Machine element or mechanism – Control lever and linkage systems – Elements
Reexamination Certificate
1997-11-26
2001-03-13
Green, Mary Ann (Department: 3682)
Machine element or mechanism
Control lever and linkage systems
Elements
C074S489000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06199447
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to rotatable grips for actuating a derailleur-type bicycle gear shifting system. More particularly, it relates to handlebar-mounted rotatable grips designed to ergonomically fit the joints and lands of a rider's hand.
2. Description of Related Art
Hand-rotatable bicycle gear shifters have been developed as replacements for older lever-actuated shifters, especially for use in conjunction with off-road or “mountain” bicycles. Hand-rotatable shift actuators are disclosed, for example, In U.S. Pat. No. 4,900,291 issued Feb. 13, 1990; U.S. Pat. No. 4,938,733 issued Jul. 3, 1990; U.S. Pat. No. 5,102,372 issued Apr. 7, 1992; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,476,019 issued Dec. 19, 1995. All of these patents are assigned to the assignee of this application. In each of the foregoing patents, a bicycle derailleur is actuated by a rotatable grip which is located on the handlebar of the bicycle inboard of a customary stationary handgrip. Prior to this invention, the gripping surface of rotatable grips sold by the assignee of this application was typically formed of foam rubber or neoprene and had a smooth outer surface, as shown in
FIGS. 33 and 40
of U.S. Pat. No. 5,102,372 and
FIGS. 21 and 40
of U.S. Pat. No. 5,197,927 reference above.
The assignee has experimented with hand-rotatable grips with axially extending ribs where the grips were formed of a hard plastic material such as ABS; these grips were less than optimal in that they presented harsh sharp edges to the operator's hand. These edges were uncomfortable to the rider, presenting an especially acute problem during jarring off-road bicycle riding over uneven surfaces and obstacles. Also, these prior rotatable grips of the assignee tended to become slippery when fouled by mud and the like, reducing the amount of torque capable of being applied by the rider and requiring the rider to exert a greater gripping force on the shifters. A need therefore exists for improved grips with optimum torque-transmission and anti-fouling features which are adapted to be incorporated into a hand-rotatable gear shifter.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of this invention to provide a gripping surface on a handlebar-mounted rotatable grip for actuation of a derailleur-type bicycle gear shift system which more readily and comfortably transmits torque from the rider's hand to the shifter. It is a further object of this invention to provide a gripping surface for a rotatable grip which will allow the rider to effectively transmit torque to the shifter in the presence of mud and debris while providing a comfortable surface for the rider to grip.
According to one aspect of the invention, a grip for a hand-rotatable bicycle gear shifter is provided with an outer gripping surface in the form of a bulb in a direction parallel to the shifter axis with axially extending ridges angularly spaced by elongated base regions about the grip circumference. The ridges are displaced radially outwardly relative to the adjoining base regions. The bulbous shape at the general outer surface of the grip along the shifter axis provides a larger gripping diameter that accommodates the extended length of a rider's middle finger relative to the shorter adjoining index and ring fingers. Both the bulbous shape along the shifter axis and the angularly alternating ridges and base regions define the outer surface of the grip in order to maximize the surface area contacting the rider's hand. The axially extending ridges are of a width and are spaced such that the thumb and at least the index finger and the portion of the palm therebetween readily engage at least 2 or more of the ridges to further enhance torque transmission to the shifter. Additionally, the larger diameter ridges and bulb shape enable the rider to shift with greater mechanical advantage, thereby reducing the torque transmission and gripping or clasping forces that the rider must exert on the shifter.
In a further embodiment of this invention, a rotatable grip is provided with axially extending ribs on the bulbous general outer surface. The axially extending ribs are also of a width and are spaced such that the thumb and at least the index finger and the portion of the palm therebetween readily engage at least
2
or more of the ridges to further enhance torque transmission to the shifter. The ribs are angularly spaced by grooves about the grip circumference, the ribs defining sidewalls formed at a substantial angle to the outer surface of the bulbous grip. A primary function of the ribs is to ensure that a grippable surface protrudes above any mud and debris that may collect on the grip. An additional primary function of the ribs is to improve torque transmission by providing a larger diameter operating surface with more deformable and engageable edges.
In further embodiments of this invention, the ribs, ridges and base regions of the preferred embodiments described herein are provided with radially extending nubs which provide enhanced torque transmission by presenting smaller surface areas which are deflected by engagement with the thumb and at least the index finger and the portion of the palm therebetween. Preferably, a profile of these nubs in an axial section is also bulbous, and the distance between the profile of the general outer surface and that of the nubs is substantially constant.
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SRAM Corporation Drawings, Apr. 22, 1992 Representation of handgrip designs that were available to the public more than one year prior to the filing of this application.
Brady Patrick J.
Larson Michael W.
Lump Brian L.
Zimberoff David J.
Green Mary Ann
Perkins Jefferson
Piper Marbury Rudnick & Wolfe
SRAM Corporation
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