Aero handle and support system for bicycles

In combination with a bicycle handlebar having a crossbar portion connected to a bicycle stem, a handle and torso support assembly, including: (1) a pair of handle extensions having a handle clamp affixed at one end of each handle extension, and (2) clamping means for securing the handle clamps to the crossbar portion, the handle extensions extending rearwardly and upwardly to a region rearward from the crossbar portion to define a rider position whereby the rider's hands are located under the rider's upper torso when steering a bicycle using the handle extensions. The handle and torso assembly further includes a torso support extension that is secured to the crossbar portion with a torso clamp. Thus, the handle and torso support extensions provide for a bicycle rider to assume an aerodynamic forward leaning rest position in which his silhouette is minimized while conserving energy.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention relates to a handle & torso support assembly for 
steering a bicycle which specifically enables a cyclist to assume a 
forward leaning rest position for greater and more efficient aerodynamics 
when riding a bicycle. 
In order to enable a cyclist to increase his speed and conserve energy 
while bicycle racing, the world of bicycle racing has been on endless 
search for improved aerodynamics. To this end, the most effective 
invention to obtain efficient aerodynamics on a bicycle has been the 
aero-type handle bars. (U.S. Pat. No. 4,750,754). In the aero-type bar 
design, the bars extend forward to allow the hand grips to be located 
forward of the bicycle handlebar stem. The result is that the aero bar 
design allows a cyclist to place his arms forward of the bicycle stem 
which allows him to decrease his frontal surface and rest his arms forward 
of the handlebar stem. Thus, the result of this Aero-bar type design and 
its variations have revolutionized the world of cycling. 
Notwithstanding the aerodynamics that the aero-type bar has allowed a 
cyclist too achieve, it has not been able to achieve optimum aerodynamics 
by its failure to totally eliminate the air drag generating pocket created 
by a cyclist's upper torso, shoulders and extended arms. The torso pocket 
results in a continual drag which exponentially increases as the cyclist 
reaches higher speeds. Thus, the cyclist is forced to exert more energy to 
overcome the additional drag. 
In addition, the aero-bar type position still requires that a cyclist 
consume energy while supporting the weight of his upper body with his 
forearms. Finally, The aerobar type design, due to its forearm supports 
which keep a cyclist's shoulders in an upright position, does not achieve 
the lowest aerodynamic tuck that can be achieved by a cyclist while riding 
a bicycle. 
In an attempt to solve the drag producing effects created by a cyclist's 
upper torso, shoulders, and arms many variations and different designs of 
aerobar technology have been created. In an attempt to minimize the drag 
created by a cyclist arms, versions of aero-bars were invented which have 
gradually narrowed the distance between a cyclist hands to create an arrow 
head type formation that will cut through the air more efficiently. In 
fact, one invention actually allowed a cyclist to overlap his hands while 
grasping a aerobars that joined together at its most forward position. 
(U.S. Pat. No. 5,145,210). 
However, the attempts to close the distance between a cyclists hands have 
not succeeded in addressing the drag created by the rider's arms. Due to 
control problems that are created when the hands are too close together 
and a need to keep the chest expanded to facilitate breathing, a space 
between a rider's hands has been the preferred method of aero-bar 
designers. Thus, the arms continue to create air drag when using the aero 
bar design. 
Also, efforts to minimize the frontal surface created by the elevated upper 
torso have resulted in aerobar designs that have extended forwardly the 
hand grips to a much greater degree. These latest innovations have further 
improved aerodynamics but control and leverage have suffered. Due to the 
greater forward extension in which the arms are placed by the extended 
aero bar, a cyclist is put in a poor position to control the bicycle when 
attempting to steer the bicycle or handle wind gusts or cross wind 
situations, thus, hindering aerodynamic efficiency. In addition, the 
extended aerobar approach has failed to address the drag created by a 
cyclist's arms. 
Hence, the aero-bar design with all its variations suffer disadvantages in 
that they have failed to gain optimum and efficient aerodynamics due to 
the drag created by bicycle rider's exposed upper torso and forwardly 
extended and spaced arms. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
Accordingly, several objects and advantages of my present invention are: 
(a) to provide a novel handle & torso support assembly for steering a 
bicycle that allows a rider to assume a more aerodynamic position by 
lowering his upper torso when riding a bicycle. This object is 
accomplished with the novel handle and torso support assembly which allows 
a cyclist to lower his upper torso and shoulders further in order to 
eliminate the air drag pocket created by traditional aerobar type systems. 
The novel handle and support system includes a pair of handle portions 
extending rearwardly and upwardly from and connected to the bicycles 
steering post. These novel handles are located so that, they can be 
grasped by the rider underneath his upper torso, neck and head area. This 
novel handle position allows a rider to steer & control the bicycle with 
his hands below his upper body thus allowing the rider to lower his body 
posture to a degree that eliminates air drag producing upper torso pocket. 
(b) to provide a novel handle & torso support assembly which eliminates air 
drag effects created by a cyclist's extended arms. This object is 
accomplished with the novel handle and torso support assembly which allows 
a bicycle rider to tuck his arms underneath his already lowered upper 
torso thereby eliminating the arm drag created by aerobar type designs 
which induce a cyclist to project his arms forward, away from his upper 
torso and into air dragging exposure. This novel handle and torso support 
system includes a pair of torso support extensions that extend rearwardly 
and upwardly from its connection with the steering post. These novel 
support extensions are located so that, they can allow a cyclist to rest 
his arms underneath his torso and shield his arms from drag creating wind. 
(c) to provide an energy saving support assembly which allows a cyclist to 
rest his upper torso, shoulders, and arms while riding a bicycle thereby 
conserving energy. This object is accomplished with the rearwardly 
extended novel torso support extensions which allows a cyclist to assume a 
novel forward leaning rest position while resting on the support assembly. 
These novel torso support extensions, which extend rearwardly and upwardly 
from the steering post, are located so that, a cyclist can rest his upper 
torso directly on top of his arms which are resting on the torso support 
extensions. 
Hence, further objects and advantages are that with this novel handle and 
support assembly, a cyclist is enabled to tuck his upper torso lower than 
aerobar designs, eliminate air drag created by a cyclist extended arms, 
and allow a cyclist to rest his upper torso and arms and conserve energy. 
These advantages allow a cyclist to attain higher speeds for longer 
periods of time due to the novel aerodynamics and to conserve energy for 
greater endurance to enhance performance during bicycling. Still further 
objects and advantages will become apparent from a consideration of the 
ensuing description and drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
While the present invention will be described in connection with alternate 
embodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the 
invention to these embodiments. To the contrary, it is intended to cover 
all alternatives, modifications or equivalents as may be included within 
the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the legal claims. 
A traditional bicycle with bicycle handlebars is shown in FIG. 1. The 
bicycle 14 which includes a triangular shaped frame comprised of a top 
tube 16, a down tube 44 and a seat tube 12. Seatstays 6 and chainstays 36 
join to rigidly secure a rear wheel 2 by its axle 38. Extending from the 
seat tube 12 is a seat post 8. Mounted atop the seat post 8 is a saddle 
10. Seat post 8 may be raised or lowered into the seat tube to accommodate 
riders of differing heights. The top tube 16 and a down tube 44 extend 
forwardly to a head tube 18. Journaled within this head tube 18 is a 
bicycle stem 20. Pedals 30 mounted to cranks 32 operate a drive sprocket 
34 and a chain drive 46 in order to propel the bicycle. 
Turning now to FIG. 2, illustrated is a top view of an embodiment of the 
novel handle and torso support assembly attached to a conventional bicycle 
handlebar. The bicycle handlebar 15 includes a crossbar portion 11 that is 
connected to a bicycle stem 13. The novel handle and torso support 
assembly includes a first and second handle extensions 1a, 1b, 
respectively, and first and second torso support extensions 3a, 3b, 
respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second handle 
extensions 1a, 1b further include first and second ends 41a, 41b and 43a, 
43b, respectively. Attached to the second ends 43a, 43b of the first and 
second handle extensions 1a, 1b are first and second handle clamps 5a, 5b, 
respectively. The first and second handle clamps 5a, 5b are clamped on to 
the crossbar portion 11 of the bicycle handlebar 15 and extend rearwardly 
and upwardly to a region rearward RR from the crossbar portion 11 poximate 
to the bicycle stem 13. The orientation of the first and second handle 
extensions 1a, 1b define a rider's position whereby the rider's hands are 
located under the rider's upper torso when the rider is using the handle 
extensions to steer a bicycle. 
The first and second torso support extensions 3a, 3b further include first 
and second ends 45a, 45b and 47a, 47b, respectively. Attached to the 
second ends 47a, 47b of the first and second torso support extensions 3a, 
3b are first and second torso clamps 7a, 7b, respectively. The first and 
second torso clamps 7a, 7b are clamped on to the crossbar portion 11 of 
the bicycle handlebar 15 and extend rearwardly and upwardly to the region 
rearward RR from the crossbar portion 11. A first and second forearm 
supports 19a, 19b are also attached to the first ends 45a, 45b using 
conventional attachment techniques, such as clamps. The forearm supports 
are conventional supports that are well known in the art. 
In accordance with the invention, a forward leaning rest position is 
encouraged by the rider placing his forearms on the forearm supports 19a, 
19b, which are clamped on to the torso support extensions 3a, 3b, and 
resting his upper torso on top on his coiled arms while grasping the 
handle extensions 1a, 1b. To this end, the rider achieves a more 
aerodynamic position because his upper torso and arms exposure to the wind 
is minimized. Furthermore, a rider conserves energy while riding the 
bicycle in the forward leaning rest position due to not having to exert 
energy to support his upper body while it is resting on his coiled arms. 
A variety of different rider hand positions are provided by the handle 
extensions 1a, 1b, each with their corresponding handle clamps 5a, 5b or 
with the extendable hollow handle 29 and female connector piece 31 shown 
in FIG. 4. FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of an embodiment of a novel 
extendable handle extension 100. The extendable handle extension 100 
includes a hollow handle 29 and a connector piece 31 that are analogous to 
the first and second ends 41a, 41b and 43a, 43b, respectively, of the 
first and second handle extensions 1a, 1b illustrated in FIG. 2. The 
connector piece 31 further includes a handle clamp 110 and a connector 
clamp 120. 
The handle extensions 1a, 1b and 100 clamping mechanisms, i.e., handle 
clamps 5a, 5b and 110 allows a rider to adjust the height of the handle 
extensions by pivoting the handle extensions back and forth around the 
crossbar portion 11 and fastening the bolt in each handle clamps 5a, 5b 
and 110 to achieve the handle position preferred by the bicycle rider. 
Moreover, the hollow handle extending element 29 insertable into the 
female connector clamp 120 of the connector piece 31 provide for various 
length positions by a small bolt inserted into the opened threaded 
contracting element located on each female connector clamp 120 of the 
connector piece 31. In addition, the handle clamps 5a, 5b and connector 
piece 31 can slide sidewardly so as to form a variety of width positions 
so that a rider can choose his preferred handle width for steering. 
A variety of torso extension positions can also be obtained with the torso 
support extensions 3a, 3b, each with their corresponding torso clamps 7a, 
7b, or with the extendable hollow torso support 33 and female connector 
piece 35 shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of an embodiment 
of a novel extendable torso support extension 200. The extandable torso 
support extension 200 includes a hollow torso support 33 and a connector 
piece 35 that are analogous to the first and second ends 45a, 45b and 47a, 
47b, respectively, of the first and second torso support extensions 3a, 3b 
illustrated in FIG. 2. The connector piece 35 further includes a torso 
clamp 210 and a connector clamp 220. The hollow torso support 33 also 
includes a conventional forearm support 230. 
The torso support extensions clamping mechanisms 7a, 7b and 210 allows a 
rider to adjust the height of the torso support extensions 3a,3b and 200 
by pivoting up or down and fastening the bolt in each torso clamp 7a, 7b 
and 210 to achieve the height positions preferred by the cyclist. 
Moreover, the hollow torso support 33 combined with the female connector 
clamp 220 of the connector piece 35 provide for various length positions 
by fastening a small bolt insertable into the opened threaded contracting 
element located on each female connector clamp 220 of the connector piece 
35. In addition, the torso clamps 7a, 7b and the connector piece 35 can 
slide sidewardly so as to form a variety of width positions so that a 
rider can choose his preferred width for placing his arms. 
While the handle extensions 1a, 1b and 100, extend rearwardly and upwardly 
from the handlebars, it is preferable for the handle extensions 1a, 1b and 
200 to raise up at the free end, i.e., first ends 41a, 41b and hollow 
handle 29, of each handle extension 30 degree(s) above the plane defined 
by the longitudinal axis of the handle extension on a radial bend of three 
inches as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. This upward angle enables a rider to 
naturally grasp the handle extensions for better comfort and control while 
steering. Furthermore, the torso support extensions 3a, 3b and 200, also 
extend rearwardly and upwardly from the handle bars. However, its 
preferable for the torso support extensions 3a, 3b and 200 to angle down 
at the free end, i.e., first ends 45a, 45b and hollow torso support 33, of 
each torso support extension 30 degree(s) above the plane defined by the 
longitudinal axis of the torso support extension on a radial bend of five 
to eight inches as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5. This angle prevents the torso 
supports from interfering with the rider's knees while cycling. 
Conventional forearm supports are attached with suitable clamping elements 
on the free end of each torso support extension for rider comfort. 
Important to note, that the handle and torso clamps 5a, 5b, 7a, 7b, 110, 
and 210, which are affixed to the crossbar 11 of the bicycle handlebar, 
can be adjusted with conventional Allen wrenches using the bolts which are 
threaded into each clamping mechanism. In addition, each bolt of the 
clamps 5a, 5b, 7a, 7b, 110 and 210, while facing up can be accessed by the 
rider even while riding in order to raise both torso supports to provide 
sufficient knee room for the rider while riding the bicycle standing on 
the pedals. 
The handle extensions and the torso support extensions can be constructed 
of cylindrical tubing of aluminum or other suitable material. 
An alternative embodiment of the present handle and torso support assembly 
is shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of an embodiment of a 
continuous bicycle handlebar 300 constructed using the principles of the 
present invention. The continuous bicycle handlebar 300 includes a 
crossbar portion 310 and a bicycle stem 320 that extends rearwardly from 
the crossbar portion 310. Also extending rearwardly and upwardly to a 
region rearward from the crossbar portion 310 are first and second handle 
extensions 330a, 330b, respectively. The continuous bicycle handlebar 300 
further includes first and second torso support extensions 340a, 340b, 
respectively, that also extend rearwardly and upwardly from the crossbar 
portion 310. Also included in the illustrated embodiment are first and 
second hand grip portions 350a, 350b, respectively. The first and second 
hand grip portions 350a, 350b are conventional handgrips that are widely 
employed on conventional bicycle handlebars. The rearward orientation of 
the handle extensions 330a, 330b defines a rider's position whereby the 
rider's hands are located under the rider's upper torso when the rider is 
steering the bicycle using the handle extensions. 
Thus, with the continuous bicycle handlebar 300 consisting of its own 
rearwardly and upwardly orientated handle and torso support extensions of 
predetermined length customized to an individual rider's specifications, 
the continuous bicycle handlebar 300 obviates the need for the heavier 
clamping mechanisms 5a, 5b, 7a, 7b, 110, and 210 of the attachable 
embodiment of the handle and torso support assembly illustrated in FIGS. 
2, 4 and 5. Another advantage of the continuous bicycle handlebar 300 is 
that a rider can choose to use a cross bar portion with up turned bar 
ends, in lieu of the traditional bicycle handlebars, further eliminating 
weight. 
From the above, the reader can see that the handle and support extension 
assembly provides a cyclist the means to assume a forward leaning rest 
position in which greater aerodynamics can be achieved than with aero type 
handlebars. Furthermore, the handle & support assembly allow a cyclist to 
rest his upper body while riding in the forward leaning rest postion 
because the novel torso support extensions allow a rider to place his arms 
on the forearm pads attached to the torso supports and then rest his toso 
on top of his coiled arms while steering the bicycle using the novel 
handle extensions.