Device for protecting the lever body of a brake of a bicycle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device (1) for protecting the lever body (2a) of a brake (2) of a bicycle, comprising a main shell (4) shaped so as to wrap, in use, said body, said device comprising at least one pad or insert or padding (5) mounted or housed or formed internally and / or externally to said shell (4), said at least one pad or insert or padding (5) having structural features different from the main shell (4) so as to constitute an increased comfort zone of the device, wherein said at least one pad or insert or padding (5) is obtained by 3D printing, and wherein said at least one pad or insert or padding (5) has a hardness and / or density lower than said shell (4).

Description

[0001] DEVICE FOR PROTECTING THE LEVER BODY OF A BRAKE OF A BICYCLE

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to a device for protecting the body of a bicycle brake, as well as a bicycle equipped with such a device.

[0004] STATE OF THE PRIOR ART

[0005] Many protective components have been developed for bicycle components.

[0006] Among these, so-called brake covers are well-known. These are made of a thin, uniformly thick thermoplastic material that covers the brake mechanism and provides grip to the cyclist's hand.

[0007] Cyclists often combine these components with padded gloves to increase hand comfort and also dampen vibrations while pedaling. Therefore, when it’s hot or when the body is hot from physical activity, many people dislike gloves and tend to remove them, losing the comfort they provide.

[0008] However, this combination of components is unpleasant for users and also entails additional costs.

[0009] EP1473217A1, DE102022205447A1, US2010083786A1,

[0010] US2011100154A1 teach solutions according to the state of the prior art.

[0011] OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0012] One object of the present invention is to provide a new device for protecting the body of a bicycle brake.

[0013] One object of the present invention is to provide a device for protecting the body of a bicycle brake that overcomes the problems associated with the need for gloves for comfortable riding, given that gloves are removed in hot weather or when the body is hot due to physical activity.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide a device for protecting the body of a bicycle brake that is comfortable to use and simple to manufacture.

[0015] According to one aspect of the invention, a device according to claim 1 is provided.

[0016] The dependent claims refer to preferred and advantageous embodiments of the invention.

[0017] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Other features and advantages of the invention will be more clearly understood from the description of an embodiment of a device, illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0019] - figure 1 is a perspective view of a protective device according to the present invention,

[0020] - figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a protective device according to the present invention,

[0021] - figures 3 to 5 are views from respective sides of a device according to the present invention applied to a brake,

[0022] - figures 6 to 8 are perspective views from respective sides of a shell of a protective device according to the present invention,

[0023] - figures 9 to 11 are perspective views from respective sides of a pad or insert or padding of a protective device according to the present invention,

[0024] In the accompanying drawings, identical parts or components are designated by the same reference numbers.

[0025] EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0026] With reference to the enclosed figures, a device 1 for protecting the lever body 2a of a brake 2 of a bicycle is shown, which comprises a main shell 4 shaped so as to wrap such lever body 24, preferably to size or in contact with the walls thereof for the whole or part of the extension of such walls.

[0027] In this regard, the lever body of the brake of a bicycle is the part of the brake located on the handlebar and housing the mechanism that allows the brake to be operated. This part is fixed to the handlebar and constitutes the main structure of the brake, and the movable lever (which is pulled by the cyclist's hand) is connected to it. When the movable lever is pressed, the lever body activates the brake cable (in cable brakes) or the hydraulic system (in hydraulic disc brakes), transmitting the braking force to the pads or brake shoes.

[0028] In short, the brake lever body is the component that contains the brake mechanism, allowing it to function when the respective movable lever is operated by the cyclist.

[0029] In this description, terms such as “front” or “rear” or similar refer to the front-to-rear direction of a bicycle, particularly when the protective device is mounted on it, so the front of the device will be the part of the device closest to the front of the bicycle or furthest from the rear.

[0030] Expressions such as “top”, “upper”, “lower” or similar should refer to the position of the device when mounted on a bicycle.

[0031] The shell has preferably thin thickness, for example among 1 and 3 mm, if desired constant or substantially constant, although small variations could occur.

[0032] The shell 4 is made of any suitable material, for example any type of thermoplastic material, preferably soft thermoplastic material, vulcanized rubber, and thermosetting rubber, preferably soft.

[0033] The shell 4 is preferably a component that is elastically deformable, so as to ensure it can be easily mounted on the brake lever body 2a.

[0034] The main shell 4 has any suitable configuration, for example, it comprises two side walls 4a, 4b as well as a top, in use, wall 4c that bridge-connects the two side walls.

[0035] The shell 4 preferably also has a front wall or section of wall 4d, so that, in use, it is open downwards, thus towards the brake 2 and towards the rear, so that it can be mounted on a brake 2, or better still on a lever body 2a thereof, from top to bottom and / or from front to rear of a bicycle or better still of a respective handlebar.

[0036] The top wall 4c is curved, preferably with, from front to rear, a first section 4c 1 with a concave, in use, facing downward, a second section 4c2 with a concave, in use, facing upward, and a third section 4c3 with a concave, in use, facing downward. As for the side walls 4a, 4b, they can be substantially straight or flat or substantially curved. These side walls 4a, 4b can have any suitable edge at the bottom; thus, for example, they can have, from front to rear, a first section 4e with a lower height (the distance from the top wall 4c) and then a second section 4f with a greater height.

[0037] Therefore, the shell 4 defines internally, in particular through the possible walls 4a-4d described above, a positioning or wrapping zone PZ of the lever body 2a of a brake 2.

[0038] The shell 4 has any suitable hardness, for example between 70 and 90ShA.

[0039] The device 1 then comprises at least one pad or insert or padding 5 that can be mounted, housed, or formed internally and / or externally of the shell 4.

[0040] The at least one pad or insert or padding 5 has structural characteristics different from the main shell 4, thus constituting an increased comfort zone of the device 1. Preferably, the at least one pad or insert or padding 5 has a hardness and / or density lower than the shell 4.

[0041] The pad or insert or padding 5 advantageously has a hardness between 0 and 40ShA, for example between 5 and 40ShA or between 5 and 35ShA or between 10 and 35ShA, or in another suitable sub-range.

[0042] The term “density” naturally refers to the ratio between mass and volume. In this regard, the material of the pad or insert or padding 5 may also have a hardness equal to that of the shell 4, but in this case it would have a lower density, for example, with an emptied geometry or having voids and defined by appropriately sized geometric cells, such as to provide a perceived comfort as if the material were soft, thanks to its deformability and elastic properties.

[0043] Preferably, the pad or insert or padding 5 has a thickness between 3 and 15 mm. Clearly, the thickness of the pad is preferably constant, but it may also undergo some variations from one side to the other, particularly with a reduction at the ends.

[0044] Optionally, the pad or insert or padding 5 has a length between 30 and 100 mm and / or a width between 10 and 40 mm.

[0045] The pad or insert or padding 5 can be made of any suitable material, such as polyurethane, polyurethane gel, expanded thermoplastic, soft thermoplastic, EVA, vulcanized rubber, elastomeric photopolymers, or any other material that serves the purpose of providing comfort or reducing vibrations.

[0046] The configuration of the pad 5 is suitable for any purpose, for example, it can be long and narrow, or even block-shaped or other.

[0047] According to a variant, the at least one pad or insert or padding 5 protrudes or extends from or is formed internally and / or externally in / from the top wall 4c or at the same or is mounted beneath it.

[0048] In addition or alternatively, the at least one pad or insert or padding 5 protrudes or extends from or is formed internally and / or externally in / from one of the two side walls 4a, 4b or at the same or is mounted beneath one of them.

[0049] In this regard, it is possible to provide the pad or insert or padding 5 where best needed, for example using a specific program, through which the hardness or, if desired, even the ergonomics of the device can be customized.

[0050] Indeed, the pressure zones of a cyclist's hand can be measured with sensors, thus generating, for example, a complete device or a pad, insert, or padding 5 to provide different levels of hardness where necessary.

[0051] Furthermore, by scanning a cyclist's hand in a riding position, one could envision a flow that generates a 3D device complete with pad, insert, or padding 5 according to the ergonomics of the cyclist's hand.

[0052] Clearly, one could envision multiple pads, inserts, or paddings 5 in, on, or extending from one or more walls of the shell 4, or a single pad, insert, or padding 5 extending from one or more walls of the shell 4.

[0053] If desired, see figure 2, the shell 4 delimits at least one through opening TH, into which, in use, the at least one pad or insert or padding 5 is inserted, so as to protrude outside the shell 4.

[0054] In this regard, the at least one pad or insert or padding 5 could comprise a main part 5a of a width smaller than the opening TH as well as at least one protruding end 5b from the main part 5a, for example a flanged end, so that it is possible to insert the at least one pad or insert or padding 5 into the at least one opening TH starting from a first side, for example the lower side of the shell 4 or inside, i.e. from inside the positioning or wrapping zone PZ, so that the main part 5a protrudes from the opposite side or second side, for example the upper side of the shell 4 or outside the positioning or wrapping zone PZ, while the protruding end 5b abuts against the shell 4 at the respective first side. In this case, the protruding end 5b, in use, would be arranged and compressed between the shell 4 and the lever body 2a of a brake 2.

[0055] In a less preferred alternative, the shell 4 does not delimit the opening TH, while the at least one pad or insert or padding 5 is arranged entirely within the positioning or wrapping zone PZ.

[0056] In this case, the at least one pad or insert or padding 5 would, in use, be arranged entirely between the shell 4 and the lever body 2a of a brake 2.

[0057] Alternatively, the at least one pad or insert or padding 5 is printed, 3D or otherwise, on the main shell 4 or, better still, on one or more of its respective walls 4a, 4b, 4c, particularly externally thereof.

[0058] According to a variant, the at least one pad or insert or padding 5 is obtained by molding, for example 3D printed, in a single piece with the shell 4.

[0059] In accordance with a further variant, the at least one pad or insert or padding 5 is obtained by 3D printing and then connected or interlocked or engaged to or on the shell 4, the latter having been previously obtained, preferably, by 3D printing.

[0060] In essence, as indicated above, preferably the entire device 1 is 3D printed, therefore entirely, i.e. also the shell 4 (although according to a less preferred variant this may not be the case). This can, for example, occur in a single printing step (shell 4 and pad(s) or insert(s) or padding(s) 5 together) or, if desired, with successive printing steps (or printing and over-printing or printing and then connecting or interlocking or engaging), i.e. printing first the shell 4 and then the pad(s) or insert(s) or padding(s) 5 on the shell 4 or printing first the shell 4 and then connecting or engaging or interlocking the pad(s) or insert(s) or padding(s) 5 to or on the shell 4.

[0061] Furthermore, the device 1 or the respective shell 4 could be in a single piece or comprise two or more parts that can be assembled together by means of connection means, such as screws or plastic hooks, this solution making it easier to assemble and disassemble the at least one pad or insert or padding 5 on the shell 4.

[0062] Subject-matter of the present invention is also a method for obtaining a device 1, whereby the at least one pad or insert or padding 5 is obtained by 3D printing, preferably in a single piece with the shell 4.

[0063] Preferably, in such a method, the device is 3D printed, which may occur, for example, in a single printing step (shell 4 and pad(s) or insert(s) or padding(s) 5) or, if desired, in successive printing steps (or printing and over-printing or printing and then connecting or interlocking or engaging), i.e. printing first the shell 4 and then the pad(s) or insert(s) or padding(s) 5 on the shell 4 or printing first the shell 4 and then connecting or engaging or interlocking the pad(s) or insert(s) or padding(s) 5 to or on the shell 4.

[0064] Subject-matter of the present invention is also a bicycle 7 (partially illustrated), in particular a racing / gravel bicycle, comprising, in addition to the normal components, such as for example a frame, wheels, saddle, pedals, etc., a handlebar 8 and two brakes 2 mounted at the ends of the handlebar, which brakes 2 comprise, among other things (we will avoid describing in detail the known components of a brake and their interaction with the wheels of a bicycle) a lever body 2a and a movable lever 2b hinged to the lever body 2a, the bicycle 7 comprising two devices 1 according to the present invention each mounted in wrapping and protecting the lever body 2a of a respective brake 2.

[0065] Clearly, the lever bodies 2a of the brakes 2 are housed, for example, substantially to size, in the positioning or wrapping zone PZ, with the walls of the shell 4 substantially in contact with respective sections of the lever bodies 2a.

[0066] As for the at least one pad or insert or padding 5, it will be external to the shell 4 or at least partially 5b between the shell 4 and the brake 2, optionally with a protruding portion 5a also external to the shell 4.

[0067] Subject-matter of the present invention is naturally also the use of a protective device 1 as described above for wrapping the lever body 2a of a bicycle brake 2.

[0068] As you will see, the present invention is a brake cover device or bonnet for racing / gravel bikes with a soft pad 5 or similar to provide comfort to the hand and dampen vibrations when riding on rough surfaces. Therefore, this device overcomes the inherent problem of traditional devices or bonnets, which lack ergonomics or padding, causing hand soreness and failing to dampen the vibrations transmitted to the cyclist's hand on rough surfaces.

[0069] Furthermore, as already indicated, it is possible to customize a shell 4 as desired by arranging or forming the at least one pad or insert or padding in one or more desired zones of the shell 4, for example in a position, in use, on the top or side of the shell 4 as well as internally and / or externally to the respective positioning or wrapping zone PZ.

[0070] Modifications and variations of the invention are possible within the scope of protection defined by the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Device for protecting the lever body (2a) of a brake (2) of a bicycle, comprising a main shell (4) shaped so as to wrap, in use, said body, said device comprising at least one pad or insert or padding (5) mounted or housed or formed internally and / or externally to said shell (4), said at least one pad or insert or padding (5) having structural features different from the main shell (4) so as to constitute an increased comfort zone of the device, wherein said at least one pad or insert or padding (5) is obtained by 3D printing, and wherein said at least one pad or insert or padding (5) has a hardness and / or density lower than said shell (4).

2. Device according to claim 1, wherein said at least one pad or insert or padding (5) has a hardness between 0 and 40ShA.

3. Device according to claim 2, wherein said at least one pad or insert or padding (5) is obtained by 3D printing in one piece with said shell (4) or on said shell (4) or it is obtained by 3D printing and then connected or interlocked or engaged to or on said shell (4).

4. Device according to claim 1 or 2 or 3, wherein said shell (4) has a hardness between 70 and 90ShA.

5. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one pad or insert or padding (5) has a thickness between 3 and 15mm.

6. Device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said shell (4) has a substantially constant thickness between 1 and 3mm.

7. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said main shell (4) comprises two side walls (4a, 4b) as well as a top, in use, wall (4c) for bridge connecting said two side walls (4a, 4b), so that the shell (4) internally defines a positioning or wrapping zone (PZ) of the lever body (2a) of a brake (2).

8. Device according to claim 7, wherein said at least one pad or insert or padding (5) protrudes or extends from or is formed internally and / or externally in / by said top wall (4c).

9. Device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein said at least one pad or insert or padding (5) protrudes or extends from or is formed internally and / or externally in / by a respective of said two side walls (4a, 4b).

10. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one pad or insert or padding (5) has a length between 30 and 100 mm and / or a width between 10 and 40 mm.

11. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said device is entirely 3D printed.

12. Bicycle comprising a handlebar (8) and two brakes (2), said brakes (2) comprising a lever body (2a) and a lever (2b) hinged to the lever body (2a), said bicycle comprising two devices according to any one of the preceding claims each mounted to protect the lever body (2a) of a respective brake (2) with said at least one pad or insert or padding (5) placed externally to the respective shell (4) or at least in part (5b) between the respective shell (4) and lever body (2a).

13. Method for obtaining a device as claimed in any one of the claims 1 to 11, wherein said at least one pad or insert or padding (5) is obtained by 3D printing in a single piece with said shell (4) or on said shell (4) or it is obtained by 3D printing and then connected or interlocked or engaged to or on said shell (4).

14. Method as claimed in claim 13, wherein said device is entirely 3D printed.

15. Method as claimed in claim 14, wherein said device is 3D printed in a single printing step.

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