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EP-4339087-B1 - SHOCK DAMPENING GRIPS

EP4339087B1EP 4339087 B1EP4339087 B1EP 4339087B1EP-4339087-B1

Inventors

  • STOLTZ, IVAN

Dates

Publication Date
20260506
Application Date
20230904

Claims (7)

  1. A shock dampening grip (10), which grip includes: a sleeve to be gripped by a person's hand, in use, which sleeve (1) is of a resiliently deformable material, and which defines a bore (3) for receiving a handlebar (2) therethrough, in use, which bore is oblong shaped in cross section such that it allows for generally linear transverse free movement of the handlebar within the bore, the sleeve further including a dampening mechanism in the form of a septum (7) spanning across the operatively upper part of the bore to define a chamber above the bore; a pair of end caps configured to fit over and fasten onto the handlebar to define a pair of opposed flanges (11) in use to capture the sleeve between them; and complementary guide formations (5.1 and 1.1) respectively on the opposed faces of the flanges of the end caps (5) and the edges of the sleeve to guide the movement of the sleeve along the generally linear path transverse to the handlebar, in use.
  2. A shock dampening grip as claimed in claim 1, wherein the endcaps and/ or sleeve (5) are provided with a neutral position return mechanism to locate the sleeve with its dampening mechanism against the handlebar, ready to absorb a shock, in use.
  3. A shock dampening grip as claimed in claim 2, wherein the neutral position return mechanism is repulsing magnets (6).
  4. A shock dampening grip as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the complementary guide formations are in the form of pins (5.1) or ridges orientated along the intended linear transverse movement of the sleeve and formed on the inside face of the endcaps and complementary holes or channels formed proximate the ends of the sleeve for receiving the pins or ridges, respectively, therein to guide the sleeve relative to the end caps, in use.
  5. A shock dampening grip as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the material for the sleeve is of a rubber material.
  6. A shock dampening grip as claimed in claim 5, wherein the rubber material is selected from one of 3d printable TPU, Silicone, Polyurethane, Nylon.
  7. A shock dampening grip as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the endcaps are configured to clamp onto the handlebar, in use.

Description

Technical field of the invention This invention relates to new impact dampening or impact attenuating grips for bicycles or motor vehicles steered with handlebars and reciprocating or vibrating machinery. Background to the invention Modern bicycles, especially mountain bikes, have evolved over the years to offer improved comfort, safety and handling by introducing suspension systems, larger tubeless tyres, disk brakes etc. Despite these improvements the contact point between hands and handlebar still encounters significant impact forces especially in rougher terrain. Since the nature of the bicycle suspension is to absorb larger undulations and bumps in a controlled manner considering total rider and bike mass it is less effective with smaller bumps, vibrations and undulations also referred to as small bump absorption. Should the suspension be softened to provide a more comfortable ride for small bump absorption it will reach its maximum travel distance prematurely i.e., "bottom out" with larger undulations and bumps and therefore requiring a compromise. Some riders will compromise control and efficiency for comfort by reducing the air pressure in tyres and soften suspension to create a more comfortable ride, however this compromise control and efficiency for comfort by reducing the air pressure in tyres and soften suspension to create a more comfortable ride, however this compromise has its own drawbacks such as vague steering, sudden loss of pressure resulting in dangerous loss of control. The inventor is aware that mountain bike and motorbike riders often suffer from hand and forearm fatigue, "arm pump", when riding over rough terrain. Skilled and experienced riders mitigate this by applying a "loose grip" as far as the terrain and circumstances allow. However, if the terrain becomes excessively rough using a loose grip may not be possible and using a loose grip is normally not part of inexperienced rider's skill sets. Evolvement in the technology and design of bicycle grips are evident as hand and arm fatigue had always been a reality in mountain bike riding, over the years several versions of handlebar grips have been offered claiming more comfort and better control. For example, CN 213 862 548 U discloses a shock dampening grip, which grip includes: a sleeve to be gripped by a person's hand, in use, which sleeve is of a resiliently deformable material, and which defines a bore for receiving a handlebar therethrough, in use, which bore has a cross section that allows for generally free movement of the handlebar within the bore, the sleeve further including a dampening mechanism; a pair of end caps configured to fit over and fasten onto a handlebar to define a pair of opposed flanges in use to capture the sleeve between them; and complementary guide formations respectively on the opposed faces of the flanges of the end caps and the edges of the sleeve to guide the movement of the sleeve along the generally path relative to the handlebar, in use. Usually, these grips have a higher comfort level and will compromise on control and vice versa, some utilize softer material compounds while others offer a palm rest visually similar to a "wing" or "flared" area as for example disclosed in patent DE 202010011987 thereby distributing impact forces over a wider surface of the hand which in turn creates a more comfortable riding experience. While these "flared" grips are generally comfortable on smoother roads they tend to be a compromise in rough terrain since the palm rest simulates a ramp type effect where many riders feel the tendency is for the hands to push over the handlebar instead of against it. Other types of grips offer a rotational dampening effect such as described in United States Patent No. US 8484806 , US 9580133 and application No. US20150225037 disclosing torsional damping to assist comfort and control. However these grips utilize thermoplastic or rubber type materials to dampen the torsional rigidity but has minimal damping transverse to the impact forces. Common to these grips are that a sleeve or grip in contact with hands is connected by some means to an elastomer or rubber like damper to in turn allow a rotational movement of which degree of rotation is limited by the damper. However, most of the shock and impacts which is transferred to a bike rider or user of vibrating machinery is generally linear and transverse to the grips. Several riders find the rotating grips overcomplicated and expensive with minimal benefit therefore generally the preferred grip for control in difficult and more extreme situations is still the common normal round grip with a flexible type of covering for optimal grip and to a lesser extent shock absorbance. In essence there are grips that will provide slightly better comfort or control in specific situations but there is always a compromise. A clear distinction should also be made between experienced and inexperienced riders, while experienced riders are trained to