WO1993000250A1 - Aerodynamic handlebar for cycles - Google Patents

Abstract

A handlebar for cycles comprises a structure (1) in the form of a tunnel wing having a central profiled section (2) forming a leading edge (5) and a trailing edge (6), and two downwardly extending lateral arms (3); an upwardly curved lateral handle (34) at the base of each arm, extending the latter; and securing means (40) on the central section for fitting to a post (41). Application to competition cycles.

Description

AERODYNAMIC HANDLEBAR FOR CYCLE

TECHNICAL AREA :

The present invention relates to the field of cycling in general and it relates, more particularly, to high-quality cycling equipment which is used for the search for performance in the fields of speed and / or endurance sports for which it is looked for the possibility of adopting driving positions or postures adapted to the effort to produce and the results to be obtained.

As a preferred and non-limiting application, the subject of the invention relates, more particularly, to the cycle equipment used in time trial events or, again, in triathlon or similar events.

Among the various factors to be considered and taken into account to improve performance, one, whose influence is certainly as important as the technical quality of the material, is the position or posture that the practitioner can adopt in order to reduce the drag coefficient of the mobile assembly which it constitutes with the cycle and reduce, as much as possible, the fatigue arising, not from the effort produced, but from the simple position adopted.

PRIOR TECHNIQUE:

For this dual purpose, proposals have been made to adapt or modify the traditional handlebars, known as four positions or, again, racing or competition. Among the numerous proposals, it is possible to identify a trend according to which it is proposed to form a specific handlebar or to adapt a traditional handlebar, so that, starting from the crosspiece of the latter joining the two hangers, extends a tubular extension to advance the manual holding by two static handles, in order to improve the practitioner's previous projection. Such extensions are also provided with buffers, pads or the like, constituting forearm supports providing additional support compared to the traditional handlebars. It is indisputable that such proposals have contributed to improving the aerodynamic position of the practitioner, while reducing his support fatigue.

It is, however, clear that such proposals, ^'all reality based on an adaptation of the traditional handlebars give birth very quickly, for practicing some discomfort, because of the support point reserved for forearm and, generally also, the generation of a certain drag coefficient due to the very aerodynamic nature of the adapted handlebar structure. Furthermore, current constructions or adaptations are generally characterized by the existence of relatively protruding or aggressive tubular parts which present certain risks of injury in the event of a fall.

The object of the invention is to remedy the above drawbacks by proposing a new aerodynamic handlebar for cycle, the design of which is, mainly, chosen to significantly improve aerodynamics by reducing the coefficient of drag, while offering good support comfort, in particular in the forward projection posture, with a view to adopting a so-called speed search position.

PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION:

To achieve the above objectives, the aerodynamic handlebar according to the invention is characterized in that it comprises:

- a structure in the shape of a tunnel wing, symmetrical with respect to a sagittal plane, substantially in inverted "U" shape, comprising a profiled central part, forming a leading edge and an edge trailing, and two lateral branches extending on either side of the central part, diverging downwards,

- at the base of each branch and extending it, a lateral handle bent upwards, in the direction of the leading edge, so as to extend substantially parallel to the sagittal plane,

- And fixing means carried by the central part for adaptation to a steering stem of a cycle.

Various other characteristics will emerge from the description given below with reference to the appended drawings which show, by way of nonlimiting example, an embodiment of the object of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:

Fig. 1 is a three-quarter view facing the aerodynamic handlebar according to the invention. Figs. 2 to 4 are perspective views taken from different angles of the same handlebars.

Fig. 5 is a sectional elevation taken substantially along the plane V-V of FIG. 3.

Figs. 6 and 7 are partial cross sections taken, respectively, along the lines VI-VI and VII-VII of FIG. 5.

BEST WAY TO IMPLEMENT THE INVENTION:

Figs. 1 to 4 clearly show that the aerodynamic handlebar for cycle, in accordance with the invention, is produced in the form of a structure 1 of the tunnel wing type, symmetrical with respect to a sagittal plane _P chosen to correspond to the plane of the frame a cycle on the head tube of which the handlebars must be adapted. The structure 1 presents, transverse to the plane _P, a substantially inverted "U" shape which appears more particularly in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4.

The tunnel wing shape includes a profiled central part 2 and two lateral branches 3 .. and 3 _? say, respectively, left and right with respect to the sagittal plane _P. The branches 3 extend, in a divergent manner, downwards, on either side of the central part 2 to which they are joined, connected or attached each by a root 4 .. or 4. The profiled central part 2 has a leading edge

5 and a trailing edge 6 which extend transversely and perpendicular to the plane P. The edges 5 and 6 are joined by an upper surface 7 which forms a central boss 8 delimited by an anterior upper surface profile 9 originating from the edge 5 and leading to the top 10. The boss 8 is further delimited by a posterior upper surface 11 connecting the boss 8 to the trailing edge 6.

As shown in fig. 5, the particular conformation of the central part 2 gives it a wedge shape, mainly by the profile 9 leading to the boss 8, such a profile promoting penetration into the air and significantly improving the drag coefficient.

The presence of the boss 8 is used to delimit, in the posterior extrados profile 11, a housing 12 which is reserved for the mounting of means of control and management of physical effort, such as a counter capable of '' display information on time, speed, kilometers traveled, or even heartbeat, possibly, as well as the physical conditions of the surrounding environment with regard to temperature, humidity, etc. Such a housing 12 allows to have flat, away from reflections, one or more displays which are thus placed immediately in view of the practitioner.

It should be noted that the presence of the boss 8 also has the function, by the front upper profile 9, of creating a relative flow vein bent upward, from the leading edge 5. Such an air vein is thus directed more precisely on the face of the practitioner whose comfort is improved during exercise by permanent ventilation directed.

According to another arrangement of the invention, the profiled central part 2 is extended, from the leading edge 5, by two front grip handles 13 .. and 13 ₂ , inclined upwards, which make it possible to adopt a position in forward projection necessary when a search for speed, by improving aerodynamics, must be ensured. The handles 13 .. and 13 are preferably notched on the front face to provide cells 14 which improve the grip, by defining anatomical housings for the fingers of the hand. According to the invention, it is considered preferable to join the front handles 13 .. and 13- by a cross member 15 thus defining, with the leading edge 5, a window 16. Such a configuration improves the aerodynamic aspect, provided by window 16, a clear vision of the road upstream of the front wheel and materializes a sort of guide section or sheath channeling the air stream which is inflected by the section 9 to be directed on the practitioner's face.

According to another arrangement of the invention, the central part 2 is made to comprise, on either side of the boss 8, two suppo..s forearms 17 .. and 17 _? together representing additional support for the adoption of a so-called speed search position. The supports 17 .. and 17 ₂ are constituted, within the meaning of the invention, by lateral gutters which are formed in the upper surface 7, from the trailing edge 6, to extend substantially horizontally to the base front handles 13 .. and 13.

The gutters 17 ,. and 17- can be parallel to each other or, on the contrary, adopt an angle of convergence in the direction of the base of the front handles 13 .. and 13 ₂ - According to a provision of the invention, The gutters 17 ,. and 17-, are shaped to each have a bottom curve connected by a wall 18 of connection with the boss 9. Such a conformation is provided for the reception of the muscular mass of the forearms which rest in continuous support on the major part of their length. As is particularly apparent from FIG _* 3, iL is also provided to connect each gutter 17 to the base of the corresponding front handle 13 by a recess 18,. or 18-> favoring the placement of the hypothenar eminence of the hand, while reducing the contact pressures imposed on the pisiform bone.

The gutters 17 ,. and 17-, are preferably bordered substantially along the plantings 4 ,. and 4-, by raised edges 19 ,. or 19- ,, for example in the form of a molding, allowing the forearms to be wedged against the walls 18 of the boss 8. In this way, it is possible to establish a correct hold and without risk of slipping of the forearms which are able to tighten the boss 8 by pressure against the walls 18 so that the practitioner is really one with the profiled structure whose primary function is also to allow, by rotation to the right or to the left, the direction of the cycle.

Fig. 6 shows that it is also advantageous to spare, in the bottom of the gutters 17,. and 17- ,, clearances allowing the fitting of linings 2C and 20 _? forming covers, pads or cushions of a shock absorbing and non-slip nature.

In one embodiment as illustrated, the central part 2 is made in the form of a shell, so as to have a lower surface 21 substantially following the upper surface 7 to define a constant thickness between the leading edge 5 and Le trailing edge 6. The lower surface 21 thus delimits, internally, a hollow volume which can be closed by a removable wall 22, so as to delimit a compartment 23 capable of receiving any product which is to be temporarily stored or stored.

As a preferred application, compartment 23 can be reserved for the placement of a pocket, bladder or other container containing a liquid or pasty food product, capable of being withdrawn during exercise, from a cannula or mouthpiece 24 accessible from the extrados 7. According to another provision always to improve the aerodynamic character of the handlebars, the lateral branches 3,. and 3- ,, which extend downwards in a divergent orientation relative to the sagittal plane _P, each have, in cross-section, a biconvex profile comprising, as illustrated in FIG. 5, a leading edge 31 and a trailing edge 32.

The profi l 30 of each branch has a gradually decreasing cord from the root 4 ,. towards the base 33 beyond which each branch 3 is extended by a lateral handle 34 of constant or non-constant section, preferably cylindrical. Each lateral branch 34 is shaped in the form of a curved bent upwards and in the direction of the leading edge 5, so as to extend in a lateral plane p ₁ or p ₂ substantially parallel to the plane _P.

The lateral handles 34 are advantageously provided at the end with levers 35 capable of controlling sheaths or cables for actuating the brakes or for changing gears. In a preferred arrangement, the lateral handles 34, as well as the branches 3, are made to delimit, on the surface or internally, one or more passages 36 for guiding the cables for actuating the brakes and for changing gears.

It should be considered that the structure described above can advantageously be produced in a fully integrated and monocoque form, for example from composite materials and, in particular, fabrics impregnated with resins, to form a particularly resistant sandwich structure, From widely known materials for making such structures, either in the cycle field or in other fields, such as that of the manufacture of hulls or nacelles for the construction of boats or planes. IT can also be considered to realize the structure at by means of inserts or internal reinforcements embedded in an appropriate foam coating, itself associated with an outer contact skin.

An embodiment which can also be envisaged consists in making the central part 2 and / or the lateral branches 3,. and 3 ₂ in the form of removable shells which can be adapted, by any suitable means, to a support structure, for example made from one or more bent tubes forming a support frame. As is apparent from the above description, the aerodynamic handlebar according to the invention is characterized by a tunnel wing shape, imparted by the profiled central part 2 and by the lateral branches 3 ₁ and 3 _? . Such a structure is characterized by a low coefficient of drag and, consequently, by a good aerodynamic factor which is due, for the central part, to the presence of the front upper section profile 9, the boss 8 and the profile d posterior upper surface 11 and, for the lateral branches, the existence of the profiles 30.

Thus, the user has an advantageous structure in terms of speed search but which nevertheless offers him comfortable and secure support by the gutters 17 and the front handles 13. And 13 ₂ .

Such a handlebar provides, additionally, a possibility of adopting a traditional posture by applying the hands to the lateral handles 34, either in the high position for actuating the levers 35, either in the intermediate position, or even in the low position, in the connection part of the handles 34 with the bases 33. The grip on the handles 34 can be carried out in an easy, comfortable and rapid manner in the event of a change of position, due to the lateral clearance which is given to each handle 34 by the divergent inclination of the branch 3 which carries it.

According to another embodiment, means 40 are provided to allow the adaptation of the handlebars to a stem 41 of the steering tube of a cycle. The means 40 are, for example and preferably constituted by a crosspiece 42 extending perpendicularly to the plane _P and comprising end portions 43 of flattened section which can be secured, in particular by screws 44, with fixing points 45 which are formed on or in the lower surface 21 of the central part 2. The crosspiece 42 has a central part 46 of cylindrical shape which is intended to be housed and held in the hand 47 of the bracket 41, whether the latter is of traditional form, with fixed length or, Adjustable length. Fig. 5 shows that the assembly, as recommended by FIG. 7, allows a possible angular orientation of the structure in either direction of the arrow f .., when it is desired to adapt, according to the request of the user, the support plane of the gutters 17 or, again, the inclination of the front handles 13 ,. and 13- ,. The possible angular range of rotation is defined by the shape of the lower surface, at the bottom of the housing 12 and, in this regard, particular shapes, other than those shown in FIG. 5, can be adopted to increase such faculty. The invention is not limited to the example described and shown, since various modifications can be made thereto without departing from its scope.

POSSIBILITY OF INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION:

The invention finds a preferred application in the equipment of competition cycles.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1 - Aerodynamic handlebars for cycles, characterized in that it comprises: - a structure (1) in the shape of a tunnel wing, symmetrical with respect to a sagittal plane (P), substantially in inverted "U" shape, comprising a profiled central part (2), forming a leading edge (5) and a trailing edge (6), and two lateral branches (3) extending on either side of the central part, diverging downwards, - At the base of each branch and extending it, a lateral handle (34) bent upwards, in the direction of the leading edge, to extend substantially parallel to the sagittal plane, - And fixing means (40 ⁾ carried by the central part for adaptation on a stem (41) for steering a cycle. 2 - Handlebar according to claim 1, characterized in that the branches (3) have, in cross section, a biconvex profile (30). 3 - Handlebar according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the branches (3) have a decreasing rope from the empLanture (4) with the central part to the base (33). 4 - Handlebar according to claim 1, characterized in that the central part (2) has a leading edge (5) extended by two front handles (13) inclined upwards. 5 - Handlebar according to claim 4, characterized in that The two front handles are joined to their upper parts and define a window (16) with the leading edge. 6 - Handlebar according to claim 1 or 4, characterized in that The profiled central part (2) has an upper surface (7) offering forearm supports (17). 7 - Handlebar according to claim 6, characterized in that the forearm supports (17) are formed by gutters formed in the upper surface (7) of the central part (8 ⁾ and ending substantially at the base of the front handles ⁽ 13 ⁾ . 8 - Handlebar according to claim 5, characterized in that The gutters (17) are connected to the front handles. (13) by indentations (18) reserved for the placement of hypothenar energies and pisiform bones of the hands. 9 - Handlebar according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that The gutters (17) are formed on either side of a boss (8) projecting from the upper surface (7) of the central part. 10 - Handlebar according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that The gutters (17) are connected to the footings of the lateral branches by raised edges (19). 11 - Handlebar according to one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that the gutters (17) are lined with coatings ⁽ 20 ⁾ shock-absorbing. 12 - Handlebar according to claim 9, characterized in that the boss (8) comprises an anterior upper profile (9) inclined upward from the leading edge (5) at the base of the window to the top (10) and a posterior upper surface profile (11) connecting the top to the trailing edge (6). 13 - Handlebar according to claim 12, characterized in that the posterior upper surface profile (11) delimits an open housing (12) for mounting means of control.and management of physical effort. 14 - Handlebar according to claim 1 or 6, characterized in that the central part (2) is made in the form of a shell and has a hollow lower surface (21). 15 - Handlebar according to claim 14, characterized in that the lower surface (21) is closed by a removable plate (22) with which it delimits a compartment (23) capable of containing a food reserve communicating with a mouthpiece (24) protruding from the upper surface (7) of the central part. 16 - Handlebar according to one of claims 1, 6 or 14, characterized in that the structure (1) comprises, in the handles and in the branches, passages (36) for guiding brake control or cable sheaths or cables for shifting actuated by levers (35) carried by the handles. 17 - Handlebar according to claim 16, characterized in that the handles (35) are mounted at the end of the handles. 18 - Handlebar according to claim 1, characterized in that the fixing means (40) comprise, from the lower surface, removable fixing points (45) for a crosspiece (42) extending perpendicularly to the sagittal plane ⁽ P ⁾ and having a central part (46) intended to be housed and held in the hand (47) of a bracket (41). 19 - Handlebar according to claim 1, characterized in that the structure, the branches and the handles are produced in an integrated monocoque form. 20 - Handlebar according to claim 1, characterized in that the structure and the branches are made in an independent form can be attached to a tubular frame.