Handlebar assembly, particularly for racing bicycles

Abstract

A handlebar assembly (1, 1'), particularly of the type for racing bicycles, comprising a coupling support (2), a handlebar (3) which is integrally associable at a central portion thereof (5) with an end (6) of the coupling support (4), and means of adjustment (7) of the relative rotation of the handlebar (4) with respect to the coupling support (2) about an adjustment axis (8) which is substantially parallel to the longitudinal extension of the central portion (5); the means of adjustment (7) comprise a female part (10) and a male part (11), which can be mated together with play between them, and at least one angle adjustment wedge (12, 12') which can be interposed between them to eliminate this play; the angle adjustment wedge (12, 12') has a predetermined geometry and is chosen from a plurality of mutually different angle adjustment wedges (12, 12') so as to define a predetermined relative rotation of the handlebar (4) with respect to the coupling support (2) about the adjustment axis (8).

Description

[0001] HANDLEBAR ASSEMBLY, PARTICULARLY FOR RACING BICYCLES The present invention relates to a handlebar assembly, particularly for racing bicycles.

[0002] Racing bicycles are items of sports equipment that are subject to continuous research to increase the performance of the cyclist, bringing together improvements in mechanical, aerodynamic and physiological efficiency.

[0003] What in the beginning was a simple handlebar for steering, made of round-section tube, generally in a single longitudinal segment, has become an essential element for optimizing the performance of a cyclist.

[0004] Nowadays in fact practically every racing bicycle, even for amateur-only use, is now provided with a particular type of handlebar, called a “racing drop” handlebar, or more simply a “drop” handlebar.

[0005] Conventional drop handlebars have, at their ends, a curvature that initially is directed forward, with respect to the direction of travel of the bicycle, and which then drops and turns around to be directed slightly backward, again with respect to the direction of travel of the bicycle, which enables the cyclist to position his or her hands in several positions, one of which is the cruising position, with the hands placed on the central part of the handlebar, the sprinting position, with the hands placed over the curved ends and with the palms substantially facing toward each other, and at least one aerodynamic position, with the hands inserted right inside the curved ends, so as to enable the cyclist to lower his or her trunk and being it to a position practically parallel to the direction of travel and assume an aerodynamic shape so as to reduce the expenditure of energy.

[0006] Among the known drop handlebars are those formed substantially by a tube, circular in cross-section and bent at the ends, connected to the steering tube by means of a handlebar stem.

[0007] More specifically, one end of this stem is associated with the steering tube and the other end is associated with the handlebar, defining the positionand inclination of the handlebar by means of a clamp tightened around the central portion of the handlebar.

[0008] Successive evolutions have brought further developments to the handlebar stem, including, for example, a coupling that allows its rotation on a horizontal axis, so as to be able to combine the adjustment of the inclination of the handlebar with a further, finer adjustment of the height of the handlebar proper.

[0009] Meanwhile, aerodynamic research has begun to extend from focusing only on the position of the cyclist to also include the aerodynamic optimization of the entire bicycle and of each component of it, including the handlebar.

[0010] Handlebars have therefore been developed with cross-sections that are increasingly complex and often different for each portion of the handlebar: the ends today generally have an ergonomic profile so as to offer a better grip, while the portion comprised between the handlebar stem and the ends presents an aerodynamic cross-section, initially ellipsoidal, which is easy to make, and later evolving to complex cross-sections with an airfoil-shaped profile.

[0011] As it is extremely cost-intensive to make a specific handlebar stem for every possible profile and inclination, mass production has leaned toward keeping a circular cross-section in the central portion of the handlebar, so as to maintain compatibility with existing couplings.

[0012] This solution can be obtained either by covering an existing handlebar, circular in cross-section, with two aerodynamic profiles, separated from each other by the uncovered central portion, with an increase in weight with respect to the uncovered tube alone, or by joining two profiled semi-handlebars with a tube that is cylindrical in cross-section, in so doing sacrificing the rigidity of the structure in exchange for a reduction in weight.

[0013] Some makers, aiming to minimize weight and optimize aerodynamiccharacteristics, also offer integrated handlebars, which combine the handlebar stem and the handlebar in a single, aerodynamically-optimized piece, eliminating the clamp and the corresponding increases in weight and aerodynamic resistance.

[0014] Such known integrated handlebars, in which the coupling forms a single body with the handlebar, are not devoid of drawbacks, among which is the fact that no adjustment is possible of the inclination of the handlebar proper, nor is it possible to replace the handlebar with one with different characteristics, such as the width or the breadth of the curvature, without having to replace the entire body including the coupling, with an increase in costs.

[0015] Even conventional handlebars, i.e. handlebars made while keeping at least the central portion circular in cross-section, therefore adapted to be associated with a clamped handlebar coupling, are not devoid of drawbacks.

[0016] More specifically, although they ensure straightforward and precise adjustment of the inclination of the handlebar, they require careful assembly of the parts in order to prevent sudden rotations of the handlebar during use of the bicycle.

[0017] In fact, as their operation is based mainly on friction, if during use the fixing screws should become loose, a sudden rotation of the handlebar, after for example cycling over a pothole, could cause the cyclist to fall, with potentially serious consequences.

[0018] Moreover, even though there are suitable graphic marks, since the adjustment is executed by sight, this is not straightforward to execute as it cannot guarantee an exact repeatability of the adjustment without external measurement instruments.

[0019] A similar consideration can also be made for the lateral centering of the handlebar: as this is based only on graphic marks etched into the handlebar itself (if they are present), the variable human nature of the user renders adjustment imprecise if modifications are made during the racewithout access to tools.

[0020] It is also necessary to consider that, particularly for handlebars made of lightweight materials like aluminum and carbon, it is practically essential to use a torque wrench to tighten the screws, so as to ensure sufficient torque to securely tighten them while at the same time not applying too much, in order to prevent possible breakage of the material.

[0021] The aim of the present invention is to provide a handlebar assembly that is capable of overcoming the above mentioned drawbacks and surmounting the limitations of the prior art in one or more of the above mentioned aspects.

[0022] Within this aim, an object of the invention is to provide a handlebar assembly in which it is possible to perform an adjustment of the inclination of the handlebar.

[0023] Another object of the invention is to provide a handlebar assembly in which it is possible to perform the adjustment of inclination to predetermined discrete values with an operation that is simple and repeatable.

[0024] A further object of the invention is to provide a handlebar assembly that is aerodynamically efficient and aesthetically comparable to the solutions made in a single piece.

[0025] A still further object of the present invention is to overcome the drawbacks of the background art in a manner that is alternative to any existing solutions.

[0026] Another object of the invention is to provide a handlebar assembly that is highly reliable, easy to implement and low cost.

[0027] This aim and these and other objects which will become better apparent hereinafter are achieved by a handlebar assembly, particularly for racing bicycles, gravel bicycles and mountain bicycles with drop type handlebar, according to claim 1 and, optionally, according to one or more of the claims that depend on it.Furthermore, this aim and these and other objects which will become better apparent hereinafter are achieved by a kit comprising a handlebar assembly according to claim 11.

[0028] Finally, this aim and these and other objects which will become better apparent hereinafter are achieved by a bicycle according to claim 12.

[0029] Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become better apparent from the description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of the handlebar assembly according to the present invention, which is illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0030] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a handlebar assembly according to the invention;

[0031] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the handlebar assembly shown in Figure 1;

[0032] Figure 3 is a plan view from above of the handlebar assembly shown in Figure 1;

[0033] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the handlebar assembly shown in Figure 3 and taken along the line IV-IV, in a possible configuration thereof;

[0034] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the handlebar assembly shown in Figure 3 and taken along the line IV-IV, in another possible configuration thereof, in which the configuration of the handlebar as shown in Figure 4 is visible overlaid in dotted lines.

[0035] With reference to the figures, the handlebar assembly according to the invention, generally designated by the reference numeral 1, comprises a coupling support 2 which is contoured for its association with a steering tube of a bicycle or the like, not shown for graphic simplicity.

[0036] In more detail, the coupling support 2 is associated with the steering tube at a first end 3 thereof.

[0037] Furthermore, the handlebar assembly 1 comprises a handlebar 4 which is integrally associable at a central portion 5 thereof with a secondend 6 of the coupling support 2, which is opposite with respect to the first end 3.

[0038] Also present are means of adjustment 7 of the relative rotation of the handlebar 4 with respect to the coupling support 2 about an adjustment axis 8 which is substantially parallel to the longitudinal extension of the central portion 5.

[0039] As a function of the chosen configuration for the means of adjustment 7, as will be better described later, the position of the adjustment axis 8 is subject to variation although it always maintains the orientation described.

[0040] According to the invention, the means of adjustment 7 comprise a female part 10, which can be defined on the central portion 5 of the handlebar 4 or on the second end 6 of the coupling support 2, and a male part 11 , defined on the other of the central portion 5 of the handlebar 4 and the second end 6 of the coupling support 2.

[0041] Such female part 10 and male part 11 can be mated together with play between them, and the means of adjustment 7 comprise at least one angle adjustment wedge 12 which can be interposed between the female part 10 and the male part 11 in order to eliminate this play.

[0042] Furthermore, also according to the invention, the angle adjustment wedge 12 has a predetermined geometry and can be chosen from a plurality of mutually different angle adjustment wedges 12 so as to define a predetermined relative rotation of the handlebar 4 with respect to the coupling support 2 about the adjustment axis 8.

[0043] With particular reference to the proposed embodiment, the female part 10 is defined by the coupling support 2 and has a geometric shape structure with a substantially C-shaped transverse cross-section, the shape of which evokes that of a pocket, and the male part 11 is defined by the handlebar 4 and has a transversely narrowed shape for its insertion into the female part 10, the shape of which evokes that of a tang.

[0044] Conveniently, the at least one angle adjustment wedge 12 hassubstantially a beak-like geometric shape structure with an external profile 13 that is substantially complementary to the internal geometry of the female part 10 and with an internal profile 14 that is substantially complementary to the external geometry of the male part 11 , so that it can be inserted between these two parts in order to eliminate the play.

[0045] Advantageously, the handlebar assembly 1 comprises removable means for fixing 15 the central portion 5 of the handlebar 4 to the second end 6 of the coupling support 2 and vice versa.

[0046] Such means for fixing 15 comprise at least one fixing plate 16 associated with the angle adjustment wedge 12 at a first beak 17 thereof.

[0047] Similarly to what is described for the angle adjustment wedge 12, the fixing plate 16 also has a predetermined geometry and is chosen from a plurality of fixing plates 16 that differ from each other depending on the angle adjustment wedge 12 chosen.

[0048] More specifically, each predetermined geometry of the angle adjustment wedge 12 corresponds to a single predetermined geometry of the fixing plate 16 which is compatible with it.

[0049] In this way, the assembly defined by the fixing plate 16 and by the angle adjustment wedge 12, once interposed between the female part 10 and the male part 11, unequivocally defines the angle of the handlebar 4 with respect to the coupling support 2.

[0050] The means for fixing 15 further comprise at least one fixing screw 18 engaged in a respective fixing hole 19 defined in the fixing plate 16.

[0051] With particular reference to the embodiment proposed, there are three fixing screws 18 engaged in three respective fixing holes 19 defined on the fixing plate 16 with a substantially triangular arrangement.

[0052] In a possible variation of the embodiment proposed, not shown, the number of fixing screws 18 can be different, for example a number equal to two or four, with different arrangements from that described above.

[0053] In more detail, each fixing screw 18 is inserted in a through manner inat least two respective through holes 20a and 20b which are defined, respectively, in the female part 10 and in the angle adjustment wedge 12, at least at the second beak 21 thereof, and in a respective through slot 22 defined in the male part 11 and oriented substantially at right angles to the adjustment axis 8 so as to allow different arrangements of the handlebar 4 with respect to the coupling support 2 depending on the angle adjustment wedge 12 and on the fixing plate 16 chosen, respectively, from the various angle adjustment wedges 12 available and from the various fixing plates 16 available.

[0054] In an embodiment, not shown, the through slot 22 can be replaced by a through hole with a diameter larger than the screw 18. In this way, the play between such a through hole and the screw 18 would bring about a technical equivalent to the screw 18 and through slot 22 coupling.

[0055] Conveniently, the fixing plate 16 is accommodated in a seat 23 defined externally on the angle adjustment wedge 12 which, in the particular embodiment proposed, is a through seat so that the fixing plate 16 is interposed between the female part 10 and the male part 11, while remaining in contact at least with the latter.

[0056] In this way, by tightening the fixing screws 18 to the fixing plate 16, the plate at least partially clamps the female part 10, the male part 11 and the angle adjustment wedge 12, making them mutually integral.

[0057] Moreover, the fixing plate 16 has a substantially parallelepiped shape with an external lateral surface 24 that is complementary to the internal lateral surface 25 of the seat 23, with a first end face 26 that is substantially complementary to the internal geometry of the female part 10 and with a second end face 27, opposite the first end face 26, that is substantially complementary to the external geometry of the male part 11.

[0058] Conveniently, the end faces 26 and 27 have a predetermined mutual incidence in order to define the desired angle.

[0059] This incidence cooperates with the shape structure of the angleadjustment wedge 12 to unequivocally define the angle of the handlebar 4 with respect to the coupling support 2.

[0060] Furthermore, the angle adjustment wedge 12 comprises a perimeter edge 28 which protrudes radially so that it acts as an abutment both for the female part 10, on one side, and for the male part 11, on the other side, when they are mutually associated.

[0061] Advantageously, the female part 10, the male part 11 and the angle adjustment wedge 12 are geometrically shaped in such a way that the handlebar 4 has an external surface that is blended with the coupling support 2 without discontinuities, so as to ensure maximum aerodynamic efficiency, as well as a refined appearance.

[0062] With particular reference to the embodiment proposed, the handlebar 4 is of the racing drop type and comprises two lateral portions 29 which are adjacent to the central portion 5 and have a transverse cross-section with an airfoil- shaped profile and two handles 30 shaped like inverted horns.

[0063] Moreover, the central portion 5 has, on the opposite side with respect to the means of adjustment 7, an airfoil-shaped profile which is continuous with respect to the airfoil-shaped profile of the lateral portions 29.

[0064] Optionally, the handlebar assembly 1 thus described can be obtained from a kit comprising the handlebar 4, the coupling support 2, at least one screw 18, the plurality of angle adjustment wedges 12-12' and the plurality of fixing plates 16-16', which are mutually different so as to allow the adjustment of the relative rotation of the handlebar 4 with respect to the coupling support 2 about the adjustment axis 8 by choosing one of the angle adjustment wedges 12-12' and one of the fixing plates 16-16'.

[0065] With particular reference to Figure 5, a handlebar assembly 1' is shown with a different angle adjustment wedge 12' and a different fixing plate 16', from what is described up to this point, in order to obtain a different angle of the handlebar 4 with respect to the coupling support 2.

[0066] Graphically, this different angle adjustment wedge and fixing plate, aswell as all the elements and their geometric characteristics, are identified with the same reference numerals used previously with the addition of the apex “ ' ” .

[0067] The handlebar assembly 1, T thus described can be used in a bicycle, particularly of the racing type, in gravel bicycles and mountain bicycles with a drop-type handlebar.

[0068] The operation of the handlebar assembly according to the invention is the following.

[0069] As a function of the desired angle, assembling the handlebar assembly 1 or T can be done by choosing a specific pair of angle adjustment wedge 12-12' and fixing plate 16-16' and mounting them on the coupling support 2 and on the handlebar 4, which are chosen solely as a function of the geometric dimensions required (for example handlebar width and handlebar stem length) without needing to take account of the desired inclination between these.

[0070] During assembly, the angle adjustment wedge 12-12' and the fixing plate 16-16' are interposed between the coupling support 2 and the handlebar 4, taking care to position the fixing plate 16 with the correct orientation, so that each fixing screw 18 can be inserted through the through holes 20a and 20b, provided respectively on the female part 10 and the angle adjustment wedge 12-12’, through the through slot 22, provided on the male part 11, and can engage correctly in the respective threaded hole provided on the fixing plate 16-16’.

[0071] In this way, if it is desired to change the inclination of the handlebar 4 with respect to the coupling support 2, it is sufficient to choose a new angle adjustment wedge 12-12' with the corresponding fixing plate 16-16', which are adapted to define the new desired inclination, and substitute them for the corresponding components that were used previously, similarly to the above description.

[0072] In practice it has been found that the handlebar assembly, according tothe present invention, fully achieves the intended aim and objects by providing a handlebar assembly, particularly for racing bicycles, which makes it possible to adjust the inclination of the handlebar with respect to the coupling support according to predetermined discrete values with an operation that is simple and repeatable, in an alternative manner to any existing solutions.

[0073] Another advantage of the handlebar assembly, according to the present invention, consists in that it enables a straightforward lateral centering of the handlebar, so ensuring symmetry in its mounting.

[0074] Not least a further advantage of the handlebar assembly, according to the present invention, consists in that it can be made in an aerodynamically efficient manner.

[0075] The handlebar assembly thus conceived is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, all the details may be substituted by other, technically equivalent elements.

[0076] In practice, the materials used, as well as the contingent shapes and dimensions, may be any according to the requirements and to the state of the art.

[0077] The disclosures in Italian Patent Application No. 102025000000927 from which this application claims priority are incorporated herein by reference.

[0078] Where technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference signs, such reference signs have been inserted for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and accordingly such reference signs do not have any limiting effect on the interpretation of each element identified by way of example by such reference signs.

Claims

CLAIMSA handlebar assembly (1, 1'), particularly of the type for racing bicycles, gravel bicycles and mountain bicycles with drop type handlebar, comprising a coupling support (2) which is contoured for its association with a steering tube of a bicycle or the like at a first end (3) thereof, a handlebar (4) which is integrally associable at a central portion thereof (5) with a second end (6) of said coupling support (2), which is opposite to said first end (3), and means of adjustment (7) of the relative rotation of said handlebar (4) with respect to said coupling support (2) about an adjustment axis (8) which is substantially parallel to the longitudinal extension of said central portion (5); characterized in that said means of adjustment (7) comprise a female part (10), defined on either said central portion (5) or said second end (6), and a male part (11), defined on the other of said central portion (5) and said second end (6), which can be mated together with play between them, and at least one angle adjustment wedge (12, 12') which can be interposed between said female part (10) and said male part (11) to eliminate said play; said at least one angle adjustment wedge (12, 12') having a predetermined geometry and being chosen from a plurality of mutually different angle adjustment wedges (12, 12') so as to define a predetermined relative rotation of said handlebar (4) with respect to said coupling support (2) about said adjustment axis (8).

2. The handlebar assembly (1, 1') according to claim 1, characterized in that said female part (10) has a geometric shape structure with a substantially C-shaped transverse cross-section and in that said male part (11) has a transversely narrowed shape for its insertion into said female part (10); said at least one angle adjustment wedge (12, 12') having substantially a beak-like geometric shape structure with an external profile (13) that is substantially complementary to the internal geometry of said female part (10) and with an internal profile (14) that is substantially complementary to the external geometry of said male part (11).

3. The handlebar assembly (1, T) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises removable means for fixing (15) said central portion (5) of said handlebar (4) to said second end (6) of said coupling support (2) and vice versa.

4. The handlebar assembly (1, T) according to claim 3, characterized in that said means for fixing (15) comprise at least one fixing plate (16, 16') associated with said at least one angle adjustment wedge (12, 12') at a first beak thereof (17), said at least one fixing plate (16, 16') having a predetermined geometry and being chosen from a plurality of fixing plates (16, 16') that differ from each other depending on said at least one angle adjustment wedge (12, 12') chosen to define a desired angle and at least one fixing screw (18) engaged in a respective fixing hole (19) defined in said at least one fixing plate (16, 16'); said at least one fixing screw (18) being inserted in a through manner in at least two respective through holes (20a, 20b) which are defined, respectively, in said female part (10) and in said at least one angle adjustment wedge (12, 12'), at least at the second beak (21) of said at least one angle adjustment wedge (12, 12'), and in a respective through slot (22) defined in said male part (11) and oriented substantially at right angles to said adjustment axis (8) so as to allow different arrangements of said handlebar (4) with respect to said coupling support (2) depending on said at least one angle adjustment wedge (12, 12') chosen from said angle adjustment wedges (12, 12') and on said at least one fixing plate (16, 16') chosen from said fixing plates (16, 16').

5. The handlebar assembly (1, T) according to claim 4, characterized in that said at least one fixing plate (16, 16') is accommodated in a seat (23) defined externally on said at least one angle adjustment wedge (12, 12').

6. The handlebar assembly (1, T) according to claim 5, characterized in that said seat (23) defined externally on said at least one angle adjustment wedge (12, 12') is a through seat, so that said at least one fixing plate (16, 16') is interposed between said female part (10) and said male part (11) and14remains in contact at least with said male part (11); said at least one fixing plate (16, 16') having a substantially parallelepiped shape with an external lateral surface (24) that is complementary to the internal lateral surface (25) of said seat (23), with a first end face (26) that is substantially complementary to the internal geometry of said female part (10) and with a second end face (27), opposite said first end face (26), that is substantially complementary to the external geometry of said male part (11); said end faces (26, 27) having a predetermined mutual incidence in order to define said desired angle.

7. The handlebar assembly (1, T) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said at least one angle adjustment wedge (12, 12') comprises a perimeter edge (28) which protrudes radially so that it acts as an abutment both for said female part (10), on one side, and for said male part (11), on the other side, when they are mutually associated.

8. The handlebar assembly (1, T) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said female part (10), said male part (11) and said at least one angle adjustment wedge (12, 12') are geometrically shaped in such a way that said handlebar (4) has an external surface that is blended with said coupling support (2) without discontinuities.

9. The handlebar assembly (1, T) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said handlebar (4) is of the racing drop type and comprises two lateral portions (29) which are adjacent to said central portion (5) and have a transverse cross-section with an airfoil-shaped profile and two handles (30) shaped like inverted horns.

10. The handlebar assembly (1, T) according to claim 9, characterized in that said central portion (5) has, on the opposite side with respect to said means of adjustment (7), an airfoil-shaped profile which is continuous with respect to the airfoil- shaped profile of said lateral portions (29).

11. A kit, characterized in that it comprises a handlebar assembly (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, the kit comprising:15- said handlebar (4);- said coupling support (2);- said at least one screw (18) and- said plurality of angle adjustment wedges (12, 12') and said plurality of fixing plates (16, 16'), which are mutually different so as to allow the adjustment of the relative rotation of said handlebar (4) with respect to said coupling support (2) about said adjustment axis (8) by choosing one of said angle adjustment wedges (12, 12') and one of said fixing plates (16, 16').

12. A bicycle, particularly of the racing type, characterized in that it comprises a handlebar assembly (1, 1') according to one or more of claims 1 to 10.

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