GB2113163A

GB2113163A - Hand protector for pedal cycle

Info

Publication number: GB2113163A
Application number: GB08139125A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Andrew Thomas
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1981-12-31
Filing date: 1981-12-31
Publication date: 1983-08-03
Also published as: GB2113163B

Abstract

A hand protector for a cycle comprises a shield 14 adapted for attachment to a cycle handlebar 11, the shield in use substantially encompassing the handlebar end and brake lever and having an end aperture through which the riders hand may be withdrawn generally axially of the handlebar. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Hand protector for pedal cycle This invention relates to hand protectors for pedal cycles particularly, though not exclusively, intended as an accessory for the aftermarket.

One problem with pedal cycles is that the riders hands are exposed to the elements and, especially during the winter months, this can be particularly uncomfortable. Most riders resort to wearing gloves but this is not an ideal solution since it restricts the riders hand and finger movements when operation of the brake levers, warning bell, etc. is required. Moreover, gloves can be a nuisance to put on and take off, and are easily lost.

A further problem with pedal cycles is that the riders hands are exposed to accident damage. It is not uncommon, if a rider should be forced to swerve and should overbalance, to catch the cycle handlebars on an obstruction. The riders hands may be painfully bruised or grazed either on the obstruction or on projecting cycle parts.

Furthermore the cycle handlebar can cause damage where the obstruction is, for example, a parked motor vehicle.

It is the object of the present invention to provide a hand protector for a pedal cycle which overcomes the aforementioned problems, is particularly cheap to manufacture and which is generally suitable to several shapes of cycle handlebar According to the present invention there is provided a hand protector for a pedal cycle and comprising a shield for attachment to a cycle handlebar end, the shield in use substantially encompassing the handlebar end and brake lever and having an end aperture through which the riders hand may be withdrawn generally axially of the handlebar.

Preferably the shield is secured in use to a tubular handlebar by clamping means extending into the handlebar open end.

Such an arrangement provides a convenient method of securing the shield whilst allowing some freedom of location to cater for different handlebar shapes.

In one embodiment the shield is further secured to the handlebar in use by clip means inboard of the brake lever.

Such clip means, may be a loose clip-on fitting to steady the shield or may be a clamp to rigidly secure the shield at the inboard end.

Preferably the shield is manufactured from a resilient plastics material such as polythene and may be lined with an energy absorbing material for crash protection. A lining of polystyrene foam would for example give a degree of crash protection as well as improving the rigidity of the shield and insulating the riders hand against heat loss.

A preferred embodiment will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1 is a front elevation of a pedal cycle fitted with protection shields according to the invention and showing also the rider.

Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the cycle and rider of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is an exploded view of a shield and attachments together with an end part of a cycle handlebar.

With reference to the accompanying drawings here is shown a pedal cycle handlebar 11 having the usual handlebar grip 12 and brake lever 13. A protective hand shield 14 of generally arcuate shape has an end flange 1 5 with a circumferentially extending arm 16 forattachment to the handlebar end.

The arm 1 6 has a hole to receive a screw 1 7 which is for engagement with an expanding collet 18 and nut 19. On assembly the collet 1 8 and nut 19 are inserted into the open end of the handlebar 11 and the screw 17 tightened. The collet 18 expands to grip the inner wall of the handlebar 11, further tightening of the screw 1 7 securing the arm 1 6 firmly against the handlebar end. A plastic cap 20 may be provided for the screw 17. An end wall 21 closes the shield at the opposite side to the flange 1 5. An aperture 22 of the wall engages on the handlebar to steady the shield. A slit may be provided from the aperture 22 to accommodate the brake cable 23.

It will be apparent that the end flange 1 5 and wall 21 stiffen the shield against wind resistance at normal cycling speeds. A degree of adjustability is provided by the mounting arm 1 6 before final tightening of the screw 17.

Other means for securing the shield to the handlebar are envisaged. For example the arm 1 6 could be secured by a polythene plug pressed into the open handlebar end, the plug could form an integral part of the arm 1 6. The size of the aperture 22 could be chosen to snap securely over the handlebar, the end wall being locally thickened to improve retention.

Further means will be readily apparent to a skilled designer, the eventual attachment chosen depending on handlebar shape, shield material, etc.

The end flange 1 5 allows the riders hand to be withdrawn for signalling whilst giving a degree of protection both to the riders hand and to passing obstacles which the handlebar end might touch.

It is intended that the shield be manufactured from plastics material, for example polythene, and could be vacuum moulded from sheet material.

For additional insulation and crash protection the shield could be lined with a material such as polystyrene foam. This would allow the rider to cycle comfortably without gloves thus improving his control and response.

It is anticipated that the shield could be sold as a blank with the prospective purchaser to decide on the exact hand openings required and the position of apertures for the brake cables etc. to suit individual preferences of handlebar shape and brake lever position. Such openings could easily be cut or enlarged if a plastic construction were adopted.

The shape of the shield would be dependent on the type of manufacture decided upon. However the large frontal area of each shield would appeal to children for the application of stickers and transfers, space for which is lacking on most cycles produced at present. The shield could alternatively be streamlined for speed.

The colour of the shield is optional but bright reflective colours and coatings would improve safety for both the cyclist and other road users.

Lamps or twin signal indicators could be attached to the shield fronts. The shield could enclose other devices such as a warning bell.

It will be apparent from the foregoing explanation that shields according to the invention would be a major step forwarcl for cyclists both as items of comfort and safety. They would also be very economical to manufacture and be easily adaptable to different types of cycle handlebar.

Claims

1. A hand protector for a pedal cycle and comprising a shield for attachment to a cycle handlebar end, the shield in use substantially encompassing the handlebar end and brake lever and having an end aperture through which the riders hand may be withdrawn generally axially of the handlebar.

2. A hand protector according to Claim 1 wherein the shield is secured in use to a tubular handlebar by clamping means extending into the handlebar open end.

3. A hand protector according to Claim 2 wherein an integral arm of the shield extends in use to the handlebar e-1d to be secured hereto.

4. A hand protector according to Claim 2 or Claim 3 wherein the shield is further secured to the handlebar in use by clip means inboard of the brake lever.

5. A hand protector according to Claim 4 wherein said clip means comprise a round aperture in the shield wall whose diameter is substantially equivalent to the outside diameter of the handlebar, said shield being slit to the aperture such that by temporary deformation of the shield in use the handlebar can pass through the aperture to secure the shield,

6. A hand protector according to any preceding Claim wherein the shield is manufactured from a resilient plastic material.

7. A hand protector according to Claim 6 wherein the shield is lined internally with energy absorbing material.

8. A hand protector substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.