Switch guide for a bicycle control panel

Abstract

A switch guide located between a pair of switches on a computerized bicycle control panel is disclosed for guiding a bicycle rider's thumb to a proper switch on a bicycle handle bar. The switch guide is preferably a protrusion dimensioned to be detected by the bicycle rider's thumb. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the height of the switch guide is greater than the height of the switch. In an alternative embodiment, the height of the switch guide is greater than the height of the switch, when the switch is activated. The switch guide is located in sufficient proximity to the switches to allow the rider's thumb to access one of the switches by moving the thumb to one side of the switch guide and the other switch by moving the thumb to the other side of the switch guide.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates generally to bicycle control panels, and more particularly to a switch guide located between a pair of switches on a computerized bicycle control panel for guiding a bicycle rider's thumb to a proper switch on the control panel.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Modern bicycles allow the rider to control the gears, the brakes and other features of the bicycle to optimize the rider's experience. Much of the control functions are computerized so that a rider can control the particular function by simply pressing a switch on a control panel. A typical computerized control panel includes a base member mounted to the bicycle handlebar and numerous switches on the control panel, each switch corresponding to a particular function that is controllable by the rider.[0003]During a ride, it may be desirable for the rider to repeatedly manipulate various switches to adapt to the varying road conditions. For instance, if the bicycle ride co...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a switch guide on a computerized bicycle control panel to help riders easily access the proper switch without having to look down at the control panel. The switch guide is a protrusion or depression that is easily detected by the rider's thumb and is located in the middle of the region between the first and second switches. This allows the rider to accurately and quickly access a desired switch without having to look down at the control panel, in rough and bumpy terrain. The technical effect of this invention is to improve the user experience and make the control panel more intuitive for riders.

Problems solved by technology

The problem with operating a control panel is that, during a bicycle ride, it may be difficult to quickly find and activate the correct switch.

The switches on the control panel are often set close together, increasing the possibility that a rider may inadvertently activate the wrong switch.

Also, road conditions frequently vary and when the rider is maneuvering rough and bumpy terrain, the chances of pressing the wrong switch is increased.

When riding, however, it is inconvenient, and at time unsafe, for the rider to take his eyes off of the road and look at the visual indicators on the control panel to find the desired switch.

If the rider does not wish to look down at the control panel, the rider must guess or estimate the location of the switch, which is increasingly difficult on a bumpy terrain.

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