BICYCLE HANDLEBAR CENTERPIECE

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention:

The present invention relates to bicycles. More specifically, the present invention relates to the centerpiece supporting the handlebars of a bicycle.

2. Description of the Related Art:

Conventional handlebars for bicycles are made from round tubing. These known handlebars are generally a single tube that connects to the front fork of the bicycle by way of a steering post or stem which clamps around a central portion of the handlebar.

Tubular handlebars are not aerodynamically optimal. For competitive racing, bicycles need to be as aerodynamic as possible. The handlebars are generally one of the first components of the bicycle to confront the air through which the bicycle must travel. Accordingly, improvements in the aerodynamics of a bicycle's handlebars can have a dramatic effect on the overall aerodynamics of the bicycle.

A centerpiece for a two-piece handlebar is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 637,517. The handle bar has an adjustable angle, is made of conventional tubing, and provides no aerodynamic advantage. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art noted above by providing an aerodynamic handlebar centerpiece. The centerpiece

accommodates handlebars having wing-shaped handlebar sections. In a preferred embodiment, the two handlebar sections are separate, and are connected centrally by the aerodynamically-shaped centerpiece. The centerpiece preferably has left and right lugs, each lug having a wing-shaped cross-section for receiving the ends of the left and right wing-shaped handlebar sections.

The centerpiece includes a stem extension. Preferably, the stem extension is a single, fixed, unitary extension of the centerpiece extending parallel to the ground. The stem extension also can extend at an upward or downward slope with respect to the ground. In an alternative embodiment, the stem extension comprises two or more extensions or tubes. Optionally, the stem extension is pivotally mounted and/or torsionally suspended on the centerpiece, a steering post, or a stem. The lugs extend from either side of the stem extension.

Preferably, the left and right lugs slope upward or downward from a horizontal through the stem extension. Most preferably, the lugs slope downward at a predetermined drop angle. The drop angle is provided to promote a flat-backed, aerodynamic position for the bicycle rider. Generally, the lugs of the bicycle handlebar centerpiece will drop at an angle which is 0- 45° from horizontal, preferably about 22.5°. On bicycles in which the front wheel, fork, and/or head tube configuration already provide a low, aerodynamic position for the rider, the left and right lugs are provided at a flat, or upward sloping orientation. In addition, the left and right lugs preferably extend at an angle with respect to a vertical plane

across the face of the bicycle rider. Most preferably, the lugs rake forward to provide the rider with a forward reach. The forward raking angle most preferably is less than 45°. The lugs generally extend approximately three to four inches from either side of the axial center of the εtem extension. In addition, each of the left and right lugs preferably tapers from a maximum outside dimension adjacent the stem extension, to a minimum outside dimension at a point furthest from the stem extension.

In a preferred embodiment, the left and right lugs are hollow, and the outer walls of the hollow lugs have a thickness that tapers, from a maximum adjacent the stem extension, to a minimum at a point furthest from the stem extension. The taper minimizes stress risers, and provides an aesthetic blending and a continued aerodynamic contour between the centerpiece and the handlebar sections. The centerpiece of the present invention preferably is unitary. The centerpiece can be made conventionally from steel, cro-moly, or aluminum. Alternatively, the centerpiece can be made from more exotic materials such as metal matrices, boralyn, metal/carbon fibers, such as titanium carbon fibers, or beryllium. The finish can be of any conventional type, including painted, powder-coated, anodized or polished. The centerpiece can be formed by conventional, known methods, including machining, casting, forging, and molding.

The centerpiece attaches to the steering post or stem of the bicycle, using, for example, a bracket that clamps around the post or stem. Alternatively, the centerpiece can be attached using a quill. Other mounting systems can be utilized as well, such as pivot heads, and shock-absorbing systems. In addition, the centerpiece and stem can be formed as a unitary piece.

In an alternative embodiment, the centerpiece of the present invention incorporates integral aerobar supports to which an aerobar can be attached. Also, built-in mounts are provided on the aerobar supports, for example, to mount arm rest pads. Preferably, the mounts have screw threads receiving mounting bolts or screws.

Advantageously, cable openings are provided in the centerpiece. Accordingly, brake or shifter cables, for example, hidden inside the handlebars, can emerge at the centerpiece, providing further aerodynamic advantages.

A bicycle handlebar using the centerpiece, according to the present invention, can be made in various styles; thus, aeroflow handlebars that can be assembled according to the present invention include, for example, sprint bars, road bars, time trial bars, and endurance bars. Advantageously, the flat, aeroflow bars provide a wide surface on which the rider's hands can rest and which can be used to pull back on, for example, in a hill climbing position. The handlebars further provide a gripping surface that is comfortable and more ergonomic than a simple tube. In addition, the invention includes a bicycle or other similar vehicle made with the handlebar

centerpiece of the present invention. Many types of bicycles can be manufactured using the centerpiece of the present invention, including time-trial bicycles, sprint bicycles, and road bicycles.

Further enhancements to the centerpiece include mounting capabilities for computers and lights.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the embodiments of the invention which refers to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 is a front elevation of a preferred handlebar centerpiece according to the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a front elevation of an alternative embodiment of a handlebar centerpiece according to the present invention.

Fig. 3 is a left-side elevation of a preferred centerpiece according to the present invention.

Fig. 4 is a left-side elevation of an alternative embodiment of a centerpiece according to the present invention.

Fig. 5 is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of a centerpiece according to the present invention including integral aerobar supports. Fig. 6 is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of a centerpiece according to the present invention including a quill stem.

Fig. 7 is a front elevation view of the alternative embodiment shown in Fig. 6.

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the alternative embodiment shown in Figs. 6 and 7.

Fig. 9 is a front perspective view of a bicycle handlebar made with the centerpiece according to the present invention.

Fig. 10 is a front perspective view of an alternative handlebar made with the centerpiece according to the present invention.

Fig. 11 is a rear perspective view of a bicycle frame including a handlebar having a centerpiece according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to Fig. 1, a front view of the centerpiece 2 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown. A stem extension 4 has extending from either side thereof a left lug 6 and a right lug 8. Stem extension 4 has a central axis 10. Stem extension 4 connects to or is integral with a quill or stem 11, shown partially in Fig. 1. A drop angle α is measured with respect to the horizontal and a central left lug axis 12 of left lug 6. The drop angle can vary from above the horizontal (negative drop) to approximately 45°. Preferably, the drop angle α is approximately 22.5°. Centerpiece 2 is symmetrical about a vertical plane containing central axis 10.

Left lug 6 and right lug 8 are both hollow, and extend out from the center, preferably 3-4", depending on the strength of the materials being used for the centerpiece and the handlebars, and the degree of support

and strength necessary, based on the materials used and the application to which the bicycle will be applied.

The outside of lugs 6, 8 tapers from a maximum width A nearest stem extension 4 to a minimum width B at the end of each lug. A central bore 14 of lug 6 is substantially straight, and has no taper. Accordingly, a thickness C of the lugs tapers from a maximum toward the stem extension, to a minimum thickness at the end. Right lug 8 has an identical, central bore. Stem extension 4 ends toward its forward end in a flat 16. Flat 16 can support a logo which is either formed integrally with the flat, or attached subsequently.

Referring to Fig. 2 , a front view of an alternative embodiment of centerpiece 2 according to the present invention is εhown. Left lug 6 and right lug 8 extending from either side of stem extension 4 are solid, or subεtantially εolid, and have εectionε 17 having a reduced diameter. Sectionε 17 are provided to receive, for example, hollow handlebars introduced over the reduced diameter sections 17.

Referring to Fig. 3, centerpiece 2 is shown in elevational view from the left side. The aeroflow shape of the cross-section of lug 6 can easily be seen, the shape of hollow lug 6 accommodating the left-hand portion of an aeroflow handlebar to be inserted therein.

Centerpiece 2 is shown with a clamp-on type connection for a stem (not shown) . The centerpiece is secured to the stem with alien screws 18. An alternative embodiment shown in Fig. 4 includeε quill 11 for mounting the centerpiece to the

bicycle. Trailing end 19 is tapered at the top and bottom, and on the sides (as εhown in Fig. 6) , to provide an airfoil further increasing the aerodynamic advantage of the centerpiece. Referring to Figs. 5-8, another alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown having left and right integral aerobar supports 20, 22. Aerobar supports 20, 22 include lug extensions 24, 26 and aerobar inserts 28, 30. The lug extensionε and aerobar inserts also are hollow, the inserts 28, 30 being open at their forward ends. The forward ends 32, 34 of lug extensions 24, 26 preferably are εhaped to receive aerobarε inserted over inserts 28, 30 such that a smooth tranεition is made between the outside surfaceε of the aerobarε and the centerpiece. The εmooth transition provides increased comfort for the rider, as well as an improved aerodynamic effect. Lug extensionε 24, 26 preferably taper to a rounded or aerodynamically-tapered point at trailing ends 36, 38, .thereby reducing drag. Referring to Fig. 5, left lug 6 forms a forward sweep angle β with a transverse axiε through the bicycle frame.

Fig. 9 εhowε a preferred aeroflow handlebar 40 aεεembled according to the preεent invention. Handlebar 40 has left bar 42 and right bar 44 inserted into and extending from lugs 6 and 8, reεpectively. Bars 42, 44 are secured within the central bore of lugs 6, 8, preferably utilizing an industrial adheεive appropriate to the materialε uεed.

Barε 42, 44 εupport left and right handles 46, 48. Aerobars 50 with arm supports 52 are secured to centerpiece 2 at aerobar attachments 20, 22, as described

above. Bars 42, 44 also include brake cable openings 56, 58 for brake cable routing inside handlebar 40.

Fig. 10 showε an alternative aeroflow handlebar 60 using the centerpiece of the present invention. Alternative handlebar 60 utilizes centerpiece 2 having minimal or no drop angle α. Handlebar 60 has left bar 62 and right bar 64 inserted and secured into and extending from lugε 6 and 8, respectively. Again, bars 62, 64 preferably are secured within the central bore of lugs 6, 8, utilizing an industrial adhesive appropriate to the materials uεed.

Barε 62, 64 εupport left and right drop handleε 66, 68. Barε 62, 64 alεo include brake cable openings similar to those noted above. Fig. 11 shows a rear perspective view of a bicycle frame 70 equipped with handlebars 40 (Fig. 9) made with the centerpiece of the present invention.

Although the present invention haε been deεcribed in relation to particular embodimentε thereof, many other variations and modifications and other uses will become apparent to those skilled in the art. It is preferred, therefore, that the present invention be limited not by the specific disclosure herein, but only by the appended claims.