Abstract:
A handle bar mount for small vehicles and of the type having a pivoting handlebar cradle ( 24 ) attached to a top member ( 50 ) that is attached to a vehicle ( 20 ). A series of absorbers ( 38 ) is retained by an absorber posts ( 42 ). The location of the pivot is ideally suited rearward and lower than the handlebar clamp. This provides a simple and cost effective dampening of vibration from the ground, acceleration, and breaking to the handlebars and the rider.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION  
       [0001]     This application claims priority to provisional application Ser. No. 60/507,757 filed Sep. 30, 2003.  
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     This invention relates to handlebar mounts, specifically to such mounts that are used for steering small vehicles such as a motorcycle. More specifically providing a shock absorbing mounting to handlebars that reduces some of the vibration from the ground to the rider.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     Traditional ATV, bicycle and motorcycle handlebar mounting structures have for the most part utilized a solid mount handlebar cradle molded into the top steering member. Other designs include a solid bolted mounting interface between the upper steering member and handlebar cradles providing in some cases adjustment of handle bar position but no vibration or impact damping.  
         [0004]     A significant improvement came when rubber bushings were included in a motorcycle handle bar cradle mount that was bolted to the top member using rubber bushings to insulate the vibration. Although the design is helpful during long periods of usage in reducing vibration transmitted to the handlebars, it has minimal effect on large impacts due to the minimal capacity for deformation of the bushings.  
         [0005]     Other prior inventions have used mechanical hydraulic shock absorbing system that requires the use of highly precision machined telescoping tubes, seals, and fluid that must be contained in a sealed unit and requires maintenance to minimize fluid leaks.  
         [0006]     U.S. Pat. No. 6,712,541 Henricksen (2004) discloses a triple clamp plus a handlebar clamp. This invention uses multiple dampers, but the dampers do not pivot on the clamp mechanism, the dampers provide rocking and normal damping of the handlebar. This invention also requires at least three clamps plus a handlebar clamp to operate.  
         [0007]     U.S. Pat. No. 6,371,263 Hoose (2002) discloses a dampening system with springs and hydraulic fluid that provides the dampening. This invention uses multiple dampers, but the dampers do not pivot on the clamp mechanism, the dampers provide only normal forces to be applied to the dampers. This provides dampening when the handlebars are being pushed down, but provides minimal damping when the rider is accelerating. The assembly is also expensive and prone to leaking hydraulic fluid.  
         [0008]     U.S. Pat. No. 5,511,444 Clausen and Allsop (1996) disclosed a system, which utilized parallel mounted arms and a damper unit. This patent describes using a shock absorbing bicycle handlebar assembly. This design requires the use of four pivots, which increased the complexity, and cost of the unit.  
         [0009]     U.S. Pat. No. 6,325,402 B1 Gogo and Wakamatsu (2001) disclose a system, which utilizes a spring and shock to dampen vibrations and impacts. This patent describes using a spring and shock damping design. This design makes it possible to absorb down ward impacts and general vibrations. However it is less effective in absorbing forward impacts that are transmitted to the operator as a result of hard braking. Another disadvantage is the use of guide slots to limit travel of the handlebar holder that can reduce the damping of impacts and vibration to the handlebars at full travel and in an acceleration direction it does not provide any additional damping. In addition, the use of a cylindrical member for means of preload adjustment to the coil spring extends above the handlebar mount, which could result in a safety problem for the rider in the event of an accident.  
         [0010]     Still other prior inventions have used a hard stop to limit movement of the handlebar cradle the proposed structure minimizes the impact that is transmitted to the operator when the handlebar cradle reaches full travel. As the force is increased the absorber overcomes the force of the impact at a progressive rate rather that stopping on a positive hard stop.  
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0011]     The object of the present invention is to provide a handlebar mounting structure that incorporates a pivoting handlebar cradle and a series of absorbers to create damping of vibration and impacts to the handlebars of a popular ATV, motorcycle or bicycle during operation and more specifically jumps, bumps de-acceleration and acceleration.  
         [0012]     One feature of the present invention is the provision of a top member adapted to fit and retain a pair of forks or steering housing as a foundation for means of handlebar support.  
         [0013]     In accordance with this object of the present invention is a pair of pivotally attached handlebar cradles mounted to the top member creating a secondary suspension for the handlebar cradles.  
         [0014]     In accordance with this object of the present invention the pivot exists rearward and lower than the handlebar clamp.  
         [0015]     In accordance with this object of the present invention is the provision of a series of absorber units fitted between and around the handlebar cradles and top member providing damping of vibration and impacts transmitted from the suspension to the handlebars. The use of the rubber absorbers will permit the use of the original handlebar and handlebar padding due to the location and size of the absorbers.  
         [0016]     In accordance with this object of the present invention is the provision of a structure to retain said series of absorbers in place and to provide additional strength of the cradles when normal directional forces are applied as well as when lateral forces are applied. The opposing absorbers can be made stiffer or softer in compound and density as well as different shapes to control the movement of the handlebar. Additional bushing can be used at the handlebar cradle pivot minimizes the vibrations transmitted to the operator during operation.  
         [0017]     Another feature of the present invention is a pivot for each handlebar cradle and a series of opposing bumpers that allows movement in a forward downward and upward backward direction which can absorb impacts transmitted from off road terrain without sacrificing the steering accuracy of the vehicle and is more suitable to the natural direction of the rider operator movement with minimal components and cost to the manufacture. The presence of the opposing absorbers allows cushioning in both an acceleration direction when the vehicle is under full throttle for example and in a braking direction when entering corners. It allows movement of the handlebar when braking to absorb the bumps and potholes that usually occur when that section of the terrain has many vehicles traveling and braking at the same point.  
         [0018]     Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, along with the accompanying drawings in which like numerals represent like components.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0019]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a motorcycle incorporating the present invention.  
         [0020]      FIG. 2  is a right side view of the present invention removed.  
         [0021]      FIG. 3  is a top view of the present invention top member with handlebar cradles removed.  
         [0022]      FIG. 4  is a lower perspective view of the present invention removed.  
         [0023]      FIG. 5  is a top perspective view of the present invention removed.  
         [0024]      FIG. 6  shows a similar structure with absorbers in front and behind the pivot area.  
         [0025]      FIG. 7  shows similar structure with two optional absorber positions (on the same drawing) sandwiching the handlebar cradle.  
         [0026]      FIG. 8   a &amp; b  show similar structures with optional holes and slots that allow handlebar position adjustment.  
         [0027]      FIG. 9   a - c  shows the operation of the present invention.  
         [0028]      FIG. 10  shows a similar structure with one-piece handlebar cradle and handlebar cradle top.  
         [0029]      FIG. 11  shows a similar structure with the absorbers positioned at an angle.  
         [0030]      FIG. 12  shows a similar structure that uses a hydraulic damper in conjunction with the absorbers.  
     
    
     Drawings—Reference Numerals  
       [0031]    
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
                 20 
                 motorcycle 
               
               
                   
                 22 
                 handlebar 
               
               
                   
                 24 
                 (a, b) handlebar cradle bottom 
               
               
                   
                 26 
                 upper fork tube 
               
               
                   
                 28 
                 front wheel 
               
               
                   
                 30 
                 handlebar cradle top 
               
               
                   
                 32 
                 (a, b) handlebar pinch bolt 
               
               
                   
                 34 
                 lower fork tube 
               
               
                   
                 36 
                 (a, b, c, d) washer 
               
               
                   
                 38 
                 (a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, i) absorber 
               
               
                   
                 40 
                 (a, b) retaining nut 
               
               
                   
                 42 
                 (a, b) absorber post 
               
               
                   
                 44 
                 pocket area 
               
               
                   
                 46 
                 (a, b, c, d) handlebar cradle pivot 
               
               
                   
                 48 
                 handlebar clamping area 
               
               
                   
                 50 
                 top member 
               
               
                   
                 56 
                 absorber post bore 
               
               
                   
                 58 
                 bottom member 
               
               
                   
                 60 
                 fork tube clamping area 
               
               
                   
                 62 
                 steering stem bore 
               
               
                   
                 64 
                 pinch clamp slot 
               
               
                   
                 66 
                 slot 
               
               
                   
                 68 
                 pin 
               
               
                   
                 70 
                 bolt 
               
               
                   
                 72 
                 bushing 
               
               
                   
                 74 
                 suspension assembly 
               
               
                   
                 76 
                 hydraulic damper 
               
               
                   
                 80 
                 (a, b, c) pivot locations 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0032]      FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of a motorcycle incorporating a preferred embodiment of the invention. A front prior art suspension assembly  74  has a bottom member  58  and a top member  50  pivotally connectable to the motorcycle  20  and a pair of telescoping upper fork tube  26  and lower fork tube  34  sets. A front wheel  28  is connected to the pair of lower fork tubes  34 . A pair of handlebar cradle bottoms  24  is pivotally attached to top member  50 . The pair of handlebar cradle bottoms is symmetrical and is mounted in a direction of the width of the motorcycle. Each handlebar cradle bottom  24   a  is connected via a handlebar cradle pivot  46   a  as shown in  FIG. 2 , to the top member  50  which allows movement of a handlebar  22  retained by a pair of handlebar cradle tops  30  and a series of handlebar pinch bolts  32   a ,  32   b  shown in  FIG. 2 . An absorber post  42   a  extends through a corresponding absorber post bore  56  to the lower side of top member  50 . A set of upper  38   a  and lower  38   d  absorbers is held in place by absorber post  42   a  and a retaining nut  40   a  to create damping of vibrations and impacts during acceleration, braking and maneuvering obstacles for example, on off road terrain. A series of washers  36   a, b, c, d  provide a maintainable surface for absorbers  38   a ,  38   d  to interface with.  
         [0033]      FIG. 3  shows top member  50  with handlebar cradle bottoms removed to show a pair of slots  66   a ,  66   b  where the handlebar cradle bottoms attach and their relationship to absorber post bore  56   a ,  56   b  and steering stem bore  62 . Each slot  66   a ,  66   b  is an area for the handlebar cradle bottom to fit between, providing areas for handlebar cradle pivot  46   a ,  46   b ,  46   c , and  46   d  to be machined where a pins  68   a ,  68   b  are located as shown in  FIG. 4 . Pins  68   a ,  68   b  could be a threaded bolt, solid pin or hollow pin, referring back to  FIG. 3 . Fork tube clamping area  60   a ,  60   b  retains upper fork tube when bolt  70   a ,  70   b  is tightened closing pinch clamp slot  64   a ,  64   b  until top member  50  is holding upper fork tubes  26  as shown in  FIG. 1  secure. This is the most common method the motorcycle manufactures use to retain upper fork tubes shown in  FIG. 4 . The bottom of top member  50  ( FIG. 4 ) has a pocket area  44  where each lower absorber  38   c ,  38   d  is located. This bushing can be made of plastic, rubber, brass, bronze, aluminum, or a combination of these materials or other materials that provide similar results. Pocket area  44  is an area that allows deformation of each absorber  38   c ,  38   d . This also applies to the open area on the upper side of top member  50  shown in  FIG. 5 , where the upper absorbers  38  are located. This in turn allows each respective handlebar cradle bottom to move depending on the hardness and shape of absorber  38   a ,  38   b ,  38   c ,  38   d  shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 . The material composition, hardness and shape of each absorber  38   a ,  38   b ,  38   c , and  38   d  can be changed to control the movement of handlebar cradle bottom  24  shown in  FIG. 1 . For example they could be rubber, polyurethane or any combination of a rubberized plastic composition that would aid in the proper amount of absorption for the given environment. In addition to the shape of absorber  38   a ,  38   b ,  38   c ,  38   d , the shape of washer  36   a ,  36   b  can be changed likewise to also aid in the control of the handlebar cradle bottom  24 . In  FIG. 2  the absorbers  38   a ,  38   b ,  38   c ,  38   d  are square shaped. In  FIG. 7  the absorbers  38   h ,  38   i  are wedge as well as square shaped. Any combination of these shapes and other shapes may also aid in the control of the handlebar cradle bottom.  
         [0034]     Additional embodiments are shown in  FIGS. 6, 7   a , and  8   a &amp;b; in each case the handlebar cradle pivots  24  and or  24   a ,  24   b  allow movement of the handlebar. There are various possibilities with regard to the position of the handle bar cradle pivot and absorbers.  FIG. 6  shows the pivot  46  in a central location between the absorbers  38   d ,  38   e    FIG. 7   a  show structures with absorbers  38   f ,  38   g ,  38   h ,  38   i  sandwiching the handlebar cradle  24  instead of sandwiching the top member  50 . The handlebar pivot  46  is located rearward and lower than the handlebar clamping area  48  is the preferred location. This allows the most natural motion in conjunction with the operator/rider during braking, acceleration and downward forces during landings from jumps and bumps.  
         [0035]     Various possibilities with regard to relative disposition of handle bar location are contemplated. In  FIG. 8   a  the top member  50  has elongated pivot  80  and postholes that allow the user to adjust handle bar cradle  24   a ,  24   b  position forward or backward. In  FIG. 8   b  top member  50  has three different locations for the handlebar cradle pivots and posts to be located  80 ,  80   a ,  80   b ,  80   c . An additional adjustment can be made by supplying different size absorbers and absorber posts that would adjust the handlebar cradle higher or lower.  FIG. 10  shows a one-piece handlebar cradle and handlebar cradle top. This can create additional lateral rigidity and possibly additional clamping strength for handlebars resisting slipping of the handlebars. In  FIG. 11  the absorbers have been positioned at an angle that would possibly better absorb braking and acceleration bumps.  FIG. 12  shows a structure utilizing a hydraulic damper  76  unit to control the motion of the handlebars in conjunction with the handlebars. This could possibly be a better combination of the non-mechanical rubber style absorbers and a hydraulic damper which could possibly better control the motion of the handlebar cradles during operation over all types of obstacles previously mentioned.  
         [0036]     The operation of the handlebar mount shock absorber structure is shown in  FIGS. 9   a - c .  FIG. 9   a  shows a state where external force is not applied to the handlebar and where distance “A1” is the neutral position.  FIG. 9   b  shows the lower absorber  38   a  in compression for example when the bike is accelerating and the rider is pulling on the handlebar  22  in handlebar cradle  24 . This action absorbs the impact felt by the rider and distance “A2” has increased in an upward and rearward direction.  FIG. 9   c  shows the upper absorber  38   a  in compression when the rider and bike are decelerating or landing from a jump. Distance “A3” has decreased whereby absorbing the force in a downward and forward direction.