HK1250972B - Shock absorbing grip assembly - Google Patents

Description

Shock-absorbing handle assembly

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a vibration-absorbing and shock-reducing handle. More particularly, the present invention relates to a handle that is particularly suitable for use with devices that tend to transmit vibration to the operator's arms, shoulders, and back, such as motorcycles, off-road mountain bikes, all-terrain vehicles, snowmobiles, and the like, as well as handle bars on power tools, hand tools, sporting goods such as golf clubs and baseball bats, and various other mounted and mountable handles.

Background Art

For decades, handlebar grips have been used at the ends of joysticks. These grips are typically made of a soft polymer that both improves the user's grip on the joystick and cushions the hand from vibrations and sudden impacts.

The operating handle is preferably made of a non-slip, relatively flexible and low-hardness polymer such as rubber or polyurethane to enhance the cushioning effect. In off-road bicycles, whether self-propelled as mountain bikes, or driven by internal combustion engines as in motorcycles or riding off-road vehicles (ATVs), the rider tends to hold the operating lever tightly to maintain balance and control. Under competitive conditions, the rider's hand may need to strengthen its grip for a long time while crossing difficult terrain. This grip of the rider can cause vibrations to be transferred to the rider's hands, wrists, forearms and related limbs. After a period of time, the various forces mentioned above may cause fatigue, which may damage the riding pleasure and the competitive results in the competition.

By providing torsional, rotational, linear and axial cushioning on the operating lever, the shock-absorbing handlebar assembly ensures that the rider's hands, wrists, forearms and related limbs are protected from the impact caused by prolonged activities.

While attempts have been made to provide joysticks that are comfortable to use, joysticks that are too soft do not provide adequate motion control. Those that do provide good motion control tend to be too stiff to be comfortable to use. Therefore, there is a need for a joystick that is comfortable to use, provides precise motion control, has good durability, and can be easily retrofitted onto existing joysticks.

Many innovations to operating handles have been proposed in the prior art, as described below. While these innovations may be suitable for the specific individual purposes for which they are intended, as compared below, they differ from current designs. The following is an overview of the prior art patents that are most relevant to the current application, as well as an overview of the features of the shock-absorbing handle assembly of the present application that differ from the prior art.

Patent No. 7,013,533 to Wayne R. Lumpkin describes a handle for a bicycle comprising a cylindrical bushing extending along a bushing axis between a first and a second end. The cylindrical bushing has at least two elongated slots extending axially along a longitudinal portion of the cylindrical bushing, each elongated slot overlapping a longitudinal portion of another elongated slot, the overlapping elongated slots being radially offset. Overmolding covers the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical bushing. The elongated slots are preferably provided in a first group of at least two elongated slots extending along a first axis in the bushing, and a second group of at least two elongated slots extending along a second axis in the bushing. The first and second axes are radially offset, and the first group of elongated slots overlaps the second group of elongated slots. The first elongated slot can intercept the first end of the cylindrical bushing. A compression member is provided to be operably associated with the circumference of an axial section of the cylindrical bushing. The axial section includes at least one longitudinal portion of the first elongated slot. The compression member is operable between a relaxed state in which it does not compress the axial section and a compressed state in which it compresses the axial section about a circumference of the axial section.The axial section is preferably proximate the first end of the cylindrical bushing.

The patent describes a handle having a cylindrical bushing with at least two elongated slots extending axially along a longitudinal portion of the cylindrical bushing, each elongated slot overlapping a longitudinal portion of another elongated slot, the overlapping elongated slots being offset in the longitudinal direction. The patent does not use a fixed but floating-feeling elastic isolation member to isolate the handle portion from the operating rod.

Gregory S. Rarick's patent No. 8,484,806 describes an ergonomic handle assembly. The assembly includes an outer elastomeric cover having an open proximal end surrounded by an annular flange. The cover is preferably molded from an elastomeric material, such as rubber, that provides a satisfactory coefficient of friction against a person's palm when the hand grasps the cover adjacent to the flange. The elastomeric material is a conventional rubber-like composition known in the art for outdoor equipment having an operating lever control member. The control member has a free end portion that can be moved by the user's hand to provide control motion input to the vehicle and assist the vehicle rider in maintaining balance while riding the vehicle.

The patent describes an ergonomic handle assembly but does not use a fixed but floating feeling elastic spacer to separate the handle portion from the operating rod.

However, none of these previous efforts have achieved the benefits of the shock-absorbing handle assembly of the present invention. The present invention achieves its intended purpose, objects and advantages over prior art devices by a new, useful and non-obvious combination of method steps and component parts, by using a minimum number of functional parts, at a reasonable manufacturing cost, and employing readily available materials.

In this regard, before explaining at least one embodiment of a shock-absorbing handle assembly in detail, it should be understood that the design is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

Summary of the Invention

The primary benefit of the shock absorbing handle assembly is that it absorbs shock to the hands, wrists, arms, back, and shoulders when gripping handles on various vehicles, motorcycles, off-road mountain bikes, all-terrain vehicles, snowmobiles, and the like, as well as on power tools, hand tools, sporting goods such as golf clubs and baseball bats, and various other mounted and mountable handles and landscaping equipment.

Another advantage of the shock absorbing handle assembly is that it is a shock absorbing, suspended handle that is suspended and isolated from the movement of the operating lever when installed and that can be easily installed on or removed from the operating lever.

Another advantage of the shock-absorbing handle assembly is that it provides a firm yet floating feel when gripping the handle and isolates the hand and handle from shock and vibration of the operating lever.

Another advantage of the shock-absorbing handlebar assembly is that it can be used with a variety of bicycles, producing handlebar movement that is essentially free-floating and independent of the operating lever.

Another advantage of the shock absorbing handle assembly is that it can be used with a variety of motor vehicles and helps reduce hand and arm fatigue, reduces arm shaking, and reduces joint stress and shock.

Another advantage of the shock-absorbing handle assembly is that it can be used with a variety of tools, for example, power tools, hand tools, gardening equipment such as tillers and lawn mowers, and sporting goods such as golf clubs and baseball bats.

The shock absorbing handle assembly is designed to impart a controlled free-floating action to the handle that is adjustable by varying the different cushioning resilient isolation mechanisms within the handle, including varying the durometer of the material used to form the resilient isolation device insert.

The shock-absorbing handle assembly includes a slotted handle end clamp that is attached to the operating rod by a bolt that restricts its diameter against the operating rod. One or more (preferably three or four) elastomers or spring-loaded isolation members are inserted into three or four cavities in the slotted handle end clamp, and two O-rings slide over the operating rod to center it within the handle. The O-rings control and limit the flexibility of a portion of the handle sleeve through the elastic handle and are optional components of the assembly.

The handle sleeve, to which the resilient handle is bonded, slides over an O-ring on the operating rod. The handle sleeve has three or four grooves at either end, forming a protruding engagement member to fit within the space between three or four resilient isolation members inserted into a cavity in the slotted handle end clamp. One or more (preferably three or four) elastomeric or spring-equipped isolation members are located at the distal end of the handle sleeve with the resilient handle and fit into a cavity within a second slotted handle end clamp to attach to the operating rod by a bolt that limits its diameter against the operating rod. The shock-absorbing handle assembly is securely attached to the operating rod by slotted clamp fasteners at both ends.

The operating rod end cap is attached to the second slotted handle end clamp to be fixed by one or more bolts. Various elastic isolation members with different shapes and hardness are used to adjust the flexibility of the handle.

Variations include differently shaped insulating members and the addition of a leaf spring that abuts the ear section of the handle sleeve between each insulating member and one of the insulating members having a leaf spring in place of the insulating members with a helical compression spring.

Additional variations include changing the hardness of the resilient isolation insert to fine-tune the cushioned feel of the handle, and adding adjustment shims to increase or decrease the distance the protruding engagement member enters the clamp cavity, again varying the cushioning of the handle.

The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the more relevant and important features of the shock-absorbing handle assembly of the present application in order that the detailed description thereof may be better understood and so that the contribution to the art may be more fully appreciated. Additional features of the design which form the subject of the claims of this disclosure will now be described.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of a shock-absorbing handle assembly and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the application.

FIG1 shows a perspective view of a typical bicycle operating lever with two preferred embodiments of a shock-absorbing handle assembly;

FIG2 illustrates an exploded view of a preferred embodiment of a shock-absorbing handle assembly;

FIG3 illustrates a side view of a preferred embodiment of a shock absorbing handle assembly;

FIG4 illustrates an end view of a preferred embodiment of a shock absorbing handle assembly;

FIG5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of a shock absorbing handle assembly with a resilient isolation member positioned between protruding engagement members of the handle sleeve;

FIG6 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of the slotted handle end clamp and the resilient isolation member;

FIG7 shows an overall cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of a shock-absorbing handle assembly;

FIG8 illustrates a side view of a preferred embodiment of a shock absorbing handle assembly;

FIG9 shows a perspective view of the slotted handle end clamp;

FIG10 shows a side view of the slotted handle end clamp;

FIG11 shows a front view of the slotted handle end clamp;

FIG12 shows a perspective view of a slotted handle end clamp with three preferred embodiment resilient isolation members inserted therein;

FIG13 illustrates a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a shock-absorbing handle assembly showing a handle sleeve to which the resilient handle is bonded, the handle sleeve having three recesses forming protruding engagement members for fitting into the spaces between the three resilient isolation members of the preferred embodiment;

FIG14 illustrates a side view of a first alternative embodiment of a shock absorbing handle assembly using a spring insert;

FIG15 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a first alternative embodiment of a shock absorbing handle assembly having a leaf spring insert;

FIG16 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a second alternative embodiment of a shock absorbing handle assembly having a leaf spring and a helical compression spring insert;

FIG17 shows a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of an elastic isolation member;

FIG18 shows a front view of a preferred embodiment of a resilient isolation member;

FIG19 shows a front view of an alternative embodiment of an elastic isolation member;

Figure 20 shows a perspective view of the handle sleeve;

Figure 21 shows a side view of the handle sleeve;

Figure 22 shows an end view of the handle sleeve;

FIG23 shows a perspective view of the elastic handle;

Figure 24 shows a side view of the resilient handle;

Figure 25 shows an end view of the resilient handle;

FIG26 shows an exploded view of a third alternative embodiment of a shock-absorbing handle assembly;

FIG27A shows a side view of a resilient handle having four protruding engagement members at each end;

FIG27B shows a typical end view of a resilient handle;

FIG28A shows a perspective view of the inner clamp with the clamp bolts and a resilient isolation member separated therefrom;

FIG28B shows a front view of the inner clamp with the resilient isolation member in place;

FIG28C shows a front view of the inner clamp with the resilient isolation member removed;

FIG28D shows a front view of four elastic isolation members;

FIG29A shows a perspective view of the inner clamp with the integral resilient isolation member in place;

FIG29B shows a front view of the inner clamp with an integral resilient isolation member;

FIG29C shows a perspective view of the inner fixture with the integrated elastic isolation member removed to expose four alignment posts;

FIG29D shows a front view of the inner fixture with the integrated elastic isolation member removed to expose four positioning posts;

FIG29E shows a perspective view of an integral elastic isolation member;

FIG29F shows a front view of the integral elastic isolation member;

FIG30A illustrates a cross-sectional side view of a portion of a resilient handle having a handle sleeve with a plurality of nubs on an inner surface;

FIG30B shows an end view of a resilient handle having four protruding engagement members;

FIG30C shows a perspective view of a portion of a resilient handle having four protruding engagement members;

FIG31A illustrates a cross-sectional side view of a portion of a resilient handle having a handle sleeve having a matrix of horizontal and vertical ribs on an inner surface;

FIG31B shows an end view of a resilient handle having four protruding engagement members;

FIG31C shows a perspective view of a portion of the end of a resilient handle having four protruding engagement members;

FIG32A shows a side view of a portion of a resilient handle having eight tear-shaped engagement members;

FIG32B shows an end view of a resilient handle having eight protruding drop-shaped engagement members;

FIG33A shows a perspective view of an inner clamp with a resilient isolation member separated therefrom;

FIG33B shows an end view of the inner clamp with the resilient isolation member in place;

FIG34A shows a perspective view of an inner clamp with a resilient isolation member separated therefrom;

FIG34B shows an end view of the inner clamp with the resilient isolation member in place;

FIG35A shows a side view of a portion of the end of a resilient handle having eight protruding engagement posts;

FIG35B shows an end view of the end of a resilient handle having eight protruding engagement posts;

FIG35C shows a perspective view of the inner fixture with an O-ring elastic isolation member separated therefrom;

FIG35D shows an end view of the inner fixture with the O-ring resilient isolation member in place;

FIG36A shows a side view of a portion of the end of a resilient handle having two protruding engagement members;

FIG36B shows an end view of a resilient handle having two protruding engagement members;

FIG36C shows a perspective view of the inner clamp with the elastic isolation member separated therefrom;

FIG36D shows an end view of the inner clamp with two resilient isolation members in place;

FIG37A shows a side view of a portion of the end of a resilient handle having three protruding engagement members;

FIG37B shows an end view of a resilient handle having three protruding engagement members;

FIG37C shows a perspective view of the inner clamp with the elastic isolation member separated therefrom;

FIG37D shows an end view of the inner clamp with the resilient isolation member in place;

FIG38A shows a perspective view of the inner clamp with a single resilient isolation member separated therefrom;

FIG38B shows an end view of the inner clamp with a single resilient isolation member in place;

FIG39A shows a side view of a portion of the end of a resilient handle configured with three protruding engagement members;

FIG39B shows an end view of a resilient handle configured with three protruding engagement members;

FIG39C shows a perspective view of the inner clamp with the elastic isolation member separated therefrom;

FIG39D shows an end view of the inner clamp with the resilient isolation member in place;

FIG40A shows a perspective view of the inner clamp with the resilient isolation member and compression disk in place;

FIG40B shows an end view of the inner clamp with a single resilient isolation member and compression disc in place;

FIG40C shows a front view of a single resilient isolation member;

FIG40D shows a perspective view of a single elastic isolation member;

FIG40E shows a rear view of a single resilient isolation member;

FIG41 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a shock-absorbing handle assembly configured as a throttle lever mounted to a handle or lever;

FIG42 shows an end view of an outer handle end clamp for mounting on a throttle lever assembly having a cavity for accommodating four resilient isolation members;

FIG43A illustrates a side view of an assembled shock-absorbing handle assembly configured to be mounted to a throttle lever on an operating member or stick;

FIG43B illustrates an enlarged cut-away side view of the assembled shock-absorbing handle assembly 300 configured to be mounted to a throttle lever on an operating member or stick, showing the inner handle sleeve and the integral protruding engagement member;

44A and 44B illustrate exploded side views of a shock-absorbing handle assembly of a throttle lever configured to be mounted to an operating member or lever, showing a two-piece coupler and a one-piece coupler, respectively;

FIG44C illustrates an end view of the integral coupler attached to the throttle lever sleeve showing the mating slots in the integral coupler;

FIG45 illustrates a side view of a resilient handle and inner handle sleeve, the resilient handle configured with a protruding member that fits directly into a cavity within an end clamp;

FIG46 shows an end view of a resilient handle and inner handle sleeve including a protruding member, wherein the protruding member is used directly without a resilient insert;

FIG47 shows an end view of a handle end clamp having four oval cavities, not required for use with a resilient insert;

FIG48 shows an end perspective view of a handle end clamp having four oval cavities, not required for use with a resilient insert;

FIG49 illustrates a perspective side view of a resilient handle and inner handle sleeve, the resilient handle being configured with a protruding member that fits directly into a cavity within an end clamp;

FIG50 shows an end view of a modified handle end clamp having four rectangular cavities that need not be used with a resilient insert;

FIG51 shows an end perspective view of a modified handle end clamp having four rectangular cavities that need not be used with a resilient insert;

52 illustrates a perspective side view of a resilient handle and inner handle sleeve, the resilient handle being configured with a protruding member that fits directly into a cavity within an end clamp.

In order to more fully understand the nature and advantages of the shock-absorbing handle assembly of the present application, reference is made to the detailed description below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and form a part of this specification, which illustrate embodiments of the present application and, together with the specification, are used to illustrate the principles of the present application.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like parts of the shock-absorbing handle assemblies 10A, 10B, 10C and 10D are designated by like reference numerals, there can be seen in FIG. 1 a perspective view of a typical bicycle operating lever 12 with two shock-absorbing handle assemblies 10A of the preferred embodiment attached at either end.

FIG2 illustrates an exploded view of a preferred embodiment of the shock absorbing handle assembly 10A showing the operating lever 12 with two optional O-rings 14. A first slotted handle end clamp 16 will be locked in place on the operating lever by bolts 18. Three cavities 20 in the slotted handle end clamp 16 will accommodate three resilient isolation members 22A when assembled. Protruding engagement members 24 formed by three grooves 26 on either end of a handle sleeve 28 are connected between recesses 30 on either side of each resilient isolation member 22A. A cover plate 32 is attached to the outer slotted handle end clamp 16 by three bolts 34. For purposes of clarity, the resilient handle 36 covering the handle sleeve 28 is set to one side.

3 shows a side view of a preferred embodiment of a shock absorbing handle assembly 10A including an operating rod 12. A first slotted handle end clamp 16 and a handle sleeve 28 covered with a resilient handle 36 are adjacent to a second slotted handle end clamp 16 with a cover plate 32 attached.

FIG. 4 illustrates an end view of the preferred embodiment of the shock-absorbing handle assembly 10A, showing the location of the cover plate 32 and the three attachment bolts 34 (shown in FIG. 2 ).

5 shows a cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of a preferred embodiment shock absorbing handle assembly 10A, illustrating how the protruding engagement members 24 on the handle sleeve 28 fit through the resilient isolation members 22A into recesses 30 on either side of each resilient isolation member 22A. The resilient isolation members 22A are shown embedded within the three cavities 20 of the slotted handle end clamp 16.

FIG6 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating how the protruding engagement member 24 on the handle sleeve 28 fits into the recess 30 of the resilient isolation member 22A via the operating rod 12 and the slotted handle end clamp 16 with the resilient isolation member 22A.

FIG. 7 shows an overall cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of a shock-absorbing handle assembly 10A.

FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of the preferred embodiment of the operating lever 12 and the shock-absorbing handle assembly 10A, showing the position of the bolt 18 clamping the slotted handle end clamp 16 to the operating lever 12 .

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of a slotted handle end clamp 16 having three cavities 20 on the side surface.

FIG. 10 shows a side view of the slotted handle end clamp 16 .

FIG. 11 shows a front view of a slotted handle end clamp 16 having three cavities 20 on the front surface.

FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of the slotted handle end clamp 16 with three resilient isolation members 22A inserted therein.

Figure 13 shows a perspective view of one end of a preferred embodiment of the shock absorbing handle assembly 10A, showing the handle sleeve 28 to which the resilient handle 36 is bonded, the handle sleeve 28 having three grooves 26 that form protruding engagement members 24 that fit into the spaces between the three resilient isolation members 22A.

FIG. 14 illustrates a side view of a first alternative embodiment of a shock absorbing handle assembly 10B utilizing a spring insert.

15 shows a cross-sectional view of a first alternative embodiment of a shock absorbing handle assembly 10B having a leaf spring insert 42 between the inner surface of the slotted handle end clamp 16 and the protruding engagement member 24 on the handle sleeve 28. A first alternative embodiment of a resilient isolation member 22B is used in this application.

FIG. 16 shows a cross-sectional view of a second alternative embodiment of a shock absorbing handle assembly 10C having a leaf spring insert 42 and a coil compression spring 44 replacing the resilient isolation member 22B.

FIG17 shows a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a resilient isolation member 22A illustrating the location of the recesses 30 on either end.

FIG. 18 shows a front view of a preferred embodiment of elastic isolation member 22A.

FIG. 19 shows a front view of a second alternative embodiment of a resilient isolation member 22C having a recessed flat surface 46 on each side.

FIG. 20 shows a perspective view of the handle sleeve 28 illustrating the location of the protruding engagement members 24 on both ends of the handle sleeve 28 .

FIG. 21 shows a side view of the handle sleeve 28 .

FIG. 22 shows an end view of the handle sleeve 28 .

FIG. 23 shows a perspective view of the elastic handle 36 .

FIG. 24 shows a side view of the resilient handle 36 .

FIG. 25 shows an end view of the resilient handle 36 .

Figure 26 shows an exploded view of a third alternative embodiment of the shock absorbing handle assembly 10D, showing an inner clamp 62 with a bolt 16 and four resilient isolation members 64. A variety of different durometers can be used when manufacturing all of the resilient isolation members 64 and adjustment shims 66 described above to provide harder or softer compression to the components. One or more adjustment shims 66 are shown at each end of the resilient handle 60 having the resilient isolation members 64 and the outer clamp 68. The handle sleeve 70 of the resilient handle 60 is shown as having four protruding engagement members 72 at each end. An end cap 74 of the operating rod 12 is also shown. Additional variations include changing the hardness of the resilient isolation insert to fine-tune the cushioned feel of the handle, and adding adjustment shims to increase or decrease the distance that the protruding engagement members enter the clamp cavity, thereby again changing the cushioning of the handle.

FIG. 27A shows a side view of a resilient handle 60 having a handle sleeve 70 with four protruding engagement members 72 at each end.

FIG. 27B shows an end view of the resilient handle 60 with the handle sleeve 70 having four protruding engagement members 72 .

28A shows a perspective view of the inner clamp 62 with the clamp bolt 16 and a resilient isolation member 64 separated therefrom. An isolation cavity 76 is shown within the inner clamp 62 along with the compression groove 78.

FIG. 28B shows a front view of the inner clamp 62 with the resilient isolation member 64 in place.

FIG. 28C shows a front view of the inner clamp 62 with the elastic isolation member 64 removed.

FIG. 28D shows a front view of four elastic isolation members 64 .

FIG. 29A illustrates a perspective view of the inner clamp 82 with the integral resilient isolation member 84 in place, showing the engagement member cavity 86 and the four locating posts 90 positioned in the four locating post holes 88 .

FIG. 29B illustrates a front view of the inner fixture 82 with the integral resilient isolation member 84 in place, showing the positions of the engagement member cavity 86 and the four locating posts 90 located in the four locating post holes 88 .

FIG. 29C shows a perspective view of the inner clamp 82 with the integrated elastic isolation member 84 removed to expose the four positioning posts 90 .

FIG. 29D shows a front view of the inner clamp 82 with the integrated elastic isolation member 84 removed to expose the four positioning posts 90 .

FIG. 29E illustrates a perspective view of the integral resilient isolation member 84 showing the location of the engagement member cavity 86 and the locating post hole 88 .

FIG. 29F illustrates a front view of the integral resilient isolation member 84 showing the location of the engagement member cavity 86 and the locating post hole 88 .

FIG. 30A shows a cross-sectional side view of a portion of the resilient handle 94 with the handle sleeve 96 having a plurality of nubs 98 and four protruding engagement members 100 .

FIG. 30B shows an end view of the resilient handle 94 having four protruding engagement members 100 and a plurality of nubs 98 .

FIG. 30C shows a perspective view of a portion of the resilient handle 94 having four protruding engagement members 100 and a plurality of bumps 98 on the handle sleeve 96 .

31A shows a cross-sectional side view of a portion of a resilient handle 104 having a handle sleeve 106 with a matrix of horizontal ribs 108 and vertical ribs 110 on an inner surface 112 and with four protruding engagement members 114 .

FIG. 31B shows an end view of the resilient handle 104 having four protruding engagement members 114 .

31C shows a perspective view of a portion of the end of a resilient handle 104 having a matrix of horizontal ribs 108 and vertical ribs 110 on the handle sleeve 106 and four protruding engagement members 114 .

FIG. 32A shows a side view of a portion of a resilient handle 116 having eight drop-shaped engagement members 118 on a handle sleeve 120 .

FIG. 32B shows an end view of the resilient handle 116 having eight protruding drop-shaped engagement members 118 on the handle sleeve 120 .

FIG. 33A shows a perspective view of the inner clamp 122 with one resilient isolation member 124 having an engagement member cavity 125 separated from the isolation cavity 126 .

FIG. 33B shows a front view of the inner clamp 122 with the resilient isolation member 124 having the engagement member cavity 125 in place.

FIG. 34A shows a perspective view of the inner clamp 130 with one resilient isolation member 132 having an engagement member cavity 133 separated from the isolation cavity 134 .

FIG. 34B shows a front view of the inner clamp 130 with the resilient isolation member 132 having the engagement member cavity 133 in place.

FIG. 35A shows a side view of a portion of the end of a resilient handle 138 having eight protruding engagement posts 140 on a handle sleeve 142 .

FIG. 35B shows a front view of the end of a resilient handle 138 having eight protruding engagement posts 140 on a handle sleeve 142 .

FIG. 35C shows a perspective view of the inner fixture 146 with the O-ring elastic isolation member 148 separated from the isolation cavity 150 .

FIG. 35D shows a front view of the inner clamp 146 with the O-ring resilient isolation member 148 in place.

FIG. 36A shows a side view of a portion of the end of a resilient handle 154 having two protruding engagement members 156 on a handle sleeve 158 .

FIG. 36B shows an end view of the end of a resilient handle 154 having two protruding engagement members 156 on a handle sleeve 158 .

FIG. 36C illustrates a perspective view of the inner clamp 162 with one of the resilient isolation members 164 of the engagement member cavity 165 separated from the isolation cavity 166 .

FIG. 36D shows a front view of the inner clamp 162 with the two resilient isolation members 164 in place.

FIG. 37A shows a side view of a portion of the end of a resilient handle 170 having three protruding engagement members 172 on a handle sleeve 174 .

FIG. 37B shows an end view of a resilient handle 170 having three protruding engagement members 172 on a handle sleeve 174 .

FIG. 37C shows a perspective view of the inner clamp 178 with one resilient isolation member 180 having an engagement member cavity 181 separated from isolation cavity 182. FIG.

FIG. 37D shows a front view of inner clamp 178 with resilient isolation member 180 having engagement member cavity 181 in place.

38A shows a perspective view of the inner clamp 186 having three labeled anti-rotation members 188 in the isolation cavity 190, with a single resilient isolation member 192 having an engagement member cavity 194 and recess 196 and a scalloped shock absorbing inner surface 198 shown separated therefrom.

FIG. 38B shows a front view of the inner clamp 186 with a single resilient isolation member 192 in place having an engagement member cavity 194 and recess 196 and a scalloped shock absorbing inner surface 198 .

FIG. 39A shows a side view of a portion of the end of a resilient handle 202 configured with three protruding engagement members 204 on a handle sleeve 206 .

FIG. 39B shows an end view of the resilient handle 202 configured with three protruding engagement members 204 on the handle sleeve 206 .

FIG. 39C illustrates a perspective view of the inner clamp 210 with the elastic isolation member 212 separated from the isolation cavity 214 .

FIG. 39D shows a front view of the inner fixture 210 with the resilient isolation member 212 in position within the isolation cavity 214 .

FIG. 40A shows a perspective view of the inner clamp 218 with the resilient isolation member 220 in place behind a compression disk 222 having three engagement slots 224 and three sets of compression disk absorbing cavities 216 .

FIG. 40B shows a front view of the inner fixture 218 with a single resilient isolation member 220 positioned behind a compression disk 222 having three engagement slots 224 and three sets of compression disk absorbing cavities 216 .

FIG. 40C shows a front view of a compression disc 222 having three engagement slots 224 and three sets of compression disc absorption cavities 216 .

FIG40D shows a perspective view of a single resilient isolation member 220 having three engagement member cavities 228. As shown in FIG40D , FIG40D illustrates a perspective view of a single resilient isolation member 220 having three engagement member cavities 228.

FIG40E shows a rear view of a single resilient isolation member 220. As shown in FIG40E , FIG40E illustrates a rear view of a single resilient isolation member 220. As shown in FIG40E , FIG40E depicts a rear view of a single resilient isolation member 220.

FIG41 shows an exploded perspective view of a shock-absorbing handle assembly 300 configured to be mounted to a twist throttle on an operating member or lever. An outer resilient handle 302 includes a handle flange 304 and surrounds an inner handle sleeve 306. The inner handle sleeve 306 has integral protruding engagement members 308 and 310 thereon. The protruding engagement member 308 of the inner handle sleeve 306 fits into a cavity in a handle end clamp 316, which may include a shock-absorbing insert 312. The handle end clamp 316 is secured using bolts 317, an operating rod end cap 318, and an end cap bolt 320. The inner handle sleeve 306 also includes an engagement member 310 that mates with a slot 324 in the coupler 322 and, when slid upward, the twist throttle lever sleeve 330 mates with a coupler adapter 328 on the inner end of the twist throttle lever sleeve 330 before reaching the twist throttle lever cam 332. In this manner, the inner handle sleeve 306 can engage and rotate the twist throttle lever sleeve 330 to allow the user to adjust the throttle lever upward (rotate the twist throttle lever inward) and downward (rotate the twist throttle lever outward) while maintaining the shock absorbing capability of the shock absorbing handle assembly 300.

Figure 42 shows an end view of an outer handle end clamp 316 for mounting on a twist-grip throttle lever assembly having cavities for accommodating four resilient isolation members, the four resilient isolation members including four cavities 319 capable of accommodating protruding engagement members 308 on the handle sleeve 306, the outer handle end clamp 316 having or without a shock absorbing insert 312.

FIG43A shows a side view of an assembled damped handle assembly 300 configured to be mounted on a twist-grip throttle lever on an operating member or stick. As disclosed herein, the resilient handle 302 (and inner handle sleeve 306, not shown) slides upward on the throttle lever sleeve 330 until it nearly reaches the throttle lever cam 332. The outer end clamp 316 is mounted against the inner handle sleeve 306 and secured to the throttle lever sleeve 330 by bolts 317 and a rod end cap 318.

43B illustrates an enlarged, cut-away side view of the assembled shock-absorbing handle assembly 300 configured to be mounted to an operating member or lever, with the protruding engagement member 308 integral with the inner handle sleeve 306 mating with a cavity within the end clamp 316 as disclosed herein.

FIG44A shows an exploded side view of a shock-absorbing handle assembly 300 configured to be mounted on a twist-grip throttle lever on an operating member or lever. This side view clearly illustrates the protruding engagement member 310 on the inner handle sleeve 306 near the flange 304 and the opposing protruding engagement member 308. Prior to the engagement of the coupler 322 with the protrusion on the coupler adapter 328, the protruding engagement member 310 on the inner handle sleeve 306 near the flange 304 engages with the slot 324 (shown in FIG41 ) to maintain the shock-absorbing capability of the handle assembly 300 while enabling throttle lever operation.

44B shows an exploded side view of a twist-type throttle lever assembly 300 configured to be mounted on an operating member or lever. This side view clearly shows the coupler 334, which is optionally configured as an integral coupler unit attached to the throttle lever sleeve 330.

FIG44C shows an end view of the shock-absorbing handle assembly 300 shown in FIG44B , configured as a twist-grip throttle lever mounted to an operating member or lever. This side view again shows the integral coupler 334 attached to the throttle lever sleeve 330. The coupler 334 is shown having four cavities 336 for mating with protruding engagement members located on the handle sleeve.

45 shows a side view of a first variation of a resilient handle 402 configured with protruding members, in this case four in total, integral with an inner handle sleeve 404 (not shown), which fit directly into cavities within the end clamp. Protruding engagement members 410 and 408 are integral with the inner handle sleeve 404 (not shown).

46 shows an end view of a resilient handle 402 including a protruding member 408 that is integral with the inner handle sleeve 404 for direct use without the use of a resilient insert within an end clamp receiving cavity.

FIG. 47 shows an end view of a handle end clamp 416 having four oblong cavities 418 that accommodate protruding engagement members integral with the inner handle sleeve 404, without the need for use with a resilient insert.

FIG. 48 shows an end perspective view of a handle end clamp 416 having four oblong cavities and partially illustrating the fixing bolt 417 , without the need for use with a resilient insert.

FIG. 49 illustrates a perspective side view of the resilient handle 402 shown in FIG. 45 configured with a protruding member 410 that fits directly into a cavity 418 within the end clamp 416 shown in FIG. 48 .

FIG. 50 shows an end view of a modified handle end clamp 456 having four rectangular cavities 458 and partially illustrating the fixing bolts 457 that is not required for use with a resilient insert.

FIG. 51 shows an end perspective view of a modified handle end clamp 456 having four rectangular cavities 458 and partially illustrating the fixing bolts 457 , which need not be used with a resilient insert.

52 illustrates a perspective side view of a modified resilient handle 422 configured with a protruding member 450 integral with the handle sleeve end 444 , which fits directly into a cavity 458 within an end clamp 456 .

Alternatively, the resilient insert could be omitted entirely, replaced with a protrusion on the sleeve that provides shock-absorbing properties. The "protrusion, attachment member," etc., would be made of a material that allows the handle to move independently of the operating rod without the need for a separate insert. This design can be used with or without the resilient insert. Essentially, the clamp cavity would mate directly with the protrusion on the handle-sleeve assembly and still provide a free-floating feel and independent cushioning to the handle without the "cushioning" of the insert.

Another alternative design is the reverse of the described design, where the handle end clamp has a protruding engagement member and the handle sleeve includes one or more cavities that mate with the protruding engagement member. As shown in the shock absorbing handle assembly invention previously described herein, this reverse design may or may not use a resilient insert.

The shock-absorbing handle assemblies 10A, 10B, and 10C shown in the drawings and described in detail herein disclose a particular arrangement of components of a structure and configuration for illustrating preferred embodiments of the structures and methods of the present application. However, it should be understood that different structures and configurations, as well as components of the configurations, other than those shown and described, may be employed to provide the shock-absorbing handle assemblies 10A, 10B, and 10C in accordance with the spirit of the present disclosure, and that changes, substitutions, and variations as may occur to those skilled in the art are deemed to be within the scope of the present application as broadly defined in the appended claims.

Furthermore, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the general public, particularly scientists, engineers, and practitioners in the field who are not familiar with patent or legal terminology or language, to quickly ascertain the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application through a cursory review. The abstract is neither intended to limit the invention of the application as determined by the claims nor to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Claims (28)

1. A shock-absorbing handle assembly, comprising: a) One or more slotted handle end clamps; b) One or more cavities in the slotted handle end clamp; c) A handle sleeve, wherein the handle sleeve includes one or more projecting engagement members, and wherein the handle sleeve and the projecting engagement members are made of a material that allows movement independent of the operating lever when mounted to the operating lever, wherein the one or more projecting engagement members mate into the cavity in the slotted handle end clamp; and d) External handle; The slotted handle end clamp suspends the handle sleeve without contacting the operating rod, thereby providing the handle sleeve with torsional, rotational, linear, and axial damping capabilities when installed on the operating rod. 2. The shock-absorbing handle assembly of claim 1, comprising one or more resilient isolation inserts housed within the cavity of the slotted handle end clamp, wherein when the slotted handle end clamp is installed, the one or more resilient isolation inserts suspend the handle sleeve and separate it from the operating lever. 3. The shock-absorbing handle assembly according to claim 1, comprising one or more adjusting shims located between the handle sleeve and the slotted handle end clamp, wherein as the number of adjusting shims placed between the handle sleeve and the slotted handle end clamp increases, the adjusting shims reduce the distance the protruding engaging member enters the cavity, thereby adjusting the shock-absorbing capability of the shock-absorbing handle assembly. 4. The shock-absorbing handle assembly according to claim 2, comprising one or more adjusting shims located between the handle sleeve and the slotted handle end clamp, wherein as more adjusting shims are placed between the handle sleeve and the slotted handle end clamp, the adjusting shims reduce the distance the protruding engaging member enters into the cavity receiving the resilient isolation insert, thereby adjusting the shock-absorbing capability of the shock-absorbing handle assembly. 5. The shock-absorbing handle assembly according to claim 2, wherein one or more resilient isolation inserts in each of the one or more cavities housed in the slotted handle end clamp are made of resilient materials of different hardness, thereby adjusting the shock-absorbing capability of the shock-absorbing handle assembly. 6. The shock-absorbing handle assembly of claim 2, wherein the one or more cavities comprise four cavities, the one or more resilient isolation inserts comprise four resilient isolation inserts, and the one or more protruding engagement members comprise four protruding engagement members. 7. The shock-absorbing handle assembly of claim 2, wherein the one or more cavities comprise a cavity, the one or more resilient isolation inserts comprise a resilient isolation insert, and the one or more protruding engagement members comprise a protruding engagement member. 8. The shock-absorbing handle assembly of claim 7, wherein one of the resilient isolation inserts is secured within the cavity by one or more positioning posts located within the cavity of the slotted handle end clamp that receives the resilient isolation insert. 9. The shock-absorbing handle assembly of claim 2, wherein the one or more cavities comprise four cavities, the one or more resilient isolation inserts comprise four resilient isolation inserts, and the one or more projecting engagement members comprise eight projecting engagement members. 10. The shock absorber handle assembly of claim 2, wherein the one or more cavities comprise eight cavities, the one or more resilient isolation inserts comprise eight resilient isolation inserts in the form of O-rings, and the one or more projecting engagement members comprise eight projecting engagement members. 11. The shock-absorbing handle assembly according to claim 1, wherein the slotted handle end clamp is fixed to the operating lever using bolts. 12. The shock-absorbing handle assembly of claim 11, wherein the slotted handle end clamp includes a compression groove to prevent rotation and lateral movement, thereby securing the slotted handle end clamp to the operating lever when the slotted handle end clamp is installed and the bolt is tightened. 13. The shock-absorbing handle assembly of claim 1, further comprising a coupler having a coupler slot and a coupler adapter having an engagement protrusion, wherein the one or more protruding engagement members integrated with the handle sleeve engage with the coupler slot and the engagement protrusion in the coupler adapter engages with the coupler slot to enable the shock-absorbing handle assembly to be mounted on a throttle lever. 14. The shock-absorbing handle assembly of claim 1, wherein the shock-absorbing handle assembly is configured to be mounted on a throttle lever on the operating lever, the shock-absorbing handle assembly further comprising a coupler configured to be an integral coupler attached to a throttle lever sleeve to enable the shock-absorbing handle assembly to be mounted on the throttle lever. 15. A method for manufacturing a shock-absorbing handle assembly, comprising: a) Install one or more slotted handle end clamps; b) One or more cavities are provided in the slotted handle end clamp; c) A handle sleeve is provided, wherein the handle sleeve includes one or more protruding engaging members, wherein the handle sleeve and the protruding engaging members are made of a material that allows movement independent of the operating lever when mounted to the operating lever, wherein the one or more protruding engaging members mate into the cavity in the slotted handle end clamp; and d) Install an external handle; The slotted handle end clamp suspends the handle sleeve without contacting the operating rod, thereby providing the handle sleeve with torsional, rotational, linear, and axial damping capabilities when installed on the operating rod. 16. The method of manufacturing a shock-absorbing handle assembly according to claim 15, wherein the shock-absorbing handle assembly includes one or more resilient isolation inserts received within the cavity of the slotted handle end clamp, wherein when the slotted handle end clamp is installed, the one or more resilient isolation inserts suspend the handle sleeve and separate it from the operating lever. 17. The method of manufacturing a shock-absorbing handle assembly according to claim 15, wherein the shock-absorbing handle assembly includes one or more adjusting shims located between the handle sleeve and the slotted handle end clamp, wherein as the number of adjusting shims placed between the handle sleeve and the slotted handle end clamp increases, the adjusting shims reduce the distance the protruding engaging member enters the cavity, thereby adjusting the shock-absorbing capability of the shock-absorbing handle assembly. 18. The method of manufacturing a shock-absorbing handle assembly according to claim 16, wherein the shock-absorbing handle assembly includes one or more adjusting shims located between the handle sleeve and the slotted handle end clamp, wherein as an increase in the number of adjusting shims placed between the handle sleeve and the slotted handle end clamp, the adjusting shims reduce the distance by which the protruding engaging member enters the cavity accommodating the resilient isolation insert, thereby adjusting the shock-absorbing capability of the shock-absorbing handle assembly. 19. The method of manufacturing a shock-absorbing handle assembly according to claim 16, wherein the one or more elastic isolation inserts housed in each of the one or more cavities in the slotted handle end clamp are made of elastic materials of different hardness, thereby adjusting the shock-absorbing capability of the shock-absorbing handle assembly. 20. The method of manufacturing the shock-absorbing handle assembly according to claim 16, wherein the one or more cavities include four cavities, the one or more resilient isolation inserts include four resilient isolation inserts, and the one or more protruding engagement members include four protruding engagement members. 21. The method of manufacturing the shock-absorbing handle assembly according to claim 16, wherein the one or more cavities include a cavity, the one or more resilient isolation inserts include a resilient isolation insert, and the one or more protruding engagement members include a protruding engagement member. 22. The method of manufacturing the shock-absorbing handle assembly according to claim 21, wherein one of the resilient isolation inserts is fixed in one cavity by one or more positioning pins located in the cavity of the slotted handle end clamp that accommodates the resilient isolation insert. 23. The method of manufacturing the shock-absorbing handle assembly according to claim 16, wherein the one or more cavities include four cavities, the one or more resilient isolation inserts include four resilient isolation inserts, and the one or more protruding engagement members include eight protruding engagement members. 24. The method of manufacturing the shock-absorbing handle assembly according to claim 16, wherein the one or more cavities comprise eight cavities, the one or more resilient isolation inserts comprise eight resilient isolation inserts in the form of O-rings, and the one or more protruding engagement members comprise eight protruding engagement members. 25. The method of manufacturing the shock-absorbing handle assembly according to claim 15, wherein the slotted handle end clamp is fixed to the operating lever using bolts. 26. The method of manufacturing the shock-absorbing handle assembly according to claim 25, wherein the slotted handle end clamp includes a compression groove to prevent rotation and lateral movement, thereby fixing the slotted handle end clamp to the operating lever when the slotted handle end clamp is installed and the bolt is tightened. 27. The method of manufacturing a shock-absorbing handle assembly according to claim 15, wherein the shock-absorbing handle assembly further includes a coupler having a coupler groove and a coupler adapter having an engagement protrusion, wherein the one or more protruding engagement members integrated with the handle sleeve engage with the coupler groove and the engagement protrusion in the coupler adapter engages with the coupler groove to enable the shock-absorbing handle assembly to be mounted on a throttle lever. 28. The method of manufacturing a shock-absorbing handle assembly according to claim 15, wherein the shock-absorbing handle assembly is configured to be mounted on a throttle lever on the operating lever, and the shock-absorbing handle assembly further includes a coupler configured to be an integral coupler attached to a throttle lever sleeve so that the shock-absorbing handle assembly can be mounted on the throttle lever.