Grip attachment

Abstract

The present invention provides a grip attachment that can warm the hands and fingers of a motorcycle rider and reduce fatigue in the palms and other areas during long periods of riding. [Solution] A grip mount 10 that is detachably attached to the grip of a handlebar, comprising a mounting body 1 that extends axially along a central axis C and has a cross section perpendicular to the central axis C that is C-shaped, and a heating part 2 housed in the mounting body 1, wherein the circumferential end 1a of the mounting body 1 curves radially inward towards the circumferential edge.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a grip attachment.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, for example, during winter driving, the fingers of a biker riding a motorcycle or a bicycle may get cold, making it painful to continue driving or affecting handle operation. In such cases, for example, by attaching a grip heater (grip attachment) described in Patent Document 1 to the grip of the handlebar, the fingers of the biker can be warmed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, during long - term driving, etc., the palm, wrist, arm, etc. of the biker holding the grip (hereinafter abbreviated as palm, etc.) may get tired.

[0005] One object of the present invention is to provide a grip attachment that can warm the fingers of a biker and can also reduce fatigue of the palm, etc. even during long - term driving.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] 〔Aspect 1 of the Present Invention〕 A grip mount that is detachably attached to the grip of a handlebar, comprising: a mounting body extending axially along a central axis and having a C-shaped cross-section perpendicular to the central axis; and a heating element housed in the mounting body, wherein the circumferential end of the mounting body curves radially inward toward the circumferential edge.

[0007] [Aspect 2 of the present invention] The grip mounting device according to embodiment 1, wherein the mounting body has a projection that protrudes radially inward from the inner circumferential surface of the mounting body.

[0008] [Aspect 3 of the present invention] The grip attachment according to embodiment 2, wherein the projection is formed in the shape of a rib extending in the axial direction.

[0009] [Aspect 4 of the present invention] The grip mounting device according to embodiment 2 or 3, wherein the projections are provided in multiple locations on the inner circumferential surface of the mounting body, spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction.

[0010] [Aspect 5 of the present invention] The grip mounting device according to any one of embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the grip mounting device is attached to each of the pair of grips of the handlebar, and each wire connected to the heating part of each grip mounting device is individually connected to a power source. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the grip attachment of the above-described embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to warm the fingers of a motorcycle rider and reduce fatigue in the palms, etc., even during long periods of riding. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a plan view showing the grip mounting device of this embodiment attached to the handlebar grip. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the grip mounting device of this embodiment attached to the handlebar grip. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a side view showing the grip attachment of this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] A grip attachment device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in Figure 1, the grip mount 10 of this embodiment is detachably attached to the grip 101 of the handlebar 100 of a motorcycle or bicycle. Note that bicycles also include electric bicycles equipped with onboard batteries.

[0014] Although not specifically shown in the diagram, the handlebar 100 has a pair of grips 101 (left grip and right grip), and the grip mounts 10 are attached to each grip 101. In other words, a pair of grip mounts 10 are provided on the handlebar 100.

[0015] Figures 1 and 2 show the right-hand grip mount 10 of a pair of grip mounts 10 (the left-hand grip mount 10 and the right-hand grip mount 10). The pair of grip mounts 10 have a symmetrical shape.

[0016] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the grip attachment 10 comprises a substantially cylindrical attachment body 1 centered on a central axis C, a heating unit 2, wiring 3, and a palm holder 4. The central axis C of the attachment body 1 corresponds to the central axis of the grip attachment 10.

[0017] In this embodiment, the direction in which the central axis C extends is referred to as the axial direction. When the grip mounting device 10 is attached to the grip 101, the central axis C of the grip mounting device 10 and the central axis of the grip 101 are arranged substantially coaxially with each other.

[0018] In the axial direction, the direction from the central portion (left - right direction) of the longitudinal direction of the handlebar 100 towards both ends is referred to as the outside of the handle. Also, in the axial direction, the direction from both ends of the longitudinal direction of the handlebar 100 towards the central portion is referred to as the inside of the handle.

[0019] The direction perpendicular to the central axis C is referred to as the radial direction. Among the radial directions, the direction approaching the central axis C is referred to as the inner radial direction, and the direction away from the central axis C is referred to as the outer radial direction. Also, the direction of orbiting around the central axis C is referred to as the circumferential direction.

[0020] The mounting body 1 extends axially along the central axis C. The mounting body 1 has a C - shaped cross - section perpendicular to the central axis C. That is, the mounting body 1 is a substantially cylindrical shape with a part of the circumferential direction being open.

[0021] The mounting body 1 is elastically deformable. The mounting body 1 can be elastically deformed so as to expand the circumferential dimension of the opening part, and thus can be mounted on the grip 101. By restoring deformation, it is brought into close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the grip 101 made of rubber or the like and fixed to the grip 101.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 3, the circumferential end portion 1a of the mounting body 1 extends more radially inward than the portion other than the circumferential end portion 1a. Specifically, in the present embodiment, both circumferential end portions 1a, 1a of the mounting body 1 are arranged more radially inward than the portion other than the circumferential end portions 1a, 1a. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, when viewed from the axial direction of the central axis C, with respect to a virtual circle (not shown) including the inner peripheral surface of the portion other than the circumferential end portion 1a of the mounting body 1, the circumferential end portion 1a of the mounting body 1 extends radially inward as it approaches the circumferential edge.

[0023] In the present embodiment, the mounting body 1 has an inner layer 11 and an outer layer 12. The inner layer 11 is made of, for example, resin and has a substantially cylindrical shape with a part of its circumferential direction open. The inner layer 11 constitutes the radially inner layer of the mounting body 1. The inner circumferential surface of the inner layer 11 is in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the grip 101. The inner layer 11 has projections 11a that protrude radially inward from the inner circumferential surface of the inner layer 11. The projections 11a are formed, for example, in the shape of ribs extending in the axial direction.

[0024] The outer layer 12 is made of, for example, rubber and has a substantially cylindrical shape with a portion of its circumference open. The outer layer 12 constitutes the radially outer layer of the mounting body 1. The outer layer 12 is provided with folded tongues 12a at both its circumferential and axial ends. During the manufacture of the grip mounting device 10, each tongue 12a is folded back and placed on the inner circumferential surface of the inner layer 11, and is fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the inner layer 11 by adhesive, welding, or the like.

[0025] In this embodiment, the heating unit 2 is an electric heater. The heating unit 2 is sheet-shaped and is positioned between the inner layer 11 and the outer layer 12 of the mounting body 1. Specifically, the heating unit 2 is positioned between the inner layer 11 and the outer layer 12, extending in the axial and circumferential directions. That is, the heating unit 2 is housed in the mounting body 1.

[0026] The wiring 3 is electrically connected to the heating unit 2. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, in this embodiment, the wiring 3 is routed from the inner end of the handle along the axial direction of the mounting body 1 to the outside of the grip mounting device 10.

[0027] Each wire 3 connected to the heating element 2 of the pair of grip mounts 10 is individually connected to a power source (not shown). Specifically, the power source could be, for example, an on-board battery mounted on a motorcycle or bicycle, or a portable battery carried by a motorcycle rider. The wire 3 is electrically connected to the power source in a detachable manner, for example, via a USB connector.

[0028] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the palm holder 4 protrudes radially outward from the mounting body 1. In this embodiment, the palm holder 4 is plate-shaped, extending in the axial and radial directions, and specifically, it is a roughly trapezoidal plate shape. The pair of plate surfaces of the palm holder 4 (front surface 4a and back surface 4b) face in the circumferential direction.

[0029] The palm holder 4 is made of, for example, resin. In this embodiment, the palm holder 4 is formed integrally with the inner layer 11 of the mounting body 1. However, it is not limited to this, and the palm holder 4 may have, for example, a two-layer structure, with the upper layer on the surface 4a side being made of, for example, rubber, and the lower layer on the back surface 4b side being made of, for example, resin. In this case, the upper layer of the palm holder 4 may be formed integrally with the outer layer 12 of the mounting body 1. The lower layer of the palm holder 4 may be formed integrally with the inner layer 11 of the mounting body 1.

[0030] The palm holder 4 protrudes radially outward from the portion of the mounting body 1 that is on the outer side of the handle along the axial direction. In this embodiment, the palm holder 4 protrudes radially outward from at least the outer end (outer end) of the mounting body 1 that is on the outer side of the handle along the axial direction. More specifically, the palm holder 4 is positioned between the outer end (outer end) of the mounting body 1 that is on the outer side of the handle along the axial direction and the central part along the axial direction (i.e., approximately half the length of the total axial length of the mounting body 1). The palm holder 4 is positioned in the portion of the mounting body 1 other than the inner end (inner end) of the handle along the axial direction.

[0031] The axial dimension of the palm holder 4 gradually increases towards the radially inward end of the palm holder 4. More specifically, of the inner edge of the palm holder 4 along the axial direction of the handle, the radially inner end extends inward towards the handle as it extends radially inward. The radially inner end of the inner edge of the palm holder 4 along the handle has a concave curve shape.

[0032] Furthermore, the axial dimension of the palm holder 4 gradually decreases as it moves radially outward at the radially outer end of the palm holder 4. More specifically, of the inner edge of the palm holder 4 along the axial direction of the handle, the radially outer end extends outward from the handle as it extends radially outward. The radially outer end of the inner edge of the palm holder 4 along the handle has a convex curve shape. Also, of the outer edge of the palm holder 4 along the axial direction of the handle, the radially outer end extends inward from the handle as it extends radially outward. The radially outer end of the outer edge of the palm holder 4 along the handle has a convex curve shape.

[0033] Furthermore, the axial dimension of the palm holder 4 is constant along the radial direction in the central portion located between the radial ends of the palm holder 4.

[0034] The palm holder 4 has a front surface 4a and a back surface 4b. Surface 4a is formed in a concave curved shape. Specifically, as shown in Figure 3, when viewed from the axial direction, surface 4a has a concave curved shape. The radially inner end of surface 4a is smoothly connected to the outer circumferential surface of the outer layer 12 of the mounting body 1 so as to be in contact with it (having a common tangent). As shown in Figure 2, surface 4a of the palm holder 4 is in contact with the palm 105 of the motorcycle rider. The motorcycle rider's palm 105 is rested and held on surface 4a while riding.

[0035] The back surface 4b is formed in a convex curved shape. Specifically, as shown in Figure 3, when viewed from the axial direction, the back surface 4b has a convex curved shape.

[0036] When the motorcyclist grips the grip holder 10, the motorcyclist's thumb is positioned axially inward from the palm holder 4. This allows the motorcyclist to grip the grip 101 through the grip holder 10 with their thumb and other fingers, covering almost the entire circumference.

[0037] As described above, with the grip attachment device 10 of this embodiment, the heating unit 2 is housed (built in) inside the attachment body 1. For example, when riding in winter, the motorcyclist's hands and fingers are warmed by gripping the attachment body 1, supporting a comfortable riding experience. Specifically, it can suppress problems such as motorcyclists' hands and fingers becoming cold, making it painful to continue riding or affecting steering.

[0038] In this embodiment, a palm holder 4 is provided that protrudes radially outward from the mounting body 1. When a motorcycle rider places their palm 105 on the palm holder 4 while riding, they can reduce the gripping force required for the grip 101 and operate the accelerator with less force. As a result, fatigue in the motorcycle rider's palm 105 can be reduced, even during long periods of riding.

[0039] In this embodiment, the surface 4a of the palm holder 4 that comes into contact with the palm 105 of the motorcycle rider is formed in a concave curved shape. In this case, the convex curved palm 105 of the motorcycle rider can more easily make close contact with the surface 4a, thereby improving steering control and reducing fatigue.

[0040] In this embodiment, the palm holder 4 protrudes radially outward from the portion of the mounting body 1 that is on the outer side of the handle and axially aligned. In this case, the palm holder 4 is less likely to obstruct the motorcyclist's thumb from gripping the grip 101. The aforementioned effects of the palm holder 4 can be obtained while maintaining good operability.

[0041] In this embodiment, the grip mounts 10 are attached to each of the pair of grips 101 of the handlebar 100, and each wire 3 connected to the heating element 2 of each grip mount 10 is individually connected to a power supply (not shown). In this case, since each heating element 2 of the grip attachment 10, which is attached to a pair of grips 101 (left grip and right grip), is connected to a power source separately, a high amount of heat can be ensured for each heating element 2. Therefore, the fingers of the left and right hands of the motorcycle rider can be warmed efficiently. Furthermore, each heating element 2 of the pair of grip attachments 10 can be individually turned ON and OFF (switched between a heated state and a non-heated state).

[0042] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the circumferential end 1a of the mounting body 1 is recessed radially inward more than the portion other than the circumferential end 1a. In this case, when the mounting body 1 is attached to the grip 101, the circumferential end 1a of the mounting body 1 is pressed against the grip 101, creating a tight seal. This ensures that the mounting body 1 is stably fixed to the grip 101, increasing the fixing force (fitting force).

[0043] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and modifications to the configuration, etc., are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention, as described below, for example.

[0044] In the above-described embodiment, an example was given in which each wire 3 connected to each heating element 2 of the pair of grip mounts 10 is individually connected to the power supply, but the embodiment is not limited to this. Each wire 3 connected to each heating element 2 of the pair of grip mounts 10 may be connected to the power supply while being connected to each other.

[0045] In the embodiments described above, an example was given in which the heating unit 2 is an electric heater, but it is not limited to this. Although not specifically shown, for example, the heating unit may have a flow path such as a tube housed in the mounting body 1, and the heating unit may be given a heating function by circulating exhaust heat from the engine or the like through this flow path.

[0046] The present invention may be combined in any way that does not depart from the spirit of the invention, as described in the above embodiments and modifications, and the configurations may be added, omitted, substituted, or otherwise modified. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited by the above embodiments, but is limited only by the claims. [Industrial applicability]

[0047] The grip attachment of the present invention can warm the fingers of a motorcycle rider and reduce fatigue in the palms, etc., even during long periods of riding. Therefore, it has industrial applicability. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0048] 1...Mounting body, 1a...End, 2...Heating part, 3...Wiring, 4...Palm holder, 4a...Surface, 10...Grip attachment, 100...Handlebar, 101...Grip, 105...Palm, C...Central axis

Claims

1. A grip mount that is detachably attached to the handlebar grip, A mounting body extending axially along the central axis, with a cross-section perpendicular to the central axis having a C-shape, The mounting body includes a heating element housed within it, The circumferential end of the mounting body curves radially inward as it approaches the circumferential edge. Grip attachment device.

2. The mounting body has a projection that protrudes radially inward from the inner circumferential surface of the mounting body. The grip mounting device according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned protrusion is formed in a rib shape that extends in the axial direction. The grip mounting device according to claim 2.

4. The aforementioned protrusions are provided in multiple locations on the inner circumferential surface of the mounting body, spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. The grip attachment according to claim 2 or 3.

5. The grip mounting device is attached to each of the pair of grips on the handlebar, Each wire connected to the heating element of each grip attachment is individually connected to a power source. A grip attachment according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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