Patent Description:
It is known for a variety of vehicles to incorporate a handlebar, such as for example, push bicycles, motorcycles, tricycles and quadracycles. A handlebar is primarily used to control a travelling direction of the vehicle to which it is incorporated. A handlebar provides a hand position for a user that allows the user to pivot the handlebar to effect a change in vehicle travelling direction. However, it is common for a handlebar to have one or more secondary functions. For example, such secondary functions may include: providing a mounting platform for control mechanisms (e.g. brake levers, gear levers etc.) and accessories (e.g. a bell, a horn, a GPS device, a cyclocomputer etc.); and providing one or more supplementary hand positions for the user of the handlebar.

To mount an attachment to a handlebar, such as for example a brake lever mechanism, it is known to first secure the attachment to a circular clamp. To mount the attachment to the handlebar, the circular clamp is slid over a free end of the handlebar and pushed along the handlebar, away from the free end. Once the clamp is in the desired position, the clamp is secured to the handlebar, for example, by tightening the clamp to increase the friction between the clamp and the handlebar.

It is common for a handlebar to have a circular profile with a <NUM> diameter, and for the circular clamp to be sized accordingly. Handlebars known in the art require such a circular profile along at least a portion of the handlebar extending between the free end and the desired position of the attachment. Otherwise, the circular clamp may not be able to fit over the free end of the handlebar, the circular clamp may not be able to be slid along the handlebar, and/or the circular clamp may not be able to be securely attached to the handlebar.

Since known handlebars are restricted to having a circular profile along part or all of their length, the design of the shape of known handlebars is inflexible and restricted.

<CIT> relates to a bicycle control device mounting assembly for mounting a bicycle control device to a bicycle handlebar having a handlebar central axis and a handlebar opening disposed in the handlebar a distance removed from an end of the handlebar. This document discloses the features of the preamble of claim <NUM>.

<CIT> relates to a bicycle handlebar assembly that includes a number of grip sites, forearm supports, and a number of structures that have airfoil shaped cross-sections.

<CIT> relates to a shaped tubular bar for bicycle handlebars, which is produced from a metal tube with the aid of hydrostatic metal-forming.

<CIT> relates to an outer gripping portion of a bicycle handlebar that includes a mounting section and a bracket section.

The present invention aims to overcome or mitigate the problems associated with the prior art.

According to the present invention, there is provided a handlebar for controlling a travelling direction of a vehicle as defined in claim <NUM>.

According to a first aspect, there is provided a handlebar for controlling a travelling direction of a vehicle. The handlebar comprises: a transverse support for mounting to a vehicle, the transverse support extending substantially along a first axial direction; a first grippable element extending from a first end of the transverse support, the first grippable element including a free end; and a mounting arrangement for mounting an attachment to the handlebar. The mounting arrangement comprises a mounting plate arranged to at least partially abut a surface of the transverse support or the first grippable element, the mounting plate having a first face. The first face includes a hole for receiving a fastener for mounting an attachment.

Advantageously, the mounting arrangement allows an attachment to be securely mounted to the handlebar without the need to use a circular mounting bracket, as is common in the prior art. Since a circular mounting bracket is no longer required, the handlebar is not limited to having a circular profile. This allows the handlebar to have beneficial shapes, which may, for example, reduce the aerodynamic drag of the handlebar and/or improve the ergonomics of the handlebar.

The hole in the mounting plate may be a threaded hole.

The mounting plate is at least partially located within a cavity formed in the transverse support or the first grippable element. The first face may be at least partially accessible via an opening in an external surface of the transverse support or the first grippable element.

By locating the mounting plate at least partially in a cavity, the mounting plate is less exposed to air travelling over the handlebar. Therefore, the mounting plate may have little or no effect on the aerodynamic drag of the handlebar.

The opening in the transverse support or the first grippable element may face a second axial direction substantially perpendicular to the first axial direction.

The first face may have at least one spatial dimension which is greater than at least one spatial dimension of the opening, such that the mounting plate may be prevented from passing through the opening.

An area of the first face may be greater than an area of the opening.

Advantageously, this helps to retain the mounting plate within the cavity.

The mounting plate includes a second face opposite to the first face. The second face being accessible via a cavity entrance in the transverse support or the first grippable element. The cavity entrance being spaced from the opening.

When attaching an attachment to the handlebar, a person may insert one or more fingers into the cavity via the cavity entrance to press the first face of the mounting plate against the opening.

The handlebar may further comprise a removable cap arranged to close the cavity entrance.

The hole in the first face may extend through the second face.

Advantageously, extending the hole through the second face allows longer fasteners to be used to mount an attachment to the handlebar, since the fastener can pass through the mounting plate.

The mounting plate may be removable from the cavity via the cavity entrance.

This allows the mounting plate to be removed for repair or for replacement.

A position of the hole relative to a perimeter of the opening may be adjustable in at least one direction.

The position of the hole relative to the perimeter of the opening may be adjustable in two perpendicular directions.

Advantageously, this allows the position of the attachment to be adjusted relative to the handlebar to suit the needs of the person using the handlebar.

A portion of the first face may be arranged to abut a contact surface of the cavity. The contact surface may be adjacent the opening. The first face and the contact surface may have corresponding curved profiles.

The first face and the contact surface may have arcuate profiles.

Advantageously, this allows adjustment which is otherwise not possible as there is no traditional clamp to adjust.

Further, this allows the orientation of an attachment mounted to the handlebar to be adjusted relative to an orientation of the handlebar. For example, when the attachment includes a brake lever, it is important to adjust the position of the brake lever so that the user can reach it with their fingers.

The external surface of the transverse support or the first grippable element comprising the opening may have a curved profile. Said external surface may have an arcuate profile.

Advantageously, this allows the orientation of an attachment mounted to the handlebar to be adjusted relative to an orientation of the handlebar.

The handlebar may further comprise a first tunnel opening and a second tunnel opening. The first tunnel opening may be adjacent the mounting arrangement. The second tunnel opening may be formed in the transverse support and be spaced from the first tunnel opening. The first tunnel opening and the second tunnel opening may be in communication with a tunnel for receiving a cable therethrough. Said tunnel may be formed within at least a portion of the transverse support.

The mounting arrangement may be located on the first grippable element. The first tunnel opening may be formed in the first grippable element.

This helps to ensure that cabling from, for example, a braking mechanism or a gear mechanism, is not exposed to air travelling over the handlebar. Therefore, advantageously, the cabling may have little or no adverse effect on the aerodynamic drag of the handlebar.

The transverse support may comprise a mounting portion for mounting to a vehicle. The second tunnel opening may be formed in or adjacent to said mounting portion.

Advantageously, this helps to ensure that cabling is not exposed to air travelling over the handlebar.

The handlebar may further comprise an attachment secured to the mounting arrangement.

The attachment may be chosen from one of: a brake mechanism; a gear shift mechanism; a combined brake and gear shift mechanism; a bell; or a cyclocomputer.

The attachment may comprise an attachment mount including a hole. A fastener may pass through the hole in the attachment mount and the hole in the mounting plate such that the attachment is secured to the mounting plate.

The mounting arrangement may be located on an attachment portion of the first grippable element. The attachment portion may have a non-circular profile in a plane normal to a longitudinal axis of the attachment portion.

Advantageously, the attachment portion may be shaped to, for example, reduce the aerodynamic drag of the attachment portion and/or to increase the comfort of a person gripping the attachment portion.

The attachment portion may have a substantially aerofoil-shaped profile in a plane parallel to a second axial direction. Said second axial direction may be substantially perpendicular to the first axial direction.

Advantageously, the aerofoil shaped profile reduces the aerodynamic drag of the attachment portion.

At least a portion of the first grippable element may have a non-circular profile in a plane normal to a longitudinal axis of the first grippable element.

Advantageously, the grippable element may be shaped to, for example, reduce the aerodynamic drag of the grippable element and/or to make the grippable element more ergonomic, i.e. increase the comfort of a person gripping the grippable element. Known handlebars do not provide these benefits. This is because known handlebars require grippable elements with circular profiles to allow attachments such as brake levers to be mounted to the handlebar.

The first grippable element may include an end portion comprising the free end. The first grippable element may have a non-circular profile in a plane normal to the longitudinal axis along said end portion.

Advantageously, the end region of the grippable element may be shaped to, for example, reduce the aerodynamic drag of the end region of the grippable element and/or to increase the comfort of a person gripping the end region of the grippable element.

At least a portion of the end portion may have a profile including at least one substantially flat side. Said profile may be in a plane normal to the longitudinal axis.

Providing at least a portion of the end portion with a flattened profile may improve the ability of a person to grip the end portion. This is because the flat side inhibits a person's hand from rotating about the end portion. Further, the flat side may provide the end portion with a truncated aerofoil shaped profile, which may reduce the aerodynamic drag of the end portion.

A majority or all of the first grippable element may have a non-circular profile in a plane normal to the longitudinal axis.

Advantageously, this allows a majority or all of the grippable element to be shaped to, for example, reduce the aerodynamic drag of the grippable element and/or to increase the comfort of a person gripping the grippable element.

The first grippable element may extend from the first end of the transverse support at a non-zero angle thereto.

This may provide a more comfortable hand position to a person gripping the grippable element.

The first grippable element may extend from the first end of the transverse support such that the longitudinal axis of the first grippable element follows a curved path.

The first grippable element may be at least partially arcuate.

This may provide multiple different gripping positions along the grippable element.

At least a portion of the first grippable element may have a substantially aerofoil-shaped profile in a plane parallel to a second axial direction. Said second axial direction may be substantially perpendicular to the first axial direction.

Advantageously, the aerofoil shaped profile reduces the aerodynamic drag of the grippable element.

The substantially aerofoil-shaped profile may have a truncated trailing edge.

Advantageously, providing the aerofoil-shaped profile with a truncated trailing edge may improve the comfort of a person gripping that portion of the handlebar. Further, truncating the trailing edge may have little or no adverse effect on the drag-reducing properties of the aerofoil-shaped profile.

The first grippable element may have a non-uniform profile in a plane normal to the longitudinal axis of the first grippable element along at least a portion of the first grippable element.

Advantageously, this may allow the grippable element to be ergonomically shaped.

At least a portion of the transverse support may have a non-circular profile in a plane normal to a longitudinal axis of the transverse support.

Advantageously, the transverse support may be shaped to, for example, reduce the aerodynamic drag of the transverse support and/or to increase the comfort of a person gripping the transverse support.

At least a portion of the transverse support may have a substantially aerofoil-shaped profile in a plane parallel to a second axial direction, said second axial direction substantially perpendicular to the first axial direction.

Advantageously, the aerofoil shaped profile reduces the aerodynamic drag of the transverse support.

The transverse support may comprise: a mounting portion for mounting to a vehicle; and a first transverse portion extending between the mounting portion and the first grippable element. The first transverse portion may have a substantially aerofoil-shaped profile defined in a plane parallel to the second axial direction. The mounting portion may have a substantially aerofoil-shaped profile defined in a plane parallel to the second axial direction.

The first grippable element may include an ergonomic portion. The ergonomic portion may be contoured to correspond to at least a portion of a gripping hand.

Advantageously, this increases the comfort of the person gripping the grippable element.

The handlebar may further comprise a second grippable element extending from a second end of the transverse support. The second grippable element may be substantially a mirror image of the first grippable element about a plane normal to the first axial direction.

The transverse support and/or the first grippable element may be formed at least partially from carbon fibre.

The transverse support may include a mounting portion comprising a mounting structure for mounting the handlebar to a vehicle.

The mounting structure may comprise a clamp.

According to a second aspect, there is provided a vehicle comprising the handlebar according to the first aspect.

The vehicle may be one of: a bicycle; a tricycle; or a quadracycle.

Embodiments are now disclosed by way of example only with reference to the drawings, in which:.

A handlebar <NUM> is used for controlling a travelling direction of a vehicle, such as a push bicycle, a motorcycle, a tricycle, or a quadracycle.

<FIG> shows an example where the vehicle comprising the handlebar <NUM> is a push bicycle <NUM>. The push bicycle <NUM> includes the handlebar <NUM>, a frame <NUM>, a front wheel 216a, a rear wheel 216b and a seat <NUM>.

In alternative embodiments (not shown), the vehicle may be a motorcycle, a tricycle (motorised or non-motorised), or a quadracycle (motorised or non-motorised). A quadracycle includes any four-wheeled vehicle. The vehicle may include more than four wheels.

With reference to <FIG>, the handlebar <NUM> includes a transverse support <NUM>, a first grippable element 104a and a second grippable element 104b. The first grippable element 104a includes a first free end 112a, and the second grippable element 104b includes a second free end 112b.

In the illustrated embodiment, the transverse support <NUM>, the first grippable element 104a and the second grippable element 104b are formed at least partially from carbon fibre. However, in alternative embodiments (not shown), one or more of the transverse support <NUM>, the first grippable element 104a and the second grippable element 104b may be formed from any alternative suitable material, such as alloys of aluminium, titanium or steel for example.

The grippable elements 104a, 104b are each for receiving a gripping hand of a user of the handlebar <NUM>. The transverse support <NUM> supports the grippable elements 104a, 104b, and provides moment arms for pivoting the handlebar <NUM> via the grippable elements 104a, 104b. The transverse support <NUM> may also be suitable for receiving a gripping hand.

The transverse support <NUM> includes a mounting portion <NUM>, an elongate first transverse portion 110a and an elongate second transverse portion 110b. The first grippable element 104a extends from a first end 109a of the transverse support <NUM>, i.e. from an end of the first transverse portion 110a furthest from the mounting portion <NUM>. Likewise, the second grippable element 104b extends from a second end 109b of the transverse support <NUM>, i.e. from an end of the second transverse portion 110b furthest from the mounting portion <NUM>. As such, the first transverse portion 110a extends between the mounting portion <NUM> and the first grippable element 104a, and the second transverse portion 110b extends between the mounting portion <NUM> and the second grippable element 104b.

The mounting portion <NUM> includes a mounting structure for mounting the handlebar <NUM> to the bicycle <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting structure is a clamp <NUM> including a circular aperture <NUM>. A portion of a steering tube <NUM> is received within the aperture <NUM> of the clamp <NUM>, and is secured in place using fasteners (not shown).

The steering tube <NUM> passes through a head tube <NUM>, which is part of the frame <NUM> of the bicycle <NUM>, and a fork <NUM> extends from the steering tube <NUM>. The front wheel 216a is mounted to the fork <NUM>, as is known in the art. The head tube <NUM> includes a head set with bearings that allow for pivoting of the handlebar <NUM> about an axis <NUM> causing the fork <NUM> to pivot about the axis <NUM> with respect to the frame <NUM>.

The handlebar <NUM> is mounted to the bicycle <NUM> such that pivoting of the handlebar <NUM> about an axis <NUM> causes the fork <NUM> to pivot about the axis <NUM> with respect to the frame <NUM>. Pivoting of the fork <NUM> about the axis <NUM> causes the front wheel 216a to pivot about the axis <NUM>. As such, pivoting of the handlebar <NUM> about the axis <NUM> allows a user of the bicycle <NUM> to change the travelling direction of the bicycle <NUM> when the bicycle <NUM> is moving.

The transverse support <NUM> extends substantially along a first axial direction <NUM> (represented by a dot-dash line in <FIG> and <FIG>). In the illustrated embodiment, the transverse support <NUM> does not extend parallel to the first axial direction <NUM>. Instead, the first transverse portion 110a and the second transverse portion 110b extend away from the mounting portion <NUM> at an acute angle relative to the first axial direction <NUM>. As such, the transverse support <NUM> has a substantially chevron-shaped profile when viewed as shown in <FIG>.

Advantageously, providing the transverse support <NUM> with a chevron-shaped profile increases the stiffness of the transverse support <NUM>. Further, since the first and second transverse portions 110a, 110b extend away from the mounting portion <NUM> at an acute angle relative to the first axial direction <NUM>, the mounting portion <NUM> has a smaller length as measured perpendicular to the first axial direction <NUM> relative to if the transverse support <NUM> was straight. This is because the first and second transverse portions 110a, 110b space the grippable element 104a, 104b from the steering tube <NUM> to provide a comfortable riding position, instead of the mounting portion <NUM>.

In alternative embodiments (not shown), the transverse support <NUM> may extend parallel to the first axial direction <NUM>, i.e. the transverse support <NUM> may be substantially straight. Alternatively, the transverse support <NUM> may have any suitable non-straight and non-chevron shape.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the first grippable element 104a extends from the transverse support <NUM> along a first longitudinal axis 114a, and the second grippable element 104b extends from the transverse support <NUM> along a second longitudinal axis 114b. The first and second longitudinal axes 114a, 114b (represented as dotted lines in <FIG> and <FIG>) extend centrally through the first and second grippable elements 104a, 104b respectively.

The first grippable element 104a extends from the first end 109a of the transverse support <NUM> at a non-zero angle thereto; i.e. the first longitudinal axis 114a extends from a central axis (not shown) of the first transverse portion 110a at a non-zero angle. Likewise, the second grippable element 104a extends from the second end 109b of the transverse support <NUM> at a non-zero angle thereto. As such, the handlebar <NUM> is not a straight handlebar.

As shown in <FIG>, the first grippable element 104a extends from the first end 109a of the transverse support <NUM> such that the first longitudinal axis 114a follows a curved path. Likewise, the second grippable element 104b extends from the second end 109b of the transverse support <NUM> such that the second longitudinal axis 114b follows a curved path.

In particular, the first longitudinal axis 114a extends from the first end 109a at a non-zero angle to a central axis (not shown) of the first transverse portion 110a, curves around to travel substantially along a second axial direction <NUM>, curves around to travel substantially along a third axial direction <NUM>, and finally curves around to travel substantially along the second axial direction <NUM> in reverse. Likewise, the second longitudinal axis 114b follows a substantially similar curved path. The first <NUM>, second <NUM> and third <NUM> axial directions are all mutually perpendicular.

The first and second longitudinal axes 114a, 114b and therefore the first and second grippable elements 104a, 104b, are partially arcuate; see, for example, <FIG> and <FIG>. In the illustrated embodiment, the handlebar <NUM> is a drop handlebar, as found on road bicycles for example.

In alternative embodiments (not shown), the first and second longitudinal axes 114a, 114b may follow any suitable path. For example, the grippable elements 104a, 104b may extend from the transverse support <NUM> such that they are substantially parallel to the respective first and second transverse portions 110a, 110b; e.g. the handlebar <NUM> may be a flat handlebar, as found on mountain bicycles for example. Alternatively, the grippable elements 104a, 104b and the transverse support <NUM> may be shaped such that the handlebar <NUM> is any one of: a bullhorn handlebar; a BMX style handlebar; a triathlon style handlebar; an upright/North Road handlebar; a moustache handlebar; an ape hanger handlebar; and a recumbent handlebar.

Of the two grippable elements 104a, 104b, only the first grippable element 104a will be discussed further in the following. Likewise, of the two transverse portions 110a, 110b, only the first transverse portion 110a will be discussed further in the following. However, it should be noted that the second grippable element 104b and the second transverse portion 110b may include any of the features described below in relation to the first grippable element 104a and the first transverse portion 110a respectively.

The first grippable element 104a has a non-circular profile in a plane normal to the first longitudinal axis 114a. In particular, all of the first grippable element 104a has a non-circular profile in a plane normal to the first longitudinal axis; i.e. the first grippable element 104a has a non-circular profile along the entire first longitudinal axis 114a in planes normal to the first longitudinal axis 114a.

The first grippable element 104a includes a first end portion 120a which includes the first free end 112a. The first grippable element 104a has a non-circular profile in a plane normal to the first longitudinal axis 114a along the first end portion 120a.

As shown most clearly in <FIG>, the non-circular profile of the first end portion 120a includes a substantially flat side <NUM>. A curved edge <NUM> joins the two ends of the flat side <NUM> to complete the profile of the first end portion 120a. The flat side <NUM> faces substantially in the direction opposite to the third axial direction <NUM> and generally faces the transverse support <NUM>.

In alternative embodiments (not shown), the first end portion 120a may have any suitable non-circular profile including one or more flat sides <NUM>. For example, the non-circular profile of the first end portion 120a may be polygonal.

In alternative embodiments (not shown), the first grippable element 104a may not have a non-circular profile along the entire first longitudinal axis 114a in planes normal to the first longitudinal axis 114a. For example, the first end portion 120a may have a circular profile in a plane normal to the first longitudinal axis 114a along at least part of the first end portion 120a. In such embodiments, one or more portions of the first grippable element 104a spaced from or adjacent to the first end portion 120a will have a non-circular profile in a plane normal to the first longitudinal axis 114a. Alternatively, only the first end portion 120a may have a non-circular profile in a plane normal to the first longitudinal axis 114a.

The first grippable element 104a has a non-uniform profile in a plane normal the first longitudinal axis 114a along at least a portion of the first grippable element 104a. By this it is meant that at least a portion of the first grippable element 104a includes profiles in two spaced-apart planes which are both normal to the first longitudinal axis 114a, where the profile of the first grippable element 104a in a first of the two planes is different to the profile of the first grippable element 104a in a second of the two planes in regard to size and/or shape.

However, in alternative embodiments (not shown), the first grippable element 104a may have a uniform profile in a plane normal the first longitudinal axis 114a along its length.

The transverse support <NUM> has a non-circular profile in a plane normal to a longitudinal axis running centrally through the transverse support <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the first transverse portion 110a, the second transverse portion 110b and the mounting portion <NUM> all have a non-circular profile in a plane normal to the longitudinal axis running centrally through the transverse support <NUM>. However, in alternative embodiments (not shown), only a portion or portions of the first transverse portion 110a, the second transverse portion 110b and/or the mounting portion <NUM> may have a non-circular profile in a plane normal to the longitudinal axis running centrally through the transverse support <NUM>. In further alternative embodiments (not shown), the first transverse portion 110a, the second transverse portion 110b and/or the mounting portion <NUM> may have a circular profile in a plane normal to a longitudinal axis running centrally through the transverse support <NUM>.

Since at least a portion of the first grippable element 104a has a non-circular profile, prior art circular clamps may be unsuitable for mounting attachments (e.g. a brake lever mechanism) to the first grippable element 104a. For example, a prior art circular clamp may be unable to slide over a portion of the first grippable element 104a (e.g. the first free end 112a), and therefore a prior art circular clamp may be unable to be slid along the first grippable element 104a to its desired position. Further, even if a prior art circular clamp is able to be slid into a desired position, the non-circular profile of the first grippable element 104a at said desired position may inhibit the circular clamp from making sufficient contact with an external surface of the first grippable element 104a, such that the attachment cannot be securely mounted.

Likewise, since at least a portion of the transverse support <NUM> may have a non-circular profile, prior art circular clamps may be unsuitable for mounting attachments (e.g. a brake lever mechanism) to the transverse support <NUM> for similar reasons as above.

To overcome these problems, the handlebar <NUM> includes a first mounting arrangement 126a for mounting an attachment to the handlebar <NUM>. For example, the attachment could be: a brake mechanism; a gear shift mechanism; a combined brake and gear shift mechanism; a bell; or a cyclocomputer. In the illustrated embodiment, an attachment portion 125a of the first grippable element 104a includes the first mounting arrangement 126a.

With reference to <FIG>, the first mounting arrangement 126a includes a mounting plate <NUM> which is arranged to at least partially abut a surface of the first grippable element 104a. The mounting plate <NUM> includes a first face <NUM>, which includes a hole <NUM> for receiving a fastener for mounting an attachment.

In the illustrated embodiment, the hole <NUM> is a threaded hole. However, in alternative embodiments (not shown), the hole <NUM> may be unthreaded.

In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting plate <NUM> is formed from a metallic material. However, in alternative embodiments (not shown), the mounting plate <NUM> may be formed from any suitable material, such as for example, a stiff polymeric material.

The mounting plate <NUM> is at least partially located within a cavity <NUM> formed in the first grippable element 104a. The first face <NUM> is at least partially accessible via an opening <NUM> in an external surface <NUM> of the first grippable element 104a.

The first face <NUM> of the mounting plate <NUM> has a width <NUM> and a length <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the length <NUM> is greater than the width <NUM>. However, in alternative embodiments (not illustrated), the width <NUM> of the first face <NUM> may be substantially equal to the length <NUM> of the first face <NUM>.

The opening <NUM> has a width <NUM> and a length <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the length <NUM> is greater than the width <NUM>. However, in alternative embodiments (not illustrated), the width <NUM> of the opening <NUM> may be substantially equal to the length <NUM> of the opening <NUM>.

The width <NUM> and the length <NUM> of the first face <NUM> are greater than the width <NUM> and the length <NUM> of the opening <NUM> respectively; i.e. the area of the first face <NUM> is greater than the area of the opening <NUM>. As such, the mounting plate <NUM> is prevented from passing through the opening <NUM> when the mounting plate <NUM> is orientated such that the first face <NUM> faces the opening <NUM>. In some orientations, the mounting plate <NUM> may be able to pass through the opening <NUM> if the width <NUM> of the first face <NUM> is less than the length <NUM> of the opening <NUM>, and the depth of the mounting plate <NUM> is less than the width <NUM> of the opening <NUM>.

In alternative embodiments (not shown), the width <NUM> or the length <NUM> of the first face <NUM> may be less than or equal to the width <NUM> or the length <NUM> of the opening <NUM> respectively. In such embodiments, the mounting plate <NUM> may still be prevented from passing through the opening <NUM> when the mounting plate <NUM> is orientated such that the first face <NUM> faces the opening <NUM> since either the width <NUM> or the length <NUM> of the first face <NUM> is greater than the width <NUM> or the length <NUM> of the opening <NUM> respectively.

The mounting plate <NUM> includes a second face <NUM> which is opposite to the first face <NUM>. The second face <NUM> is accessible via a cavity entrance <NUM> in the first grippable element 104a. In the illustrated embodiment, the hole <NUM> in the first face <NUM> of the mounting plate <NUM> extends through the second face <NUM>.

The cavity entrance <NUM> is spaced from the opening <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the cavity entrance <NUM> is located substantially on an opposite side of the first grippable element 104a to the opening <NUM>.

The cavity entrance <NUM> is sized relative to the mounting plate <NUM> such that the mounting plate <NUM> is removable from the cavity <NUM> via the cavity entrance <NUM>.

The cavity entrance <NUM> is closed via a removable cap <NUM> (shown in isolation in <FIG>). The removable cap <NUM> has a profile shaped to correspond to the cavity entrance <NUM> and is formed from a flexible material (e.g. a flexible polymeric material such as rubber). The removable cap <NUM> includes a channel <NUM> extending around a periphery of the removable cap <NUM>.

The cavity entrance <NUM> is closed by pressing a portion of the removable cap <NUM> into the cavity <NUM> via the cavity entrance <NUM>, until a wall surrounding the cavity entrance <NUM> is received in the channel <NUM>. The removable cap <NUM> is removed via a reversal of this process.

A portion of the first face <NUM> of the mounting plate <NUM> is arranged to abut a contact surface <NUM> of the cavity <NUM>. The contact surface <NUM> is adjacent to and surrounds the opening <NUM>. The first face <NUM> and the contact surface <NUM> have corresponding curved profiles.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first face <NUM> and the contact surface <NUM> have corresponding arcuate profiles. As shown in <FIG>, the first face <NUM> has an arcuate profile along its length <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the first face <NUM> also has an arcuate profile along its width <NUM>.

The corresponding curved profiles of the contact surface <NUM> and the first face <NUM> allow the position and the orientation of the hole <NUM> to be adjusted relative to a perimeter of the opening <NUM> by sliding a portion of the first face <NUM> over the contact surface <NUM>, whilst maintaining contact between the contact surface <NUM> and said portion of the first face <NUM>. The position of the hole <NUM> relative to the perimeter of the opening <NUM> is adjustable in two perpendicular axial directions <NUM>, <NUM>. The orientation of the hole <NUM> (i.e. the orientation of an axis extending centrally through the hole <NUM>) relative to the perimeter of the opening <NUM> is adjustable about the two axial directions <NUM>, <NUM>.

Advantageously, since the position and the orientation of the hole <NUM> may be adjusted relative to the perimeter of the opening <NUM>, the position and the orientation of an attachment secured to the mounting plate <NUM> is adjustable relative to the perimeter of the opening <NUM>. This may allow an attachment mounted to the handlebar <NUM> via the mounting arrangement 126a, such as a brake and/or gear lever for example, to be adjusted such that it can be more comfortably reached by a hand gripping the handlebar <NUM>.

In alternative embodiments (not shown), the position and/or orientation of the hole <NUM> relative to the perimeter of the opening <NUM> may be adjustable in one direction only. For example, the cavity <NUM> may be configured such that the mounting plate <NUM> is restricted from moving along or about one of the axial directions <NUM>, <NUM>.

The external surface <NUM> of the first grippable element 104a that includes the opening <NUM> has a curved profile. In particular, the external surface <NUM> has an arcuate profile along the axial direction <NUM> (as illustrated in <FIG>), and along the axial direction <NUM> (as illustrated in <FIG>). In the illustrated embodiment, the curved profile of the external surface <NUM> substantially corresponds to the curved profile of the contact surface <NUM>.

As demonstrated in the example below, some attachments may include an attachment mount or other supporting structure, which is arranged to abut the external surface <NUM> when mounted to the mounting arrangement 126a. Therefore, the curved profile of the external surface <NUM> allows the orientation of the attachment to be adjusted relative to an orientation of the handlebar <NUM>, whilst ensuring consistent contact between the attachment supporting structure and the external surface <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, an attachment <NUM> is secured to the first mounting arrangement 126a. In particular, the attachment <NUM> is a combined brake and gear shift mechanism, and the attachment <NUM> is mounted to the first grippable element 104a of the handlebar <NUM>.

The attachment <NUM> includes an attachment mount <NUM> and a lever <NUM>. An abutment surface (not shown) of the attachment mount <NUM> includes a hole <NUM> (shown in phantom in <FIG>). In the illustrated embodiment, the hole <NUM> is a threaded hole.

To secure the attachment <NUM> to the first mounting arrangement 126a, the abutment surface of the attachment mount <NUM> is placed against the external surface <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the abutment surface has a curved profile corresponding to the curved profile of the external surface <NUM>. As such, the position and orientation of the attachment mount <NUM> relative to the perimeter of the opening <NUM> can be adjusted whilst ensuring contact is maintained between the abutment surface and the external surface <NUM>.

Once the attachment mount <NUM> is in a desired position relative to the perimeter of the opening <NUM>, the mounting plate <NUM> is positioned within the cavity <NUM> such that the first face <NUM> faces the opening <NUM> and the hole <NUM> in the mounting plate <NUM> is coincident with the hole <NUM> in the attachment mount <NUM>. This can be achieved by a user inserting one or more fingers into the cavity <NUM> via the cavity entrance <NUM> to manipulate the mounting plate <NUM>.

A fastener <NUM> (shown in phantom in <FIG>) is then introduced into the cavity <NUM> via the cavity entrance <NUM> and inserted through the hole <NUM> from the second face <NUM> of the mounting plate <NUM> (shown in phantom in <FIG>). In the illustrated embodiment, the fastener <NUM> is a threaded fastener, which is screwed into the threaded hole <NUM>. The fastener <NUM> passes through the hole <NUM> into the mounting plate <NUM> until a distal end of the fastener <NUM> extends away from the first face <NUM> of the mounting plate, through the opening <NUM> and into the hole <NUM> in the attachment mount <NUM>. The fastener <NUM> is screwed into the hole <NUM> in the attachment mount <NUM> until the attachment mount <NUM> is fixedly secured to the first mounting arrangement 126a.

The attachment <NUM> includes a skirt <NUM>, which is formed from a flexible material (e.g. a flexible polymeric material such as rubber). The skirt <NUM> is in a retracted position in <FIG>. Once the attachment <NUM> has been secured to the first mounting arrangement 126a as described, the skirt <NUM> is extended over the attachment mount <NUM> such that it covers the first mounting arrangement 126a, as shown in <FIG>. The skirt <NUM> inhibits air flowing over the handlebar <NUM> from contacting the first mounting arrangement 126a or the attachment mount <NUM>, and provides a smooth continuous surface for air to flow over. As such, the skirt <NUM> acts to reduce the aerodynamic drag of the handlebar <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the opening <NUM> of the first mounting arrangement 126a generally faces the second axial direction <NUM>. As such, the attachment <NUM> mounted to the first mounting arrangement 126a generally faces the second axial direction <NUM>. As such, the attachment <NUM> may be located proximate one or more fingers of a user's hand which is gripping the first grippable element 104a. For example, one or more fingers of a user's hand may be able to actuate the lever <NUM>.

However, in alternative embodiments (not shown), the opening <NUM> may face in any suitable direction.

In alternative embodiments (not shown), the transverse support <NUM> (e.g. the first transverse portion 110a or the mounting portion <NUM>) may include the first mounting arrangement 126a. In such embodiments, the mounting plate <NUM> is arranged to at least partially abut a surface of the transverse support <NUM>. The mounting plate <NUM> may at least partially be located within a cavity formed in the transverse support <NUM>. The first face <NUM> of the mounting plate <NUM> may at least partially be accessible via an opening in an external surface of the transverse support <NUM>. In such embodiments, the first mounting arrangement may share any of the features described regarding the first mounting arrangement 126a located on the first grippable element 104a.

Some attachments may require cabling to extend between the attachment and part of the bicycle <NUM> to which the handlebar <NUM> is mounted. For example, if the attachment is a brake lever mechanism, it is common for brake cabling to extend between the brake lever mechanism and a brake mechanism, which is usually proximate one or both of the wheels 216a, 216b of the bicycle <NUM>. It is also common for such cabling to run external to the handlebar <NUM>, and as such, be exposed to oncoming air flow when the bicycle <NUM> is travelling. Exposed attachment cabling may increase the aerodynamic drag of the handlebar <NUM>, and may also harm the aesthetic appearance of the handlebar <NUM>.

To overcome these problems, the handlebar <NUM> is configured to minimise the amount of attachment cabling that is exposed.

With reference to <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, the handlebar <NUM> includes a first tunnel opening <NUM> adjacent the first mounting arrangement 126a, and a second tunnel opening <NUM> in the transverse support <NUM> and spaced from the first tunnel opening <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the first tunnel opening <NUM> is formed in the first grippable element 104a, and the second tunnel opening <NUM> is formed in the mounting portion <NUM>.

In <FIG>, a frame <NUM> is secured to the first grippable element 104a, and is arranged to surround the external surface <NUM>. The frame <NUM> includes three apertures 177a, 177b, 177c adjacent to the first tunnel opening <NUM>. Cabling may extend through the apertures 177a, 177b, 177c into the first tunnel opening <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the first tunnel opening <NUM> is formed as a single aperture adjacent to the contact surface <NUM>. In <FIG>, the frame <NUM> has been removed for clarity.

The first tunnel opening <NUM> and the second tunnel opening <NUM> are in communication with a tunnel <NUM> (represented by dashed lines in <FIG>) for receiving one or more cables therethrough. In the illustrated embodiment, the tunnel <NUM> is formed within the transverse support <NUM> and the first grippable element 104a, and extends between the first tunnel opening <NUM> and the second tunnel opening <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, a first cable 180a and a second cable 180b extend from the attachment <NUM> into the first tunnel opening <NUM>. The first cable 180a is for controlling a braking mechanism (not shown), and the second cable 180b is for controlling a gear mechanism (not shown). Although not shown, the first and second cables 180a, 180b are arranged to extend through the tunnel <NUM> and out of the second tunnel opening <NUM> from where they can be connected to the braking mechanism (not shown) and the gear mechanism (not shown) respectively.

The arrangement of the first tunnel opening <NUM>, the second tunnel opening <NUM> and the tunnel <NUM> helps to limit the length of the first and the second cables 180a, 180b that are exposed to air travelling over the handlebar <NUM>. As such, the effect of the first and the second cables 180a, 180b on the aerodynamic drag of the handlebar <NUM> is limited.

<FIG> shows a cross-section through the attachment portion 125a of the first grippable element 104a along the line A-A shown in <FIG>. Note that the cross-section is represented by hatching to show the external profile of the handlebar <NUM> more clearly. The cross-section does not show the internal features of the handlebar <NUM>.

Although the plane illustrated in <FIG> is not necessarily normal to the first longitudinal axis 114a, it will be appreciated that the attachment portion 125a has a non-circular profile in a plane normal to the first longitudinal axis 114a (which corresponds to a longitudinal axis of the attachment portion 125a).

In the illustrated embodiment, the attachment portion 125a has a substantially aerofoil-shaped profile <NUM> in a plane parallel to the second axial direction <NUM>. The substantially aerofoil-shaped profile <NUM> includes a leading edge <NUM> and a trailing edge <NUM>. It will be appreciated that when an attachment is secured to the first mounting arrangement 126a, such as the attachment <NUM> in <FIG> for example, the leading edge <NUM> will be covered by the attachment. As such, a portion of said attachment will form the leading edge of the substantially aerofoil-shaped profile <NUM>.

It can be seen in <FIG> that a linear axis <NUM> running substantially between the leading edge <NUM> and the trailing edge <NUM> is generally aligned with the second axial direction <NUM>. As such, air flowing over the attachment portion 125a and along the opposite second axial direction <NUM> will flow from the leading edge <NUM>, around the profile <NUM> and over the trailing edge <NUM>. It will be appreciated that the substantially aerofoil-shaped profile <NUM> will help to inhibit air travelling around the substantially aerofoil-shaped profile <NUM> from separating from the attachment portion 125a; i.e. help to inhibit the boundary layer from separating from the attachment portion 125a. As such, the profile drag of the attachment portion 125a will be less relative to if the attachment portion 125a was a bluff body for example.

In the illustrated embodiment, the substantially aerofoil-shaped profile <NUM> includes a truncated trailing edge <NUM>. However, in alternative embodiments (not shown), the trailing edge <NUM> may be pointed or rounded.

Advantageously, providing the substantially aerofoil-shaped profile <NUM> with a truncated trailing edge <NUM> may improve the comfort of a person gripping that portion of the handlebar <NUM>. Further, truncating the trailing edge <NUM> may have little or no adverse effect on the drag-reducing properties of the substantially aerofoil-shaped profile <NUM>.

In alternative embodiments (not shown), one or more portions of the first grippable element 104a spaced from or adjacent to the attachment portion 125a may have a substantially aerofoil-shaped profile in a plane parallel to the second axial direction <NUM>.

In alternative embodiments (not shown), the attachment portion 125a may not have a substantially aerofoil-shaped profile in a plane parallel to the second axial direction <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a cross-section through the mounting portion <NUM> of the transverse support <NUM> along the line B-B shown in <FIG>. Note that the cross-section is represented by hatching to show the external profile of the handlebar <NUM> more clearly. The cross-section does not show the internal features of the handlebar <NUM>.

In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting portion <NUM> has a substantially aerofoil-shaped profile <NUM> in a plane parallel to the second axial direction <NUM>. The substantially aerofoil-shaped profile <NUM> includes a leading edge <NUM> and a trailing edge <NUM>.

In the illustrated embodiment, the trailing edge <NUM> is a truncated trailing edge. However, in alternative embodiments (not shown), the trailing edge <NUM> may be pointed or rounded.

It can be seen in <FIG> that a linear axis <NUM> running substantially between the leading edge <NUM> and the trailing edge <NUM> is generally aligned with the second axial direction <NUM>. As such, air flowing over the mounting portion <NUM> and along the opposite second axial direction <NUM> will flow from the leading edge <NUM>, around the profile <NUM> and over the trailing edge <NUM>.

It will be appreciated that, in use, a member of the frame <NUM> of the bicycle <NUM> will extend through the aperture <NUM>, as shown in Figure <NUM>. As such, air will be inhibited or prevented from travelling through the aperture <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a cross-section through the first transverse portion 110a of the transverse support <NUM> along the line C-C shown in <FIG>. Note that the cross-section is represented by hatching to show the external profile of the handlebar <NUM> more clearly. The cross-section does not show the internal features of the handlebar <NUM>.

It can be seen in <FIG> that a linear axis <NUM> running substantially between the leading edge <NUM> and the trailing edge <NUM> is generally aligned with the second axial direction <NUM>. As such, air flowing over the first transverse portion 110a and along the opposite second axial direction <NUM> will flow from the leading edge <NUM>, around the profile <NUM> and over the trailing edge <NUM>.

In alternative embodiments (not shown), only the mounting portion <NUM> or only the first transverse portion 110a has a substantially aerofoil-shaped profile defined in a plane parallel to the second axial direction.

In alternative embodiments (not shown), none of the transverse support <NUM> has a substantially aerofoil-shaped profile defined in a plane parallel to the second axial direction.

With reference to <FIG>, the first grippable element 104a includes an ergonomic portion <NUM>. The ergonomic portion <NUM> is represented as the portion of the first grippable element 104a within the dotted box in <FIG>. The ergonomic portion <NUM> is shaped/contoured to correspond to at least a portion of a gripping hand (not shown).

The ergonomic portion <NUM> includes a wall <NUM>, which is configured to be received within a space formed between the thumb and index finger of a gripping hand (not shown), and to extend towards a user's wrist. The wall <NUM> may provide support to a user's hand.

An external surface <NUM> of the ergonomic portion <NUM> is adjacent to the wall <NUM>. The external surface <NUM> is contoured to improve the grip between one or more fingers of a gripping hand (not shown) and the external surface <NUM>.

Advantageously, the ergonomic portion <NUM> may increase the comfort of a user gripping the ergonomic portion <NUM>, as well as increasing the ability of said user to grip the ergonomic portion <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A handlebar (<NUM>) for controlling a travelling direction of a vehicle, the handlebar (<NUM>) comprising:
a transverse support (<NUM>) for mounting to a vehicle, the transverse support (<NUM>) extending substantially along a first axial direction (<NUM>);
a first grippable element (104a) extending from a first end (109a) of the transverse support (<NUM>), the first grippable element (104a) including a free end (112a); and
a mounting arrangement (126a) for mounting an attachment (<NUM>) to the handlebar (<NUM>),
wherein the mounting arrangement (126a) comprises a mounting plate (<NUM>) arranged to at least partially abut a surface of the transverse support (<NUM>) or the first grippable element (104a), the mounting plate (<NUM>) having a first face (<NUM>), wherein the first face (<NUM>) includes a hole (<NUM>) for receiving a fastener (<NUM>) for mounting an attachment (<NUM>),
wherein the mounting plate (<NUM>) is at least partially located within a cavity (<NUM>) formed in the transverse support (<NUM>) or the first grippable element (104a), wherein the first face (<NUM>) is at least partially accessible via an opening (<NUM>) in an external surface of the transverse support (<NUM>) or the first grippable element (104a), wherein the mounting plate (<NUM>) includes a second face (<NUM>) opposite to the first face (<NUM>),
characterised in that the second face (<NUM>) is accessible via a cavity entrance (<NUM>) in the transverse support or the first grippable element, the cavity entrance (<NUM>) leading to the cavity (<NUM>), wherein the cavity entrance (<NUM>) is spaced from the opening (<NUM>).