Machine element or mechanism – Control lever and linkage systems – Elements
Patent
1996-03-01
1997-12-02
Luong, Vinh T.
Machine element or mechanism
Control lever and linkage systems
Elements
745511, 403 90, 403344, 280279, B62K 2112
Patent
active
056924135
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a device for joining a bar end to a basic bar which is comprised of a basic bar clamp and a bar end clamp, the latter being offset from the basic bar clamp in such a way that the longitudinal axis of the bar end clamp does not intersect the outline of the basic bar clamp, the two clamps being connected by means of a transition piece.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Bar ends mounted to a basic bar provide the rider with a variety of hand positions permitting aggressive yet relaxed riding. Conventional bar ends are clamped to the ends of a basic bar by securing them either to the inside or the outside of the basic bar. The internal clamping method may use an expanding collet inside the bar tube to fix the bar end in position. Overtightening the expanding collet may cause the bar tube to burst. In addition, the internal clamp has the drawback of increasing the width of the handlebar by a couple of centimeters. Shortening the bar tube does not help, because grip width is lost resulting in unsteady steering. With the external clamp method, the basic bar width is not altered. However, the hand space available on the bar is reduced by the width of the clamp securing the bar ends to the handlebar's ends. The reduction can be 4 to 5 cm. With conventional bar ends, the basic bar clamp and the bar end tube are generally a one-piece component, the longitudinal axis of the clamp intersecting the; axis of the bar end within the contour of the bar clamp. On very steep hill climbs, where the center of gravity is moved to the rear of the bicycle, the front wheel is likely to lift off. Under extreme conditions and during long climbs, conventional bar ends, although being able to push the rider's weight forward with the help of a forward hand position, partly fail to put enough pressure onto the front wheel to avoid a wheelie and fail to allow riding in a relaxed position, as the rider's arms are considerably angled.
For this reason, it has already been suggested to position the bar ends downward of the basic bar in order to increase the pressure on the frout in an effort to avoid a wheelie. According to the suggestion, an external clamp is fitted on its circumference with a connecting piece facing downward to which a bar end clamp is attached radially. The suggested configuration has the same drawback as the external clamp described previously. It does not allow to grip the handlebar at its extreme ends. Furthermore, the lack of ergonomic design makes the hands sore and numb, especially on long rides.
Therefore, it is the intent of the present invention to provide a device for joining a bar end to a basic bar which enables to put enough pressure onto the front wheel during hard climbing and which, in addition, is ergonomically designed and offers multiple grip positions. Furthermore, it is the intent of the present invention not to restrict the hand space on the handlebar and not to increase the handlebar's width needlessly.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, this task is solved by arranging the transition piece in such a way that the basic bar (called "outward face" in the following), bar clamp, and basic bar.
The lowered grip position on the bar ends helps to push the center of gravity to the front and to straighten the arms on hard climbs, thereby increasing riding comfort. Even on flat stretches, the rider is able to maintain an aero position due to the lowered hand position on the bar ends. The joining device in accordance with the present invention provides hand positions which overlap at the extreme end of the basic bar and at the rear section of the bar end. As a result, the grip space is not restricted and the basic bar is not lengthened. By arranging the bar end clap on the side of the transition piece, neither the transition piece nor the bar end clamp interfere with the hand positions at the basic bar's extreme ends. The arrangement of the bar end in accordance with the present invention also permits to grip the hand
REFERENCES:
patent: 511479 (1893-12-01), Westbrook
patent: 3863521 (1975-02-01), Gastos et al.
patent: 4023436 (1977-05-01), Dodge
patent: 4260171 (1981-04-01), Foster
patent: 5000469 (1991-03-01), Smith
patent: 5224396 (1993-07-01), Lobbezzo et al.
patent: 5501477 (1996-03-01), Moreau
Luong Vinh T.
Rauchfuss, Jr. George W.
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