FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
The present disclosure relates to the field of automobiles. Particularly, but not
exclusively, the present disclosure relates to a handlebar grip used in two and/or three
wheeled vehicles. Embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a two-part handlebar
5 grip assembly providing ventilation so as to provide air flow on rider's hands.
TECHNICAL BACKGROUND
The information in this section merely provides background information related to the
present disclosure and do not constitute prior art(s).
10
It is well known that two-wheeler riders in general are prone to fatigue due to hot
weather. The human body attempts to counter the heat through perspiration and changes
in blood circulation to cool the rider's body. The palms of the human hand are one of
those areas where heat is exchanged more efficiently than other parts of the body.
15 Rider's hands are also engaged tightly on the handlebar grips for stabilizing, steering
and preventing user from excessive vibrations and shocks. The tight gripping also
prevents the hands from cooling. There exists a real need to provide a cooling effect to
two-wheeler riders. Ventilated handlebar grips can be used to provide a flow of air over
the rider's palms, thereby cooling the person engaged in the activity.
20
The handlebar grips used till date as shown in fig. 1 are generally made of rubber or
plastic material which are hollow from inside and can be inserted onto the ends of
handlebars generally tubular in shape. These grips do not dry out any sweat produced
in the palm of the rider due to absence of air circulation between palm and the grip.
25
It has also been noticed that while using such grips users face problems like pain in
palm, blister formation in palm, discomfort and slippage of hand over the grip. This can
cause loss of gripping, throttling and control over the vehicle. The handlebar grip is
usually manufactured as a unitary component. The manufacturing of existing handlebar
30 grips is expensive and require skilled person to perform machining operations. The
existing handlebar grips having a unitary structure also provides challenges to machine
3
inner surfaces of cavities present on the handlebar grip. Further, the existing handlebar
grip is bulky and the machining of the inner surfaces of handlebar grip member is
difficult because of the close cavity structure. Thus, the non-uniform machining of the
handlebar grip also degrades the quality and lifetime of the handlebar grip.
5
The handlebar grips used in automobiles are one of the important parts of the vehicle
in terms of functionality, safety and style. Therefore, here always existed a need to
develop a handlebar grip which provides better comfort to the rider by overcoming the
afore-mentioned shortcomings.
10
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
One or more drawbacks of existing handlebar grips are overcome, and additional
advantages are provided through a two-part handlebar grip in accordance with the
present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the
15 technicalities of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the
disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered to be a part of the claimed
disclosure.
In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a two-part handlebar grip is
20 disclosed. The two-part handlebar grip comprises a longitudinal grip member having a
proximal end and a distal end. The longitudinal grip member comprises at least one air
intake opening structure with an opening on face towards the distal end. The air intake
opening structure comprises one or more air circulation channels extending across the
longitudinal grip member. An end cap having a radially extending surface which is
25 placed on a side surface of the air intake opening structure. The distal end comprises a
central groove adapted to receive the end cap removably attached with the longitudinal
grip member, wherein the end cap closes the opening of the air intake opening structure.
In an embodiment, the end cap comprises an upper face and a lower face having a
30 protrusion adapted to receive in the central groove of the longitudinal grip member.
4
In an embodiment, the end cap comprises a groove extending from the upper face
adapted to receive a fastener to facilitate assembly of the end cap with the longitudinal
grip member.
5 In an embodiment, the at least one air intake opening structure is oriented in a direction
of forward travel of the vehicle.
In an embodiment, the air circulation channels are formed on upper surface of the
longitudinal grip member.
10
In an embodiment, the air circulation channels extend from the proximal end to the
distal end of the longitudinal grip member.
In an embodiment, the air circulation channels comprising decrease in cross-section so
15 as to create pressure difference.
In an embodiment, the side surface comprises a protrusion adapted to receive in a slot
on the radially extending surface of the end cap.
20 In an embodiment, a method for assembling a two-part handlebar grip for vehicle is
disclosed, the method comprising steps of placing an end cap at a distal end of a
longitudinal grip member; inserting a fastener inside a groove of the end cap; tightening
the fastener to secure the end cap with the longitudinal grip member.
25 In an embodiment, the longitudinal grip member is manufactured from soft material
present at localized areas that are directly in contact with pressure points of rider’s palm.
It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described
above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and
30 embodiments may be combined together to form a further embodiment of the
disclosure.
The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting.
In addition to the illustrative aspects and features described above, further aspects and
5
features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed
description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING FIGURES
5 Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will be readily understood from
the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying figure(s). The
figure(s) together with a detailed description below, are incorporated in and form part
of the specification, and serve to further illustrate the embodiments and explain various
principles and advantages, in accordance with the present invention wherein:
10 FIG. 1 illustrates a conventional handlebar grip.
FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the sweat resistant handlebar grip in accordance
with the present disclosure.
FIG 3 depicts an exploded view of the sweat resistant handlebar grip of FIG. 2
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
15 FIG. 4 shows an assembly of the sweat resistant handlebar grip of FIG. 2 according to
an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for
simplicity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions
of some of the elements in the drawings may be exaggerated relative to other elements
20 to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING FIGURES
While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms,
specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the figures and will
25 be described in detail below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to
limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention
6
is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the spirit and
the scope of the invention.
Before describing in detail embodiments, it may be observed that the novelty and
5 inventive step that are in accordance with the present disclosure resides in a sweat
resistant handlebar grip for vehicles. It is to be noted that a person skilled in the art can
be motivated from the present disclosure and modify the various constructions of
assembly, which are varying from vehicle to vehicle. However, such modification
should be construed within the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the
10 drawing(s) are showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding
the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with details
that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the
description herein.
The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to
15 cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a setup, device that comprises a list of
components does not include only those components but may include other components
not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or device. In other words, one or more
elements in a system or apparatus proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without
more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the
20 system or apparatus.
The present disclosure is mainly described with reference to right hand side handlebar
grip. The left hand side will be a mirror image of that of the right hand side.
Accordingly, the present disclosure provides a two part handlebar grip for a vehicle.
25 The handlebar provided in two wheeled or three wheeled vehicles is used to control the
direction of movement of the vehicle. The handlebar and the handle bar grip should be
manufactured in such a way that they provide better ergonomics for rider. The
handlebar comprises the handlebar grip at both ends to steer the vehicle in a required
direction. Further, the handlebar grip disclosed herein has been so defined so as to
30 support the whole hand in natural and relaxed position. The handlebar is provided with
a varied cross section which provides the rider a provision of customization. Due to
different hand length and hand width, masses rider can hold the grip as per his
7
ergonomic suitability. Further, the handlebar grip disclosed herein is also provided with
soft materials at localized areas, which are in contact with pressure points of palm and
thus improving the comfort and reducing stress on the muscles.
5 The handlebar grip disclosed herein comprises a longitudinal grip member and an end
cap. The longitudinal grip member provides gripping region to a rider while riding the
vehicle, particularly two-wheeled or three-wheeled vehicle. The longitudinal grip
member may have a one layer or two layer structure. The longitudinal grip member
comprises a proximal end and a distal end. The longitudinal grip member is provided
10 with an air intake opening structure having one or more air circulation channels. The
air intake opening structure directs the flow of air from surroundings to the air
circulation channels. The air intake opening structure is oriented in a direction of
forward travel of the vehicle in order to enhance flow of air in the air circulation
channels. The air circulation channels are provided on upper surface of the longitudinal
15 grip member extending from proximal end to distal end. The air coming from air intake
opening structure flows through the air circulation channels and provides cooling effect
to the rider’s palm.
Hereinafter, embodiments of a two part handlebar grip (100) are described in detail with
20 reference to the drawings. Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, there is disclosed a two-part
handlebar grip (100). The said handlebar grip (100) comprises a longitudinal grip
member (1) and an end cap (2). The longitudinal grip member (1) provides at least 80%
gripping region to a rider’s palm. The longitudinal grip member (1) comprises a
proximal end (1a) and a distal end (1b). In a non-limiting embodiment, the proximal
25 end (1a) is located towards the centre of the handlebar (200) of a vehicle (not shown in
figures) and the distal end (1b) is located towards an end of the handlebar (200).
The longitudinal grip member (1) comprises at least one air intake opening structure
(1c) having one or more air circulation channels (1d). The air intake opening structure
30 (1c) is oriented in a direction of forward travel of the vehicle. The construction of the
said air intake opening structure (1c) allows the air to enter the air circulation channels
(1d). The air intake opening structure (1c) is located at distal end (1b) of the longitudinal
grip member (1). The air intake opening structure (1c) comprises a side surface (1f)
provided with a protrusion (1g). The protrusion (1g) is preferably having rectangular
8
cross-section extending in a direction perpendicular to the side surface (1f). The
protrusion (1g) facilitates assembling of the end cap (2) with the longitudinal grip
member (1). The distal end (1b) comprises a central groove (1e) adapted to receive the
end cap (2), wherein the end cap (2) is removably attached with the longitudinal grip
5 member (1). The shape of the handlebar grip is so designed such that it provides support
to the whole hand in natural and relaxed position.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the air circulation channels (1d) are
provided on upper surface of the longitudinal grip member (1). Further, the air
10 circulation channels (1d) extend from the proximal end (1a) to the distal end (1b) of the
longitudinal grip member (1). There is gradual decrease in the cross-section of the air
circulation channels (1d) as it travels along the surface of the longitudinal grip member
(1). More particularly the channels (1d) decrease in depth and breadth as they travel
along the surface of the longitudinal grip member (1) creating a pressure difference
15 with respect to the air entering the channels (1d) and that leaving.
The air circulation channels (1d) are air discharge openings which extend so as to
channelize the flow of air on the surface of longitudinal grip member (1). The air
circulation channels (1d) are positioned so as to fall under the palm of the rider which
20 in turn reduces rider’s fatigue by providing cooling effect to the rider’s palm.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 the end cap
(2) is secured with the longitudinal grip member (1). The end cap (2) comprises a
radially extending surface (2a) which is placed on the side surface (1f) of the air intake
25 opening structure (1c). The end cap (2) comprises an upper face (2b) visible to the rider
and a lower face (2c) opposite to the upper face (2b). The lower face (2c) comprises a
protrusion (2d) adapted to receive in the central groove (1e) of the longitudinal grip
member (1). The end cap (2) comprises a groove (2e) extending from the upper face
(2b) adapted to receive a fastener (3) to facilitate assembly of the end cap (2) with the
30 longitudinal grip member (1).
The end cap (2) is manufactured from a plastic material. The two part structure of the
handlebar grip has better machinability as there is an opening (1h) located at the second
end (1b) of the longitudinal grip member (1). The opening (1h) facilitates a machine
9
tool to operate inside the air intake opening structure (1c) for machining and the end
cap (2) is used to close the opening (1h) of the air intake opening structure (1c). The
end cap (2) may be mechanically fitted to the second end (1b) of the longitudinal grip
member (1). In one embodiment, the end cap (2) may be secured by the fastener (3)
5 such as screws, rivets or the like.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for assembling the two-part
handlebar grip (100) for a vehicle is disclosed. As shown in Fig. 4, the method for
assembling the two part handlebar grip comprises steps of placing an end cap (2) at a
10 distal end (1b) of a longitudinal grip member (1). The longitudinal grip member (1)
comprises at least one air intake opening structure (1c), wherein the said structure (1c)
is provided with a protrusion (1g) on side surface (1f). The protrusion (1g) facilitates
alignment of the end cap (2) during placing of the end cap (2) on the longitudinal grip
member (1). A fastener (3) is inserted inside a groove (2e) of the end cap (2) and
15 tightening of the fastener (3) is carried out to secure the end cap (2) with the longitudinal
grip member (1). The assembled handlebar grip (100) is then allowed to press inserted
on the handlebar (200) of the vehicle.
In an embodiment of present disclosure, the intake opening structure of the longitudinal
20 member of the handlebar grip has an opening on face towards the distal end. The
opening face provides a way to a machine tool for easy machining of the air intake
opening. The end cap having the same structure as that of opening is secured to the
longitudinal grip member with fastening means to close the air intake opening structure
after machining to make the handlebar grip functionable.
25
Furthermore, the handlebar grip may be made up of two layers, internal layer and
external layer. Moreover, the air intake opening structure (1c) can be present on the
internal layer or the external layer of the handlebar grip (100). The air circulation
channels (1d) are positioned in such a manner so as to fall below the rider's palm which
30 is firmly pressed against the handlebar grip while the rider is riding the vehicle.
Furthermore, the shape of handlebar grip may be so defined so as to support the whole
hand in natural and relaxed position. The handlebar grip may be provided with varying
cross section which provides the rider a provision of customization. Due to different
10
hand length and hand width, masses rider can hold the longitudinal grip member (1) as
per his ergonomic suitability.
Further embodiments of the longitudinal grip member may be made from soft materials
5 present at localized areas, which are directly in contact with pressure points of the
rider’s palm and thus improving the comfort and reducing stress on the muscles. The
blister formation due to the hard materials and compression of hand is well addressed
by the combination of increasing contact area and providing soft material at localized
areas.
10
Equivalents:
The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are
explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the description.
Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as
15 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.
20 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
25 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
30 described herein.
11
Throughout this specification the word “comprise”, or variations such as “comprises”
or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer
or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other
element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.
5
The use of the expression “at least” or “at least one” suggests the use of one or more
elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the
disclosure to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results.
10 Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles and the like that has been
included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the
disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a
part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the
disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.
15
The numerical values mentioned for the various physical parameters, dimensions or
quantities are only approximations and it is envisaged that the values higher/lower than
the numerical values assigned to the parameters, dimensions or quantities fall within
the scope of the disclosure, unless there is a statement in the specification specific to
20 the contrary.
While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the particular features of this
disclosure, it will be appreciated that various modifications can be made, and that many
changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the
25 principles of the disclosure. These and other modifications in the nature of the
disclosure or the preferred embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from
the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing
descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as
a limitation.
30
12
List of Reference Numerals
Ref.
Num.
Description
100 Two-Part Handlebar Grip
1 Longitudinal Grip Member
1a Proximal End of Grip Member
1b Distal End of Grip Member
1c Air Intake Opening Structure
1d Air Circulation Channels
1e Central Groove
1f Side Surface of Air Intake Opening
Structure
1g Protrusion on Air Intake Opening
Structure
1h Opening on Air Intake Opening
Structure
2 End Cap
2a Radially Extended Surface
2b Upper Face of End Cap
2c Lower Face of End Cap
2d Protrusion Extending from Lower
Face
2e Groove on End Cap
3 Fastener
200 Handlebar

We Claim:

1. A two-part handlebar grip (100) for a vehicle, comprising:
a longitudinal grip member (1) having a proximal end (1a) and a distal end (1b);
5 the longitudinal grip member (1) comprises at least one air intake opening
structure (1c) with an opening (1h) on face towards the distal end (1b), having
one or more air circulation channels (1d) extending across the longitudinal grip
member (1);
an end cap (2) having a radially extending surface (2a) which is placed
10 on a side surface (1f) of the air intake opening structure (1c);
the distal end (1b) comprises a central groove (1e) adapted to receive the
end cap (2) removably attached with the longitudinal grip member (1),
wherein the end cap (2) closes the opening (1h) of the air intake opening
structure (1c).
15
2. The two-part handlebar grip (100) for a vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
end cap (2) comprising an upper face (2b);
a lower face (2c) having a protrusion (2d) adapted to receive in the central
groove (1e) of the longitudinal grip member (1).
20
3. The two-part handlebar grip (100) for a vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
end cap (2) comprises a groove (2e) extending from the upper face (2b) adapted to
receive a fastener (3) to facilitate assembly of the end cap (2) with the longitudinal grip
member (1).
25
4. The two-part handlebar grip (100) for a vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at
least one air intake opening structure (1c) is oriented in a direction of forward travel of
the vehicle.
30 5. The two-part handlebar grip (100) for a vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
air circulation channels (1d) are formed on upper surface of the longitudinal grip
member (1).
14
6. The two-part handlebar grip (100) for a vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
air circulation channels (1d) extend from the proximal end (1a) to the distal end (1b) of
the longitudinal grip member (1).
5 7. The two-part handlebar grip (100) for a vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
air circulation channels (1d) comprising decrease in cross-section so as to create
pressure difference.
8. The two-part handlebar grip (100) for a vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
10 side surface (1f) comprises a protrusion (1g) adapted to receive in a slot on the radially
extending surface (2a) of the end cap (2).
9. A method for assembling a two-part handlebar grip (100) for a vehicle, wherein the
method comprising steps of:
15 placing an end cap (2) at a distal end (1b) of a longitudinal grip member (1);
inserting a fastener (3) inside a groove (2e) of the end cap (2);
tightening the fastener (3) to secure the end cap (2) with the longitudinal grip
member (1).
20 10. The two-part handlebar grip (100) for a vehicle as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the
longitudinal grip member (1) is manufactured from soft material present at localized
areas that are directly in contact with pressure points of rider’s palm.