Handlebar to steerer clamping device for bicycles
US5517878A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 13, 1993 |
| Grant date | May 21, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 13, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T403/7058
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A lightweight handlebar/steerer locking mechanism for use on road and mountain bicycles. The invention provides higher fatigue and impact resistance, lower material and production costs, and improved adjustability, compared to prior art designs, all at a reduced weight. The superior structural performance of the invention is provided by a unique, 3-dimensional, sliding, compression wedge. The 3-dimension wedge improves the stress distributions within the device my introducing a more uniform wedging (locking) action on the circumference of the steerer tube. This allows the mating parts to be designed lighter, thereby reducing the total weight of the assembly. The configuration of the design also lends itself to modern metal working methods. This further improves the strength of the parts by increasing the material allowables. Also, these metal working operations help to reduce material scrap, thus reducing material costs. The invention improves the adjustability of the handle-bar assembly by allowing the locking and un-locking function to be accomplished by hand, without any assistance from a special tool. The locking function is activated and de-activated by the twisting of a tight…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.