Abstract:
A bicycle bar grip comprising a sleeve for being slipped onto a bike handlebar. A grip element is joined to the sleeve, extends over a portion of the length of the sleeve, and has a supporting portion for supporting a palm of the hand of a user. The sleeve also comprises a clamping area and a sleeve slot. A holding bar end extension is arranged in the clamping area via a clamp. The bar grip allows the cyclist, when changing his/her grip, to not lose contact with the bicycle handlebar grip and to maintain a secure hold.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a Continuation Application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/567,385, filed on Jul. 28, 2006, which is a National Phase Application of International Application No. PCT/EP2004/009258, filed on Aug. 18, 2004, which claims priority to German Patent Application Serial Nos. DE203 13 217.3, filed on Aug. 25, 2003, DE 203 14 150.4, filed on Sep. 11, 2003, and DE 20 2004 008 297.7, filed on May 21, 2004, all of which are incorporated herein in their entirety by reference thereto. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Disclosure 
         [0003]    The disclosure relates to a bicycle bar grip, particularly for racing bikes, mountain bikes and the like. 
         [0004]    2. Discussion of the Background Art 
         [0005]    Substantially, bicycle bar grips are configured as cylindrical grip elements for being slipped onto a bike handlebar. In order to avoid a displacement of the bicycle bar grip, it is arranged such that it projects beyond the grip area of the bicycle bar grip. By means of a screw connection, the bicycle bar grip is clamped with the bike handlebar into this projecting clamping area. 
         [0006]    Further, it is known to use holding bar end extensions which substantially have a horn-shaped configuration. The holding bar end extensions are plugged into a bike handlebar or slipped thereon from outside and clamped therewith. 
         [0007]    From U.S. Pat. No. 6,421,879 B1, it is known to slip the holding bar end extension onto the sleeve of a bicycle bar grip and to simultaneously clamp both the bicycle bar grip and the holding bar end extension at the handlebar thereby. By this clamping, the bicycle bar grip and the holding bar end extension form a unit. A disadvantage of such an arrangement is that a secure steering by the cyclist is not guaranteed when he alters his grip from a tubular grip element of the bicycle bar grip to a horn-shaped holding bar end extension and vice versa. A secure hold of the cyclist is especially important with touring bikes in particular, by means of which long distances are covered and where the grip is often altered, in order to be able to get quickly out of the way of suddenly appearing sources of danger in traffic. A secure hold of the cyclist is also important with mountain bikes which are also ridden downhill, since dangerous falls may otherwise be the consequence. 
         [0008]    It is the object of the present disclosure to provide a bicycle bar grip wherein the hold of a cyclist is improved. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0009]    The bicycle bar grip according to the disclosure comprises a sleeve for being slipped onto a bike handlebar. The sleeve has a sleeve slot so that the sleeve can be clamped with the bike handlebar. Further, the bicycle bar grip comprises a grip element that can be encompassed by a hand of a cyclist at least partially. The grip element is arranged at an outside of the sleeve and connected therewith. The grip element extends over a part of the sleeve length so that a clamping area remains free at an edge of the sleeve in which clamping area a clamping means for clamping the bicycle bar grip with the bike handlebar is connected with the sleeve. According to the disclosure, the grip element comprises a supporting portion for supporting a palm and a holding portion. Substantially, the supporting portion has, e.g., a projection-shaped, wedge-shaped and/or wing-shaped configuration so that a supporting surface is created on which the palm of a cyclist is supported when the grip element is gripped. At a distance from the sleeve, the holding portion projects into the clamping area and forms an integral unit with the supporting portion in particular. The supporting portion and the holding portion are configured such that they form a common grip surface and/or a common holding surface together with the clamping means. When the hand of the cyclist is in a gripping position, i.e., the grip element is substantially gripped in circumferential direction, the clamping means is also gripped so that the supporting portion and the holding portion form a common grip surface with the clamping means. When the hand of the cyclist is in a holding position, i.e., the grip element is substantially held vertical to the bike handlebar at its outmost end, the clamping means is held along with it so that the supporting portion and the holding portion form a common holding surface with the clamping means. 
         [0010]    By this arrangement, the clamping means is not arranged next to the grip element but in the grip element. Thereby, the clamping force applied by the clamping means is transferred inward from outside. Thus, the applied clamping force is nearer to the point at which the hand applies the greatest force onto the bicycle bar grip. In case of a comparable clamping force, the bicycle bar grip is better protected from being unintentionally twisted about the handlebar. Due to the improved protection from twisting, the hold of the cyclist is also improved with high loads such as those occurring, e.g., when riding downhill. Further, it is possible to shorten the entire bicycle bar grip width by the width of the clamping means which is, e.g. a slitted clamping ring, since a clamping area projecting from the actual grip area of the bicycle bar grip is avoided. This is particularly advantageous with bent handlebars since the room available for a bicycle bar grip is highly limited with such handlebars. Thus, there remains more room for attaching further operational elements, e.g., a bike bell or a shifter. 
         [0011]    In their shape, the supporting portion, the holding portion and the clamping means match each other in such a manner that their surfaces are in mutual alignment, i.e., there are no disturbing projections, steps, shoulders, trenches and the like. Instead, the supporting portion and the holding portion form an operational unit together with the clamping means. Preferably, the clamping means is no visually disturbing addition but part of the bicycle bar grip so that optics and function are combined in an integral design. 
         [0012]    Preferably, the supporting portion is in contact with the palm of the cyclist during gripping in the grip surface as well as during holding in the holding surface. Thus, the supporting portion forms a supporting surface, together with the holding portion, if necessary, on which the cyclist is able to support himself without losing the contact with the bicycle bar grip when he alters his grip, i.e., when the hand changes from a gripping position to a holding position or vice versa. To this end, the supporting portion particularly comprises a contact surface which is preferably formed three-dimensionally in such a manner that a substantially unhindered change of grip is ensured when the palm turns on the contact surface. 
         [0013]    It is particularly preferred that the clamping means be configured as a holding bar end extension. The holding surface is increased thereby. In this embodiment, the clamping means forms part of the holding bar end extension. Further, the hold of the cyclist is improved when the hand is in the holding position. Since the holding portion is also held upon holding, the holding bar end extension may be shorter and has a length which, together with the holding portion, substantially corresponds to the width of a hand. 
         [0014]    An independent feature of the disclosure consists in a bicycle bar grip which, first of all, comprises a sleeve for being slipped onto a bike handlebar. The sleeve comprises a sleeve slot so that the sleeve can be clamped with the bike handlebar. Further, the bicycle bar grip comprises a grip element that is adapted to be encompassed at least partially by a hand of a cyclist. The grip element is arranged at an outside of the sleeve and connected therewith. The grip element extends over a part of the sleeve length so that at an edge of the sleeve, a clamping area remains free for the arrangement of a clamping means. Further, the bicycle bar grip comprises a holding bar end extension with a clamping means, the clamping means being arranged in the clamping area of the sleeve in order to connect the holding bar end extension with the grip element. According to the disclosure, the grip element comprises a supporting portion for supporting a palm. Substantially, for example, the supporting portion is projection-shaped, wedge-shaped and/or wing-shaped so that a supporting surface is formed on which the palm of a cyclist is supported when the grip element is gripped. 
         [0015]    Through the supporting portion, the cyclist is offered a supporting surface spaced from a central axis of the bike handlebar. For altering the grip, i.e., altering the grip of the hand from the grip element to the holding bar end extension or vice versa, the cyclist may support on the supporting portion and alter the grip without losing contact with the bicycle bar grip. To this end, the supporting portion particularly comprises a contact surface that is preferably configured three-dimensionally in such a manner that a substantially unhindered change of grip is ensured when the palm turns on the contact surface. Hence, the supporting portion also operates as a pivot bearing shell on which the palm turns upon altering the grip. Outside, i.e., at the end facing the clamping area, the supporting portion is preferably thicker than inside, i.e., at the end facing away from the clamping area. Thereby, it is ensured that a distance to a central line of the sleeve is greater outside than inside. Due to this fact, there is always a contact between the hand of the cyclist and the bicycle bar grip according to the disclosure so that the hold of the cyclist is improved and falls are avoided. Further, the supporting portion distributes loads that are transferred from the bike to the hand, e.g., at high speeds or when riding downhill, upon a larger surface. The optimized distribution of pressure avoids that the hand of the cyclist becomes numb. Further, strains of the hand are reduced and the grip comfort is improved. Additionally, the grip of the hand is forced into a defined position when gripping the grip element whereby the position of the hand is automatically corrected. 
         [0016]    In a preferred embodiment, the grip element further comprises a holding portion which is also held at least partially by the hand of the cyclist when holding the holding bar end extension. Thereby, the holding portion is used as a part of the holding bar end extension and forms an operational unit therewith for holding the holding bar end extension. Thus, the function to ensure a secure holding is distributed among two components, i.e., the holding bar end extension and the holding portion. Compared with conventional holding bar end extensions, the holding bar end extension may be shorter. Particularly, the holding bar end extension has a length which, together with the holding portion, substantially corresponds to the width of a hand. Hence, the length of the holding bar end extension corresponds to 14 cm at maximum, preferably 10 cm at maximum and, in a particularly preferred manner, 7 cm at maximum. 
         [0017]    Particularly, the holding portion smoothly changes into the supporting portion and forms an integral unit therewith. Preferably, the holding portion projects into the clamping area at a distance from the sleeve and particularly, it projects from the supporting portion such that it is in alignment with the holding bar end extension at the height of the clamping area. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the holding portion has an inner contour facing the holding bar end extension, which corresponds at least to a part of an outer contour of the holding bar end extension and preferably abuts thereon. Particularly, the holding portion substantially changes smoothly into the holding bar end extension. 
         [0018]    Both bicycle bar grips according to the disclosure can be modified as will be described hereinafter. 
         [0019]    Preferably, the position of the holding bar end extension or the clamping means relative to the grip element is adjustable, e.g., by pivotability of the holding bar end extension or the clamping means in the clamping area. Thereby, the grip position and the holding position of the hand can be matched individually. By means of a fixing means, the position can be fixed in a frictionally engaged or positive manner. The positioning of the holding bar end extension or of the clamping means relative to the grip element is preferably effected smoothly and thus, it is individually adjustable. 
         [0020]    Particularly, the holding portion has a contour corresponding to the ball of the thumb which results in a uniform distribution of force for the ball of the thumb when holding the holding bar end extension. Accordingly, the supporting portion preferably has a contour corresponding to the contour of the palm so that a uniform distribution of force onto the palm is ensured when gripping the grip element. 
         [0021]    In a preferred embodiment, the holding bar end extension or the clamping means as well as the grip element are covered by a shell at least partially. Particularly, the shell covers the clamping means of the holding bar end extension so that the clamping means is protected from moisture and corrosion. Further, the shell levels out unevennesses at the connection sites between the holding bar end extension and the grip element and eliminates vibrations. 
         [0022]    Preferably, the shell is configured as a spacing fabric so that the bicycle bar grip is additionally padded. Suitable spacing fabrics are described in DE 90 16 065, for example. Particularly well suitable spacing fabrics transporting moisture comprise, e.g., fibers between an upper side and an underside of the spacing fabric, the fibers transporting moisture, i.e., being hydrophilic. Such spacing fabrics are described, for example, in DE 196 35 170 and DE 199 10 785. Thereby, it is possible to particularly transport sweat occurring at the palms away from the body whereby the gripping of the grip element and the holding of the holding bar end extension is more secure since the danger of slipping off is reduced. Further, the comfort is improved thereby. 
         [0023]    Preferably, the grip element comprises a pad filled with a deformable, particularly gel-like material, e.g., gel, soft rubber or foamed material. The pad has a higher deformability than the grip element so that an additional padding can be realized. The pad comprises a spacing fabric, for example. Particularly, the supporting portion and/or the holding portion comprise the pad so that particularly the palm and the ball of the thumb are protected from vibrations. 
         [0024]    It is particularly preferred that the grip element comprises a connection projection projecting into the clamping area of the sleeve. When the sleeve is clamped by the clamping means of the holding bar end extension, the connection projection is clamped therewith so that a secure connection of the grip element with the sleeve is ensured. Additionally or alternatively, the grip element can be connected with the sleeve by, e.g., gluing or vulcanizing. 
         [0025]    To improve the grip, the grip element particularly comprises recesses for receiving the fingers. Thereby, the grip element abuts at least partially on the side surfaces of the fingers of the cyclist as well so that the secure gripping of the grip element is further improved. 
         [0026]    Particularly, the clamping means comprises a screw cooperating with a blind hole thread. Further, the clamping means preferably comprises an opening in which a horn slot is arranged. By tightening the screw, the circumference of the opening is reduced so that a clamping effect is achieved. Preferably, the screw is arranged such that a screw head of the screw is completely sunk in the clamping means so that possible injuring edges are avoided and the comfort is improved. 
         [0027]    The sleeve slot and/or the horn slot may be filled at least partially with an elastomer material. Thereby, notches of the sleeve or the holding bar end extension which might be caused by the horn slot or the sleeve slot upon clamping are avoided. Further, this reduces the friction between the sleeve and the handlebar upon clamping so that an additional protection against torsion is realized. Thus, the hold of the cyclist is improved even if the clamping effect should decrease. This increases the safety of the cyclist. 
         [0028]    Particularly, the elastomer material corresponds with the material of the grip element so that the production of the bicycle bar grip according to the disclosure is made easier. 
         [0029]    In another embodiment, the sleeve has a wing-shaped projection projecting into the supporting portion of the grip element. Preferably, the wing-shaped projection additionally points into the holding portion of the grip element. Thereby, occurring forces can be transferred more easily. Particularly, the grip element is injected around the wing-shaped projection. It is particularly advantageous to provide through holes in the wing-shaped projection. When the grip element is injected around the wing-shaped projection, webs are formed that extend through the through holes and form a connection between the opposite sides of the grip element through the projection. Thereby, a displacement of the grip element on the sleeve is avoided. 
         [0030]    Preferably, the sleeve itself also comprises through holes that are penetrated by the material of the grip element when it is injected around. Because of this, the material of the grip element comes into contact with the handlebar tube when the bicycle bar grip is slipped on and increases the friction between the handlebar grip and the handlebar tube thereby. This has the advantage that the bicycle bar grip does not work loose so easily if, for example, the clamping effect of the clamping element decreases since they have loosened, for example. 
         [0031]    In another preferred embodiment, the surface of the grip element has at least one, preferably more, frictional zones. Preferably, several frictional zones with different frictions are formed. One frictional zone may be provided where the ball of the thumb abuts, a medium friction being given in this region to achieve a better grip and avoid a slipping of the ball of the thumb. In the region of the thumb and the index finger, an area with low friction is provided. This is advantageous for shifting gears and braking. Further, an area with high friction may be provided in the region of the fingertips. Thereby, the safety is increased upon riding downhill in particular. Preferably, the bicycle bar grip according to the disclosure comprises all three frictional areas described above. Depending on the application field of the bicycle bar grip, the latter, however, may only comprise one or two of the above-described frictional areas. 
         [0032]    In another preferred embodiment, the bicycle bar grip is offset with respect to the handlebar. “Offset” means that, for example, the central axis of the bicycle bar grip is inclined with respect to the central axis of the handlebar. An offset by means of which an improved position of the wrist shall be achieved, however, can be particularly achieved, according to the disclosure, by the fact that the grip element of the bicycle bar grip comprises a thickening substantially in the middle. Preferably, the thickening is provided on the front side or the finger side of the grip element. Therefore, the thickening is preferably provided on the side of the grip element facing away from the body. The thickening is preferably positioned in the region of the middle finger. Even with a thickening of 1-2 mm, a desired offset may be achieved, if necessary. By means of the offset, the position of the wrist is optimized such that, in contrast to conventional positions of the wrist, no nerves are clamped when riding the bicycle. This has the advantage that even on longer rides, the wrists do not hurt. Because of the offset according to the disclosure, the wrist substantially stays straight. Because of the configuration of the bicycle bar grip according to the disclosure, this can also be ensured in different grip positions. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0033]    Hereinafter, the disclosure will be explained in detail with respect to preferred embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
           [0034]    In the Figures: 
           [0035]      FIG. 1  is a schematic sectional view of the bicycle bar grip according to the disclosure in the dismounted state, 
           [0036]      FIG. 2  is a schematic side view of the bicycle bar grip in the mounted state, partially in section, 
           [0037]      FIG. 3  is a schematic plan view of the bicycle bar grip without clamping means, 
           [0038]      FIG. 4  is a schematic plan view of the bicycle bar grip with clamping means, 
           [0039]      FIG. 5  is a schematic sectional view along the line V-V of  FIG. 3 , 
           [0040]      FIG. 6  is a schematic sectional view along the line VI-VI of  FIG. 3 , and 
           [0041]      FIG. 7  is a schematic plan view of another embodiment of the sleeve. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0042]    A preferred embodiment of a sleeve  45  ( FIG. 7 ) comprises a wing-shaped projection  46 . Preferably, the wing-shaped projection  46  has a uniform thickness that may amount to, e.g., 2 mm to 3 mm. If necessary, the wing-shaped projection  46  gets thicker in the region of the connection to the cylindrical sleeve portion  48  to achieve a better connection. Preferably, the entire sleeve  45  is made of a single plastic material and integrally formed. Further, the wing-shaped projection  46  preferably projects into the clamping area  18 . In the clamping area  18 , the sleeve  45  further comprises an eyelet  50  through which a screw  28  is inserted. By the eyelet  50 , the position of the clamping means  20  with respect to the sleeve  45  is defined. 
         [0043]    Preferably, material is injected around the sleeve  45  for manufacturing the grip element  16 . This is preferably done in a mold, the sleeve  45  being manufactured by injection-molding in a first operational step, whereupon an elastomer or another substance is injected around it. To guarantee a secure connection between the grip element  16  and the sleeve  45 , the wing-shaped projection preferably comprises through holes  52 . 
         [0044]    Likewise, the cylindrical portion  48  of the sleeve  45  may be provided with through holes  54  through which the elastomer penetrates and increases the friction with respect to the handlebar  12  when the bicycle bar grip is slipped on. 
         [0045]    The bicycle bar grip according to the disclosure ( FIG. 1 ) comprises a sleeve  10  for slipping onto a bike handlebar  12 . On an outside  14  of the sleeve  10 , a grip element  16  is arranged over a part of the length of the sleeve  10 . A clamping area  18  is not covered by the grip element  16  so that a clamping means  20  forming part of a holding bar end extension  22  can be arranged therein. 
         [0046]    The clamping means  20  comprises an opening  24  in which a horn slot  26  is arranged. By means of a screw  28  engaging into a blind bore thread, the circumference of the opening  24  can be reduced so that a clamping is effected. Since the sleeve  10  comprises a sleeve slot  30 , the sleeve  10  is clamped with the bike handlebar  12  by the clamping means  20  at least in the clamping area  18 . Since the sleeve  10  is rotatable before it is clamped on the bike handlebar  12 , it is particularly easy to individually adapt the orientation and position of the grip element  16  to the needs of a cyclist. 
         [0047]    The grip element  16  comprises a supporting portion  32  for particularly two-dimensionally supporting a palm. The supporting portion  32  smoothly changes into a holding portion  34  which projects into the clamping area  18  at a distance from the sleeve  10 . The holding portion  34  has an inner contour  36  matching an outer contour  38  of the holding bar end extension  22 . Thereby, a positive connection between the grip element  16  and the holding bar end extension  22  can be achieved so that the holding bar end extension  22  is fixed in its position relative to the grip element  16 . 
         [0048]    At the side of the grip element  16  facing away from the body, a thickening  39  is provided which is substantially arranged in the middle of the grip element  16 . By means of the thickening  39 , an offset of the wrist can be achieved so that the wrist substantially remains in a straight orientation when the bicycle bar grip according to the disclosure is gripped. Thereby, the danger of fatigue as well as the clamping of nerves is reduced. 
         [0049]    A length I of the holding bar end extension  22  together with the holding portion  34  substantially corresponds to the width of a hand. Particularly, the length I amounts to 8-15 cm and preferably 8-12 cm. Outside, the supporting portion  32  has a width B amounting particularly to 2-7 cm and preferably to 3-4 cm. Inside, the supporting portion  32  has a width b which particularly amounts to 1-10 mm and preferably to 1.5-5 mm. 
         [0050]    Further, the supporting portion  32  comprises a pad  40  ( FIG. 2 ) filled with a gel. The pad  40  is particularly arranged in the region of a contact surface on which a rotation of the palm is effected when the cyclist alters his grip between the grip element  16  and the holding bar end extension  22  or vice versa. 
         [0051]    The holding bar end extension  22  and the grip element  16  are covered by a spacing fabric  42 . Since the screw  28  is completely sunk in the holding bar end extension  22 , a substantially uniform plane surface is ensured. The spacing fabric  42  is configured in several pieces, for example, and combined to a unit by molding. Further, the spacing fabric  42  may be connected with the grip element  16  by molding, vulcanizing or gluing. 
         [0052]    The holding portion  34  may also project beyond the clamping area  18  ( FIG. 3 ), i.e., the length I 2  from the beginning of the clamping area  18  to the end of the holding portion  34  is longer than the length I 1  of the clamping area  18 . Thereby, it is possible to reduce the required space of the bicycle bar grip for the bike handlebar  12  by the distance of I 2 -I 1 . The clamping means  20  or the holding bar end extension  22  is preferably configured such that their width has the length I 2 , the clamping effect, however, is particularly applied in the clamping area  18 . This can be achieved particularly easily by the fact that the horn slot  26  of the clamping means  20  approximately has the length I 1 . 
         [0053]    If, for example, the holding bar end extension  22  is used, the distance d 1  of the holding portion  34  to the sleeve  10  corresponds to the distance d 2  between the sleeve  10  and the end of the grip element  16 . The distances d 1  and d 2  may differ from each other when a clamping means  20  configured as a clamping ring is used. Depending on whether the screw  28  in  FIG. 3  is arranged above or below, the distance d 1  or d 2  is greater than the respective other one. 
         [0054]    The grip element  16  may have a grip portion  44  being in contact with the thumb of the cyclist upon gripping. Particularly, the grip portion  44  has a low coefficient of friction so that the thumb can be moved particularly fast especially when the grip is altered. Further, sore skin surfaces, bladders and the like in the region between thumb and index finger are avoided thereby. Particularly, the grip portion  44  has a hydrophobic surface so that no adhesion forces occur with sweaty hands in particular. 
         [0055]    The grip element  16  may also have several depressions  48  ( FIG. 4 ). By means of the depressions  48 , a particularly high friction can be produced so that the hold of the cyclist is further improved. Such an area with a particularly high friction can be particularly provided at the underside of the supporting portion  32  so that the danger of the hand slipping off the grip element  16  is further reduced. In the illustrated embodiment, the clamping means  20  is configured as a clamping ring  46 . The clamping ring  46  corresponds to the design of the grip element  16 , i.e., the shape of the grip element  16  is not interrupted, but continued by the clamping ring  46 . In the illustrated embodiment, the screw  28  is arranged in the lower portion of the clamping ring  46  so that the distance d 1  is greater than the distance d 2 . Further, the screw  28  is completely sunk in the clamping ring  46  so that disturbing edges are avoided. 
         [0056]    In cross section, the supporting portion  32  has a substantially wedge-shaped configuration ( FIG. 5 ), so that it is substantially directed radially away from the sleeve  10 . For receiving the pad  40 , the grip element  16  and the supporting portion  32 , respectively, comprise a deepening  50  in which the pad  40  is fixedly connected by, e.g., molding, vulcanizing or gluing. 
         [0057]    Further, the grip element  16  may comprise recesses  52  ( FIG. 6 ) for receiving the fingers. Thereby, the hold of the cyclist is further improved. Like the pad  40 , the grip portion  44  can be connected with the grip element  16  by molding, vulcanizing or gluing. 
         [0058]    In another preferred embodiment, a sleeve  45  is provided instead of the sleeve  10 . Preferably, the sleeve  45  comprises a wing-shaped projection  46 . Then, the grip element  16  can be injected around it. Thereby, the stability of the supporting portion  32  is increased. In the wing-shaped projection portion  46 , through holes  52  are preferably provided. 
         [0059]    Similarly, in a preferred embodiment, the sleeve  45  comprises through holes  54  even in the cylindrical portion. After the grip element  16  has been injected around, the through holes  54  support plastic projections. 
         [0060]    Furthermore, the sleeve  45  illustrated in  FIG. 7  comprises an eyelet  50  projecting into the clamping area  18  and serving to fix the clamping means  20 . 
         [0061]    In the region of the eyelet  50  which preferably forms part of the projection portion  46 , the projection portion  46  is supported on the sleeve  45 . Thereby, the stiffness of the wing-shaped projection portion  46  is increased. To further increase the stiffness of the wing-shaped projection  46 , the projection portion  46  has a preferably continuously decreasing thickness, starting from the sleeve  45 . The projection portion  46  preferably has a thickness of 3-4 mm at the sleeve  45 . At the opposite free end, the projection portion  46  preferably has a thickness of 1-2 mm. Further, it is particularly preferred that the transition between the projection portion  46  and the sleeve  45  is round. Preferably, a radius of 1.5-2 mm is provided on both sides.