US574751A - Handle-bar grip for bicycles - Google Patents

Description

" I. A. NEWMAN.

HANDLE BAR GRIP FOR BIGYGLES.

-N0. 574,751. Patented Jan. 5-, ..1897. I

I lg egior Hdiiiysscs I I w/flzwmm/ A W UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

ISAAC A. NEWMAN, OF GREENVILLE, MISSISSIPPI.

HANDLE-BAR G RIP FOR BICYCLES.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 574,751, dated January 5, 1897.

Application filed July 23, 1896. Serial No. 600,279. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, ISAAC A. NEWMAN, a citizen of the United States,residing at Greenville, in the county of Washington and State of Mississippi, have invented new and useful Improvements in Handle-Bar Grips for Bicycles and Velocipedes, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to handle-bar grips for bicycles and velocipedes, and has for its objects to provide for several changes in position of the hands to obviate weariness of the muscles and liability to deformity of the hand and wrist from unnatural development of the muscles due to constrained and unchanging positions, as in grasping the handlebars of ordinary construction.

The invention consists in a handle-bar grip having the peculiarities of form and construction hereinafter set forth, whereby provision is made for at least three different changes in position of the hands while riding.

In the annexed drawings, illustrating the invention, Figure 1 is a view of a handle-bar having an open or looped grip of ovate form. Fig. 2 is a view of a handle-bar having an open or looped grip of triangular form.

In the drawings the reference-numeral 1 designates a handle-bar which may have any usual, preferably curved, form such as commonly employed in bicycles. Each end of the handle-bar is provided, according to my invention, withan open or looped grip 2 of ovate form, as represented in Fig. 1, or with an open triangular grip 3, as shown in Fig. 2.

The open or looped grips 2 and 3 are inclined rearward from the ends of the handlebar, and by reason of their peculiar form they are capable of being easily grasped at any point throughout the circumference of the grip and so afford a restful variety in position of the hands.

In the ovate form of grip the narrower end is at the junction of grip and handle-bar. The continuous and gradual curvature that is peculiar to this form of handle-bar grip affords a ready and easy grasp for the hand at any point from one side of the junction of grip and handle-bar around to the other side.

The triangular form of grip has one of. its

-dle-bar grip.

apices at the handle-bar junction, and the three sides of the triangle are thus adapted to afford at least three changes in position of the hands.

In either form of construction the grips may be made from hollow metal, either cast or wrought, and,'if desired, they can be covered with any kind of thick soft fabric or with leather, chamois, cork, or other suitable material.

It is obvious that these grips can be made separate from the handle-bar and be adapted for attachment thereto by screwing on, keying, or by means of set-screws in any Wellknown manner of providing for detachable or adjustable connections. The grips could thus be attached to any preferred form of handle-bar and in any position desired.

A steady grasp of the ordinary handle-bar in unvarying position has a tendency to produce deformities of the fingers, hands, and wrists as a result of pressure and muscular strain. When riding is continued for some time, the muscles of the hand, wrist, and arm become cramped and wearied and the hand is liable to gradually develop an unnatural shape. These objections are entirely obviated by providing for frequent and easy changes of position in taking hold of the han- The variety of positions that may be readily assumed by use of the ovate handle-bar grip or the triangular grip will afford instant relief from any tendency to weariness, strain of muscles and tendons is avoided, and the comfort of the rider is thereby great-ly promoted. As the circumference of the grip is at all points comparatively small the joints of the hand are not subjected to tension, and this with the facilities for effecting desired changes of position will give a sense of security and comfort and at the same time permit a perfect control of the bicycle or velocipede.

What I claim as my invention isg l. A handle-bar grip having a looped form and presenting a continuous gripping-surface extended from one side of the junction of grip and handle-bar around to the other side, substantially as and for the purpose described.

2. A handle-bar grip having the form of an ovate 100p, whereby it is adapted to afford a gripping-surface at any point from either side of the junction of grip and handle-bar around to the other side, substantially as and for the purpose described.

3. The combination with a handle-bar for bicycles and velocipedes, of a looped grip curved rearwardly from its junction with the handle-bar and adapted to afford a restful variety in position of the hands, substantially I o as described.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand in presence of two subscribing Witnesses.

ISAAC A. NEWMAN. Vitnesscs:

W. H. REED, A. C. HENRY.

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