Cross-Reference to Related Applications

[0001] This application claims priority to US Provisional Patent Application No. 62/877,289 filed on July 22, 2019.

Background of the Invention

[0002] Those skilled in the art will recognize that there are plenty of cycle grips that fit over the terminus of cycle (motorcycles or bicycles for example) handles to provide a stable gripping surface for grasping the cycle handles and manipulating the levers and gears thereon. Typically, cycle handle grips are formed by a substantially cylindrical body, which is made of plastic material, and internally hollow and can be inserted onto the ends of handlebars generally formed by suitably shaped metal tubes. There is a need for an improved grip that allows for more comfort and blood circulation in the user’ s hands while riding.

Summary of the Embodiments of the Invention

[0003] In a variant, a grip extension assembly comprises: a grip configured to fit over a handle of a vehicle and a plurality of grooves formed on an outer surface of the grip. The grip comprises a cylindrical main body bifurcated into a handle portion and a grip portion. The plurality of grooves form a shape to increase gripping texture and ventilation on the outer surface.

[0004] In another variant, the cylindrical main body is configured to be inserted over the grip. [0005] In yet another variant, the handle portion has a textured inner surface.

[0006] In a further variant, the grip extension assembly includes a panel fitting in between the handle of the vehicle and the handle portion.

[0007] In yet a further variant, the handle portion is rotated up to 360°.

[0008] In yet a further variant, the grip portion is flat and textured.

[0009] In yet a further variant, the grip portion is configured to form a spade- shape or a flange-like shape.

[0010] In yet a further variant, the cylindrical main body further comprises a fastening portion extending to the handle portion.

[0011] In yet a further variant, the fastening portion has a U-shaped flange.

[0012] In yet a further variant, the fastening portion is secured by a buckle and a strap.

[0013] In yet a further variant, the fastening portion has channels on an inner surface. The fastening portion is operatively connected to the grip portion of a spade shape and the handle portion of a cylindrical shape.

[0014] In yet a further variant, the cylindrical main body is operatively connected to the grip portion such the cylindrical main body is hollow and adjacent to a spade shape of the grip portion, wherein the grip portion has a surface sloping towards a fastening portion. [0015] In a variant, a grip extension assembly comprises: a grip configured to fit over a handle of a vehicle, wherein the grip comprises a cylindrical main body bifurcated into a handle portion and a grip portion, wherein the handle portion is rotated up to 360°; a plurality of grooves formed on an outer surface of the grip, wherein the plurality of grooves form a shape to increase gripping texture and ventilation on the outer surface; a panel fitting in between the handle of the vehicle and the handle portion; wherein the cylindrical main body is: (i) configured to be inserted over the grip and (ii)operatively connected to the grip portion such the cylindrical main body is hollow and adjacent to a spade shape of the grip portion such that the grip portion has a surface sloping towards the fastening portion; wherein the handle portion has textured inner surface; wherein the grip portion is flat and textured and is configured to form a spade-shape or a flange-like shape; and wherein the cylindrical main comprises a fastening portion extending to the handle portion, wherein the fastening portion is secured by a buckle and a strap and has: (i) a U-shaped flange and (ii) channels on an inner surface which is operatively connected to the grip portion of a spade shape and the handle portion of a cylindrical shape.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016] The present invention, in accordance with one or more various embodiments, is described in detail with reference to the following figures. The drawings are provided for purposes of illustration only and merely depict typical or example embodiments of the invention. These drawings are provided to facilitate the reader’s understanding of the invention and shall not be considered limiting of the breadth, scope, or applicability of the invention. It should be noted that for clarity and ease of illustration these drawings are not necessarily made to scale.

[0017] Some of the figures included herein illustrate various embodiments of the invention from different viewing angles. Although the accompanying descriptive text may refer to such views as“top,”“bottom” or“side” views, such references are merely descriptive and do not imply or require that the invention be implemented or used in a particular spatial orientation unless explicitly stated otherwise.

[0018] Fig. 1 is an illustration of a perspective view of an exemplary ergonomic grip extension assembly fitted over an existing cycle grip;

[0019] Fig. 2 is an illustration of a perspective view of the ergonomic grip extension assembly in an upright position, as shown in FIG. 1 ;

[0020] Fig. 3 is an illustration of a sectioned view of the ergonomic grip extension assembly in an upright position, as shown in FIG. 1 ;

[0021] Fig. 4 is an illustration of a top view of the ergonomic grip extension assembly in an upright position, as shown in FIG. 1 ;

[0022] Fig. 5 is an illustration of a frontal view of the ergonomic grip extension assembly in an upright position, as shown in FIG. 1 ; [0023] Fig. 6 is an illustration of a perspective rear view of the ergonomic grip extension assembly in an upright position;

[0024] Fig. 7 is an illustration of a perspective front view of the ergonomic grip extension assembly in an upright position;

[0025] Fig. 8 is an illustration of a top view of a panel; and

[0026] Fig. 9 is an illustration of a top view of a strap and buckle subassembly.

[0027] The figures are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. It should be understood that the invention can be practiced with modification and alteration, and that the invention be limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.

Detailed Description of the Embodiments of the Invention

[0028] The present invention is directed toward an Ergonomic Grip Extension Assembly 100 for Cycle Handles. The ergonomic grip extension assembly 100 is a grip that fits, and securely fastens, over a standard cycle handle grip to create additional elevation and gripping points. This works to increase the available positions that the arms, hands, and generally upper body can be held, while gripping the cycle handles. By providing multiple positioning options for the body, the multi-positional gripping extension helps reduce physical fatigue and uncomfortable riding positions for the cycle operator(i.e., hand, should, and back relief for the rider). This can be helpful for cycle operators that suffer from back, shoulder, and arm pain while riding in the same position for extended periods.

[0029] Often, grooves of varying shape may be formed on the outer surface of the grips. The grooves assist in ventilation of the hand gripping thereon, preventing possible problems arising from excessive sweating. Also, the grips provide a textured surface for secure grasping and controlling the cycle handles. Generally, the grips are positioned near the levers and gears associated with braking and acceleration of the cycle. The grooves enhance the comfort level of the rider on long and short ride by dissipating the pressure applied on the grips.

[0030] As FIG. 1 references, the multi-positional grip extension assembly 100 is operational with a standard cycle grip that slidably fits over the terminus of the cycle handles and the existing handle grips 110. Those skilled in the art will recognize that handle grips fit over the terminus of cycle handles to provide a stable gripping surface for grasping the cycle handles and manipulating the levers and gears thereon. Typically, the handle grips are formed by a substantially cylindrical body, which is made of plastic material and internally hollow and can be inserted onto the ends of handlebars generally formed by suitably shaped metal tubes. Further, grooves of varying shape may be formed on the outer surface of the handle grips to increase gripping texture and ventilation thereon.

[0031] Turning now to FIG. 2, the multi-positional grip extension assembly 100 comprises a generally cylindrical main body 102 that is defined by an elongated cavity. The diameter of the main body 102 is such that it can receive an existing handle grips 110 via sliding motion. The main body 102 may be fabricated from injection molded plastic, rubber, or other handle polymers known in the art.

[0032] Turning now to FIG. 4, the main body 102 of the multi -positional grip extension assembly 100 is bifurcated into a handle portion 104 that is cylindrical, and fits directly over the existing handle grips 110, and a grip portion 106 that serves as the primary surface upon which the hands rest/grip.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 3, the diameter of the handle portion 104 may be about 2”-4”, which is greater than the diameter of the cycle handles and the existing handle grips 110 fitted thereon. In this manner, the main body 102 is configured to be inserted directly over the existing handle grips 110. In some embodiments, the handle portion 104 may have a textured inner surface that helps retain the main body 102 onto the existing handle grips 110.

[0034] In another embodiment, a panel 800 may fit between the cycle handles and the handle portion 104 to create greater grip therebetween. The panel 800 may include, without limitation, a Velcro strip, as shown in FIG. 8. Though in other embodiments, the panel 800 may include a metal strip or other abrasive material. The handle portion 104 is rotatable up to 360°, while fitted onto the existing handle grips 110.

[0035] As FIG. 4 shows, the main body 102 also has a grip portion 106 that rests longitudinally along the main body 102. The grip portion 106 is the part of the main body 102 that the hand rests upon for controlling the cycle handles. The grip portion 106 may form a spade-shape, or other flange -like shape that comfortably fits in the palm of a hand (FIG. 5). The grip portion 106 is generally flat and textured, creating a comfortable surface for the palms of the hands to rest on. The spade -like shape of grip portion 106 extends as outward curved surfaces at the top and bottom walls of handle portion 104 and terminates into a pointed shaped at the right wall of handle portion 104. At the left wall of handle portion 104, the spade-like shape of grip portion 106 curves inward and spans along fastening portion 108, which channels in between the textured surfaces.

[0036] The separation between the grip portion 106 and the handle portion 104 may be less than an inch. This elevated disposition of the grip portion 106 creates an elevated configuration that raises the hands above the main body 102, and cycle handles (FIG. 6). The elevation of the grip portion 106 creates an ergonomic efficiency and comfort while grasping and controlling the cycle handles and levers/gears thereon. More specifically, the top portion of main body 102 is fastening portion 108 is connected to bottom portion, which is handle portion 104. Channels reside on the surface of the inner portion of fastener portion 108, which is cylindrically shaped and connects to grip portion 106. Grip portion 106 has a spade like shape which is also operatively adjoined to handle portion 104. Fastener portion 108 has a hollow cylindrical interior, wherein the bottom portion of fastener portion 108 is circumferentially is squashed (i.e., operatively conjoined) with the top portion of grip portion 106, as depicted in Fig. 5. This arrangement yields a top semi-circle circumference, which is operatively connected to a bottom semi-oval circumference, as depicted in Fig. 5 and Fig. 7. Grip portion 106 extends towards fastening portion 108 such that the surface of grip portion 106 curves into handle portion 104 and fastening portion 108, as depicted in Fig. 7.

[0037] Furthermore, since the grip portion 106 is rotatable about the existing handle grips 110, the grip portion 106 can be adjustably rotated to accommodate the comfort of the cycle operator. For example, the handle portion 104 can be rotated 90° above a horizontal (FIG. 1), such that the hands rest directly above the cycle handles. This allows the back of the cycle operator to position in a more upright position; and also allows the wrists to position in a flatter orientation. In another example, the handle portion 104 can be rotated 45° towards the cycle operator about the horizontal. This position allows the cycle operator to lean back while riding the cycle.

[0038] Looking at FIG. 7, the main body 102 also has a fastening portion 108 that extends from the handle portion 104. The fastening portion 108 may have a generally, U-shaped flange that is textured (i.e., channels) along the inner surface. The fastening portion 108 rests along the cycle handle, and is fastenable through use of a buckle and strap subassembly 100 900 (FIG. 9). However, in other embodiments, other fastening means known in the art of cycle handles may be used to help secure the fastening portion 108 to the cycle handles. This allows a non-skilled cycle operator top install the assembly 100 with minimal skills or tools. [0039] In operation, the main body 102 is aligned with the existing cycle grips. The panel 800 is laid against the existing cycle grips, and the handle portion 104 is slidably introduced into the terminus of the existing cycle grips. The body portion is rotated to a desired position for the grip portion 106. The cycle operator can rotatably adjust the rotation of the grip portion 106 to the desired position. The fastening portion 108 is secured through the buckle 900 to further secure the main body 102 to the existing cycle grip. The grip extension may be manufactured as a primary grip from either rubber or plastic

[0040] While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not of limitation. Likewise, the various diagrams may depict an example architectural or other configuration for the invention, which is done to aid in understanding the features and functionality that can be included in the invention.