Handlebar controls

A handlebar control for use with a vehicle operated by a user. The vehicle includes a handlebar operable to steer the vehicle and at least one brake configured to slow the vehicle when the at least one brake is activated. The handlebar control includes an actuator assembly mounted on the handlebar and configured to be actuated manually by a hand of the user. When actuated, the actuator assembly being configured to activate the at least one brake and/or another component of the vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention is directed generally to handlebar controls for vehicles, such as bicycles, motorcycles, mopeds, and the like, that are steered by handlebars.

Description of the Related Art

Previously, handlebar controls for vehicles (e.g., bicycles) have been implemented using mechanical devices, such as levers and dials. Unfortunately, these prior art handlebar controls have drawbacks and limited functionality. Therefore, a need exists for new handlebar control designs. The present application provides these and other advantages as will be apparent from the following detailed description and accompanying figures.

SUMMARY

An exemplary embodiment is a handlebar control for use with a vehicle operated by a user. The vehicle includes a handlebar operable to steer the vehicle and at least one brake configured to slow the vehicle when the at least one brake is activated. The handlebar control includes a housing, an actuator lever, and a brake actuator. The housing is configured to be mounted on the handlebar with a housed portion of the handlebar being positioned inside the housing. The actuator lever includes a distal portion pivotably mounted to the housing and wrapping partway around the housed portion of the handlebar. The actuator lever is pivotable between actuation and non-actuation positions with respect to the housing. When actuated, the brake actuator is configured to activate the at least one brake and/or another component of the vehicle (e.g., a clutch or a brake light switch). The brake actuator is not actuated when the actuation lever is in the non-actuation position. The brake actuator is positioned to be actuated by the actuator lever when the actuation lever is pivoted manually by the user into the actuation position.

Optionally, the handlebar control includes a palm rest mounted on the housing. The palm rest is configured to allow the user to rest a palm against the palm rest while the user operates the vehicle. Optionally, the palm rest is rotatable with respect to the housing to position the palm rest such the user may pivot the actuator lever while the user's palm is resting on the palm rest.

Optionally, the handlebar control may include a brake light switch configured to turn on a brake light of the vehicle when the brake actuator is being actuated and to turn off the brake light when the brake actuator is not being actuated.

Optionally, the brake actuator includes a switch and the brake actuator is actuated when the switch is turned on and the brake actuator not is actuated when the switch is turned off. Optionally, the actuator lever includes a cutout portion with an inner edge, the switch is at least partially positioned within the cutout portion, the inner edge is positioned to turn on the switch when the actuation lever is pivoted by the user into the actuation position, and the inner edge is not positioned to turn on the switch when the actuation lever is in the non-actuation position. The switch may apply a biasing force to the actuator lever that biases the actuator lever toward the non-actuation position, and the user applies a force to the actuator lever sufficient to overcome the biasing force when the user pivots the actuation lever into the actuation position.

Optionally, the housed portion of the handlebar has a circumference, the actuator lever includes a proximal portion opposite the distal portion, the distal portion is pivotably mounted to the housing along a first outer surface portion of the housed portion of the handlebar, the proximal portion is configured to be pressed upon by the user to pivot the actuator lever from the non-actuation position to the actuation position, and the proximal portion is alongside a second outer surface portion of the housed portion when the actuator lever is in the actuation position. The first outer surface portion is opposite the second outer surface portion along the circumference of the housed portion of the handlebar. Optionally, the proximal portion has a curved inside surface configured to abut and wrap partway around at least a portion of the second outer surface portion of the housed portion of the handlebar when the actuator lever is in the actuation position. Optionally, the distal portion has a first distal portion and a second distal portion, the first distal portion confronts the second distal portion along opposite sides of the housed portion of the handlebar, the first distal portion is pivotably mounted to the housing by a first pivot pin, the second distal portion is pivotably mounted to the housing by a second pivot pin, and the first pivot pin is different from the second pivot pin.

Optionally, the handlebar control includes a flexible lever housing attached to the housing and the actuator lever includes a proximal portion opposite the distal portion, wherein the distal portion is pivotably mounted to the housing, the proximal portion is positioned inside the lever housing, the lever housing is configured to allow the user to press upon the proximal portion through the lever housing when the user pivots the actuator lever from the non-actuation position to the actuation position.

Optionally, the handlebar control includes a turn signal mounted on the housing, and a turn signal actuator mounted on the housing and positioned to be manually actuated by the user. The turn signal actuator turns on the turn signal when actuated by the user.

Optionally, the vehicle includes a plurality of gears, a gear shifter, and a shift actuator. The gear shifter is configured to select one of the plurality of gears. The shift actuator is configured to operate the gear shifter and cause the gear shifter to select a different one of the plurality of gears. Optionally, the handlebar control includes a first actuator configured to instruct the shift actuator to cause the gear shifter to select a higher one of the plurality of gears, and a second actuator configured to instruct the shift actuator to cause the gear shifter to select a lower one of the plurality of gears.

Another exemplary embodiment is a handlebar control for use with a vehicle operated by a user. The vehicle includes a handlebar operable to steer the vehicle and at least one brake configured to slow the vehicle when the at least one brake is activated. The handlebar control includes an actuator assembly mounted on the handlebar and configured to be actuated manually by a hand of the user. When actuated, the actuator assembly is configured to activate the at least one brake and/or another component of the vehicle (e.g., a clutch or a brake light switch). Optionally, the handlebar control includes a palm rest mounted on the handlebar and configured to allow the user to rest a palm of the hand against the palm rest while the user operates the vehicle. Optionally, the palm rest is rotatable with respect to the handlebar to change a circumferential distance around the handlebar between the palm rest and the actuator assembly. Optionally, the handlebar control includes a housing configured to be mounted on the handlebar. A housed portion of the handlebar is positioned inside the housing and the palm rest is mounted on the housing. Optionally, the actuator assembly includes an actuator lever and a brake actuator. The actuator lever includes a distal portion pivotably mounted to the housing and wrapping partway around the housed portion of the handlebar. The actuator lever is pivotable between actuation and non-actuation positions with respect to the housing. The brake actuator is configured to activate the at least one brake when actuated. The brake actuator is not actuated when the actuation lever is in the non-actuation position. The brake actuator is positioned to be actuated by the actuator lever when the actuation lever is pivoted manually by the user into the actuation position.

Another exemplary embodiment is a bicycle including at least one brake, a handlebar, and a handlebar control. The at least one brake is configured to slow the bicycle when the at least one brake is activated. The handlebar is operable by a user to steer the vehicle. The handlebar control includes a housing, an actuator lever, and a brake actuator. The housing is configured to be mounted on the handlebar with a housed portion of the handlebar being positioned inside the housing. The actuator lever includes a distal portion pivotably mounted to the housing and wrapping partway around the housed portion of the handlebar. The actuator lever is pivotable between actuation and non-actuation positions with respect to the housing. The brake actuator is configured to activate the at least one brake when actuated. The brake actuator is not actuated when the actuation lever is in the non-actuation position. The brake actuator is positioned to be actuated by the actuator lever when the actuation lever is pivoted manually by the user into the actuation position.

Optionally, the handlebar of the bicycle has a left free end and a right free end, the handlebar control is a right handlebar control mounted on the right free end of the handlebar, and the bicycle includes a left handlebar control mounted on the left free end of the handlebar. The left handlebar control is a mirror image of the right handlebar control.

Optionally, the handlebar control of the bicycle includes a palm rest mounted on the housing. The palm rest is configured to allow the user to rest a palm against the palm rest while the user operates the bicycle. Optionally, the palm rest is rotatable with respect to the housing to position the palm rest such the user may pivot the actuator lever while the user's palm is resting on the palm rest.

Optionally, the bicycle includes a brake light and the handlebar control includes a brake light switch configured to turn on the brake light when the brake actuator is being actuated and to turn off the brake light when the brake actuator is not being actuated.

Optionally, the brake actuator of the bicycle includes a switch that when turned on actuates the brake actuator, the actuator lever includes a cutout portion with an inner edge, the switch is at least partially positioned within the cutout portion, and the inner edge is positioned to turn on the switch when the actuation lever is pivoted by the user into the actuation position. Optionally, the switch applies a biasing force to the actuator lever that biases the actuator lever toward the non-actuation position, and the user applies a force to the actuator lever sufficient to overcome the biasing force when the user pivots the actuation lever into the actuation position.

Optionally, the handlebar of the bicycle has a free end portion with a circumference and the actuator lever includes a proximal portion opposite the distal portion. The housing is configured to be mounted on the free end portion, the distal portion is pivotably mounted to the housing along a first outer surface portion of the free end portion of the handlebar, the proximal portion is configured to be pressed upon by the user to pivot the actuator lever from the non-actuation position to the actuation position, and the proximal portion is alongside a second outer surface portion of the free end portion when the actuator lever is in the actuation position. The first outer surface portion is opposite the second outer surface portion along the circumference of the free end portion of the handlebar.

Optionally, the bicycle includes a turn signal and the handlebar control includes a turn signal actuator mounted on the housing and positioned to be manually actuated by the user. The turn signal actuator turns on the turn signal when actuated by the user.

Optionally, the bicycle includes a plurality of gears, a gear shifter, and a shift actuator. The gear shifter is configured to select one of the plurality of gears. The shift actuator is configured to operate the gear shifter and cause the gear shifter to select a different one of the plurality of gears. Optionally, the handlebar control includes a first actuator configured to instruct the shift actuator to cause the gear shifter to select a higher one of the plurality of gears, and a second actuator configured to instruct the shift actuator to cause the gear shifter to select a lower one of the plurality of gears.

Like reference numerals have been used in the figures to identify like components.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

An electronic handlebar control10according to a first embodiment is shown inFIGS. 1, 2, and 3. The electronic handlebar control10is attached to or part of a handlebar12of a vehicle that is steered by the handlebar12. Non-limiting examples of such a vehicle include a bicycle8(seeFIGS. 10 and 11), motorcycle, moped, and the like. For ease of illustration, the handlebar12will be described as being a component of the bicycle8(seeFIGS. 10 and 11) and as being operable to steer the bicycle8. The handlebar12is configured to be steered manually by a user. Referring toFIG. 10, the handlebar12has a right-hand side12R and a left-hand side12L. Returning toFIGS. 1, 2, and 3, the electronic handlebar control10may be attached to or part of the right-hand or left-hand sides12R and12L (seeFIG. 10). Optionally, the right-hand side12R may include the electronic handlebar control10and the left-hand side12L may include another electronic handlebar control that is a mirror image of the electronic handlebar control10. Thus, for ease of illustration, the electronic handlebar control10has been illustrated and will be described as being attached to or part of the right-hand side12R of the handlebar12.

The electronic handlebar control10is operable to control various functional aspects of the bicycle8(seeFIGS. 10 and 11), such as turning on and off lights, shifting gears, and/or applying a brake. The electronic handlebar control10may be part of an electronic vehicle control system50(seeFIGS. 4 and 11). Referring toFIG. 4, the electronic handlebar control10includes internal electronic components for receiving user input and transmitting electronic signals to other components and devices in the electronic vehicle control system50.

Referring toFIGS. 1 and 3, the electronic handlebar control10is operable to rotate relative to the right-hand side12R of the handlebar12. Rotation of the electronic handlebar control10controls various functional aspects of the bicycle8(seeFIGS. 10 and 11), as described below. A main body14of the electronic handlebar control10extends axially along a length of the handlebar12at or near a free end16of the right-hand side12R. The main body14may at least partially surround the handlebar12in some embodiments. The handlebar12may at least partially extend through the main body14. Bearings (not shown) may be provided between the main body14and the handlebar12to help minimize friction when the electronic handlebar control10rotates relative to the handlebar12.

As mentioned above, the first embodiment of the electronic handlebar control10illustrated inFIGS. 1-3is configured to be positioned on or formed in the right-hand side12R of the handlebar12. Thus, the electronic handlebar control10illustrated is a right handlebar control that rotates in a counterclockwise direction (illustrated by a curved arrow “A1”) when viewed from the free end16(shown inFIGS. 1, 2, and 3) of the right-hand side12R of the handlebar12. As mentioned above, optionally, another electronic handlebar control that is a mirror image of the electronic handlebar control10may be positioned on or formed in the left-hand side12L (seeFIGS. 5, 6, 10, 12, 15-19, and22) of the handlebar12. The left handlebar control may rotate in a clockwise direction when viewed from the free end16(shown inFIGS. 1, 2, and 3) of the left-hand side12L (seeFIGS. 5, 6, 10, 12, 15-19, and 22) of the handlebar12. Referring toFIGS. 1-3, in alternate embodiments, the right electronic handlebar control10may be configured to rotate in an opposite direction (i.e., the right handlebar control may be rotatable in a clockwise direction) in some embodiments.

FIGS. 5 and 6illustrate a second embodiment of the electronic handlebar control10configured to be positioned on or formed in the left-hand side12L of the handlebar12. Referring toFIGS. 5 and 6, the left electronic handlebar control10is configured to rotate in the clockwise direction when viewed from the free end16of the left-hand side12L of the handlebar12. Optionally, another electronic handlebar control that is a mirror image of the electronic handlebar control10illustrated inFIGS. 5 and 6may be positioned on or formed in the right-hand side12R (seeFIGS. 1, 3, and 7-10) of the handlebar12. The right handlebar control may rotates in the counterclockwise direction when viewed from the free end16(shown inFIGS. 1, 2, and 3) of the right-hand side12R (seeFIGS. 1, 3, and 7-10) of the handlebar12. Referring toFIGS. 5 and 6, in alternate embodiments, the left electronic handlebar control10may rotate in an opposite direction (i.e., the left handlebar control may be rotatable in the counterclockwise direction) in some embodiments.

Referring toFIGS. 1-3, a paddle portion18may protrude from the main body14to help facilitate user rotation of the electric handlebar control10. In the present embodiment, the paddle portion18has an elongated elliptical shape projecting in a rearward direction toward a seat (not shown) of the bicycle8(seeFIGS. 10 and 11). The paddle portion18may include a substantially flat or slightly curved upper surface20for supporting the user's palm. The paddle portion18may have a convex shape in some embodiments, as shown inFIG. 2, or may have a concave shape in other embodiments, as shown inFIG. 5(which illustrates the second embodiment). As shown inFIG. 5, the paddle portion18may have an offset curved profile when viewed from overhead. The offset curved profile tapers laterally from a thickest part near the free end16of the left-hand side12L toward an inward portion17of the handlebar12to accommodate the user's thumb when the user grips the electronic handlebar control10. Referring toFIGS. 1-3, the paddle portion18may include a medial portion22between the upper surface20and a lower surface21opposite to the upper surface.

The paddle portion18may have a different shape in other embodiments. The paddle portion18may have a uniform profile when viewed from overhead. The uniform profile may be a substantially rectangular profile with rounded corners. Alternatively, the uniform profile may be a curved profile having a thickest part near the center of the main body14that tapers toward the free end16of the right-hand side12R and the inward portion17of the right-hand side12R of the handlebar12. The lower surface21may be concave or otherwise configured to engage the user's fingertips when the user grips the electronic handlebar control10.

A front side23of the main body14has a rounded cylindrical shape to allow the user's fingers to wrap around and grip the electronic handlebar control10. The front side23may have grooves or indentations (not shown) to accommodate each of the user's individual fingers.

One or more sensors24(seeFIG. 4) in the electronic handlebar control10may detect a rotational position of the main body14relative to the handlebar12. Referring toFIG. 4, the one or more sensors24may be electronically coupled to control circuitry26in the electronic handlebar control10. The one or more sensors24may transmit an electric signal to the control circuitry26in the electronic handlebar control10indicating the detected rotational position. In response to receiving a signal indicating the detected rotational position from the one or more sensors24, the control circuitry26may send a control signal for controlling one or more devices on the bicycle8(seeFIGS. 10 and 11), such as brakes, lights, or switching gears.

The control circuitry26may transmit control signals to one or more motors, such as an actuator28or an actuator32, that operate the one or more devices on the vehicle. The actuator28is a motor that is operable to actuate a brake30configured to slow or stop the bicycle8(seeFIGS. 10 and 11). The control circuitry26may send a control signal controlling the position of the actuator28based on the detected rotational position of the main body14. The control signal may cause the actuator28to apply the brake30proportionally to the detected rotational position of the electronic handlebar control10. Partially rotating the electronic handlebar control10may operate to cause the brake30to slow the bicycle8(seeFIGS. 10 and 11), while fully rotating the electronic handlebar control10may operate to cause the brake30to stop the bicycle8(seeFIGS. 10 and 11).

The bicycle8(seeFIGS. 10 and 11) may have a plurality of gears (e.g., a high gear, a lower gear, one or more intermediate gears, and the like). The actuator32is a motor that is operable to cause a gear selector or shifter34to change gears on the bicycle8(seeFIGS. 10 and 11). The control circuitry26may send a control signal causing the actuator32to engage a different gear when the detected rotational position meets or exceeds a predetermined threshold rotational position. The electronic handlebar control10may be rotated in different directions to the increment or decrement the selected gear. For example, rotating the electronic handlebar control10upward (e.g., clockwise) may cause the gear shifter34to change to a higher gear, while rotating the electronic handlebar control downward (e.g., counterclockwise) may cause the gear shifter34to change to a lower gear.

AlthoughFIG. 4illustrates the control circuitry26as being included within the electronic handlebar control10, the control circuitry26may be located elsewhere, such as internally within the handlebar12or at a more remote location on the bicycle8(seeFIGS. 10 and 11). When the handlebar12is equipped with more than one electronic handlebar control10, the control circuitry26may receive electronic signals from each of the electronic handlebar controls.

As mentioned above,FIGS. 5 and 6illustrate the second embodiment of the electronic handlebar control10. Referring toFIGS. 5 and 6(which illustrate the left-hand side12L of the handlebar12), the electronic handlebar control10may include an electronic switch36. The switch36is a selective release mechanism operable to enable and disable rotation of the electronic handlebar control10relative to the handlebar12. When the switch36is in a resting state (i.e., not depressed), the electronic handlebar control10is mechanically locked in position and prevented from rotating relative to the handlebar12. On the other hand, when the switch36is depressed, the electronic handlebar control10is unlocked and may be rotated by the user to control various aspects of the bicycle8(seeFIGS. 10 and 11).

Referring toFIG. 4, the electronic handlebar control10may include a latch38(or other mechanical fastening device known to those of ordinary skill in the art) that selectively engages or disengages to lock and unlock, respectively, rotation of the electronic handlebar control10relative to the handlebar12in response to operation of the switch36. Selective unlocking or locking rotation of the electronic handlebar control10is a safety feature that prevents accidental rotation of the electronic handlebar control10due to encountering unexpected bumps or variations in terrain. The switch36shown inFIGS. 5 and 6is of a pushbutton type, but the type of the switch36may be different, as described below.

In some embodiments, the control circuitry26may be configured to ignore rotation of the electronic handlebar control10(or inputs from other switches) unless the switch36is depressed. The switch36may be connected to digital logic circuitry that prevents an input signal (e.g., detected rotational position of the electronic handlebar control10, input signal from other switches, and the like) from passing to the control circuitry26unless the switch36is depressed. Alternatively, the switch36may be electrically connected to an enable line of the control circuitry26so that some or all of the control circuitry26are deactivated or disabled unless the switch36is depressed.

The switch36may be electronically coupled to the control circuitry26and may be configured to send an electronic signal to the control circuitry26when the switch36is depressed. In response to receiving the electronic signal, the control circuitry26may send a control signal causing the latch38to engage or disengage for selectively allowing or preventing rotation of the electronic handlebar control10. Alternatively, the switch36may be electronically and operatively coupled to the latch38without the intervening control circuitry26.

The switch36may directly operate various functional aspects of the bicycle8(seeFIGS. 10 and 11) in some embodiments. Depressing the switch36may cause the actuator28to engage the bicycle's brakes30, or cause the actuator32to operate the gear shifter34to change the currently selected gear. In some embodiments, the switch36may operate a peripheral device42. The peripheral device42may be a device attached to or associated with the bicycle8(seeFIGS. 10 and 11), such as a headlight, a taillight, or a turn signal, by way of non-limiting examples. The switch36may be electronically coupled to the control circuitry26that operates the peripheral device42. Alternatively, the switch36may directly operate or control the peripheral device42without the intervening control circuitry26. In one embodiment, the switch36may be a rocker switch that turns a headlight on and off. In another embodiment, the switch36is a selector switch that may be rotated or moved laterally to select a desired gear.

Referring toFIGS. 5 and 6, in the second embodiment, the switch36is located on the upper surface20and positioned toward a side of the electronic handlebar control10located toward the inward portion17of the left-hand side12L of the handlebar12. The switch36is sized, shaped, and positioned so that the user may conveniently access the switch36with his/her thumb. The switch36may have a different shape or placement on the electronic handlebar control10in other embodiments. Referring toFIG. 5, the switch36may be moved to a different position on the upper surface20of the paddle portion18(as illustrated by double-headed arrows “A2” and “A3” shown inFIG. 6) or the switch36may be positioned on the medial portion22of the paddle.

FIG. 7illustrates a third embodiment of the electronic handlebar control10configured to be positioned on or formed in the right-hand side12R of the handlebar12. Referring toFIG. 7, a switch40may be positioned on the front side23of the main body14. The switch40may be provided instead of or in addition to the switch36(seeFIGS. 4-6). The switch40may be operable to control the various aspects of the bicycle8(seeFIGS. 10 and 11) described above with reference to the switch36(seeFIGS. 4-6). The switch40, in this third embodiment, has an elongated shape projecting across and conforming to the shape of the front side23of the main body14so that the user may activate the switch40with one or more of the fingers other than the thumb.

FIGS. 8 and 9illustrate a fourth embodiment of the electronic handlebar control10configured to be positioned on or formed in the right-hand side12R of the handlebar12. Referring toFIGS. 8 and 9, the electronic handlebar control10may include a plurality of switches40A-40D provided on the front side23. Each of the plurality of switches40A-40D may correspond to a different function. For example, one of the switches40A-40D may increment the selected gear of the bicycle8(seeFIGS. 10 and 11) and another of the switches40A-40D may decrement the selected gear of the bicycle8(seeFIGS. 10 and 11). As another non-limiting example, one of the switches40A-40D may interact with the latch38(seeFIG. 4) to selectively allow or prevent rotation of electronic handlebar control10. Other non-limiting examples of functions associated with the plurality of switches40A-40D may include activating/deactivating lights (e.g., turn signals, headlights, and/or taillights), activating a horn, and activating/deactivating an electric motor for propelling the bicycle8(seeFIGS. 10 and 11).

Each of the plurality of switches40A-40D conforms to the cylindrical contour of the main body14. The plurality of switches40A-40D are arranged in a row along the length of the main body14and disposed toward the lower surface21of the main body14. The plurality of switches40A-40D are arranged on the main body14so that the user's fingertips may easily activate any of the plurality of switches40A-40D when the user grips the electronic handlebar control10. The electronic handlebar control10may have a different number of switches other than four. Some of the plurality of switches40A-40D may be sized or shaped differently than others of the plurality of switches40A-40D. The switch40A, for example, may be a large rectangular shaped main switch, while others of the switches40B-40D may be smaller secondary switches.

As mentioned above, referring toFIG. 4, the bicycle8(seeFIGS. 10 and 11) may be equipped with two electronic handlebar controls10, which are components of the electronic vehicle control system50. Referring toFIG. 3, a right one of the two electronic handlebar controls10may be positioned near the free end16of the right-hand side12R of the handlebar12. Similarly, referring toFIG. 5, a left one of the two electronic handlebar controls10may be positioned near the free end16of the left-hand side12L of the handlebar12. One of the two electronic handlebar controls10may control different aspects of the bicycle8(seeFIGS. 10 and 11) than the other of the two electronic handlebar controls10. For example, the right electronic handlebar control10may include the switch36, which may be implemented as a safety switch that selectively allows rotation of the paddle portion18. On the other hand, the left electronic handlebar control10may include one or more of the plurality of switches40A-40D that control one or more peripheral devices (e.g., the peripheral device42) or shift gears of the bicycle8(seeFIGS. 10 and 11). In another example, one of the electronic handlebar controls10may control activating a first wheel brake and incrementing a currently selected gear whereas the other of the electronic handlebar controls may control activating a second wheel brake and decrementing the currently selected gear.

FIG. 10illustrates right and left handlebar controls100R and100L mounted on the handlebar12of the vehicle that is steered by the handlebar12. As mentioned above, the vehicle may include the bicycle8, a motorcycle, a moped, and the like. For ease of illustration, the handlebar12will be described as being a component of the bicycle8and as being operable to steer the bicycle8. As mentioned above, the handlebar12is configured to be steered manually by the user. The right handlebar control100R is positioned at or near the free end16(seeFIGS. 1-3 and 7-9) of the right-hand side12R of the handlebar12. The left handlebar control100L is positioned at or near the free end16(seeFIGS. 5, 6, 15, and19) of the left-hand side12L of the handlebar12.

Referring toFIG. 11, in this embodiment, the brakes30(seeFIG. 4) may include front and rear wheel brakes102F and102R. As is apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, the right handlebar control100R may control one of front and rear wheel brakes102F and102R and the left handlebar control100L may control the other of the front and rear wheel brakes102F and102R. Alternatively, only one of the right and left handlebar controls100R and100L may be mounted on the handlebar12and used to control the brakes30(seeFIG. 4).

Referring toFIG. 10, the left handlebar control100L includes a left grip housing110L, a left palm rest112L, a left turn signal light114L, and a left actuator assembly116L. Similarly, the right handlebar control100L includes a right grip housing110R, a right palm rest112R, a right turn signal light114R, and a right actuator assembly116R. The left actuator assembly116L may be connected to a cable118L and the right actuator assembly116R may be connected to a cable118R. The cables118L and118R are each connected to another component of the bicycle8.

In the embodiment illustrated, the right handlebar control100R is a mirror image of the left handlebar control100L. Therefore, for the ease of illustration, only the left handlebar control100L will be described in detail. However, the right handlebar control100R may include like structures.

The left and right grip housings110L and110R may each be generally cylindrical in shape. Referring toFIG. 12, the left grip housing110L has an outer surface120opposite an inside surface121(seeFIG. 21). The outer surface120is configured to allow the user's left hand to grip the left grip housing110L and the user's fingers to wrap at least partway around the left grip housing110L to actuate the left actuator assembly116L. Similarly, referring toFIG. 10, the outer surface120of the right grip housing110R is configured to allow the user's right hand to grip the right grip housing110R and the user's fingers to wrap at least partway around the right grip housing110R to actuate the right actuator assembly116R.

Referring toFIG. 15, the left grip housing110L may have a channel122formed therein through which the left-hand side12L of the handlebar12extends. In the embodiment illustrated, the channel122has a proximal opening124opposite a distal opening126. The left-hand side12L of the handlebar12is inserted into the proximal opening124and extends toward the distal opening126. While, as shown inFIG. 15, the free end16of the left-hand side12L of the handlebar12may be positioned within the distal opening126, the free end16of the left-hand side12L does not extend outwardly through the distal opening126. Instead, the left turn signal light114L covers the distal opening126and prevents the free end16of the left-hand side12L from extending outwardly through the distal opening126.

Referring toFIG. 13, the left palm rest112L is mounted on the left grip housing110L. The left palm rest112L may be configured to be adjustable with respect to the left grip housing110L (seeFIGS. 10, 12, 14-18, 20, and 21). For example, the left palm rest112L may be rotatable with respect to the left grip housing110L (seeFIGS. 10, 12, 14-18, 20, and 21) in directions identified by curved arrows “A4” and “A5.” The left palm rest112L is configured such that the user may place the palm of the user's left hand on the left palm rest112L. Thus, the left palm rest112L may include an upwardly facing surface130that receives the user's left palm. Optionally, the upwardly facing surface130may be substantially flat or contoured to comfortably receive the user's left palm.

Referring toFIG. 20, the left palm rest112L may be attached to the left grip housing110L by a bolt132. The left grip housing110L may include a slot134in which the bolt132is positioned. The bolt132is configured to slide within the slot134in the directions identified by the curved arrows “A4” and “A5” (seeFIG. 13). The left palm rest112L slides with the bolt132as a unit. The left palm rest112L may include an access opening136. As shown inFIG. 21, the bolt132may be threaded into a slidable member139positioned against the inside surface121of the left grip housing110L. Referring toFIG. 20, the bolt132may have a head portion138configured to be engaged by a tool (not shown) that may be used to loosen or tighten the bolt132with respect to the slidable member139(seeFIG. 21). Referring toFIG. 21, the slidable member139is configured not to pass through the slot134and to slide with the bolt132as a unit. Together, the slidable member139, which is positioned along the inside surface121, and the left palm rest112L, which is positioned along the outer surface120(seeFIGS. 12 and 20), clamp the left grip housing110L when the bolt132is tightened. The slidable member139and the left palm rest112L release the left grip housing110L when the bolt132is loosened. Thus, when the bolt132has been loosed, the bolt132may slide within the slot134, and the left palm rest112L may be positioned in a desired position. After the left palm rest112L is the desired position, the bolt132may be tightened to prevent the bolt132from sliding inside the slot134.

Referring toFIG. 12, the left actuator assembly116L is mounted on the left grip housing110L and configured to be actuated by the user's fingers. Optionally, the left actuator assembly116L may be configured to be adjustable with respect to the left grip housing110L. For example, referring toFIG. 13, the left actuator assembly116L may be rotatable with respect to the left grip housing110L (seeFIGS. 10, 12, 14-18, 20, and 21) in directions identified by curved arrows “A6” and “A7.” Thus, referring toFIG. 12, the left palm rest112L and/or the left actuator assembly116L may be positioned (e.g., by the user) such that the user may rest the user's left palm on the left palm rest112L and, at the same time, actuate (e.g., squeeze) the left actuator assembly116L with the user's fingers.

Referring toFIG. 15, the left actuator assembly116L includes a rotatable actuator lever140, an actuator142, and a lever housing144. Referring toFIG. 16, the actuator lever140is rotatable with respect to the handlebar12between a non-actuation position shown in solid lines inFIG. 16and an actuation position shown in dashed lines inFIG. 16. In the embodiment illustrated, the actuator lever140rotates about one or more pivot pins150(seeFIG. 15) mounted inside the left grip housing110L. Referring toFIG. 15, the actuator lever140has a distal portion152opposite a proximal portion154. The pivot pin(s)150is/are coupled to the distal portion152. The proximal portion154is configured to be pressed upon by the user. The proximal portion154is not attached to another structure and may be characterized as being a free end of the actuator lever140. The actuator lever140has a cutout portion160with an edge162formed in the distal portion152. The actuator142is at least partially positioned within the cutout portion160with the edge162being positioned to actuate the actuator142when the actuator lever140is in the actuation position (shown in dashed lines inFIG. 16).

Referring toFIG. 17, the left-hand side12L of the handlebar12has a first outer surface portion164opposite a second outer surface portion166along the circumference of the handlebar12. The pivot pin(s)150(seeFIG. 15) is/are adjacent the first outer surface portion164. The actuator lever140extends at an angle “A8” (seeFIG. 15) from the pivot pin(s)150(seeFIG. 15) to position an inside surface168of the proximal portion154alongside the second outer surface portion166of the handlebar12. The inside surface168may be curved or otherwise configured to abut at least a portion of the second outer surface portion166of the handlebar12when the actuator lever140is in the actuation position (which is illustrated in dashed lines inFIG. 16). Referring toFIG. 15, the angle “A8” may be configured to allow the proximal portion154of the actuator lever140to travel about one inch when the actuator lever140is pivoted from the non-actuation position to the actuation position. Optionally, the angle “A8” may be adjustable.

Referring toFIG. 17, the proximal portion154of the actuator lever140may be generally U-shaped and configured to wrap partway around the handlebar12. Thus, the proximal portion154extends from the second outer surface portion166upwardly toward the first outer surface portion164along both sides of the handlebar12. Referring toFIG. 19, the distal portion152has a first portion170A confronting a second portion1706along opposite sides of the handlebar12. The first and second portions170A and170B may include through-holes172A and1726, respectively, positioned near to the first outer surface portion164of the handlebar12. The pivot pin(s)150(seeFIG. 15) may be implemented as pivot pins150A and150B (seeFIGS. 16 and 17) configured to be mounted in the through-holes172A and1726, respectively.

As mentioned above, the actuator lever140is rotatable with respect to the handlebar12about the pivot pins150A and150B (seeFIGS. 16 and 17). Referring toFIG. 21, the left grip housing110L may include an opening174for each of the pivot pins150A and150B (seeFIGS. 16 and 17). Each of the openings174receives a different one of the pivot pins150A and1506(seeFIGS. 16 and 17).

Referring toFIG. 15, the actuator lever140transitions from the non-actuation position (which is illustrated in solid lines inFIG. 16) to the actuation position (which is illustrated in dashed lines inFIG. 16) when the user presses the proximal portion154of the actuator lever140toward the handlebar12. This causes the actuator lever140to pivot about the pivot pin(s)150(seeFIG. 15) and presses the edge162against the actuator142. The actuator lever140transitions from the actuation position (which is illustrated in dashed lines inFIG. 16) to the non-actuation position (which is illustrated in solid lines inFIG. 16) when the user stops pressing the proximal portion154of the actuator lever140toward the handlebar12. When this occurs, the actuator142presses or biases the edge162away from the actuator142to thereby return the actuator lever140to the non-actuation position (which is illustrated in solid lines inFIG. 16).

The actuator142has a switch180positioned to be pressed upon by the edge162when the actuator lever140is in the actuation position (which is illustrated in dashed lines inFIG. 16). The switch180turns on when pressed upon by the edge162. The switch180is configured to press outwardly against the edge162and bias the actuator lever140toward the non-actuation position (which is illustrated in solid lines inFIG. 16). Thus, to turn on the switch180, the user must press hard enough on the proximal portion154to provide sufficient force to overcome a biasing force applied to the actuator lever140by the switch180. The switch180turns off when the user no longer applies the sufficient force to overcome the biasing force. In the embodiment illustrated, when the switch180is turned on, the actuator142activates the front and/or rear wheel brakes102F and102R (seeFIG. 11) via the cable118L (seeFIGS. 10 and 11). On the other hand, when the switch180is turned off, the actuator142no longer activates the front and/or rear wheel brakes102F and102R (seeFIG. 11) via the cable118L (seeFIGS. 10 and 11). However, in alternate embodiments, the actuator142may activate one or more components of the bicycle8other than the front and/or rear wheel brakes102F and102R (seeFIG. 11) when the switch180is turned on and stops activating the other component(s) when the switch180is turned off. For example, the actuator142may activate a clutch (not shown) when the switch180is turned on and stops activating the clutch (not shown) when the switch180is turned off.

The actuator142may be implemented as a hydraulic cylinder (e.g., a hydraulic master cylinder), an electronic brake actuator, and the like. In embodiments in which the actuator142is implemented as an electronic brake actuator, the actuator142may also include a brake light switch184(seeFIG. 11). Referring toFIG. 11, the brake light switch184may turn on a brake light186(e.g., positioned on a back portion of the bicycle8) when the switch180is on and the brake light switch184may turn off the brake light186when the switch180is off. Thus, the brake light switch184is on (and turns on the brake light186) when the actuator142is being actuated. On the other hand, the brake light switch184is off (and to turn off the brake light186) when the actuator142is not being actuated. When the brake light186is on, it may alert others that the bicycle8is slowing and/or stopping. Thus, in some embodiments, the actuator142may activate one or more components of the bicycle8in addition to or instead of the front and/or rear wheel brakes102F and102R (seeFIG. 11).

Referring toFIG. 15, the lever housing144covers the proximal portion154of the actuator lever140. Thus, the lever housing144may be constructed from a flexible material that allows the actuator lever140to move between the non-actuation and actuation positions (illustrated inFIG. 16).

Referring toFIG. 11, optionally, one or both of the left and right handlebar controls100L and100R may include actuators211-214. The actuators211-214may be implemented as buttons, switches, and the like. The actuators211-214are each configured to operate another component of the bicycle8. Referring toFIG. 11, the actuator211may be implemented as a turn signal and/or flasher button. For example, the actuator211of the left handlebar control100L may turn on the left turn signal light114L when the actuator211is activated (e.g., pressed) by the user and the actuator211may turn off the left turn signal light114L when the actuator211is deactivated (e.g., no longer pressed) by the user. The actuator211of the right handlebar control100R may turn the right turn signal light114R on and off in a similar manner. The actuators213and214may be implemented as gear shifting buttons. For example, the actuator213may be used to shift the bicycle's gears up and the actuator214may be used to shift the bicycle's gears down. The actuators213and214may be connected to the actuator32that is configured to operate the gear shifter34. In such embodiments, the actuator213may instruct the actuator32to cause the gear shifter34to select a higher one of the plurality of gears and the actuator214may instruct the actuator32to cause the gear shifter34to select a lower one of the plurality of gears.

The left handlebar control100L and/or the right handlebar control100R may be configured to communicate wirelessly (e.g., using Bluetooth) with one or more external devices (e.g., a cellular telephone) and/or one or more components of the bicycle8. For example, the left handlebar control100L and/or the right handlebar control100R may communicate wirelessly with the front brake120F, the rear brake120R, the actuator32, and/or the brake light186. In such embodiments, the cables118L and118R may be omitted. The actuator212may be implemented as a communication button. The communications button of the left handlebar control100L may be used to pair the left handlebar control100L with one or more other devices (e.g., using Bluetooth) and/or to enable communications with the other device(s) (e.g., using Bluetooth). Similarly, the communications button of the right handlebar control100R may be used to pair the right handlebar control100R with the other device(s) (e.g., using Bluetooth) and/or to enable communications with the other device(s) (e.g., using Bluetooth). By way of non-limiting examples, the other device(s) may include the front brake120F, the rear brake120R, the actuator32, and/or the brake light186. By way of more non-limiting examples, the other device(s) may include one or more external devices such as a cellular telephone, tablet computing device, and the like.

FIG. 22illustrates an alternate embodiment of a left handlebar control200L. This embodiment includes the actuators211-214, which inFIG. 22have been illustrated as buttons positioned to be pressed upon by the user.