion provided on an upper face of the top bridge and extending from the holding portion toward the center portion of the top bridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Takenaka, Akira Kato, Haruki Nishimura
  • Publication number: 20100186543
    Abstract: A handlebar (1) for a vehicle such as a motorcycle or a two, three or four wheeled motor vehicle, a snowmobile or a seamobile, comprises a body (2) presenting a central portion (3) and final portions (4, 5) of constant cross-section, the central portion (3) and each final portion (4, 5) being connected together by a corresponding intermediate portion (7, 8) also of at least partly constant cross- section shape; each intermediate portion (7, 8) presents, in proximity to the central portion (3) and to the corresponding final portion (4, 5), end regions (12, 13) having sudden cross-section variations such as to define elastic regions acting as elastic hinges for the connection of said intermediate portion (7, 8) to the adjacent portions (4, 5), and to enable the handlebar (1) to undergo a controlled deformation thereat when subjected to stress during vehicle use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2008
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: Domino S.P.A.
    Inventor: Luca Menghini
  • Publication number: 20100186542
    Abstract: A handlebar formed from a metal hollow pipe and having a generally uniform peripheral wall thickness along its entire length, including a longitudinal center portion, first and second end portions having a smaller outer diameter than that of the longitudinal center portion, and first and second, tapered intermediate portions connecting the center portion to the first and second end portions, respectively. The first and second, tapered intermediate portions and/or the first and second end portions are bent symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal center portion. The handlebar is produced by bending a hollow straight metal pipe, placing the resulting bent pipe between molds and feeding a pressurized liquid into the bent pipe while axially compressing the bent pipe to cause the peripheral wall of the bent pipe to plastically expand into conformity with a mold cavity defined by the molds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2009
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: KYOEI MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Takahiko HASHIMOTO
  • Patent number: 7757820
    Abstract: A rotor brake has a front tube, an upper bearing assembly, a braking device, at least one upper brake cable and at least one spring. The front tube has a top and a tube opening defined in the top of the front tube. The upper bearing assembly is mounted securely on the top of the front tube. The braking device is mounted in the tube opening and has a sliding bracket and an upper rotator. The sliding bracket is slidable and rotatable. The upper rotator is rotatably mounted around the sliding bracket. The at least one upper brake cable is mounted through the upper bearing assembly and is embedded in the upper rotator. The at least one spring is correspondingly mounted compressibly around the at least one upper brake cable and abuts the upper bearing assembly and the upper rotator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Cheng Hsiung Wei
    Inventor: Chin Chang Wu
  • Patent number: 7744108
    Abstract: A stem front cap for the stem of a bicycle, including: a body having a mounting part that is adapted and structured for receiving and securing a handlebar in conjunction with a stem. A receiving section at the body of the stem front cap is provided for receiving and securing at least one aero support to enable the user to assume an aerodynamic operating posture on a bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Inventor: Morgan Nicol
  • Patent number: 7740264
    Abstract: A stem connecting the handlebars and steerable fork of a cycle has one tube attached to the handlebars and another tube attached to the steerable fork with the tubes capable of being rotated and locked with respect to one another. This arrangement allows for various configurations of the handlebars and fork including the typical riding configuration as well as an alternate configuration where the handlebars are ‘folded’ with respect to the fork. Change in configuration is accomplished without tools by way of a biased locking arrangement for the tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Inventor: Alejandro Lacreu
  • Patent number: 7703786
    Abstract: The head cap of a bicycle headset is configured with a shoulder sized to releasably receive an uncrimped bottle crown to cover a headset adjustment bolt in a decorative fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Niner, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Domahidy, Chris Sugai
  • Patent number: 7699331
    Abstract: A motorcycle-stance alteration kit is described. The kit includes a handlebar clamp, a fork clamp, and a footpeg extension. The handlebar clamp is formed to connect with a motorcycle's fork clamp and reposition the motorcycle's handlebar to alter a user's riding stance. The fork clamp is configured to be attached with motorcycle forks to the motorcycle's frame. The fork clamp includes a horizontal mounting surface that is formed to offset the fork's rake angle to cause the horizontal mounting surface to rest in a substantially horizontal alignment with respect to a ground surface. Finally, the footpeg extension is formed to connect with and between a motorcycle frame and footpeg. Thus, the footpeg extension effectively repositions the footpeg to alter the user's riding stance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Inventor: Matthew McVickar
  • Patent number: 7698967
    Abstract: A handlebar for a bicycle has first and second laterally extending portions disposed outboard of a central attachment portion. Each of the first and second laterally extending portions is preferably winged-like in configuration to provide reduced air resistance. The first laterally extending portion includes an aerobar clamping mechanism, and the second laterally extending portion includes a second aerobar clamping mechanism. Each aerobar clamping mechanism includes a tapered receiving sleeve having an axis that is generally parallel to a travel axis of the handlebar. A collect having a major axis that extends in a plane generally parallel to the direction of travel of the bicycle is receivable within the receiving sleeve. The collet includes a plurality of axially extending slots that permits the diameter of the collet to be varied. The collet includes an aerobar receiving slot having a major axis that is generally co-linear with the axis of the collect, and is provided for receiving an aerobar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Compositech, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Ording, Joshua R. Poertner
  • Publication number: 20100089196
    Abstract: The present invention finds application in the art of sport and leisure accessories, and relates to a ventilated bicycle handlebar, which includes a tubular body having an axial inner cavity, a center portion for connection to a bicycle frame and end portions, designed to be grasped by the hands of a user. The tubular body has an air inlet at the center portion and an air outlet in the remaining areas. The inlet is partly or wholly oriented in the riding direction so that the incoming air can flow through the inner cavity and come out of the outlet to ventilate the hands of a user during riding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Inventor: Massimo Losio
  • Publication number: 20100018341
    Abstract: A vehicle handlebar comprises a tubular body of variable cross-section, the tubular body comprising a central segment (12) intended to be clamped to the vehicle steering column, a pair of end segments (13, 14) intended to form opposing portions for gripping by the vehicle user, and a pair of intermediate segments (15, 16), inclined to the central segment, each of which connects an end segment to the central segment on opposite sides, the tubular body having a generally polygonal cross-section at the intermediate segments, in the central segment a pair of portions (17, 18) of substantially circular cross-section being present to engage the vehicle steering column via clamping means, a portion of generally polygonal cross-section (19) being interposed between said two portions of substantially circular cross-section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2008
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicant: DOMINO S.P.A.
    Inventor: Bruno Greppi
  • Publication number: 20100011904
    Abstract: Motorcycles are a one-size-fits-all device from the factory. Shorter people, people with shorter arms or operators who changes the grips from the longer factory grips to what is called ISO grips, which are shorter, find the length and position of the handlebars uncomfortable. The operator has to lean forward each time a turn is encountered, to turn the handlebars as far as required to maneuver the motorcycle. This invention, riser extensions, raises the handlebars up and repositions them rearward, allowing the operator more bend in the elbow and the ability to operate the motorcycle in a more upright position. The operator can safely turn the handlebars as far as required, comfortably making the operator safer. The riser extensions are fastened under the original factory risers and the original bolts and nuts are replaced with longer bolts and locknuts and are tightened to the original factory torque specifications of the originals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2008
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Inventor: Richard C. Flanders
  • Patent number: 7644642
    Abstract: A top clamp for steering systems used in cycles, such as motorcycles, is provided. The top clamp may be adapted to allow a hand guard crossbar to couple directly thereto. The top clamp may also have a steering damper mount plate adjustably coupled thereto to enable the movement of the handlebars from a forward position to a rearward position without causing the steering damper to move from axial alignment with the axial center of a steering tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Promoto Billet
    Inventors: Joshua A. Paris, Kelly Anson
  • Publication number: 20100000368
    Abstract: An aerobar assembly for a bicycle that generally includes an aerobar, an adaptor and a control cable guide. The aerobar includes proximal and distal portions and proximal and distal ends. The aerobar has a generally hollow interior. The adaptor mounts an actuator assembly to the aerobar. The adaptor includes an interiorly-disposed portion and an exteriorly-disposed portion. The interiorly-disposed portion is disposed in the hollow interior of the aerobar and is bonded to the distal portion of the aerobar. The exteriorly-disposed portion is configured to receive the actuator assembly. The control cable guide is configured to slidably receive a control cable therethrough. The control cable guide is coupled to the adaptor such that the control cable enters the distal end, extends through the interior of the aerobar, and exits the proximal end of the aerobar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2008
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Applicant: Compositech, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua Poertner, Lance Johnson, Andrew Ording, David Ripley
  • Publication number: 20090320639
    Abstract: A handle structure for sports equipment bars (B) particularly handlebars of cycles, motor cycles or the like. The structure (1) has a main tubular body (2) which defines a longitudinal axis (X), and has an outer surface (6) susceptible of being grasped by a user and an inner surface (7) designed to be operably mounted to the bar (B). A first device (3) axially locks the main body (2) to the bar (B). The tubular body (2) has a plurality of modular annular elements (10, 10?, 10?) designed for mutual coaxial connection along the longitudinal axis (X) for adjusting the overall length (L) of the body (2) to each user's needs. A sports implement incorporating such structure is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 4, 2007
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Inventors: Stefano Segato, Vincent Bourgeois
  • Publication number: 20090229403
    Abstract: A bicycle handle, which is suitable in particular for trekking and mountain bikes, comprises a sleeve with a sleeve slot in it. The sleeve is connected to a grip element. For fastening the bicycle handle on a bicycle handlebar, the sleeve is mounted to the bicycle handlebar, and a clamping device is provided in a clamping region of the sleeve. A barend is connected to the clamping device. In order to avoid rotation of the barend, it is provided according to the disclosure that a rotation-prevention device is arranged between the clamping device and the bicycle handlebar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Inventor: Franc Arnold
  • Publication number: 20090158882
    Abstract: The present invention provides a handlebar tape attached to the handlebar of the bicycle. The handlebar tape comprises a body layer, an elastic layer, a connecting layer, and an adjoined layer. The body layer has a first surface and a second surface. The elastic layer is fixed onto the second surface. The connecting layer is fixed onto the elastic layer. The adjoined layer has a third surface and a fourth surface. The adjoined layer is fixed onto the connected layer, wherein the fourth surface of the adjoined layer is adhesive. When the adjoined layer is wrapped around the surface of an object, the handlebar tape is capable of being firmly attached to the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2008
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: International Bicycle Products Corporation
    Inventor: Tsai-Yun Yu
  • Publication number: 20090090212
    Abstract: A stem connecting the handlebars and steerable fork of a cycle has one tube attached to the handlebars and another tube attached to the steerable fork with the tubes capable of being rotated and locked with respect to one another. This arrangement allows for various configurations of the handlebars and fork including the typical riding configuration as well as an alternate configuration where the handlebars are ‘folded’ with respect to the fork. Change in configuration is accomplished without tools by way of a biased locking arrangement for the tubes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2007
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventor: Alejandro Lacreu
  • Patent number: 7500415
    Abstract: An object clamp includes first and second clamp portions having recesses therein defining a generally circular cylindrical opening for receiving an object to be clamped. The first and second opposing clamp portions have at least one pair of opposing ends when in a preclamped state and at least one fastener for urging the ends towards each other when in a clamped state. At least one relief area is formed in the recesses and is deflected into engagement with the object when the object clamp is in the clamped state. The object to be clamped may be a bicycle steering tube, a bicycle handle bar, or a bicycle seat tube, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: L.H. Thomson Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Loronzo H. Thomson, Brian Thomson
  • Publication number: 20090056495
    Abstract: A bicycle handlebar assembly having a stem portion constructed to engage a stem tube that is rotationally supported by a frame and a handlebar that is co-molded to the stem portion. Preferably, the stem portion and the handlebar are constructed to dissimilar materials. More preferably, the stem portion is constructed to a metal-type material and the handlebar is constructed of a carbon-fiber material. The stem portion and the handlebar are constructed such that the handlebar engages the stem portion and is secured thereto during formation of the handlebar assembly by co-molding. Such a construction provides a bicycle handlebar assembly that is lightweight, robust, and can be efficiently produced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2007
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventors: Todd Bischoff, Barry Lewis
  • Publication number: 20090049949
    Abstract: A bicycle handlebar includes a mediate portion with two grip portions extending from two ends of the mediate portion, a reinforcement member is received in the mediate portion and securely in contact with an inner periphery of the mediate portion. The reinforcement member is made by carbon fibers or aluminum alloy so as to reinforce the strength of the mediate portion of the handlebar. The mediate portion is connected to the handlebar stem.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2007
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventor: Chao-Hu Chen
  • Publication number: 20090044658
    Abstract: A breakproof handle bar includes continuous wavy tubular concave and convex cambers disposed on an external surface of a middle section of the bar, a flat and smooth circular surface disposed separately on external surfaces of both left and right sides of the bar, and an internal wall with a uniform thickness disposed in a hollow diameter along the interior of the whole bar, so that the bar can sustain a large force and prevent the bar from being broken, cracked, or deformed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2007
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventor: Yu-Chuan Yen
  • Patent number: 7490531
    Abstract: A kind of accessory handle fixing base for a bicycle, including an accessory handle, two cushions for elbow's relaxation, and fixing bases. It features include making the lower section of the fixing base be an arc position sheet, and making the radian of the position sheet with the front middle of the handle. As a result, the fixing base for fixing the accessory handle can be combined at the locking section of the handle and standpipe when the middle section of the handle is locked in an arc groove positioned at the front end of the handle standpipe and the combination groove is combined with a standpipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Ourway Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chuan-Feng Chen