Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The embodiments herein generally relate to steering handlebar for vehicles. More particularly, the embodiments herein relate to an adjustable steering handlebar assembly for a three-wheeled vehicle and a method thereof.
BACKGROUND
[002] Conventionally, three-wheeled vehicles are equipped with a steering handlebar used to control the front wheel of the vehicle. As shown in Fig. 1, the steering handlebar assembly (10) includes a handlebar (12) and a fixed steering column (14) that connects the handlebar (12) to the front wheel suspension fork (16). Due to the fixed nature of the steering column (14), the position of the handlebar (12) is also fixed and cannot be adjusted. Since the drivers may have different physiques, this lack of adjustability of the handlebar becomes problematic. Consequently, having a fixed handlebar (12) becomes inconvenient and uncomfortable for drivers during operation, leading to increased fatigue and potential health issues during long drives.
[003] Therefore, there is a need for a steering handlebar assembly which foregoes the aforementioned drawbacks of the existing steering handlebar mechanisms.
OBJECTS
[004] The principal object of an embodiment of this invention is to provide an adjustable steering handlebar assembly for a three-wheeled vehicle which facilitates height adjustment and angle adjustment of a handlebar of the three-wheeled vehicle.
[005] Another object of an embodiment of this invention is to provide the adjustable steering handlebar assembly which facilitates ease in driving by allowing a driver to adjust the height and angle of the handlebar.
[006] Another object of an embodiment of this invention is to provide the adjustable steering handlebar assembly which includes an adjusting mechanism which facilitates height adjustment and angle adjustment of the handlebar with respect to a crossbeam of the three-wheeled vehicle.
[007] Another object of an embodiment of this invention is to provide a method for assembling an adjustable steering bar assembly in a three-wheeled vehicle.
[008] These and other objects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[009] The embodiments herein are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, throughout which like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:
[010] Fig. 1 is a side view of a conventional steering handlebar assembly for a three-wheeled vehicle;
[011] Fig. 2 is an isometric view of an adjustable steering handlebar assembly for a three-wheeled vehicle, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[012] Fig. 3 is a side view of the adjustable steering handlebar assembly for the three-wheeled vehicle, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[013] Fig. 4 is a top view of the adjustable steering handlebar assembly for the three-wheeled vehicle, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[014] Fig. 5 is another side view of the adjustable steering handlebar assembly depicting a handlebar at different angles, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[015] Fig. 6 is a front view of an adjusting mechanism of the adjustable steering handlebar assembly, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[016] Fig. 7a is a perspective view of the adjustable steering handlebar assembly with the adjusting mechanism, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[017] Fig. 7b is a top view of the adjustable steering handlebar assembly with the adjusting mechanism, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[018] Fig. 7c is another perspective view of the adjustable steering handlebar assembly with the adjusting mechanism, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[019] Fig. 8a is a side view of the adjustable steering handlebar assembly with the adjusting mechanism, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[020] Fig. 8b is a perspective view of the adjustable steering handlebar assembly with the adjusting mechanism shown at different adjusting angles, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[021] Fig. 8c is a side view of the adjustable steering handlebar assembly with the adjusting mechanism, shown at different adjusting angles, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein; and
[022] Fig. 9 is a flow chart of a method for assembling the adjustable steering handlebar in a three-wheeled vehicle.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[023] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
[024] The embodiments herein achieve an adjustable steering handlebar assembly for a three-wheeled vehicle which facilitates height adjustment and angle adjustment of a handlebar of the three-wheeled vehicle. Further, the embodiments herein achieve the adjustable steering handlebar assembly which includes an adjusting mechanism which facilitates height adjustment and angle adjustment of the handlebar with respect to a cross beam of the three-wheeled vehicle. Furthermore, the embodiments herein achieve the adjustable steering handlebar which facilitates ease in driving by allowing a driver to adjust the height and angle of the handlebar according to the driver’s comfort. Additionally, the embodiments herein achieve a method of assembling an adjustable steering handlebar assembly in a three-wheeled vehicle.
[025] Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to Figs. 1 through 9 where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown embodiments.
[026] Fig.2 is an isometric view of an adjustable steering handlebar assembly (100) for a three-wheeled vehicle, according to an embodiment of the invention. As shown in Figs. 2 to 4, the adjustable steering handlebar assembly includes a universal joint (104) connected to a fork arm (102) of the three-wheeled vehicle, a steering column (106), a steering column sleeve (116) (hereinafter also referred to as a sleeve in this description), an adjusting mechanism (108), and a handlebar (118) mounted on the steering column sleeve (116). The steering column (106) is connected to the universal joint (104). The universal joint (104) is configured to allow a forward and backward movement of the steering column (106) with respect to a cross beam (200) of the three-wheeled vehicle. As shown in Fig. 5, the steering column sleeve (116) is adapted to be inserted onto the steering column (106) and is configured to move vertically relative to the steering column (106). Further, the adjusting mechanism (108) is configured to facilitate an upward and downward movement of the steering column sleeve (116) with respect to the steering column (106) for facilitating height adjustment of the handlebar, and configured to enable a forward and backward movement of the steering column sleeve (116) with respect to the cross beam (200) for facilitating angular adjustment of the handlebar (118). Further, the adjusting mechanism (108) is also configured to lock the steering column sleeve (116) at a selected height and at a selected angle on the steering column (106), therefore locking the handlebar at a selected position. The handlebar (118) is mounted on the steering column sleeve (106) to facilitate height adjustment and angle adjustment of the handlebar (118).
[027] For the purposes of this description and ease of understanding, the steering column (106) is considered to be a spline shaft and the steering column sleeve (116) is considered to have internal splines to allow the steering column sleeve (116) to slide vertically on the steering column (106). However, it is within the scope of this invention to have a steering column (106) and a steering column sleeve (116) with a rack and pinion arrangement, or any other telescopic mechanism, without otherwise deterring the intended function of the adjustable steering handlebar assembly (100) as can be deduced from this description.
[028] In an embodiment, as shown in Figs. 7a to 7c, the adjusting mechanism (108) includes a first mounting bracket (112F), a second mounting bracket (112S), a locking bracket (114), a lever (110), a cam member (110A), and a locking member (110B). Each of the first mounting bracket (112F) and the second mounting bracket (112S) is adapted to be attached to the cross beam (200) of the vehicle. Each of the first mounting bracket (112F) and the second mounting bracket (112S) is configured to facilitate the mounting of the adjustable steering handlebar assembly (100) on the cross beam (200) of the vehicle. Further, as shown in Figs. 8a to 8c, each of the first mounting bracket (112F) and the second mounting bracket (112S) includes a slot (112A) to receive the locking member (110B). The slot (112A) is adapted to guide the movement of the locking member (110B) at predefined positions. For the purposes of this description and ease of understanding, the adjusting mechanism (108) is considered to have two separate mounting brackets (112) viz, the first mounting bracket (112F) and the second mounting bracket (112S). However, it is within the scope of this invention to have the first mounting bracket (112F) and the second mounting bracket (112S) as a unitary structure, wherein the adjusting mechanism (108) is considered to have at least one mounting bracket, without otherwise deterring the intended function of the mounting bracket (112F, 112S) as can be deduced from this description.
[029] The locking bracket (114) is adapted to be mounted on the steering column sleeve (116). As shown in Fig. 7c, the locking bracket (114) includes a first end portion (114F), a second end portion (114S), and a gripping portion (114G) extending between the first end portion (114F) and the second end portion (114S). The gripping portion (114G) of the locking bracket (114) is adapted to hold the steering column (116). Each of the first end portion (114F) and the second end portion (114S) includes an opening (not shown) to receive the locking member (110B). The first end portion (114F) and the second end portion (114S) of the locking bracket (114) is disposed between the first mounting bracket (112F) and the second mounting bracket (112S).
[030] The locking member (110B) is adapted to be inserted through the slot (112A) of the first mounting bracket (112F), each of the opening of the first end portion (114F) and the second end portion (114S) of the locking bracket (114), and the slot (112A) of the second mounting bracket (112S). For the purposes of this description and ease of understanding, the locking member (110B) is considered to be inserted through the first mounting bracket (112F), the second mounting bracket (112S), and the locking bracket (114). However, it is within the scope of this description to provide the locking member in direct contact with each of the first mounting bracket (112F), the second mounting bracket (112S), and the locking bracket (114), without otherwise deterring the intended function of the locking member (110B) as can be deduced from this description.
[031] In an embodiment of the invention, the locking member (110B) is a bolt. However, it is also within the scope of this invention to have a shaft, or any other component as the locking member (110B) without otherwise deterring the intended function of the locking member (110B) as can be deduced from this description.
[032] Further, a first end of the locking member (110B) is connected to the lever (110) and a stopper member (not shown) is inserted onto the locking member (110B) at a second end of the locking member (110B). The stopper member is adapted to prevent the locking member (110B) from sliding out of the slot (112A) of the mounting bracket (112). In an embodiment, the stopping member is a nut. However, it is within the scope of this description to have any other stopping member without otherwise deterring from the intended function of the locking member (110B) as can be deduced from this description.
[033] For the purposes of this description and ease of understanding, the lever (110) is considered to be connected to the first end of the locking member (110B), towards the first mounting bracket (112F). However, it is also within the scope of this invention to have the lever (110) connected towards the second mounting bracket (114S) without otherwise deterring the intended function of the lever (110) as can be deduced from this description. The cam member (110A) is inserted on the locking member (110B) between the lever (110) and the first mounting bracket (114F).
[034] The lever (110) is configured to be operated in an engaged position and a dis-engaged position. In the engaged position, the lever (110) is configured to be pressed against the cam member (110A). When the lever (110) is in the engaged position, the locking member (110B) is configured to exert tension/ force on the first end portion (114F) and the second end portion (114S) of the locking bracket (114), compressing the gripping portion (114G) of the locking bracket (114). The compression of the gripping portion (114G) of the locking bracket (114), prevents the sleeve (116) from moving relative to the steering column (116), therefore locking the handlebar (118) at the selected position. In the disengaged position, the lever (110) is configured to move away from the cam member (110A). When the lever (110) is in the disengaged position, the locking member (118) is configured to release the force/ tension exerted by the locking member (118) on the first end portion (114F) and the second end portion (114S) of the locking bracket (114), therefore allowing the gripping portion (114G) to loosen. The loosening of the gripping portion (114G) allows the sleeve column (116) to move vertically upward and downward relative to the steering column (116).
[035] Further, when the lever (110) is in the disengaged position, the locking member (110B) is configured to be displaced within the slot (112A) defined in each of the first mounting bracket (114F) and the second mounting bracket (114). The movement of the locking member (110B) within the slot (112A) allows the sleeve column (116) to be displaced towards and away from the cross beam (200) of the vehicle, therefore facilitating angle adjustment of the handlebar (118).
[036] As a non-limiting example of working of the adjustable steering handlebar assembly (100), the lever (110) is initially in the engaged position. When a driver wants to adjust the height and angle of the handlebar (118), the driver operates the lever (110) to the disengaged position. In the disengaged position of the lever (110), the locking bracket (114) is loosened allowing the sleeve (116) to move upwards and downwards relative to the steering column (106). To increase the height of the handlebar (118) from an initial position, the driver pulls up the handlebar (118) upwards. Since the handlebar (118) is connected to the sleeve column (116), the upward movement of the handlebar (118) causes the sleeve column (116) to move vertically upwards relative to the steering column (116), therefore, increasing the height of the handlebar (118). To tilt the handlebar (118) towards the driver, the driver pulls the handlebar (118) away from the cross beam (200), causing the sleeve to move away from the cross beam (200). Since the steering column (116) is connected to the universal joint (104), the displacement of the sleeve (116) causes the steering column (106) to be displaced in the direction of displacement of the handlebar (118). The slot (112A) in each of the first mounting bracket (112F) and the second mounting bracket (112S) allows the locking member (110B) to be displaced within the slot (112A), therefore allowing the locking bracket (114) and the sleeve (116) to be displaced in the selected position. When the handlebar (118) is displaced away from the cross beam (200), the locking member (110B) moves towards the cross beam (200) within the slot (112A). Similarly, when the handlebar (118) is displaced towards the cross beam (200), the locking member (110B) is displaced away from the cross beam (200) within the slot (112A), therefore allowing the angle adjustment of the handlebar (118). To lock the handlebar (118) in the selected position, the lever (110) is operated to the engaged position, tightening the locking bracket (114) against the sleeve (116). The tightening of the locking bracket (114) prevents the sleeve (116) from sliding on the steering column (106), therefore locking the handlebar (118) at the selected position.
[037] Fig. 9 is a flowchart of a method (300) of assembling the adjustable steering handlebar assembly (100) in the three-wheeled vehicle. The method includes connecting the steering column (106) with the universal joint (104), wherein the universal joint (104) is connected to the front wheel fork (102) of the vehicle. Further, the method (300) includes inserting the steering column sleeve (116) on the steering column (106), wherein the steering column sleeve (116) is configured to move vertically relative to the steering column (106). The method (300) includes mounting the handlebar (118) on the sleeve (116). Furthermore, the method (300) includes mounting the locking bracket (114) on the steering column sleeve (116), wherein the gripping portion (114G) of the locking bracket (114) holds the steering column sleeve (116). The method (300) also includes, attaching the first mounting bracket (112F) and the second mounting bracket (112S) on the cross beam (200). Further, the method (300) includes placing the locking bracket (114) between the first mounting bracket (112F) and the second mounting bracket (112S), wherein the first end portion (114F) and the second end portion (114S) of the locking bracket (114) are disposed between the first mounting bracket (112F) and the second mounting bracket (112S). Furthermore, the method (300) includes, inserting the locking member (110B) through the opening provided on the locking bracket (114) and the slot (112A) defined in the first mounting bracket (112F) and the second mounting bracket (112S). Moreover, the method (300) includes inserting the cam member (110A) on the locking member (110B) and attaching the lever (110) on the first end of the locking member (110B). Additionally, the method (300) includes, inserting the stopper member on the locking member (110B) near the second end of the locking member (110B). The various actions in the method (300) may be performed in the order presented, in a different order or simultaneously. Further, in some embodiments, some actions listed in Fig. 9 may be omitted.
[038] The technical advantages achieved by the embodiments disclosed herein include an adjustable handlebar which allows a driver of a three-wheeled vehicle to adjust the height and angle of the handlebar as per the driver’s comfort.
[039] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
, Claims:We claim,
1. An adjustable steering handlebar assembly (100) for a three-wheeled vehicle, said handlebar assembly (100) comprising:
a universal joint (104), said universal joint (104) connected to a front wheel fork (102) and a steering column (106), said universal joint (104) adapted to facilitate a forward and backward movement of the steering column (106) with respect to a cross beam (200) of the three-wheeled vehicle;
a handlebar (118) mounted on a steering column sleeve (116), the steering column sleeve (116) configured to move vertically relative to the steering column (106); and
an adjusting mechanism (108) operatively connected with the steering column sleeve (116), said adjusting mechanism (108) adapted to facilitate height adjustment and angle adjustment of said handlebar (118).
2. The adjustable steering handlebar assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said adjusting mechanism (108) is configured to:
facilitate an upward and downward movement of the steering column sleeve (116) relative to the steering column (106), facilitating height adjustment of the handlebar (118);
facilitate a forward and backward movement of the steering column sleeve (116) relative to the cross beam (200), facilitating angle adjustment of said handlebar (118); and
locking the steering column sleeve (116) at a selected position, preventing the upward and downward movement of the steering column sleeve (116) relative to the steering column (106) and the forward and backward movement of the steering column sleeve (116) relative to the cross beam (200).
3. The handlebar assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein said adjusting mechanism (108) comprises:
at least one mounting bracket (112F, 112S) adapted to be attached to the cross beam (200) of the three-wheeled vehicle;
a locking bracket (114) adapted to be mounted on the steering column sleeve (116) and provided in direct contact with said at least one mounting bracket (112F, 112S);
a locking member (110B) provided in direct contact with each of said at least one mounting bracket (112F, 112S) and said locking bracket (114);
a lever (110) adapted to be connected to said locking member (110B), said lever (110) configured to be operated in an engaged position and a disengaged position,
wherein, said locking member (110B) is configured to:
compress said locking bracket (114) when said lever (110) is operated to said engaged position; and
loosen said locking bracket (114) when said lever (110) is operated to said disengaged position.
4. The handlebar assembly (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein said adjusting mechanism (108) further comprises:
a cam member (110A) inserted on said locking member (110B) between said mounting bracket (112F, 112S) and said lever (110),
wherein,
a slot (112A) is defined in said mounting bracket (112F, 112S), said slot (112A) is adapted to receive said locking member (110B) and guide a movement of said locking member (110B) within predefined positions to facilitate forward and backward movement of the steering column sleeve (116) relative to the cross beam (200);
said lever (110) is configured to be pressed against said cam member (110A) in said engaged position and move away from said cam member (110A) in said disengaged position;
said locking member (110B) is configured to:
compress said locking bracket (114) when said lever (110) is operated to said engaged position, preventing the upward and downward movement of the steering column sleeve (116) relative to said steering column (106);
loosen said locking bracket (114) when said lever (110) is operated to said disengaged position, allowing the upward and downward movement of the steering column sleeve (116) on the steering column (106), and forward and backward movement of the steering column sleeve (116) with respect to the cross beam (200).

5. The handlebar assembly (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein said locking bracket (114) comprises:
a first end portion (114F) and a second end portion (114S); and
a gripping portion (114G) extending between said first end portion (114F) and said second end portion (114S),
wherein,
said first end portion (114F) and second end portion (114S) of said locking bracket (114) is disposed between said at least one mounting bracket (112F, 112S);
an opening is defined in each of said first end portion (114F) and second end portion (114S), said opening adapted to receive said locking member (110B); and
said gripping portion (114G) is configured to hold the steering column sleeve (116).
6. The handlebar assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the steering column (106) is a spline shaft, and the steering column sleeve (116) has internal splines adapted to allow vertical movement of the steering column sleeve (116) relative to the steering column (106).

7. The handlebar assembly (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein said adjusting mechanism (108) includes a stopper member inserted near a second end of said locking member (110B), said stopper member configured to prevent said locking member (110B) from coming out of said slot (112A) of said at least one mounting bracket (112F, 112S).

8. The handlebar assembly (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein said locking member (110B) is a bolt and said stopper member is a nut.

9. A method (300) of assembling an adjustable steering handlebar assembly (100) in a three-wheeled vehicle, said method (300) comprising:
connecting a universal joint (104) on a front wheel fork (102) of the three-wheeled vehicle;
connecting a steering column (106) with said universal joint (104);
inserting a steering column sleeve (116) on the steering column (106), wherein the steering column sleeve (116) is configured to move vertically relative to the steering column (106);
mounting a handlebar (118) on the steering column sleeve (116);
mounting a locking bracket (114) on the steering column sleeve (116), wherein a gripping portion (114G) of said locking bracket (114) holds the steering column sleeve (116);
attaching a first mounting bracket (112F) and a second mounting bracket (112S) on a cross beam (200) of the three-wheeled vehicle;
placing said locking bracket (114) between said first mounting bracket (112F) and said second mounting bracket (112S), wherein a first end portion (114F) and a second end portion (114S) of said locking bracket (114) is disposed between said first mounting bracket (112F) and said second mounting bracket (112S);
inserting a locking member (110B) through an opening defined on each of said first end portion (114F) and said second end portion (114S) of said locking bracket (114) and a slot (112A) defined on said first mounting bracket (112F) and said second mounting bracket (112S); and
inserting a cam member (110A) on said locking member (110B) and attaching a lever (110) on a first end of said locking member (110B).

10. The method (300) as claimed in claim 9, wherein said method (300) comprises inserting a stopper member on said locking member (110B) in a vicinity of a second end of said locking member (110B).