Improvements in Handles or Grips, more especially designed for use with Velocipedes.
Year: 1897

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Handles or Grips, more especially designed for use
with Velocipedes.
I, BENJAMIN FRANKLIN TAYLOR, of the City of Newark, Essex County, State
of New Jersey, United States of America, Gentleman, do hereby declare the
nature of this invention, to be as follows:
This invention relates to the handle or <<
'grips' with which the handle-bar
of bicycles and other form of velocipedes are provided.
As is well understood, bicycle riders are caused more or less trouble and dis-
comfort with numbness and cramp in the hands, wrists and arms, which is
occasioned by the vibration of the wheel being communicated to the rider from
the handle-bar. Such numbness or cramp is liable to result in a certain degree
in whatever position the rider may occupy, as the handle-bar is usually grasped
with more or less firmness, but the same is caused to a much greater extent, and
therefore rendered particularly objectionable, among racers and other riders who
occupy the most usual position of bending forward over the handle-bar, in which
position much of their weight is necessarily thrown upon the latter and received
by their hands and wrists. The pressure of the hands upon the handle-bar being
thus so great, and the latter being usually secured in rigid connection with the
frame of the, wheel, it is obvious that the natural result is numbness or cramp
to the hands and arms of the rider as stated.
Having in mind the objectionable features above referred to, it has been the
principal object of my present invention to obviate the same by providing
handle-bar grips that will take up the vibration in the handle-bar and prevent
the same being communicated to the hands of the rider.
Another object of my invention is to provide a grip that may be readily
adjusted upon the handle-bar while riding and be self-conforming to any curve
or angle therein, and, when moved or adjusted to any desired position, be self-
retaining in such position.
A. further object of my invention is to provide a grip through which the air
may readily circulate so as to keep the outer surface of the same dry and cool
and prevent undue perspiring of the hands.
Referring to the drawings:
Fig. 1, represents a handle-bar provided with grips thereon embodying my
invention.
Fig. 2, is an enlarged view of one end of the handle-bar with a grip thereon
in longitudinal section, also showing the grip covering partially drawn over
the grip
Fig. 3, is a cross section through a grip and handle-bar, showing the grip
loosely placed upon the latter before having its longitudinal edges drawn together
and without a cover.
Fig. 4, is a view of the grip and handle-bar shown in Fig. 3, showing the
edges of the grip drawn together and with a cover thereon.

page_text: Fig. 5, is a cross-section through a grip embodying a feature of construction
not shown in Figs. 3 and 4, and
Fig. 6, is a view of the grip shown in Fig. 5 after being drawn or placed
upon the handle-bar.
To explain in detail,-a represents a bicycle handle-bar of ordinary construc-
tion, and b, b, a pair of my improved grips located thereon. The grips, according
to my invention, are formed of a very porous or sponge-like rubber which affords
an unusually yielding or elastic bearing surface for the hands of the rider and
so takes up any vibration of the handle-bar and prevents communication of the
same to the rider. The rubber being of such porous or sponge-like character,
also readily absorbs any perspiration of the hands, thereby keeping the latter
dry and cool, and, as has been found in practice, will dry out almost instantly
upon removing the hands therefrom.
The grips, when adapted for location upon the end of the handle-bar as those
represented at b, b, in Fig. 1, are usually closed at their outer end, which end,
according to my invention is formed or moulded integral with the grip proper,
thus avoiding the expense of employing separate ferrules or ends, and also
obviating the liability of the same becoming loose or disconnected from the grip
proper, the advantage of which is obvious.
When riding, and particularly when riding long distances, the rider secures
a change of position and thereby rest for himself, by shifting the position of
his hands upon the handle-bar. To provide for such change of position, I make
the grips, as those represented at 6, 6, in Fig. 1, open at both ends so that
they may be movable upon the handle-bar. The grips, when made thus movable
upon the handle-bar, I term "relief" grips as distinguished from the end"
grips located at the end of the handle-bar.
An important feature of my improved grips, when thus employed as reliefs,"
is, that being so elastic by reason of their porous and sponge-like character, they
will readily conform to any angle or curve in the handle-bar when moved upon
the same and yet retain their proper shape to present a smooth surface to the
hand of the rider; the porousness of the rubber enabling such stretching or
compression of the same when drawn over curves as to prevent any undue bulging
or wrinkling of the surface as might otherwise occur.
In some instances I-employ a covering for the grip, as more clearly shown
at in Figs. 2 and 4, which is removably located thereon. This covering,
which may be of any suitable material, is preferably formed of an elastic web
of smaller size than the circumference of the grip so as to be drawn closely over
the latter, in a manner as clearly shown in Fig. 2, and retain its position when
located thereon without the aid of further fastenings. This cover, being detach-
able from the grip, is desirable in that it may be readily removed at any time
to be dried, cleaned, or replaced with a new. one, and, being flexible and movable
with the grip proper as though an integral part of the same, does not prevent
or interfere with the securing of the results obtained by the particular formation
of the grip proper as hereinbefore set forth. To prevent possibility of undue
longitudinal displacement of the covering from the grip, the latter is provided
with raised annular ribs c¹, c¹, at each end thereof between which the covering
fits. These ribs c¹, c¹, are also usually provided upon the grip even when the
latter are to be used without covers, as they form a desirable and convenient
means to retain and prevent the rider's hands from slipping therefrom.
In placing the relief grips upon a handle-bar having the ordinary stationary
end grips, it may be necessary to first remove the latter from the handle-bar.
In order however, to avoid the trouble and inconvenience attendant upon making
such removal, I sometimes form the grip with a cut or slit extending lengthwise
of the same, as more clearly shown in Fig. 3, whereby its edges may be spread
apart and the grip slipped or placed upon the handle-bar at any desired point,
after which it will be held in position with its edges in close contact with each
other by means of the elastic cover c, which latter may be readily drawn over

page_text: the end grips and then upon the "reliefs." Any suitable cover however, other
than the elastic cover c, might be employed to secure the desired function.
The adjacent edges d, d, of the grip, as shown in Figs. 3 and 4, are formed
with a bevel whereby a stronger joint may be secured between the same where
joined together than if formed with straight vertical edges, but it is obvious
that the same may be formed in various other ways as may be found in practice
to be most desirable without effecting the spirit of my invention. One or both
of the edges d, d, may also be provided with a cement or other adhesive material
located thereon, whereby the said edges when brought together will adhere to
cach other without the aid of the cover or other fastening means.
Or again,
the said edges may be held together by means of tire or linemans tape placed
over the same longitudinally so as to unite the two edges. It will be understood
from the foregoing that any suitable means of uniting and holding together the
edges of the grip when thus provided with a longitudinal slit as described may
be employed without departure. from my invention.
In order to secure an increased circulation of air through the grip over that
allowed by the porousness of the rubber whereby the same may keep cooler and
more dry, I provide the grip with a series of longitudinal slits or grooves_e
extending throughout the length of the same and opening from its inner wall,
as shown in Figs. 5 and 6. These slits may be formed by simply cutting the
rubber, or the same may be formed when the grip is moulded. In any event.
they are preferably made narrow so as not to weaken or reduce the material of
the grip. In order that the slits may be opened sufficiently to admit of a free
circulation of air through the same when the grips are placed. upon the handle-
bar, I make the opening through the grip of less diameter than the handle-bar,
so that when the grip is drawn or placed upon the latter, the said slits will be
opened as shown in Fig. 6.
The feature of the grip having its opening of less diameter than the handle-bar
as described, is very desirable in that it causes the grip to be frictionally held
in a stationary position after being moved to any desired point upon the handle-
bar.
Having thus illustrated and described certain embodiments of my invention,
it will be understood that the several features of construction may be more or
less materially modified without departure from the spirit of the invention.
Further, it will also be understood that a grip or handle embodying my inven-
tion may be equally applicable for use in connection with different forms of
exercising apparatus, oars, and other devices and I claim the same for whatever
use it might be applied.
An important feature of my present invention also consists in the formation
of the grips, which is accomplished by moulding the rubber in the desired form,
whereby the peculiar porousness or sponge-like character is retained throughout
the same it being obvious that a porous rubber in sheet form could not be bent
to take the desired form for the grip without causing the same to be so com-
pressed at its inner circumference as to destroy the functions sought to, be
obtained by the porousness of the rubber throughout the grip. This feature
of moulding a grip from rubber having the characteristics hereinbefore stated
I believe to be new and original with me.

page_text: COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Handles or Grips, more especially designed for use
with Velocipedes.
I, BENJAMIN FRANKLIN TAYLOR, of the City of Newark, Essex County, State
of New Jersey, United States of America, Gentleman, do hereby declare the
nature of this, invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, to
be particularly, described and ascertained in and by the following statement:-
This invention relates to the handles or grips" with which the handle-bar
of bicycles and other form of velocipedes are provided.
As is well understood, bicycle riders are caused more or less trouble and dis-
comfort with numbness and cramp in the hands, wrists and arms, which is
occasioned by the vibration of the wheel being communicated to the rider from
the handle-bar. Such numbness or cramp is liable to result in a certain degree
in whatever position the rider may occupy, as the handle-bar is usually grasped
with more or less firmness, but the same is caused to a much greater extent, and
therefore particularly objectionable among racers and other riders who
occupy the most usual position of bending forward over the handle-bar, in which
position much of their weight is necessarily thrown upon the latter and received
by their hands and wrists. The pressure of the hands upon the handle-bar being
thus so great, and the latter being usually secured in rigid connection with the
frames of the wheels, it is obvious that the natural result is numbness or cramp
to the hands and arms of the rider as stated.
Having in mind the objectionable features above referred to, it has been the
principal object of my present invention to obviate the same by providing
handle-bar grips that will take up the vibration in the handle-bar and prevent
the same being communicated to the hands of the rider.
Another object of my invention is to provide a grip that may be readily
adjusted upon the handle-bar while riding and be self-conforming to any curve
or angle therein, and, when moved or adjusted to any desired position, be self-
retaining in such position.
A further object of my invention is to provide a grip through which the air
may readily circulate so as to keep the outer surface of the same dry and cool
and prevent undue perspiring of the hands.
Referring to the drawings, left with my Provisional Specification.
Figure 1 represents a handle-bar provided with grips thereon embodying my
invention.
Figure 2 is an enlarged view of one end of the handle-bar with a grip thereon
in longitudinal section, also showing the grip covering partially drawn over
the grip.
'
Figure 3, is a cross section through a grip and handle-bar, showing the grip
loosely placed upon the latter before having its longitudinal edges drawn together
and without a cover.
Figure 4, is a view of the grip and handle-bar shown in Figure 3, showing the
edges of the grip drawn together and with a cover thereon.
Figure 5 is a cross-section through a grip embodying a feature of construction
not shown in Figure 3 and 4, and
Figure 6 is a view of the grip shown in Figure 5 after being drawn or placed
upon the handle-bar.

page_text: To explain in detail,-a represents a bicycle handle-bar of ordinary construc-
tion, and b, b a pair of my improved grips located thereon. The grips, according
to my invention, are formed of a very porous or sponge-like rubber which affords
an unusually yielding or elastic bearing surface for the hands of the rider and
so takes up any vibration of the handle-bar and prevents communication of the
same to the rider. The rubber being of such porous or sponge-like character,
also readily absorbs any perspiration of the hands, thereby keeping the latter
dry and cool, and, as has been found in practice, will dry out almost instantly
upon removing the hands therefrom.
The grips, when adapted for locating upon the end of the handle bar as those
represented at b b in Figure 1, are usually closed at their outer end, which end,
according to my invention is formed or moulded integral with the grip proper,
thus avoiding the expense of employing separate ferrules or ends, and also
obviating the liability of the same becoming loose or disconnected from the grip
proper, the advantage of which is obvious.
When riding, and particularly when riding long distances, the rider secures
a change of position and thereby rest for himself, by shifting the position of
his hands upon the handle bar. To provide for such change of position, I make
the grips, as those represented at bb, in Figure 1, open at both ends so that
they may be movable upon the handle-bar. The grips, when made thus movable
end"
upon the handle-bar, I term "relief" grips as distinguished from the
grips located at the end of the handle bar.
66
An important feature of my improved grips, when thus employed as reliefs,"
is, that being so elastic by reason of their porous and sponge-like character, they
will readily conform to any angle or curve in the handle-bar when moved upon
the same and yet retain their proper shape to present a smooth surface to the
hand of the rider; the porousness of the rubber enabling such stretching or
compression of the same when drawn over curves as to prevent any undue bulging
or wrinkling of the surface as might otherwise occur.
In some instances I employ a covering for the grip, as more clearly shown
at in Figures 2 and 4, which is removably located thereon. This covering
which may be of any suitable material, is preferably formed of an elastic web
of smaller size than the circumference of the grip so as to be drawn closely over
the latter, in a manner as clearly shown in Figure 2, and retain its position when
located thereon without the aid of further fastenings. This cover, being detach-.
able from the grip, is desirable in that it may be readily removed at any time
to be dried, cleaned, or replaced with a new one, and, being flexible and movable
with the grip proper as though an integral part of the same, does not prevent
or interfere with the securing of the results obtained by the particular formation
of the grip proper as hereinbefore set forth. To prevent possibility of undue
longitudinal displacement of the covering from the grip, the latter is provided
with raised annular ribs c¹, c¹, at each end thereof between which the covering
fits. These ribs c¹, c¹, are also usually provided upon the grip even when the
latter are to be used without covers, as they form a desirable and convenient
means to retain and prevent the rider's hands from slipping therefrom.
In placing the relief grips upon a handle-bar having an ordinary stationary
end grips, it may be necessary to first remove the latter from the handle-bar.
In order however, to avoid the trouble and inconvenience attendant upon making
such removal, I sometimes form the grip with a cut or slit extending lengthwise
of the same, as more clearly shown in Figure 3, whereby its edges may be spread
apart and the grip slipped or placed upon the handle-bar at any desired point,
after which it will be held in position with its edges in close contact with each
other by means of the elastic cover c, which latter may be readily drawn over
the end grips and then upon the "reliefs." Any suitable cover however, other
than the elastic cover c, might be employed to secure the desired function.
The adjacent edges, d d of the grip, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, are formed

page_text: with a bevel whereby a stronger joint may be secured between the same where
joined together than if formed with straight vertical edges, but it is obvious
that the same may be formed in various other ways as may be found in practice
to be most desirable without effecting the spirit of my invention. One or both
of the edges d. d may also be provided with a cement or other adhesive material
located thereon, whereby the said edges when brought together will adhere to
each other without the aid of the cover or other fastening means.
Or again,
the said edges may be held together by means of tire or linemans tape placed
over the same longitudinally so as to unite the two edges. It will be understood
from the foregoing that any suitable means of uniting and holding together the
edges of the grip when thus provided with a longitudinal slit as described may
be employed without departure from my invention.
In order to secure an increased circulation of air through the grip over that
allowed by the porousness of the rubber whereby the same may keep cooler and
more dry, I provide the grip with a series of longitudinal slits or grooves_e
extending throughout the length of the same and opening from its inner wall,
as shown in Figures 5 and 6. These slits may be formed by simply cutting the
rubber, or the same may be formed when the grip is moulded. In any event
they are preferably made narrow so as not to weaken or reduce the material of
the grip. In order that the slits may be opened sufficiently to admit of a free
circulation of air through the same when the grips are placed upon the handle
bar, I make the opening through the grip of less diameter than the handle-bar,
so that when the grip is drawn or placed upon the latter, the said slits will be
opened as shown in Figure 6.
The feature of the grip having its opening of less diameter than the handle-bar
as described, is very desirable in that it causes the grip to be frictionally held
in a stationary position after being moved to any desired point upon the handle-
bar.
Having thus illustrated and described certain embodiments of my invention,
it will be understood that the several features of construction may be more or
less materially modified without departure from the spirit of the invention.
Further, it will also be understood that a grip or handle embodying my inven-
tion may be equally applicable for use in connection with different forms of
exercising apparatus, oars and other devices and I claim the same for whatever
use it might be applied.
An important feature of my present invention also consists in the formation
of the grips, which is accomplished by moulding the rubber in the desired form,
whereby the peculiar porousness or sponge like character is retained throughout
the same; it being obvious that a porous rubber in sheet form could not be bent
to take the desired form for the grip without causing the same to be so com-
pressed at its inner circumference as to destroy the functions sought to be
obtained by the porousness of the rubber throughout the grip. This feature
of moulding a grip from rubber having the characteristics hereinbefore stated
I believe to be new and original with me.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what
I claim is:
1. As a new article of manufacture, a circumferentially and longitudinally
yielding bicycle grip or handle having a cylindrical form and provided with a
longitudinal opening therein, formed of a porous or sponge-like rubber for
securing the several functions as hereinbefore set forth.
2. A bicycle grip or handle having raised ribs or projections adjacent to its
opposite ends, and provided with a cover removably retained thereon between
the said end ribs, substantially as and for the purposes set forth.
3. A longitudinally yielding bicycle grip or handle having a cylindrical form
and provided with a longitudinal opening extending therethrough, formed of

page_text: a porous rubber whereby when the grip is moved longitudinally upon the handle-
bar, it will conform to any curve in the latter and yet retain a uniformly smooth
and unwrinkled surface, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
101
1 1000
HASELTINE, LAKE & Co.,
45, Southampton Buildings, London, W.C.,
Agents for the Applicant.
HASELTINE, LAKE & Co.,
45, Southampton Buildings, London, W.C.,
Agents for the Applicant.