The present disclosure relates to handlebar/steering assembly and in particular relates to fixtures in handlebar-assembly for attaching end-weights.
BACKGROUND
Handlebars are known to be used on motorcycles, bicycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), watercraft and snowmobiles. The handlebars generally include grips and end weights for closing off the ends of handlebars. The end weights or weight balancers ensure that a vehicle's handlebar does not vibrate due to the resonance that occurs right from the moment the engine or the vehicle starts. The end bar-weights are also equally balanced at both the ends of the handle, thereby enabling the bike to hold its line at high speeds and not wobble.
End-weights are attached to the handlebar through a holder that is inserted and welded therein. Such holder is cylindrical in nature comprises a threaded through-bore for allowing attachment of the end-weight through a screw-thread mechanism to the handlebar. Accordingly, in case a wire has to be routed via the interior of the handlebar till the end-weight (e.g. for glowing LEDs located at the end-weights), the existence of welded holder within the handlebar poses obstruction or altogether a non-accessibility of the handlebar's interior. In an example, this prohibits access to electrical & electronic component.
Moreover, once welded, the holder could be removed only after breaking the handlebar. Further, many a times, the handlebars require a customized holder and/or a specific end-weight which need to be in line with the cross-section of the handlebar.
At least due to aforesaid conventional arrangements, there lies no provision for fitment of universally designed or aftermarket end-weights.
Accordingly, there lies a need of an improved holder for enabling an ease of connection between the end-weights and the handlebar.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified format that are further described in the detailed description of the invention. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended for determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.
The present subject matter describes a holder for joining an end-weight to a handlebar assembly of a vehicle. The holder comprises a cylindrical-block having a threaded through-bore at the centre for receiving a screw from a first side. The cylindrical-block in turn comprises a circular-disc shaped portion acting as the first side and a cylindrical-portion axially connected to the circular disc and extending rearwards from the disc shaped portion for defining a second side, wherein said disc shaped portion and said cylindrical portion are bored to define said through-bore. Further, a plurality of flexible-ribs are arranged circumferentially at the second-side of cylindrical block and adapted to radially diverge based upon contacting the screw protruding from the cylindrical block.
In another embodiment, the present subject matter describes a holder for joining an end-weight to a handlebar assembly of a vehicle. The holder comprises a circular-disc shaped portion having a bore at the centre for receiving a screw, and a hollow cylindrical-portion axially connected to the circular-disc shaped portion and extending rearwards from said disc shaped portion. A compressible material (e.g. rubber) is supported within the cylindrical portion and bored at the centre for receiving the screw within the cylindrical portion. An internally-threaded nut is supported within the cylindrical portion for abutting the compressible material and capturing the screw, wherein the nut is adapted to undergo a translation motion within the cylindrical portion upon rotation of the screw and thereby pressurize the rubber to cause a radial-expansion of the rubber.
To further clarify advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:
Figure 1 illustrates an exploded view of the assembly of end-weights with the handlebar, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter;
Figure 2 illustrates different views of a holder for fastening end-weights to a handlebar, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter;
Figure 3 illustrates a sectional view of the holder of Fig. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter;
Figure 4 illustrates a sectional view of the assembly of the holder and the end-weight, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter;
Figure 5 illustrates an isometric-view of a holder for fastening end-weights to a handlebar, in accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter;
Figure 6 illustrates a sectional-view of the assembly of the holder and the end-weight, in accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter;
Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have been necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the flow charts illustrate the method in terms of the most prominent steps involved to help to improve understanding of aspects of the present invention. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein.
DETAILED DESCRITION OF FIGURES
For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the

illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.
It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are explanatory of the invention and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.
Reference throughout this specification to "an aspect", "another aspect" or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrase "in an embodiment", "in another embodiment" and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.
The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components proceeded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices or other sub-systems or other elements or other structures or other components or additional devices or additional sub-systems or additional elements or additional structures or additional components.
Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Figure 1 illustrates an exploded-view of the assembly 100 of end-weights 102 with the handlebar 104, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. As indicated in the figure, the end-weights 102 are fastened to a holder 106 through a screw-thread mechanism, such that the holder 106 is interference-fitted inside the handlebar. In addition, the holder 106 is

removable from the handlebar 104 through appropriate pulling-mechanisms to render an ease of access within the handlebar 104.
Figure 2 illustrates different-views (isometric, front, rear and top view) of the holder 106 for fastening end-weights 102 to the handlebar 104, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The holder 106 at-least leads to attachment or joining of end-weight 102 against the handlebar 104 through the screw-thread mechanism and thereby renders a universal-type of arrangement for fitting the end-weights 102 irrespective of the types of handlebar-assemblies.
The present subject matter describes the holder 106 for joining an end-weight 102 to a handlebar assembly of a vehicle. The holder 106 comprises a cylindrical-block having a threaded through-bore 115 at the centre for receiving a screw 108 from a first side. The cylindrical-block in turn comprises a circular-disc shaped portion 110 or stopper 110 acting as the first side and a cylindrical-portion 112 axially connected to the circular disc portion and extending rearwards from the disc shaped portion for defining a second side, wherein said disc shaped portion 110 and said cylindrical portion 112 are bored to define said through-bore 115. Further, a plurality of flexible-ribs 114 are arranged circumferentially at the second-side of cylindrical portion 112 and adapted to radially diverge based upon contacting the screw 108, which protrudes from the cylindrical portion 112.
The holder 106 renders an interface between the handlebar 104 and the end-weight 102. The external-screw 108 is received in a threaded portion of the end weight 102 and the holder 106. The rotation of the screw 108 within the threaded portion (as imparted by the user) leads to a forward motion of the screw 108 via the end-weight 102 and threaded region of the holder into a non-threaded region or the cylindrical portion 112 of the holder 106. Such non-threaded region or the cylindrical portion 112 lies longitudinally adjacent to the threaded region of the holder 106. The cylindrical portion 112 is flanked by the arrangement of the flexible ribs 114 or the crush-ribs 114 that expand upwardly upon having been pushed by the screw 108. As shown in isometric and rear views, the crush-ribs 114 are provided on the periphery of the holder 106. Upon having been pushed by the rotating screw 108, the ribs 114 radially expand and provide necessary friction between handlebar 104 & holder 106 to thereby cause an interference-fit connection.

Further, an O Ring or Rubber seal 116 circumscribes the ribs 114 of the holder 106. Not only said O Ring 116 holds the ribs 114 together, but also helps in a sung-fitment of the holder 106 (upon expansion of the ribs) within the handlebar 104.
Further, as shown in the 'front-view' in Fig. 2, the holder 106 comprises a locator 113 or indicators 113 to indicate a 'correct-orientation' of the holder 106 with respect to the handlebar 104. Further, the circular disc portion 110 acts as a 'stopper' at the front of the holder 106, and accordingly limits the insertion of the holder 106 inside the handlebar 104. In other words, while the locator 113 guides the holder 106 in handlebar 104 with a location pointer on it, the stopper 110 helps it to stay positioned therein.
More specifically, the circular-disc shaped portion 110 protrudes outside the handlebar 104 and comprises the locator 113 as markers to facilitate alignment within handlebar 104. The circular disc shaped portion 110 exhibits a larger diameter than cylindrical portion 112. The internal bore of the circular disc shaped portion 110 and the cylindrical portions 112 are equivalent in diameter. In an implementation, both of the portions 110 and 112 and internally threaded.
Figure 3 illustrates a sectional-view of the holder 106 of Fig. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. As shown in the figure, the outer diameter of holder 106 is defined as (D-x), wherein D is inner-diameter of the handlebar 104, 'x' is the clearance between handlebar 104 and holder 106.
Further, an area enclosed by the crushing ribs 114 has an inner-diameter as [id - (x + y)], wherein 'd' is diameter of the inner thread, y is the interference required for developing required friction and creating an interference fit connection. As may be understood, upon upwards expansion or radial divergence of the ribs 114, the inner diameter of such enclosure formed by the ribs 114 increases to 'id' from 'id - (x + y).'
Figure 4 illustrates a sectional-view of the assembly of the holder 106 and the end-weight, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. As may be understood from the present figure, the holder 106 is fastened to the end-weight 102 through a screw-thread mechanism. On the other hand, the holder 106 is snug-fitted inside the handlebar 104.

Further, an electrical wire originating from the end-weight is routed through the 'slot' 118 within the holder 106. The slot 118 also stands depicted in front view of holder 106 illustrated in Fig. 2. The slot 118 may be a recessed portion of the holder and extends longitudinally. The circular disc shaped portion 110 and the circular ribs 114 are recessed at the same elevation to define such slot 118. In other words, the slot 118 renders a longitudinal passage within the holder 106 to allow routing of wires or analogous-substances across it, thereby allowing an electrical connection of elements located within the end-weight 102 with an electric terminal in the vehicle (e.g. power source in the vehicle). In an example, the element within the end-weight 102 may be a puddle-lamp that receives electrical energy through electric-wires routed via the handlebar 104 and holder 106.
Overall, the assembly as shown in Fig. 4 may be created as follows:
a) The holder 106 is placed in to the handlebar 104 through a snug-fit connection and oriented correctly therein with the help of location-pointers.
b) The end-weight 102 is fastened to the holder 106 through insertion of screw 108 followed by a tightening thereof. Once the screw 108 reaches the crush-ribs 114 or expander within the holder 106, the expander 114 starts to expand and now occupies the entire inner diameter of Handlebar 104, thereby creating an interference between handlebar 104 and holder 106 and leading to interference fit connection.
c) An electrical component (say electrical-wire) from the end-weight 102 is routed via the slot 118 in the holder 106 to further connect with the elements in the handlebar 104.
Figure 5 illustrates an isometric-view of a different holder 101 for fastening end-weights 102 to the handlebar 104, in accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter. The holder 101 as shown in the present figure comprises the stopper 110 and a longitudinal through-bore 115, like the holder 106 illustrated in preceding figures.
However, the holder 101 in the present figure differs as a cylindrical portion 124 of the holder 101 is hollow or recessed, and accommodates an oblong-rubber 120 and a rectangular-nut 122. Both of the oblong-rubber 120 and the rectangular nut 122 may be press-fitted within the cylindrical-portion 124 of the holder 101, while still leaving a small room or clearance to allow the rubber 120 and nut 122 undertake a limited translation movement and eventually result in expansion of the rubber.

In the present implementation, the circular-disc shaped portion 110 has the bore 115 at the centre for receiving the screw 108. The hollow cylindrical-portion 124 is axially connected to the circular-disc shaped portion 110 and extends rearwards from said disc shaped portion 110. A compressible material 120 or the oblong rubber 120 is supported within the cylindrical portion 124 and bored at the centre for receiving the screw 108 within the cylindrical portion 124. The internally-threaded nut 122 is supported within the cylindrical portion 124 for abutting the compressible material 120 and capturing the screw 108, wherein the nut 122 is adapted to undergo a translation motion within the cylindrical portion 124 upon rotation of the screw 108 and thereby pressurize the rubber 120 to cause a radial-expansion of the rubber 120. The circular-disc shaped portion 110 exhibits a larger diameter than cylindrical portion 124.
Figure 6 illustrates a sectional-view of the assembly of the holder 101 and the end-weight 102, in accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter. The assembly as shown in Fig. 6 is created as follows:
a) The holder 101 is placed in to the handlebar 104 through a snug-fit connection and oriented correctly therein with the help of location-pointer or locator 113.
b) The end-weight 102 is fastened to the holder 101 through insertion of the screw 108 followed by a tightening thereof.
c) A rotating-screw 108 accordingly traverses the length of the holder 101, penetrates through the rubber 120, and is received by the threaded portion of the rectangular-nut 122.
d) Since the holder 106 and accordingly the rectangular nut /rubber 120, 122 are held rigidly within the handlebar 104, the repeated rotation of the screw 108 across the threaded portion of the nut 122 causes sliding (i.e. translation motion) of the nut 122 and the rubber 120 in a direction towards the stopper 110.
e) As a result, the rubber 120 gets squeezed and expands to cover about an entire inner-diameter of the handlebar 104, thereby creating interference or an interference-fit connection between the handlebar and holder.
f) An electrical-component (say electrical-wire) 126 from the end-weight 102 is routed via the slot in the holder 106 to further connect with the elements in the handlebar 104.
At least by virtue of aforesaid, the present subject matter at least renders the assembly of handlebar, holder and end-weight as modular in nature, owing to ease of removability of the components. The holder for the end-weight as rendered by the present subject matter fits in handlebar without any change. Moreover, the presence of slots in the holder and ease of its

removability also facilitates an access to electrical & electronic components. Furthermore, the stopper and locator facilitates a prescribed orientation of the holder with respect to the handlebar The drawings and the forgoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment.
The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples. Numerous variations, whether explicitly given in the specification or not, such as differences in structure, dimension, and use of material, are possible.
Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any component(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature or component.

WE CLAIM:

1.A holder (106) for joining an end-weight (102) to a handlebar (104) of a vehicle, said holder
(106) comprising:
a cylindrical-block having a threaded through-bore (115) at the centre for receiving a screw (108) from a first side, said cylindrical block comprising: a circular-disc shaped portion (110) acting as the first side a cylindrical-portion (112) axially connected to the circular disc portion
(110) and extending rearwards from the disc shaped portion (110) for defining a
second side, wherein said disc shaped portion (110) and said cylindrical portion
(112) are bored to define said through-bore (115);
and;
a plurality of flexible-ribs (114) arranged circumferentially at the second-side of cylindrical block and adapted to radially diverge based upon contacting the screw (108) protruding from the cylindrical block.
2. The holder (106) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the circular disc shaped portion (110) protrudes outside the handlebar (104) and comprises markers to facilitate alignment within handlebar (104).
3. The holder (106) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the circular disc shaped portion (110) exhibits a larger diameter than cylindrical portion (112) and wherein the internal bore of the circular disc shaped portion (110) and the cylindrical portions (112) are equivalent in diameter and internally threaded
4. The holder (106) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the circular disc shaped portion (110) and the circular ribs (114) are recessed at the same elevation to define a slot.
5. The holder (106) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of ribs (114) are circumscribed and thereby held by an O ring (116).
6. The holder (106) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cylindrical portion (112) is received within the handlebar (104) and disc shaped portion (110) protrudes outside the handlebar (104).

7. A holder (101) for joining an end-weight (102) to a handlebar (104) of a vehicle, said holder
(101) comprising:
a circular-disc shaped portion (110) having a bore at the centre for receiving a screw (108); and
a hollow cylindrical-portion (124) axially connected to the circular-disc shaped portion (110) and extending rearwards from said disc shaped portion (110),
a compressible material (120) supported within the cylindrical portion (124) and bored at the centre for receiving the screw (108) within the cylindrical portion (112); and
an internally-threaded nut (122) supported within the cylindrical portion (124) for abutting the compressible material (120) and capturing the screw (108), wherein the nut (122) is adapted to undergo a translation motion within the cylindrical portion (124) upon rotation of the screw (108) and thereby pressurize the material (120) to cause a radial-expansion of the material (120).
8. The holder (101) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the circular disc shaped portion (110) exhibits a larger diameter than cylindrical portion (124).
9. A handlebar grip and end weight assembly (100) of a vehicle comprising:
a hollow grip residing over a handlebar end (104); an end-weight (102); and
a holder (106) as claimed in claims 1 to 5 for joining the end-weight to the handlebar end (104).
10. A handlebar grip and end weight assembly (100) of a vehicle comprising :
a hollow grip residing over a handlebar end (104); an end-weight (102); and
a holder (101) as claimed in claims 7 to 8 for joining the end-weight (102) to the handlebar end (104).