Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A handlebar (100) for a motor vehicle (10) comprising:
a first tubular member (110) having a first diameter (D1); and
a second tubular member (120A, 120B) disposed at each end (110A, 110B) of the first tubular member (110) and extending in a vehicle width direction (W), the second tubular member (120A, 120B) having a second diameter (D2).

2. The handlebar (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first diameter (D1) of the first tubular member (110) is greater than the second diameter (D2) of the second tubular member (120A, 120B).

3. The handlebar (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein a ratio of the first diameter (D1) of the first tubular member (110) to the second diameter (D2) of each of the second tubular member (120A, 120B) is in a range of 1.1 – 2.1.

4. The handlebar (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a first length (L1) of the first tubular member (110) is greater than a second length (L2) of the second tubular member (120A, 120B).

5. The handlebar (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein a ratio of the first length (L1) of the first tubular member (110) to the second length (L2) of each of the second tubular member (120A 120B) is in a range of 1.2 – 2.0.

6. The handlebar (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein a staggered profile (130A, 130B) being formed between the first tubular member (110) having the first diameter (D1) and the second tubular member (120A, 120B) having the second diameter (D2), at joinery portions (J1, J2) at a first end (110A) and a second end (110B) of the first tubular member (110).

7. The handlebar (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the second tubular member (120A, 120B) is configured for mounting one or more vehicle control elements.

8. The handlebar (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the one or more vehicle control elements comprise a handlebar grip (46), a bar end weight (48), a lever mounting (50), a lever (52), a right switch cluster (54), a left switch cluster (56) and a lever and brake reservoir mount (58).

9. The handlebar (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first tubular member (110) comprises a substantially horizontal portion (110’) and an inclined portion (110’’) extending from each end of the horizontal portion (110’).

10. The handlebar (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the horizontal portion (110’) of the first tubular member (110) is configured for connecting with a head tube (22) of the motor vehicle (10) through a handlebar holder (60) of an upper bracket (62), and the inclined portion (110”) being configured to be connected with the second tubular member (120A, 120B).

11. The handlebar (100) as claimed in claim 6 or 8, wherein the first tubular member (110) act as one side stop and locater for the one or more vehicle control elements.

12. The handlebar (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second tubular member (120A, 120B) is connected to the first end (110A) and the second end (110B) of the first tubular member (110) by welding process.

13. The handlebar (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second tubular member (120A, 120B) is integrally formed with the first tubular member (110) in a single molding process.
14. A motor vehicle (10) comprising:
a frame member comprising a head tube (22) and a main tube (24); and
a handlebar (100) connected to the head tube (22) of the frame member and extending in a vehicle width direction (W), the handlebar (100) comprising a first tubular member (110) having a first diameter (D1) and a second tubular member (120A, 120B) disposed at each ends (110A, 110B) of the first tubular member (110), the second tubular member (120A, 120B) having a second diameter (D2), wherein the first diameter (D1) being greater than the second diameter (D2).

, Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention generally relates to a motor vehicle. More particularly it relates to a handlebar for the motor vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Handlebars in motorcycles are generally made as a single rod with same thickness throughout. The strength requirement is more at the centre portion of the handlebar, as it is attached to the head tube of frame. Any stress coming to the handlebar will be transferred to the head tube of the frame through this centre portion. Also, the centre portion is visible in a final product, therefore adds on to the visual appeal. Thicker head tube will give a sturdy look to the vehicle, which helps the customer to connect with the product better, and also will fulfil the strength requirement at the centre. However, if the overall diameter of the handlebar is increased, weight of the part will also increase and the balance at front portion of the vehicle can be difficult to maintain and also overall weight of the vehicle will increase, which is not desired.
[003] Additionally, the parts required to be mounted on the handlebar, such as lever mountings, a switch cluster and throttle grips will undergo modifications to make them fit on the thicker handlebar, which will increase the manufacturing cost as well as the product cost.
[004] An attempt was made to solve the above problems by manufacturing the handlebar using a hydroforming mechanism with varying diameter. However, the hydroforming mechanism has its associated drawbacks, where a desired profile is not possible to manufacture with a diameter as required for existing sub-parts profiles in the mounting zone. In addition, the hydroforming mechanism is costlier and can lead to non-uniform cross sections in the mounting zone of the handlebar, which is difficult to control in mass production and thus is not an ideal solution.
[005] In another attempt, the handlebar consists of a straight central portion, tapered portions and bent outer sections. The bent outer sections are provided for accommodating subassembly parts of the vehicle and reducing the material required for manufacturing the outer sections in the handlebar. The thickness of straight central portion, the tapered portions and the bent outer sections is kept equal, or the thickness of the tapered portions is made larger than the straight central portion to provide bending moment stability in the handlebar. However, in order to obtain the desired thickness in the handlebar, the handlebar is manufactured using rotary kneading or swagging. Also, manufacturing the tapered part with the larger thickness than the thickness of the straight central portion and the bent outer sections is a complex process, and it may not be easily implemented to maintain the dimensional accuracy in bulk production of the handlebars.
[006] In yet another attempt, the handlebar and grip system includes a center portion, a right handle attached to a first end of the center portion, the right handle includes a right handle outboard end; a right handle engaging geometry located on the right handle outboard end a left handle attached to the second end of the center portion, the left handle includes a left handle outboard end; a left handle engaging geometry located on the left handle outboard end; a right grip is configured to slide onto the outboard end of the right handle, the right grip includes: a right grip central opening; a right grip engaging geometry located in the right grip central opening; a left grip configured to slide onto the outboard end of the left handle; a left grip central opening; a left grip engaging geometry located in the left grip central opening. In this configuration, the right grip engaging geometry is configured to engage with the right handle engaging geometry such that the right grip will generally be prevented from rotating about the right handle when the right grip has been slid onto the right handle; and the left grip engaging geometry is configured to engage with the left handle engaging geometry such that the left grip will generally be prevented from rotating about the left handle when the left grip has been slid onto the left handle. The engaging geometry in such handlebar includes a clamp collar or a split collar, which serve to circumferentially secure the inboard end and restricts independent rotation. This kind of handlebar requires an additional clamp collar and thus increases the number of components and the cost therein.
[007] Thus, there is a need in the art for a handlebar for a motor vehicle which could address at least the aforementioned problems and limitations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[008] In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a handlebar for a motor vehicle. The handlebar includes a first tubular member having a first diameter. The handlebar further includes a second tubular member disposed at each end of the first tubular member and extending in a vehicle width direction. The second tubular member has a second diameter.
[009] In another embodiment, the first diameter of the first tubular member is greater than the second diameter of the second tubular member.
[010] In a further embodiment, a ratio of the first diameter of the first tubular member to the second diameter of each of the second tubular member is in a range of 1.1 – 2.1.
[011] In a further embodiment, a first length of the first tubular member is greater than a second length of the second tubular member.
[012] In a further embodiment, a ratio of the first length of the first tubular member to the second length of each of the second tubular member is in a range of 1.2 – 2.0.
[013] In a further embodiment, a staggered profile is formed between the first tubular member having the first diameter and the second tubular member having the second diameter, at joinery portions at a first end and a second end of the first tubular member.
[014] In a further embodiment, each of the second tubular member is configured for mounting one or more vehicle control elements. The one or more vehicle control elements includes a handlebar grip, a bar end weight, a lever mounting, a lever, a right switch cluster, a left switch cluster and a lever and brake reservoir mount.
[015] In a further embodiment, the first tubular member includes a substantially horizontal portion and an inclined portion extending from each end of the horizontal portion. The horizontal portion of the first tubular member is configured for connecting with a head tube of the motor vehicle through a handlebar holder of an upper bracket, and the inclined portion being configured to be connected with the second tubular member.
[016] In a further embodiment, the first tubular member act as one side stop and locater for the one or more vehicle control elements.
[017] In a further embodiment, the second tubular member is connected to the first end and the second end of the first tubular member by welding process.
[018] In a further embodiment, the second tubular member is integrally formed with the first tubular member in a single molding process.
[019] In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a motor vehicle including a frame member including a head tube and a main tube; and a handlebar connected to the head tube of the frame member and extending in a vehicle width direction. The handlebar includes a first tubular member having a first diameter and a second tubular member disposed at each end of the first tubular member. The second tubular member has a second diameter, the first diameter is greater than the second diameter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[020] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.
Figure 1 illustrates a right-side view of an exemplary motor vehicle having a handlebar, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 illustrates a side perspective view of a portion of the motor vehicle having the handlebar, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 illustrates a rear view of a portion of the motor vehicle having the handlebar, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 illustrates a front view of a portion of the motor vehicle having the handlebar, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 illustrates a front view of the handlebar shown in Figures 1 – 4, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 illustrates an exploded view of the handlebar shown in Figures 1 – 5, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[021] Various features and embodiments of the present invention here will be discernible from the following further description thereof, set out hereunder. In the ensuing exemplary embodiments, the vehicle is a two wheeled vehicle. However, it is contemplated that the disclosure in the present invention may be applied to any automobile capable of accommodating the present subject matter without defeating the scope of the present invention.
[022] The present invention generally relates to a motor vehicle. More particularly it relates to a handlebar for the motor vehicle.
[023] Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary motor vehicle 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The motor vehicle 10 includes an Internal combustion engine 12 that is vertically disposed. Preferably, the Internal combustion engine 12 is a single-cylinder type Internal combustion engine. The motor vehicle 10 further includes a front wheel 14, a rear wheel 16, a frame member, a seat assembly 18 and a fuel tank 20. The frame member includes a head tube 22, a main tube 24, a down tube 21, and seat rails (not shown). The head tube 22 supports a steering shaft 22A and two telescopic front suspensions 26 (only one shown) attached to the steering shaft 22A through a lower bracket (not shown). The two telescopic front suspensions 26 support the front wheel 14. The upper portion of the front wheel 14 is covered by a front fender 28. A head light 32, a visor guard (not shown) and an instrument cluster (not shown) are arranged above the head tube 22. The frame member having the down tube 21 may be located in front of the Internal combustion engine 12 and extends slantly downward from the head tube 22. The main tube 24 of the frame member extends rearward from the head tube 22. The Internal combustion engine 12 is mounted at the front to the down tube 21.
[024] The fuel tank 20 of the motor vehicle 10 is mounted on the horizontal portion of the main tube 24. Seat rails are joined to the main tube 24 and extend rearward to support the seat assembly 18. A rear swing arm 34 is connected to the frame member to swing vertically, and the rear wheel 16 is connected to rear end of the rear swing arm 34. Generally, the rear swing arm 34 is supported by a mono rear suspension 36 or through two suspensions on either side of the motor vehicle 10. A taillight unit 33 is disposed at the end of the motor vehicle 10 and at the rear of the seat assembly 18. A grab rail 35 is also provided on the rear of the seat rails. The rear wheel 16 arranged below seat 18 rotates by the driving force of the Internal combustion engine 12 transmitted through a chain drive (not shown) from the Internal combustion engine 12. A rear fender 38 is disposed above the rear wheel 16.
[025] Further, an exhaust pipe 40 of the motor vehicle 10 extends vertically downward from the Internal combustion engine 12 up to a point and then extends below the Internal combustion engine 12, longitudinally along the vehicle length before terminating in a muffler 42. The muffler 42 is typically disposed adjoining the rear wheel 16.
[026] The vehicle 10 further includes a handlebar 100 connected to the head tube 22 of the frame member and extending in a vehicle width direction W (shown in Figure 4). The handlebar 100 can rotate to both sides of the vehicle 10 during vehicle turning movements.
[027] Referring to Figures 2 – 4, it depicts a side perspective view, a rear view and a front view respectively of the handlebar 100 mounted onto an upper bracket 62 through one or more handlebar holders 60. In an embodiment, the handlebar 100 is adapted to mount one or more vehicle control elements, including, but not limited to, handlebar grips 46, bar end weights 48, levers 52 and lever mounting mechanisms 50, a right switch cluster 54, a left switch cluster 56, a brake reservoir mount 58, rear view mirrors 64 and the like.
[028] Referring now to Figure 5 which illustrates a front view of the handlebar 100 shown in Figures 1 – 4, and an exploded view of the handlebar 100 shown in Figure 6 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The handlebar 100 includes a first tubular member 110 having a first diameter D1 (shown in Figure 6). In the illustrated embodiments of Figures 5 and 6, the first tubular member 110 includes a substantially horizontal portion 110’ and an inclined portion 110” extending outwards from each end of the horizontal portion 110’.
[029] In an embodiment shown in Figures 1 – 4, the horizontal portion 110’ of the first tubular member 110 is configured for connecting with the head tube 22 of the motor vehicle 10 through the handlebar holder 60 of the upper bracket 62, and the inclined portion 110” is configured to be connected with a second tubular member 120A, 120B at a right side and a left side of the handlebar 100.
[030] As illustrated in Figure 5, the second tubular member 120A, 120B of the handlebar 100 is disposed at each end 110A, 110B of the first tubular member 110 and are extended in the vehicle width direction W. As shown in Figure 6, in an embodiment of the present invention, the second tubular member 120A, 120B has a second diameter D2. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first diameter D1 of the first tubular member 110 is greater than the second diameter D2 of the second tubular member 120A, 120B. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a ratio of the first diameter D1 of the first tubular member 110 to the second diameter D2 of each of the second tubular member 120A, 120B, i.e., D1/D2 is in a range of 1.1 – 2.1. In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a first length L1 of the first tubular member 110 is greater than a second length L2 of the second tubular member 120A, 120B. In this embodiment, a ratio of the first length L1 of the first tubular member 110 to the second length L2 of each of the second tubular member 120A 120B, i.e., L1/L2 is in a range of 1.2 – 2.0.
[031] As shown in Figure 2, since the vehicle control elements are mounted on the second tubular member 120A, 120B, the second diameter D2 of the second tubular member 120A, 120B should match with an inner diameters of the vehicle control elements, such as, but not limited to, the handlebar grips 46, the bar end weights 48, the lever 52 and the lever mounting mechanism 50, the right switch cluster 54, the left switch cluster 56, the brake reservoir mount 58, rear view mirrors 64 and the like. In an exemplary embodiment, the second diameter D2 is matched with an inner diameter of one or more vehicle control elements which are mounted onto the second tubular member 120A, 120B. Thereby, there is no modification required in the one or more vehicle control elements for mounting onto the second tubular member 120A, 120B. Thus, the second tubular member 120A, 120B having a thinner diameter the vehicle control components can be common for all vehicles or the existing vehicle control elements can be used across all models with improved handlebar without changing the dimension of these vehicle control elements.
[032] In an embodiment, the second tubular member 120A, 120B is connected to the first end 110A and the second end 110B of the first tubular member 110 by welding process. In this embodiment, the first tubular member 110 is manufactured separately and the second tubular members 120A, 120B are manufactured separately and thereafter, both the first tubular member 110 and the second tubular member 120A, 120B are welded to form a single piece of the handlebar 100.
[033] In another embodiment, the second tubular members 120A, 120B are integrally formed with the first tubular member 110 in a single molding process.
[034] In an embodiment as illustrated in Figure 5, since the first diameter D1 of the first tubular member 110 is larger / greater than the second diameter D2 of the second tubular member 120A, 120B, a staggered profile 130A, 130B is formed at joinery portions J1, J2 at the first end 110A and the second end 110B of the first tubular member 110 when the first tubular member 110 and the second tubular member 120A, 120B are assembled to form the handlebar 100. The staggered profile 130A, 130B will also assist in better fitment of sub assembly parts (for example: the handlebar grips 46, the bar end weights 48, the lever 52 and the lever mounting mechanisms 50, the right switch cluster 54, the left switch cluster 56, the brake reservoir mount 58, the rear view mirrors 64 and the like) of the vehicle 10 as the first tubular member 110 will act as one side stop and locater for the sub assembly parts.
[035] Advantageously, since the first tubular member is made thicker than the side / second tubular members, its load taking capacity will be higher than the handlebars existing in the prior arts. Therefore, stress coming to the handlebar of the present invention will be distributed to a larger surface area and then transferred to the head tube of the frame through this centre portion. Hence the load handling at the front portion will significantly increase. Additionally, the handlebar in the present invention is suitable to be used in different vehicle platforms without modifications in the one or more vehicle mounting components (for example: lever mountings and switch cluster) of existing motor vehicles and thus the visual appeal of the front portion of the existing vehicle can be changed without any major modifications. Further, in some embodiments, since the handlebar is manufactured by single molding process, the cost of developing hydro formed handlebars can be saved. The low-cost varied diameter handlebar in the present invention is suitable to utilize existing sub parts, while having a thicker centre portion / first tubular member.
[036] While the present invention has been described with respect to certain embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modification may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.