Abstract:
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for adjusting a height of a handlebar. The apparatus includes a steering tube coupling member, a handlebar coupling member, at least one connector and a height adjusting member. The at least one connector adjustably couples the steering tube coupling member to the handlebar coupling member. The height adjusting member is coupled to at least one of the steering tube coupling member, the handle bar coupling member, and the at least one connector. Actuation of the height adjusting member selectively adjusts a height of the handlebar coupling member relative to a height of the steering tube coupling member to selectively adjust a height of the handlebars.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/336,337 entitled “APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD TO ADJUST A HEIGHT OF A HANDLEBAR” and filed on May 13, 2016 for Matthew Hasenyager, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    This invention relates to bicycle geometry and more particularly relates to an adjustable bicycle stem. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    A bicycle frame is the main component of a bicycle, onto which wheels and other components are fitted. The most common frame design for an upright bicycle consists of two triangles: a main triangle and a paired rear triangle. Bicyclists take great care in selecting a proper sized frame. A properly sized bicycle frame will lead to more efficient riding and may help reduce injuries due to the repetitive motions associated with pedaling a bicycle. However, a properly sized frame is only the beginning step in sizing a frame for a particular individual. Once the proper sized bicycle frame is purchased or otherwise obtained, the bicyclist should adjust the bicycle components to properly fit the bicycle to the rider. 
         [0004]    The first step in fitting a bicycle to a user is adjusting a height of the bicycle&#39;s seat or saddle to fit the user. The height of the bicycle&#39;s seat or saddle is typically adjusted such that the user&#39;s knee is slightly bent when the user&#39;s foot is at the bottom of the pedal stroke. Adjusting the height of the bicycle seat is typically a straightforward and easy process. A bicycle seatpost extends upwards from the bicycle frame to the saddle. The amount that the bicycle seatpost extends out of the frame can be adjusted to raise or lower the height of the bicycle seat. The seatpost is inserted into the seat tube, which is of a very slightly larger diameter (or a cylindrical shim can be used). The seatpost is held in place by squeezing the top of the seat tube with a tightening ring (temporarily reducing its diameter; a vertical slit cut into the tube allows this to happen without crumpling) until the tube firmly hugs the post where it leaves the frame. Typically, a quick-release mechanism allows easy height adjustment of the seat without the necessity of any tools. Thus, the bicyclist can make micro adjustments to the height of the seat even when the bicyclist is on the road or trail. 
         [0005]    The height of the handlebars should also be adjusted to position the bicyclist in a comfortable position. Handlebar height, also known as saddle-drop, is the measurement of how far the top of the bicycle seat sits above or below the handlebars. A beginner will typically want the handlebars positioned even with the bicycle seat while experienced riders may wish to drop the position of the handlebars. Lowering the height of the handlebars reduces a bicyclist&#39;s center of gravity and increases traction to the front wheel of the bicycle by placing more of the bicyclist&#39;s weight over the front wheel. However, lowering the handlebars too much can make the bicycle difficult to control. 
         [0006]    Adjusting the height of the bicycle&#39;s handlebars is a difficult process when compared to adjusting the height of the bicycle&#39;s seat. To adjust the height of the bicycle&#39;s handlebars, the bicyclist must remove the bicycle stem from the steering tube by loosening the stems clamping bolts using a hex key or another appropriate tool. Once the bicycle stem has been removed, the user can remove one or more metal spacers from the steering tube to allow the bicycle stem to be positioned at a lower position on the steering tube. The spacers that have been removed are then placed on the steering tube above the bicycle stem to avoid losing the spacers. 
         [0007]    Obviously, the process of adjusting the height of the bicycle&#39;s handlebars is much more difficult than raising or lowering the height of the bicycle seat. For example, adjusting the height of the bicycle&#39;s handlebars may be difficult or impossible to accomplish when the bicyclist is on the road or trail given the tools required to adjust the height of the bicycle&#39;s handlebars. 
         [0008]    Furthermore, the current process for adjusting the height of a bicycle&#39;s handlebars does not allow a bicyclist to adjust the height of the bicycle&#39;s handlebars on the fly as the bicyclist is pedaling the bicycle. For example, in certain circumstances a rider may wish to position the bicycles handlebars at one position for ascending a hill and another position when descending a hill. With the current process for adjusting the height of a bicycle&#39;s handlebars, the bicyclist would need to dismount the bicycle and proceed through the process outlined above for each hill they encounter. 
         [0009]    Another drawback to the current process for adjusting the height of a bicycle&#39;s handlebars is that the adjustment of the bicycle&#39;s handlebars is limited by the length of the bicycle&#39;s steering tube. A bicyclist who wants to position the handlebars at a higher or lower position than can be accommodated by the steering tube will need to replace the bicycle stem with a bicycle stem with a higher or lower geometry. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0010]    From the foregoing discussion, it should be apparent that a need exists for an apparatus, system, and method to adjust a height of a handlebar that requires little or no tools. Beneficially, such an apparatus, system, and method would be adjustable on the fly and provide a greater range of height adjustments than any currently available bicycle stems. 
         [0011]    The present invention has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in response to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currently available bicycle stems. Accordingly, the present invention has been developed to provide an apparatus, system, and method for a bicycle stem that overcome many or all of the above-discussed shortcomings in the art. 
         [0012]    The apparatus to adjust a height of a handlebar, in one embodiment, includes a steering tube coupling member, a handlebar coupling member, at least one connector and a height adjusting member. The at least one connector adjustably couples the steering tube coupling member to the handlebar coupling member. The height adjusting member is coupled to at least one of the steering tube coupling member, the handle bar coupling member and the at least one connector. Actuation of the height adjusting member selectively adjusts a height of the handlebar coupling member relative to a height of the steering tube coupling member to selectively adjust a height of the handlebars. 
         [0013]    In one embodiment, the height adjusting member is a linear actuator that is configured to extend and retract linearly along a longitudinal axis. Examples of suitable linear actuators include a hydraulic actuator, a pneumatic actuator, a piezoelectric actuator, a mechanical actuator, a mechanical lever, an electro mechanical actuator and the like. 
         [0014]    In certain embodiments, the apparatus also includes a controller coupled to the height adjusting member. In such an embodiment, the controller is configured to selectively deliver a control signal to the height adjusting member. For example, in one embodiment, the height adjusting member is a hydraulic piston and the control signal is delivery of a hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic piston. Delivery of hydraulic fluid to the height adjusting member extends a length of the height adjusting member to position the handlebar coupling member in a raised position relative to a position of the steering tube coupling member. 
         [0015]    In another embodiment, the control signal includes removal of at least a portion of a hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic piston. In such an embodiment, the removal of all or a portion of the hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic piston reduces a length of the hydraulic piston to position the handlebar coupling member in a lowered position relative to a position of the steering tube coupling member. In either embodiment, extending the length of the height adjusting member positions the handlebar coupling member in a raised position relative to the steering tube coupling member and reducing the length of the height adjusting member positions the handlebar coupling member in a lowered position. In the lowered position, the handlebar coupling member is positioned at a lower position relative to the steering tube coupling member than in the raised position. 
         [0016]    Of course, one of skill in the art will recognize that in embodiments wherein the height adjusting member is a hydraulic actuator, a pneumatic actuator, a piezoelectric actuator, a mechanical actuator, a mechanical lever, or an electro mechanical actuator, the controller is configured to deliver the appropriate control signal (i.e., electric voltage or current, pneumatic or hydraulic pressure, or even human power). 
         [0017]    In one embodiment, the apparatus also includes a first connector and a second connector. The first connector is pivotably coupled to a top end of the steering tube coupling member at a first end on the first connector. The first connector is also pivotably coupled to a top end of the handlebar coupling member at a second end of the first connector. The second connector is pivotably coupled to a bottom end of the steering tube coupling member at a first end on the second connector. The second connector is also pivotably coupled to a bottom end of the handlebar coupling member at a second end of the second connector. In an exemplary embodiment, the first connector remains substantially parallel to the second connector when the height of the handle bar coupling member is adjusted relative to the height of the steering tube coupling member. 
         [0018]    In another embodiment, the height adjusting member is pivotably coupled to the bottom end of the steering tube coupling member at the first end of the height adjusting member. In such an embodiment, the height adjusting member is pivotably coupled to the top end of the handle bar coupling member at the second end of the height adjusting member. Delivery of hydraulic fluid to the height adjusting member extends a length of the height adjusting member to position the handlebar coupling member in a raised position relative to the steering tube coupling member. Alternatively, removal of hydraulic fluid from the height adjusting member reduces a length of the height adjusting member to position the handlebar coupling member in a lowered position. In the lowered position, the handlebar coupling member is positioned at a lower position relative to the steering tube coupling member than in the raised position. 
         [0019]    Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, or similar language does not imply that all the features and advantages that may be realized with the present invention should be or are in any single embodiment of the invention. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language, throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment. 
         [0020]    Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of the invention. 
         [0021]    These features and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0022]    In order that the advantages of the invention will be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail using the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0023]      FIG. 1A  is a side view illustrating one embodiment of a prior art bicycle; 
           [0024]      FIG. 1B  is a perspective view illustrating the bicycle fork of  FIG. 1A  with the bicycle fork removed from within the head tube of the bicycle frame; 
           [0025]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of an apparatus to adjust a height of a handlebar in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0026]      FIG. 3A  is a side view illustrating an apparatus to adjust a height of a handlebar with the handlebar coupling member positioned in a raised position in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0027]      FIG. 3B  is a side view further illustrating the apparatus to adjust a height of a handlebar of  FIG. 3A  with the handlebar coupling member positioned in a lowered position in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0028]      FIG. 4  is a side view illustrating an apparatus to adjust a height of a handlebar with the handlebar coupling member positioned in a raised position in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0029]    Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment. 
         [0030]    Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided for a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention. 
         [0031]      FIG. 1A  is a side view illustrating one embodiment of a prior art bicycle  100 . A bicycle frame  102  is the main component of a bicycle  100 , onto which wheels  104   a  and  104   b  and other components are fitted. The modern and most common frame design for an upright bicycle  100  and consists of two triangles, a main triangle  106  and a paired rear triangle  108 . Frames  102  are required to be strong, stiff and light, which they do by combining different materials and shapes. 
         [0032]    The main triangle  106  consists of the head tube  110 , top tube  112 , down tube  114  and seat tube  116 . The rear triangle  108  consists of the seat tube  116 , and paired chain stays  118  and seat stays  120 . The head tube  110  contains a headset, the bearings for the fork  122  via its steering tube  132  (See,  FIG. 1B ). In an integrated headset, cartridge bearings interface directly with the surface on the inside of the head tube  110 , on non-integrated headsets the bearings (in a cartridge or not) interface with “cups” pressed into the head tube  110 . 
         [0033]    The length of the tubes, and the angles at which they are attached define a frame geometry. In comparing different frame geometries, designers often compare the seat tube  116  angle, head tube  110  angle, top tube  112  length, and seat tube  116  length. The geometry of the frame  102  depends on the intended use. For instance, a road bicycle will place the handlebars  124  in a lower and further position relative to the saddle  126  giving a more crouched riding position; whereas a utility bicycle emphasizes comfort and has higher handlebars  124  resulting in a more upright riding position. While the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1A  depicts a road bicycle  100 , one of skill in the art will recognize that frame geometry is equally important in mountain biking as well as bicycle motocross (BMX). 
         [0034]    The stem  128  is the component on a bicycle  100  that connects the handlebars  124  to the steering tube  132  of the bicycle fork  122 . Heretofore, handlebar  124  height depended on a length of the downtube portion  130  of the stem  128  or on the length of the steering tube  132  of the bicycle fork  122 . The handlebar  124  height could not be adjusted on the fly to accommodate different riding conditions. 
         [0035]      FIG. 1B  is a perspective view illustrating the bicycle fork  122  of  FIG. 1A  with the bicycle fork  122  removed from within the head tube  110  of the bicycle frame  102 . The bicycle fork  122  is the part of a bicycle that holds the front wheel  104   b . A fork  122  typically consists of two blades  134   a  and  134   b  which are joined at the top by a fork crown  136 . Above the crown  136 , the steering tube  132  attaches the fork to the bicycle by being inserted into and through the head tube  110  of the bicycle frame  102 . 
         [0036]    The fork crown  136  abuts the head tube  110  to keep the steering tube  132  from extending all the way through head tube  110 . The top end  138  of the steering tube  132  extends above the head tube  110  and provides an attachment point to couple the stem  128  to the fork  122 . To raise the handlebars  124 , spacers are positioned on the steering tube  132  between the top of the head tube  110  or a headset (bearings at the top of the head tube  110 ) and the stem  128 . To lower the handlebars  124 , the spacers are removed allowing the stem  128  to rest at a lower position on the steering tube  132 . Of course, one of skill in the art will recognize that the maximum height of the handlebars  124  is dependent on the length of the steering tube  132 . If a user desires a greater height for the handlebars  124  than can be accommodated by the steering tube  132 , the user must purchase a fork  122  with a longer steering tube  132 . Alternatively, the user may replace the stem  128  with a stem  128  having a higher geometry. Neither of these alternatives provides a system for quickly and easily adjusting the height of the handlebars  124 . 
         [0037]    As discussed above, the process of raising or lowering the height of the handlebars  124  per conventional methods is rather involved, requires the use of tools to remove the stem  128 , and cannot be done on the fly while the bicyclist remains on the bicycle. The present subject matter is directed to an apparatus, system, and method for adjusting a height of the handlebars  124 . Beneficially, the adjustment of the height of the handlebars  124  can be done on the fly, while the user is riding the bicycle  100 . 
         [0038]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of an apparatus  200  to adjust a height of a handlebar  124  in accordance with the present invention. The apparatus  200 , in certain embodiments, includes a steering tube coupling member  202 , a handlebar coupling member  204 , a first connector  206 , a second connector  208 , and a height adjusting member  209 . 
         [0039]    The steering tube coupling member  202 , in one embodiment, comprises a clamp  212  for attaching to the steering tube  132  of the fork  122  of a bicycle  100 . To couple the steering tube coupling member  202  to the steering tube  132  of the fork  122 , the steering tube  132  of the fork  122  is positioned within the clamp  212  and a series of fastening elements (not shown) such as screws or bolts are positioned through bolt holes  214 . The fastening elements are tightened to prevent rotation of the steering tube  132  of the fork  122  with respect to the clamp  212 . Accordingly, when the steering tube coupling member  202  is coupled to the steering tube  132  of the fork  122 , rotation of the steering tube coupling member  202  operates to rotate the fork  122  and thus steer the bicycle  100 . 
         [0040]    The handlebar coupling member  204 , in certain embodiments, also includes a clamp  216  for coupling the handlebar coupling member  204  to handlebars  124 . To couple the handlebars  124  to the handlebar coupling member  204 , the handlebars  124  are positioned within the clamp  216  and one or more fastening elements (not shown) such as screws or bolts are inserted into bolt holes (not shown) in the front end  218  of the handlebar coupling member  204 . The fastening elements are tightened to prevent rotation of the handlebars  124  with respect to the clamp  216  of the handlebar coupling member  204 . 
         [0041]    The first connector  206  is pivotably coupled to a top end  220  of the steering tube coupling member  202  at a first end  222  of the first connector  206 . A second end  224  of the first connector  206  is pivotably coupled to a top end  226  of the handlebar coupling member  204 . To pivotably couple the first connector  206  to the steering tube coupling member  202  and to the handlebar coupling member  204 , fastening elements  228   a  and  228   b  are positioned through the first end  222  of the first connector  206  and through the second end  224  of the first connector  206  respectively. Fastening element  228   a  extends through flange  230   a  to couple the first end  222  of the first connector  206  to the steering tube coupling member  202 . Fastening element  228   b  extends through flange  230   b  to couple the second end  224  of the first connector  206  to the handlebar coupling member  204 . The first connector  206  is pivotable about fastening elements  228   a  and  228   b  to adjust a height of the handlebar coupling member  204  with respect to the steering tube coupling member  202 . 
         [0042]    The second connector  208  is pivotably coupled to a bottom end  232  of the steering tube coupling member  202  at a first end  234  of the second connector  208 . A second end  236  of the second connector  208  is pivotably coupled to a bottom end  238  of the handlebar coupling member  204 . To pivotably couple the second connector  208  to the steering tube coupling member  202  and to the handlebar coupling member  204 , fastening elements  228   c  and  228   d  are positioned through the first end  234  of the second connector  208  and through the second end  236  of the second connector  208  respectively. Fastening element  228   c  extends through flange  230   c  to couple the first end  234  of the second connector  208  to the steering tube coupling member  202 . Fastening element  228   d  extends through flange  230   d  to couple the second end  236  of the second connector  208  to the handlebar coupling member  204 . The second connector  206  is pivotable about fastening elements  228   c  and  228   d  to adjust a height of the handlebar coupling member  204  with respect to the steering tube coupling member  202 . 
         [0043]    In certain embodiments, the first connector  206  remains substantially parallel to the second connector  208  when the height of the handlebar coupling member  204  is adjusted relative to the height of the steering tube coupling member  202 . That is, in one embodiment, as the height of the handlebar coupling member  204  is adjusted in the directions indicated by arrow  240 , the first connector  206  remains substantially parallel to the second connector  208 . Because the handlebars  124  are received within clamp  216  of the handlebar coupling member  204 , adjustment of the height of the handlebar coupling member  204  operates to adjust the height of the handlebars  124 . 
         [0044]    In certain embodiments, the height adjusting member  209  comprises a linear height adjusting member configured to give a unidirectional force through a unidirectional stroke. That is, the height adjusting member  209  creates motion in a straight line along a longitudinal axis  211  of the height adjusting member  209  to either force the height adjusting member to extend or retract linearly in response to a control signal  310  (See,  FIGS. 3A and 3B ) received from a controller  306  (See,  FIGS. 3A and 3B ). In the embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 2, 3A and 3B , the height adjusting member  209  is a hydraulic piston  210 . However, one of skill in the art will recognize that in other embodiments, the height adjusting member  209  may be any other type of height adjusting member configured to raise or lower the height of the handlebar coupling member  204  with respect to the height of the steering tube coupling member  202 . Examples of a suitable linear height adjusting member  209  include a hydraulic actuator, a pneumatic actuator, a piezoelectric actuator, a mechanical actuator, an electro mechanical actuator etc. 
         [0045]    As discussed above, in the embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 2, 3A and 3B , the height adjusting member  209  is a hydraulic piston  210 . The height adjusting member  209  is pivotably coupled to the bottom end  232  of the steering tube coupling member  202  at a first end  242  of the height adjusting member  209 . To couple the first end  242  of the height adjusting member  209  to the bottom end  232  of the steering tube coupling member  202 , the first end  242  of the height adjusting member  209  is positioned within a gap  244  in the flange  230   c  on the bottom end  232  of the steering tube coupling member  202 . The first end  242  of the height adjusting member  209  includes an orifice (not shown) through which fastening element  228   c  extends to pivotably couple the first end  242  of the height adjusting member  209  to the bottom end  232  of the steering tube coupling member  202 . 
         [0046]    A second end  246  of the height adjusting member  209  is positioned within a gap  248  in the flange  230   b  on the top end  226  of the handlebar coupling member  204 . The second end  246  of the height adjusting member  209 , like the first end  242  of the height adjusting member  209 , also includes an orifice (not shown). Fastening element  228   b  extends through the flange  230   b  on the top end  226  of the handlebar coupling member  204  and through the orifice in the second end  246  of the height adjusting member  209  to pivotably couple the second end  246  of the height adjusting member  209  to the top end  226  of the handlebar coupling member  204 . 
         [0047]    While the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 2  depicts the first end  242  of the height adjusting member  209  as being pivotably coupled to the bottom end  232  of the steering tube coupling member  202  and the second end  246  of the height adjusting member  209  as being pivotably coupled to the top end  226  of the handlebar coupling member  204 , one of skill in the art will recognize that in other embodiments the couplings may be reversed. That is, in certain embodiments, the first end  242  of the height adjusting member  209  may be pivotably coupled to the flange  230   a  on the top end  220  of the steering tube coupling member  202  and the second end  246  of the height adjusting member  209  may be pivotably coupled to the flange  230   d  on the bottom end  238  of the handlebar coupling member  204 . Further, one of skill in the art will recognize that the arrangement of the height adjusting member  209  may be reversed with the hydraulic piston reservoir  250  coupled to the top end  226  of the handlebar coupling member  204  and the hydraulic piston shaft  250  coupled to the top end  226  of the handlebar coupling member  204 . Of course, the same is true of embodiments wherein the height adjusting member  209  is pivotably coupled to the flange  230   a  on the top end  220  of the steering tube coupling member  202  and to the flange  230   d  on the bottom end  238  of the handlebar coupling member  204 . 
         [0048]    Again, it should be evident that while the embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 2, 3A and 3B , depict the height adjusting member  209  as a hydraulic piston  210 , in other embodiments, the height adjusting member  209  may be any other suitable height adjusting member  209  including a pneumatic actuator, a piezoelectric actuator, a mechanical actuator, an electro mechanical actuator etc. In such embodiments, opposing ends of such height adjusting members are pivotably coupleable to the steering tube coupling member  202  and the handlebar coupling member  204  at opposing ends of the height adjusting member  209  in a manner substantially similar to the manner in which the hydraulic piston  210  is pivotably coupled to the steering tube coupling member  202  and the handlebar coupling member  204  at opposing ends (i.e., the first end  242  and the second end  246 ). 
         [0049]      FIG. 3A  is a side view illustrating an apparatus  300  to adjust a height of a handlebar  124  with the handlebar coupling member  204  positioned in a raised position  302  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 3B  is a side view further illustrating the apparatus  300  to adjust a height of a handlebar  124  of  FIG. 3A  with the handlebar coupling member  204  positioned in a lowered position  304  in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0050]    The apparatus  300  of  FIGS. 3A and 3B  is substantially similar to the apparatus  200  of  FIG. 2 . Accordingly, in certain embodiments, the apparatus  300  includes a steering tube coupling member  202 , a handlebar coupling member  204 , a first connector  206 , a second connector  208 , and a height adjusting member  209 . The steering tube coupling member  202 , the handlebar coupling member  204 , the first connector  206 , the second connector  208 , and the height adjusting member  209  operate in a manner substantially similar to the manner in which the steering tube coupling member  202 , the handlebar coupling member  204 , the first connector  206 , the second connector  208 , and the height adjusting member  209  of apparatus  200  operate. 
         [0051]    In certain embodiment, the apparatus  300  also includes a controller  306  configured to deliver a control signal  310  to the height adjusting member  209 . The control signal  310 , in certain embodiments, is any signal configured to actuate the height adjusting member  209  to selectively adjust the height of the handlebar coupling member  204  relative to a height of the steering tube coupling member  202 . For example, in embodiments wherein the height adjusting member  209  is a hydraulic piston  210 , the control signal  310  is delivery or removal of hydraulic fluid. In embodiments wherein the height adjusting member  209  is a pneumatic actuator or pneumatic piston, the control signal  310  is delivery or removal of a compressed gas. For piezoelectric and electro mechanical actuators, the control signal  310  is the delivery or removal of an electrical current. In embodiments wherein the height adjusting member  209  is a mechanical actuator or mechanical lever, the control signal is delivery or removal of a mechanical force from the user. 
         [0052]    In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 3A and 3B , the height adjusting member  209  is a hydraulic piston  210 . The controller  306  is coupled to the height adjusting member  209  by a length of cable  308 . The cable  308  allows a user to position the controller  306  on the handlebars  124  of the bicycle  100  or anywhere else the user finds convenient. 
         [0053]    In an exemplary embodiment, the cable  308  is a Bowden cable. One of skill in the art will recognize that a Bowden cable is a type of flexible cable used to transmit mechanical force or energy by the movement of an inner cable (most commonly of steel or stainless steel) relative to a hollow outer cable housing. Linear movement of the inner cable transmits a pulling or pushing force to open or close a hydraulic port (not shown) in the height adjusting member  209  to selectively deliver hydraulic fluid to the height adjusting member  209 . In such an embodiment, the control signal  310  is the delivery or removal of the hydraulic fluid from the height adjusting member  209 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 3A and 3B  the controller  306  includes a depressible button  312  that when manipulated causes the inner cable of the Bowden cable to extend or retract to open or close the hydraulic port in the height adjusting member  209 . 
         [0054]    Depressing the button  312  of the controller  306  forces the delivery of the hydraulic fluid to the height adjusting member  209  and extends the length of the height adjusting member  209 . When the length of the height adjusting member  209  is extended, the height adjusting member  209  raises the height of the handlebar coupling member  204  to the raised position  302  as illustrated in  FIG. 3A . In certain embodiments, the controller  306  is configured to lock the handlebar coupling member  204  in the raised position  302  by limiting further delivery or removal of hydraulic fluid from within the height adjusting member  209 . 
         [0055]    The controller  306 , in certain embodiments, is further configured to selectively remove at least a portion of the hydraulic fluid from the height adjusting member  209 . In such an embodiment, the control signal  310  is the removal of at least a portion of the hydraulic fluid from the height adjusting member  209 . In one embodiment, the removal of the hydraulic fluid from the height adjusting member  209  is accomplished by partially withdrawing the button  312  to draw hydraulic fluid out of the height adjusting member  209 . Removal of the hydraulic fluid from the height adjusting member  209  reduces the length of the height adjusting member  209 . When the length of the height adjusting member  209  is reduced, the height adjusting member  209  lowers the height of the handlebar coupling member  204  to the lowered position  304  as illustrated in  FIG. 3B . In certain embodiments, the controller  306  is configured to lock the handlebar coupling member  204  in the lowered position  304  by limiting further delivery or removal of hydraulic fluid from within the height adjusting member  209 . 
         [0056]    One of skill in the art will recognize that in other embodiments, the controller  306  may be any other device configured to selectively deliver and remove hydraulic fluid from the height adjusting member  209 . For example, in one embodiment the controller  306  is a hydraulic controller that is hydraulically coupled to the height adjusting member  209  by a length of hydraulic tubbing. In such an embodiment, the hydraulic controller  306  includes a reservoir containing a hydraulic fluid for delivery to the height adjusting member  209 . Depressing the button  312  forces the delivery of the hydraulic fluid to the height adjusting member  209  and extends the length of the height adjusting member  209 . The hydraulic controller  306 , in certain embodiments, is further configured to selectively remove at least a portion of the hydraulic fluid from the height adjusting member  209 . In one embodiment, the removal of the hydraulic fluid from the height adjusting member  209  is accomplished by partially withdrawing the button  312  from within the reservoir in the hydraulic controller  306  to draw hydraulic fluid into the reservoir in the hydraulic controller  306 . Removal of the hydraulic fluid from the height adjusting member  209  reduces the length of the height adjusting member  209  to position the handlebar coupling member  204  to the lowered position  304  as illustrated in  FIG. 3B . 
         [0057]    While the embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 3A and 3B  depict the handlebar coupling member  204  as being positionable in a raised position  302  or a lowered position  304 , one of skill in the art will recognize that the handlebar coupling member  204  may be positioned anywhere in between these two positions. In this manner, the height adjusting member  209  is configured to selectively adjust a height of the handlebar coupling member  204  relative to a height of the steering tube coupling member  202 . Furthermore, while the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 3B  depicts the handlebar coupling member  204  at approximately the same height as the steering tube coupling member  202 , one of skill in the art will recognize that in certain embodiments, the apparatus  300  may be configured to position the handlebar coupling member  204  at a lower height than the steering tube coupling member  202  when the handlebar coupling member  204  is positioned in the lowered position  304 . 
         [0058]      FIG. 4  is a side view illustrating an apparatus  400  to adjust a height of a handlebar  124  with the handlebar coupling member  204  positioned in a raised position  302  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus  400  of  FIG. 4  is substantially similar to the apparatus  200  of  FIG. 2  and the apparatus  300  of  FIGS. 3A and 3B . Accordingly, in certain embodiments, the apparatus  400  includes a steering tube coupling member  202 , a handlebar coupling member  204 , a first connector  206 , a second connector  208  and a height adjusting member  409 . The steering tube coupling member  202 , the handlebar coupling member  204 , the first connector  206 , and the second connector  208  operate in a manner substantially similar to the manner in which the steering tube coupling member  202 , the handlebar coupling member  204 , the first connector  206 , and the second connector  208  of apparatus  200  and apparatus  300  operate. 
         [0059]    In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 4  the height adjusting member  409  is a mechanical lever  410 . In certain embodiments, the mechanical lever is coupled to the first connector  206 . In other embodiments, the mechanical lever  410  is coupled to the second connector  208 . In one embodiment, the mechanical lever  410  is integrally formed with the first connector  206  or second connector  208 . In other embodiments, the mechanical lever  410  may be mechanically coupled to the first connector  206  or second connector  208 . The mechanical lever  410  and the first connector  206  or second connector  208  pivot around either fastening element  228   a  or fastening element  228   c  depending on 
         [0060]    The mechanical lever  410  extends in a direction opposite the first connector  206  or second connector  208 . Physical pressure applied to an end  412  of the mechanical lever  410  by the user operates to selectively raise or lower the handlebar coupling member  204  with respect to the steering tube coupling member  202 . Pressure applied in the direction indicated by arrow  414  raises the handlebar coupling member  204  with respect to the steering tube coupling member  202 . Pressure applied in the direction indicated by arrow  416  lowers the handlebar coupling member  204  with respect to the steering tube coupling member  202 . In such embodiments, the control signal  310  includes a physical pressure applied to the mechanical lever  410 . 
         [0061]    The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.