Abstract:
A bicycle handle which is suitable in particular for curved handlebars has an inner part which has an opening for receiving the handlebar. The inner part merges into an outer part. To compensate for the curvature of the handlebar, the outer part is angled relative to the inner part. An ergonomic hand position is attained in this way.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Disclosure 
         [0002]    The disclosure relates to a bicycle handle, in particular for curved handle-bars. 
         [0003]    2. Discussion of the Background Art 
         [0004]    An ergonomic bicycle handle is known from EP 1 537 014, for example. The same comprises a support element for the ball of the thumb, which in the mounted state is directed towards the rider. The element is an extension whose top face forms a support surface for the ball of the thumb. In the mounted state, the support surface for the ball of the thumb is oriented substantially horizontally. Owing to such an ergonomic support of the ball of the thumb, a bending of the wrist, as it occurs with conventional cylindrical bicycle handles is avoided or at least reduced. The forearm thus passes substantially linearly into the hand so that specifically the problem of the fingers going numb during long rides is avoided. Further, the support surface for the ball of the thumb, which in particular has a soft or resilient surface, provides for relief of the hand. This means an enhancement of comfort. 
         [0005]    Studies have shown that such ergonomically designed bicycle handles do not result in the desired relief of the hand with all handlebar shapes. Especially with curved handlebars, i.e. handlebars curved towards the rider, the desired relief of the hand can at least not be achieved to the full extent with such handles. This type of handlebars is frequently used for touring bicycles. 
         [0006]    It is an object of the disclosure to provide a bicycle handle with which a relief of the hand can be achieved also with curved handlebars. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0007]    The bicycle handle of the disclosure, suitable in particular for curved handlebars, comprises an inner part and an outer part. The inner part is the part of the handle which, in the mounted state, is directed inward towards the handlebar stem. The outer part adjoins the inner part in the outward direction. With a conventional bicycle handlebar, the inner and outer parts would form a common hollow-cylindrical element. According to the disclosure, the outer part is angled with respect to the inner part. When mounted, the bicycle handle of the disclosure thus has an angled or curved shape, seen in top plan view. In the mounted state, the angular offset of the outer part is such that the outer part is angled outward. With a curved handlebar, whose handlebar ends are curved towards the rider opposite to the traveling direction, this curvature of the handlebar is counteracted by the outer part of the bicycle handlebar. With reference to the traveling direction or the centre plane of the frame, the outer part of the handle or a centre line of the outer part of the handle encloses a larger angle with the traveling direction than the handlebar end of the curved handlebar. 
         [0008]    In a standard gripping position, in which the rider substantially grips the outer part of the bicycle handlebar, the angled outer part causes an inward rotation of the wrist. With curved handlebars having a conventional cylindrical bicycle handle, the wrist is angled outward so that an angular offset exists between an outer side of the forearm and an outer side of the palm in the region of the little finger. By using the present angled bicycle handle with curved handlebars, the wrist is turned back inwards. The angle between the outer side of the forearm and the corresponding part of the palm thus encloses a larger angle. Ideally, the outer side of the forearm passes substantially linearly into the outer side of the palm. In this ideal position, the wrist of the rider is no longer angled, seen in top plan view. This allows for a significant enhancement of ergonomics. The risk of the fingers going numb is drastically reduced thereby. 
         [0009]    In a preferred embodiment of the bicycle handlebar of the present disclosure, a centre line of the outer part encloses an angle with respect to a centre line of the inner part. The same preferably lies in a range from 100°-170°, the angle being measured in the mounted state of the bicycle handlebar at the front edge of the handle directed in the traveling direction. Preferably, the angle is in a range from 120°-150° and, particularly preferred, from 130°-140°. Preferably, the angular range is selected as a function of the curvature of the handlebar. Ideally, the angle compensates for the handlebar curvature such that, when mounted, the outer of the bicycle handle has a centre line which, if the handlebar is in a level position, is substantially perpendicular to the traveling direction or perpendicular to the centre plane of the frame. If necessary, the outer part may be inclined slightly towards the rider so that an angle of 0°-30° exists between the centre line of the outer part and a perpendicular line to the centre plane of the bicycle. 
         [0010]    In particularly preferred embodiment the angular offset of the outer part relative to the inner part is such that a common front edge of the inner part and the outer part, which is directed in the traveling direction when in the mounted state, has a concave curvature. Thereby, a smooth continuous transition is realized in the region of the front edge, resulting in a pleasant grip feeling. 
         [0011]    Preferably, the outer side of the inner part merges smoothly with the outer side of the outer part. The entire surface of the bicycle handle is thus preferably configured to be smooth or stepless. Thereby, the occurrence of unpleasant pressure marks. 
         [0012]    For a further enhancement of the ergonomics of the bicycle handle, the outer part may in addition be connected, in particular formed integrally with a support element for the ball of the thumb. In this case, in the mounted state of the bicycle handle, the support element for the ball of the thumb is directed opposite to the traveling direction, i.e. towards the rider. Corresponding to the support element for the ball of the thumb described in EP 1 537 014, the support element for the ball of the thumb serves to rest the ball of the thumb thereon and thus to relieve the wrist. Preferably, the support element for the ball of the thumb is designed such that a rear edge, i.e. the edge of the support element for the ball of the thumb directed towards the rider in the mounted state of the bicycle handle, extends substantially parallel to the centre line of the outer part. Here, the rear edge and the centre line preferably deviate from the parallel line by less than ±10°. 
         [0013]    In another preferred embodiment, a bulge is provided at an upper side of the outer part, preferably in addition to the support element for the ball of the thumb. Owing to this hill-shaped bulge at the upper side of the outer part, the correction of the hand position can be further assisted. 
         [0014]    Preferably, the bicycle handle is structured such that an inner sleeve of a preferably harder material is surrounded by the inner part that is preferably made of a softer material. Possibly, the sleeve also protrudes at least partially into the outer part of the bicycle handle. In this case, the sleeve is designed such that an inner side of the sleeve abuts against the outer side of the handlebar, when the same is in the mounted state. The preferably hollow cylindrically shaped sleeve thus preferably lines the bicycle handle opening that serves to receive the handlebar. Thereby, a secure retention of the bicycle handle on the handlebar can be achieved. In this regard, it is particularly preferred that the bicycle handle is fixed by means of a clamping element. This is particularly advantageous in combination with a sleeve, since the clamping element, which is bracket-shaped for instance, can surround a free end of the sleeve so that the sleeve is clampingly fixed on the outer side of the handlebar by closing the clamping element. 
         [0015]    In a preferred embodiment, the sleeve is connected or integrally formed with an in particular wing-shaped protrusion. This protrusion protrudes into the support element for the ball of the thumb in a skeleton-like manner and thus serves to stiffen the support element for the ball of the thumb. In particular, if the bicycle handle of the disclosure comprises a support element for the ball of the thumb, it is particularly preferred to provide such a sleeve with wing-shaped protrusions and to fix the bicycle handle to the handlebar by means of a clamping element. This is advantageous insofar as the ball of the thumb transmits forces onto the support element for the ball of the thumb and a twisting of the bicycle handle on the handlebar is avoided due to the fixation by clamping. The design of the inner sleeve, specifically also in combination with the wing-shaped protrusion and the clamping element, preferably is as described in EP 1 537 014. However, it is preferred that the clamping element is arranged in particular on the inner side of the inner part directed towards the handlebar stem. 
         [0016]    In a further preferred embodiment of the disclosure, a rear edge of the support element for the ball of the thumb extends substantially in parallel with the centre line of the outer part. Here, the rear edge is the edge directed towards the user, when in the mounted state. For a further enhancement of the bicycle handle ergonomics, and thus for the enhancement of the hand position, the outer edge is curved downward in particular, when seen in rear view. In the mounted state, the outer edge of the support element for the ball of the thumb directed towards the user is, as such, first situated approximately on the centre line of the outer part and then extends downward in a curve, i.e. towards the road. 
         [0017]    In a particularly preferred embodiment, the bicycle handle of the disclosure is fixed on the handlebar by clamping. For this purpose, it is preferred that the bicycle handle has an inner sleeve, in particular of rigid plastic material. In a preferred embodiment, the inner sleeve is surrounded by a clamping means on the inner side or the outer side, the sleeve possibly having at least one longitudinal slot in this region. The inner side of the sleeve is the side of the bicycle handle directed towards the handlebar interior in the mounted state. Accordingly, the outer side is the side of the bicycle handle directed outward away from the handle bar. 
         [0018]    It is preferred to provide a clamping element with an outer contour shaped such that it is integrated in the bicycle handle or the outer contour of the bicycle handle. Thus, disturbing ledges or steps are avoided that may cause pressure marks on the hand. 
         [0019]    Preferably, the clamping is effected on the outer side of the bicycle handlebar, since no further elements, such as brake handles and shift levers, are fastened to the handlebar in this region and the corresponding clamp is therefore easier to access. 
         [0020]    In order to achieve a good integration also for a clamping element arranged on the outer side of the outer part of the bicycle handle, the support element for the ball of the thumb has a first protrusion extending into the clamping element. The first protrusion is preferably arranged radially beside the clamping element and protrudes axially or longitudinally into the clamping element. Preferably, the outer part has a second protrusion that also extends into the clamping means, with the two protrusions preferably being arranged opposite each other. The two protrusions thus define a space between them. The clamping element is arranged in the opening thus formed. 
         [0021]    With clamping element, which in a preferred embodiment is arranged in the outside portion of the outer part, it is preferred that the same has a convexly curved outer side. The latter merges into the outer sides of the first and/or the second protrusion, in particular in a smooth manner. 
         [0022]    Further, the outer part may be provided, in particular integrally formed with a bar end. The bar end or gripping extension serves to change the gripping position and is preferably oriented such that it is directed forward substantially in parallel with the traveling direction, i.e. in the traveling direction. 
         [0023]    The following is a detailed description of the disclosure with reference to preferred embodiments and to the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0024]    In the Figures: 
           [0025]      FIG. 1  is a schematic top plan view on a first preferred embodiment of a bicycle handle according to the present disclosure, 
           [0026]      FIG. 2  is a schematic side elevational view in the direction of the arrow II in  FIG. 1 , 
           [0027]      FIG. 3  is a schematic side elevational view of a clamping element in the direction of the arrow III in  FIG. 1 , 
           [0028]      FIG. 4  is a schematic top plan view on a sleeve with a wing-shaped protrusion, the sleeve being arranged inside the bicycle handle, 
           [0029]      FIG. 5  is a schematic top plan view on a second, preferred embodiment of a bicycle handle, 
           [0030]      FIG. 6  is a schematic side elevational view in the direction VI in  FIG. 5 , and 
           [0031]      FIG. 7  is a schematic side elevational view in the direction of the arrow III in  FIG. 5 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0032]    The bicycle handle of the present disclosure comprises an inner part  10  and an outer part  12 , wherein the inner part  10  merges into the outer part  12  and the two parts are in particular integrally formed. In the inner part  10 , a circular cylindrical opening  14  is provided that is defined by a circular cylindrical part  16  ( FIG. 4 ) of a sleeve  18 . If the bicycle handle of the present disclosure is a bicycle handle that is clampingly fastened to the handlebar, the sleeve protrudes from the inner part  10  by a clamping portion  20  so that a bracket-like clamping element  22  ( FIGS. 1 and 3 ) can be provided. The clamping element  22  has protrusions  24  which are in particular directed downward when in the mounted state. The protrusions are provided with a bore  26  having a thread  28  so that a clamping screw, not illustrated herein, can be inserted into the same from the left in  FIG. 3 . Further, it is preferred that the sleeve  18  has a sleeve slot  30  in the region  22 , where the clamping is effected. 
         [0033]    The inner part, which has a substantially cylindrical outer contour, has a centre line which, in the mounted state, coincides with the centre line  32  of the handlebar end. Further, the outer part also has a centre line  34  whose position is independent of a support element for the ball of the thumb  36 . The centre line  34  of the outer part  12  encloses an angle a with the centre line  32  of the inner part  10 , which angle is arranged, with respect to the traveling direction  37 , in the traveling direction. The angle a preferably ranges from 100°-170°, in particular from 120°-150°, and particularly preferred from 130°-140°. The bicycle handle of the present disclosure is thus designed such that, with reference to the traveling direction  37 , it has an outer part  12  that is angled in the traveling direction  37  with respect to the inner part  10 . 
         [0034]    
       20 
     
         [0035]    In the embodiment illustrated, a front edge  38  of the bicycle handle, directed in the traveling direction, is thus concavely shaped. The front edge  38  is a common front edge of the inner part  10  and the outer part  12 . 
         [0036]    The wing-shaped support element for the ball of the thumb forms a support surface  40  for the ball of the thumb. When the bicycle handle is gripped in the usual way, the ball of the thumb thus rests on the support surface  40  for the ball of the thumb. Owing to the inventive angular offset between the inner part  10  and the outer part  12 , the wrist is turned back against the angular offset caused by the curvature of the handlebar. An ergonomic position of the wrist is thereby ensured. Further, the bicycle handle should be mounted to the handlebar in such a manner that the support surface  40  for the ball of the thumb is arranged substantially horizontally, possibly slightly sloping towards the rider. 
         [0037]    A rear edge  42  ( FIG. 1 ) of the support element  36  for the ball of the thumb is preferably directed such that it extends substantially in parallel with the centre line  34  of the outer part  12 . 
         [0038]    In a preferred embodiment of the disclosure a bulge  46  is provided on a top face  44  of the outer part  12 . The bulge, which is located approximately in the middle of the outer part  12 , assists in the correction of the position of the hand. 
         [0039]    In a preferred embodiment, the sleeve  18  ( FIG. 4 ), which is provided in particular when the bicycle handle is fastened by clamping using a clamping means  22 , comprises a wing-shaped protrusion  48 . The latter protrudes into the support element  36  for the ball of the thumb in the manner of skeleton. 
         [0040]    Further, a bar end not illustrated can be connected with the outer side  50  of the outer part  12 , in particular integrally formed with the outer part  12 . The bar end or gripping extension is arranged such that it is substantially directed in the traveling direction  37  and is designed such that it is slightly sloping upward with respect to a horizontal line, when in the mounted state. Thereby, a second gripping position is formed for further relief of the hand. 
         [0041]    In another preferred embodiment of a bicycle handle illustrated in  FIGS. 5 to 7 , with which basically the same effects are achieved as with the bicycle handle illustrated in  FIGS. 1 to 4 , similar or identical components are marked by the same reference numerals. 
         [0042]    The bicycle handle illustrated in  FIG. 5 , which is a right-side bicycle handle in the mounted state, also has an inner part  10  and an outer part  12 . An inner circular cylindrical opening  14  serves the purpose of fastening the handle to a bicycle handlebar, wherein a sleeve, as described in the first embodiment, is preferably arranged inside the opening  14 . As indicated by dotted lines, the sleeve may comprise mutually opposite protrusions  52 ,  54 . The protrusion  54  extends into the support element  36  for the ball of the thumb and is thus substantially directed in a direction opposite to the traveling direction  37 . Correspondingly, the opposite protrusion  52  protrudes into the part  56  of the outer part  12  directed in the traveling direction. 
         [0043]    In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 5 to 7 , it is particularly preferred that a clamping element  58  is arranged at an outer side of the handle, i.e. on the right in case of a right-side bicycle handle. As described in connection with the first embodiment and visible in  FIG. 6 , the clamping element  58  surrounds the sleeve  18  to fix the sleeve, and thus the bicycle handle, to the handlebar by clamping. 
         [0044]    The support element  36  for the ball of the thumb has an outward directed protrusion  60  on its side directed opposite to the traveling direction  37 , i.e. the side directed towards the user. This protrusion protrudes into the area of the clamping element  58 . The first protrusion  60  thus extends longitudinally into the clamping area  64  illustrated by two brackets. Seen perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction  62 , the first protrusion  60  is situated outside the clamping means  58 . 
         [0045]    In a particularly preferred embodiment, also the part  56  of the outer part  12  has a second protrusion  66 . The same also extends longitudinally  62  into the clamping area  64  of the clamping element  58 , while being arranged beside the same in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction  62 . 
         [0046]    By providing the two protrusions  60 ,  66 , it is possible to integrate the clamping means into the handle. In particular, a preferably convexly curved outer side  68  of the clamping element  58  merges into outer sides  70 ,  72  of the two protrusions  60 ,  66 , which are also convexly curved. The upper side and the lower side of the clamping element  58  likewise merge into the upper side of the outer part  12  and the lower side of the outer part  12 , respectively, and, in a preferred embodiment, do so in a continuous manner. 
         [0047]    For an enhancement of the ergonomics of the hand position, the support element  36  for the ball of the thumb is designed such that an outer edge  74  ( FIG. 7 ) directed towards the rider is formed with a curved shape. Starting near an upper side  76  of the outer part, the outer edge  74  runs downward in a curve to then extend substantially in parallel with a centre line  32  of the bicycle handle again.