HANDLEBAR GRIP ASSEMBLY WITH ILLUMINATION
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a handlebar grip assembly, more particularly the present invention relates to a handle bar grip assembly with an illumination feature.
Background of the Invention
The use of personal vehicles such as motorcycles, scooters, mopeds, bicycles, all terrain vehicles, snow mobiles and personal watercraft has grown in popularity as these vehicles have become faster, more reliable and more versatile. Because of this increased speed, reliability and versatility there is a need for better functionality and safety of these vehicles. The handlebar grip establishes a man-machine interface for gripping the vehicle to provide rider and vehicle stability. The riders can accelerate/decelerate the vehicle by using these grips. These grips are also used to prevent the user from excessive vibrations and shocks. Because of the increased speed there is a need for greater visibility of these vehicles at farther distance away and moreover these vehicles are commonly ridden at night because of their increased reliability. The rider often faces difficulties in distinguishing between a two wheeled and a four-wheeled vehicle at night, for instance a car with a single headlight is misjudged as a two-wheeler and two wheelers following each other can be judged as a four wheeler at night.
The prior existing handlebar grips have an illumination assembly provided at the end portion of the handlebar to provide additional lighting to the vehicle for greater safety of the rider/driver. The illumination assembly is located on the ends of the handlebars for both left and the right sides. The illumination element used in the prior existing handlebar grips is a 12 V incandescent or fluorescent bulb. In this type of grip assembly the illumination can be seen from all the sides to the drivers of on coming and passing by vehicles due to the symmetrical shape of illumination assembly. This enhances rider/driver safety. But this has a disadvantage that it is also visible to the driver of the same vehicle over which the illumination assembly is mounted; this causes a glaring effect and creates unsafe driving conditions for the driver. Moreover, the use of a 12 V


incandescent or fluorescent bulb as an illumination element has several disadvantages such as high power consumption, reduced life, said illumination element requires a large space to get accommodated, high heat dissipation etc.
Therefore, there existed always a need to develop a handlebar grip assembly with an illumination feature, which improves the vehicle safety by overcoming above-mentioned problems.
Objects of the Invention
The main object of the present invention is to provide an improved handlebar grip assembly with an illumination feature.
Summary of the Invention
The present invention overcomes the existing problems faced by the riders/drivers by reducing the glaring effect of illumination at the end portion of the handlebar through a well designed lens assembly that uniformly distributes the light intensity over the entire surface. The present invention also helps the rider to park his/her vehicle in the vicinity of other vehicles during night by providing illumination towards the center stand area. Further, the present invention breaks the symmetry of rigid ends from simply circular disk type as in conventional one to asymmetrical shapes that are ergonomically enhanced. The present invention also eliminates the disadvantages associated with the illumination element used in prior existing handlebar grips by using an illumination element that requires minimum power, minimum space and has maximum life.
Brief description of the Figures
Figure 1 is an exemplary illustration of the complete grip assembly (Right hand side) of
the present invention.
Figure 2 illustrates the light assembly or rigid end (Right hand side) of the present
invention.
Figure 3 illustrates fool proofing of light assembly or rigid end with respect to handlebar
according to the present invention.


Figure 4 shows lens sub-assembly providing uniform illumination of the present
invention.
Figure 5 shows exploded view of the light assembly or rigid end.
Figure 6 shows pointed/focused light sub-assembly providing light towards the center
stand according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 (a), 6 (b) and 6 (c) shows the angular position mounting of the pointed/focused
light sub-assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7 shows the arrow mark pointing downwards for maintaining the angular position
of the light assembly or rigid end with respect to the handlebar.
Figure 8 shows the complete grip assembly (Right hand side) according to another
embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 9 shows the light assembly or rigid end (Right hand side) as another embodiment
of the present invention.
Figure 10 shows fool proofing of the light assembly or rigid end with respect to
handlebar as an alternate embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 11 shows lens sub-assembly providing uniform illumination according to another
embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 12 shows exploded view of the light assembly or rigid end as an alternate
embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 13 shows the arrow mark pointing downwards for maintaining the angular
position of the rigid end with respect to the handlebar as an alternate embodiment of the
present invention.
Figure 14 shows the insert defining the internal surface of the grip.
Detailed description of the Invention
The present invention will be described herein below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description well known functions or constructions are not described in detail since they would obscure the description with unnecessary detail. The present invention is mainly described with reference to right hand side handlebar grip assembly. The left hand side will be a mirror image to that of the right hand side.


Accordingly the present invention provides a light assembly for providing illumination at the end portion of the handlebar of two wheeled or three wheeled vehicles, said light assembly comprising: a lens sub assembly; a housing enclosing said lens sub assembly; and a removable cover mounted over said housing by a first fastening means and allowing access to said lens sub assembly; wherein said lens sub assembly comprises: a light source; and a lens positioned over the light source, said lens having an internal surface and an external surface; the said internal surface of the lens is constructed to capture the rays emerging from said light source and distribute the captured light uniformly over the said external surface of the lens, thereby creating uniform dispersion of light.
According an aspect the present invention provides a light assembly wherein said lens has serrations and/or corrugations provided on the internal surface to create uniform dispersion of light.
According to another aspect the present invention provides a light assembly wherein said light source is fixed to a light source retaining means having a rubber/PVC grommet disposed between the light source retaining means and the light source to prevent the entry of water, dust and other contamination and to dampen the vibration during vehicle operation.
According to another aspect the present invention provides a light assembly wherein said light assembly has an asymmetrical shape.
According to another aspect the present invention provides a light assembly wherein the housing is provided with a pointed/focused light sub assembly; said pointed/focused light sub assembly comprises: a light source retaining means; a light source fixed to said light source retaining means; a rubber/PVC grommet disposed between the light source retaining means and the light source to prevent the entry of water, dust and other contamination and to dampen the vibration during vehicle operation; and a lens positioned over said light source.


According to another aspect the present invention provides a light assembly wherein said pointed/focused light sub assembly is located at a predetermined angle inside the housing for providing illumination at the center stand area of said vehicle.
According to yet another aspect the present invention provides a light assembly wherein said predetermined angle ranges from 5 degree to 25 degree.
According to yet another aspect the present invention provides a light assembly wherein said predetermined angle preferably ranges from 15 degree to 25 degree.
According to yet another aspect the present invention provides a light assembly wherein said predetermined angle preferably ranges from 5 degree to 13 degree.
According to yet another aspect the present invention provides a light assembly wherein said predetermined angle preferably ranges from 8 degree to 18 degree.
According to another aspect the present invention provides a light assembly wherein said pointed/focused light sub assembly provides uniform illumination at the center stand area.
According to a further aspect the present invention provides a handlebar grip assembly for two wheeled or three wheeled vehicles, said handlebar grip assembly comprising: a longitudinally extending grip sized to fit over the end portion of the handlebar of said vehicle; a light assembly connected to the end portion of the handlebar; a connecting means for ensuring positive mounting of said light assembly with respect to the handlebar, said connecting means comprises; a circular disk having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the end portion of the handlebar, said circular disk detachably attached within the end portion of the handlebar and said disk comprising a first part in complementary engagement with a second part provided on the light assembly so that the light assembly is connected to the handlebar at a predetermined angular position; and a


second fastening means to firmly fix said light assembly to the end portion of the handlebar.
According to another aspect the present invention provides a handlebar grip assembly wherein the first part is a slot and the second part is a protrusion.
According to another aspect the present invention provides a handlebar grip assembly wherein the first part is a protrusion and the second part is a slot.
According to yet another aspect the present invention provides a handlebar grip assembly wherein said grip is provided with an insert to route the connecting/electrical cables from the light assembly to the electronic control unit (ECU) or battery.
The following paragraphs describe an embodiment of the present invention with respect to the drawings.
Accordingly, the present invention provides an improved handlebar grip assembly (114) with an illumination feature. Said grip assembly (114) is having a grip (115) and a light assembly (100) and is mounted over the right end portion of the handlebar of two wheeled or three wheeled vehicles as shown in Figure 1. Said light assembly (100) also forms a rigid end. Said light assembly (100) is arranged for providing illumination at the end portion of the handlebar of two wheeled or three wheeled vehicles. Similarly, the left hand side grip assembly is mounted over the left end portion of the handlebar.
The grip (115) shown in Figure 1 is a longitudinally extending grip sized to fit over the end portion of the handlebar of two wheeled or three wheeled vehicles. Said grip (115) having a varying cross-section along its length for mass customization. Said grip (115) having an external surface to be frictionally griped by the rider's hand and an internal surface defined by an insert (120) as shown in Figure 14 to route the connecting/electrical cables from said light assembly (100) to the electronic control unit (ECU) or battery.


Referring to Figures 2 and 5 initially there is shown a light assembly (100) for use with the handlebar of two wheeled or three wheeled vehicles according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figures 2 and 5 the said light assembly or rigid end (100) comprises of the following components- a housing (102), a removable cover (103), a first fastening means (104), a second fastening means (119), a lens sub-assembly (101) and a pointed/focused light sub-assembly (109). Said lens sub-assembly (101) and pointed/focused light sub-assembly (109) are fixed inside the housing (102). The lens sub-assembly (101) and pointed/focused light sub-assembly (109) are either snap fitted or fastened by some fastening means inside the housing (102). A removable cover (103) is mounted over the housing (102) by a first fastening means (104) and allows access to the lens sub-assembly (101) and pointed/focused light sub-assembly (109) in case of any damage and/or repair. The first fastening means (104) for mounting the removable cover (103) over the housing (102) can be a fastener. Said light assembly (100) is connected to the end portion of the handlebar by a second fastening means (119). The second fastening means (119) can also be a fastener.
In an embodiment of the present invention the said housing (102) and removable cover (103) are made up of plastics material to reduce the overall cost of said light assembly or rigid end (100). The said housing (102) and removable cover (103) can also be made in metal and in this case the said light assembly or rigid end (100) can act as a counter weight balancer because of its increased weight.
As shown in Figure 5, the said lens sub-assembly (101) comprises of the following components- a light source (105), a lens (106), a light source retaining means (107) and a rubber/PVC grommet (108). The said light source (105) can be a light emitting diode (LED) as shown in Figure 5. Any other suitable light sources can also be used such as but not limited to electroluminescent lights, chemical luminescent lights etc. The light source (105) is fixed to the light source retaining means (107) having a rubber/PVC grommet (108) disposed between the light source retaining means (107) and the light source (105).


In case where the light source (105) is a light emitting diode (LED), the light source retaining means (107) can be a LED holder over which the light emitting diode (LED) is soldered. A rubber/PVC grommet (108) is disposed over the LED holder (107) and fixed between the light emitting diode (LED) (105) and the LED holder (107) to absorb the heat produced during soldering. Said rubber/PVC grommet (108) can act as a heat insulator and it can also dampen the vibrations and shocks produced when the vehicle is in the moving condition. The light source or (LED) (105) can also be mounted over a printed circuit board (PCB) using the surface mount technology. In this case the (PCB) acts as a heat insulator to absorb the heat produced during the soldering of light source or (LED) (105) over the said (PCB).
A lens (106) is placed over the light source (105) to capture the light emerging from said light source (105). Figures 4 and 5 shows a lens (106) positioned over a light emitting diode (LED) (105). The lens (106) and LED (105) are arranged to provide uniform illumination over the end portion of the handlebar. Figure 1, also shows a lens (106) housed within the light assembly or rigid end (100) for providing uniform illumination.
Referring to Figures 4 and 5 there is shown a light assembly (100) that uses a lens (106) along with LED (105) or similar illuminating devices to provide uniform illumination according to an embodiment of the present invention. The lens (106) has an internal surface and an external surface. The internal surface of the lens (106) is constructed to capture the rays emerging from the LED (105) and distribute the captured light uniformly over the external surface of the lens. The lens (106) has serrations and/or corrugations provided on the internal surface to diffuse the pointed light emerging from the light emitting diode (LED) (105), thereby creating uniform spreading/dispersion of light. In this embodiment of the present invention the LED (105) is arranged so as to provide uniform illumination taking minimum space, minimum power, and maximum life and making it almost maintenance free.


Referring to -Figure 4, water, dust and.other contamination can be prevented by minimizing the gap between the lens (106) and the (LED) (105) to such an extent that water does not enter inside the lens (106) due to surface tension. Preferably the gap between the lens (106) and the (LED) (105) is kept to 0.1 mm per side. The rubber/PVC grommet (108) fixed between the (LED) (105) and the LED holder (107) as shown in Figures 4 and 5 further prevents the entry of water, dust and other contamination inside the lens (106).
In an embodiment of the present invention, the light assembly (100) provides illumination over the center stand area of two wheeled or three wheeled vehicles. This illumination facilitates proper parking of the vehicle during night time in the vicinity of other parked vehicles. The existing two wheeled or three wheeled vehicles have got a parking ON feature that uses a bulb, which is put to ON position in a continuous mode. This bulb does not provide any illumination at the required area of parking i.e. area around the center stand. Thus, the rider/driver often faces difficulties during night time while parking the vehicle.
Accordingly, the present invention overcomes the afore-said difficulty by providing illumination over the required area of parking i.e. area around the center stand. According to an embodiment of the present invention the light assembly or rigid end (100) provides illumination over the center stand area using a pointed/focused light sub-assembly (109).
Referring to Figure 5, said pointed/focused light sub-assembly (109) comprises- a light source (110), a light source retaining means (111), a lens (112) and a rubber/PVC grommet (113). The said light source (110) can be a light emitting diode (LED) as shown in Figure 5. Any other suitable light sources can also be used such as but not limited to electroluminescent lights, chemical luminescent lights etc. The light source (110) is fixed to the light source retaining means (111) having a rubber/PVC grommet (113) disposed between the light source retaining means (111) and the light source (110). In case where the light source (110) is a light emitting diode (LED), the light source retaining means (111) can be a LED holder over which the light emitting diode (LED) is soldered. A


rubber/PVC grommet (113) is disposed over the (LED) holder (111) and fixed between the light emitting diode (LED) (110) and the LED holder (111) to absorb the heat produced during soldering. Said rubber/PVC grommet (113) can act as a heat insulator and it can also dampen the vibrations and shocks produced when the vehicle is in the moving condition.
The light source or (LED) (110) can also be mounted over a printed circuit board (PCB) using the surface mount technology. In this case the (PCB) acts as a heat insulator to absorb the heat produced during the soldering of light source or (LED) (110) over the said (PCB).
As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the lens (112) is positioned over the LED (110) to provide uniform illumination. The said lens (112) is a special convex Lens placed over the LED (110). The inner radius of curvature and outer radius of curvature of the lens (112) are tuned for the optimum operation of the pointed/focused light sub-assembly (109). The inner radius of curvature of the lens (112) is 7mm which is collecting the rays emerging from the LED (110) where as the outer radius of curvature is 10mm which transmit the rays in such a way that the cone of light produced is 15 deg, which uniformly illuminates the area around the center stand. The said pointed/focused light sub-assembly (109) provides light over the center stand area from both left hand and right hand side of handlebar.
Referring to Figures 5 and 6, the said pointed/focused light sub-assembly (109) is housed within the housing (102) of the rigid end. The said assembly (109) is either snap fitted or fastened by some fastening means inside the housing (102). The said pointed/focused light sub assembly (109) is located / fixed at a predetermined angular position inside the housing (102) so as to provide illumination over the center stand area. The said angle facilitates the light assembly (109) to provide illumination over the center stand area.
The angle at which the pointed/focused light sub assembly (109) is located / fixed inside the rigid end housing (102) varies from vehicle to vehicle. The said angle depends on the


design and the position of the handlebars w.r.t to the vehicles. Figures 6 (a), 6 (b) and 6 (c) shows different angular position mountings of the pointed/focused light sub-assembly for different vehicles. The angle at which the pointed/focused light sub-assembly (109) is located within the housing (102) as shown in Figures 6 (a), 6 (b) and 6 (c) is the angle with respect to the vertical axis passing through the light source or LED (110). For instance, the angle at which the pointed/focused light sub assembly (109) is located inside the rigid end is in the range of 15 degree to 25 degree for street bikes or commuter bikes. For cruiser bikes the said angle lies in the range 5 degree to 13 degree and for sports bikes the said angle is in the range 8 degree to 18 degree.
Referring again to Figure 5, water, dust and other contamination can be prevented by minimizing the gap between the lens (112) and the LED (110) to such an extent that water does not enter inside the lens (112) due to surface tension. Preferably the gap between the lens (112) and the LED (110) is kept to 0.1 mm per side. The rubber/PVC grommet (113) fixed between the LED (110) and the LED holder (111) further prevents the entry of water, dust and other contamination inside the lens (112).
The said LED (110) can be actuated by connecting it with the parking ON function/switch module through wires. The illumination provided by the pointed/focused light sub-assembly (109) helps the rider/driver to park his/her vehicle during night time. It also guides the rider so as to where to put the foot on the ground instead of landing in mud, water, open man-hole etc.
In an embodiment of the present invention the said light assembly or rigid end (100) is having an asymmetrical shape. Accordingly, the present invention breaks the symmetry of both left hand side and right hand side rigid ends by maintaining an angular position with respect to the handlebars. The prior existing device has got symmetrical fixed rigid ends with an illumination feature at both left hand side and the right hand side. In symmetrical designs there is no need to maintain the angular position of the rigid ends with respect to the handlebar. These rigid ends can be mounted directly to the end portions of the handlebar. Due to this symmetry the illumination is visible to the driver of


the same vehicle on which these rigid ends are mounted while driving during night time. This gives glaring effect and causes unsafe driving conditions for the driver. Breaking this symmetry in the prior existing devices leads to a problem related to the positioning of rigid end with respect of the handlebar.
Accordingly, the present invention overcomes the above-mentioned problems by breaking the symmetry of rigid ends from simply circular disks type to asymmetrical shapes that are ergonomically enhanced. These asymmetrical rigid ends have illumination feature placed in such a way that is comparatively less visible to the driver in actual driving conditions during night time. Further these rigid ends due to the asymmetrical shape provide sideway support to the hands while driving in both left hand side and right hand side and further prevents slippage. It also protects the rider/driver from sideway rubbing of hands in case of accident, sideway moving vehicles or sudden vehicle fall.
In case of asymmetrical designs the biggest problem is maintaining the angular position of the rigid ends with respect to the handlebars due to the absence of any reference. As shown in Figure 7, the present invention overcomes this problem by providing a reference mark in the form of an arrow pointing downwards over both left and right side rigid ends when viewed from left hand side and right hand side respectively. Figure 7 shows actual mounting conditions of the rigid end when viewed from the right hand side. Arrow mark point towards the downward direction and provide indicative information for the assembly operator the way rigid end is mounted over the handlebar. These arrows provide fool proofing to the rigid end angular position with respect to the handlebar in both left hand side and right hand side.
Figure 3 shows fool proofing of the rigid end or light assembly (100) with respect to the handlebar according to an embodiment of the present invention. More particularly Figure 3 shows fool proofing of the rigid end angular position mounting with respect to the handlebar. Figure 3 shows a connecting means for ensuring positive mounting of the light assembly or rigid end (100) with respect to the handlebar. The said connecting means comprises a circular disk (116) having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the end


portion of the handlebar and is detachably attached within the end portion of the handlebar. The circular disk (116) can be welded / fixed inside the end portion of the handlebar. The circular disk (116) is having a first part in complementary engagement with a second part provided on the light assembly or rigid end (100) so that the light assembly or rigid end is connected to the end portion of the handlebar at a predetermined angular position. The circular disk (116) provides a rigid support at the end of the handlebar.
Further, the said first part provided on the circular disk (116) can be a slot (117) and the said second part can be a reverse slot or protrusion (118) emerging from the said rigid end or vica versa. As shown in Figure 3, the slot (117) is in the form of an arc to encompass the protrusion (118) emerging form the said light assembly or rigid end (100). Both these slots ensure positive mounting of the rigid end viz-a-viz the handlebar. The angular position of rigid ends minimizes the direct contact of illuminating surface with respect to rider/driver. This in turn eliminates the glaring effect of illumination faced by the rider/driver of the same vehicle over which the light assembly or rigid end (100) is mounted. Thereafter, a second fastening means (119) can be used to firmly fix and retain the light assembly or rigid end (100) in the said predetermined angular position.
The angle at which the said light assembly or rigid end (100) is mounted over the end portion of the handlebar ensures that illumination deriving out of the said light assembly (100) is least visible to the rider/driver during night driving condition. The said angle varies form one vehicle to the other and depends on the riding posture, handlebar design and it's mounting with respect to the vehicle. For instance, the said angle may be different for street bikes, cruiser bikes and sports bikes.


The following paragraphs describe another embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings.
According to another embodiment of the present invention there is provided a handlebar grip assembly (114') having a light assembly (100') which is in the form of a flap and a grip (115'). The said grip assembly (114') is mounted over the right hand side of the handlebar as shown in Figure 8. Said light assembly (100') also forms a rigid end. Similarly, the left hand side grip assembly is mounted over the left hand side of the handlebar. Said light assembly (100') provides illumination at the end portion of the handlebar and enhances the rider/driver safety.
The grip (115') shown in Figure 8 is sized to fit over the end portion of the handlebar and is having an external surface to be frictionally griped by the rider's hand and an internal surface defined by an insert to route the connecting/electrical cables from said light assembly (100') to the electronic control unit (ECU) or battery.
Figures 9 and 12 illustrate the light assembly or rigid end (100') according to another embodiment of the present invention. The said light assembly or rigid end (100') is in the form of a flap and comprises of the following components- a housing (102'), a removable cover (103'), a first fastening means (104'), a second fastening means (119') and a lens sub-assembly (101'). The said lens sub-assembly (101') is enclosed within the said housing (102'). A removable cover (103') is mounted over the said housing (102') using a first fastening means (fastener) (104') and the said light assembly (100') is connected to the end portion handlebar by a second fastening means (fastener) (119').
In this embodiment of the present invention the said housing (102') and removable cover (103') are made up of plastics material to reduce the overall cost of said light assembly or rigid end (100'). The said housing (102') and removable cover (103') can also be made in metal and in this case the said light assembly or rigid end (100') can act as a counter weight balancer.


Figure 12, shows the lens sub-assembly (101') according to another embodiment of the present invention. The said lens sub-assembly (101') comprises: a LED (105'), a lens (106') having an internal & external surface and said lens is positioned over the said LED (105'), a LED holder (107') and a rubber/PVC grommet (108'). The light emitting diode LED (105') is fixed to the LED holder (107') by soldering. A rubber/PVC grommet (108') is disposed between LED (105') and the LED holder (107') to absorb the heat produced during soldering. The said rubber/PVC grommet (108') can act as a heat insulator and can also dampen the vibrations and shocks produced when the vehicle is in the moving condition.
Referring to Figure 11, the said lens (106') has serrations and/or corrugations provided on the internal surface to diffuse the light emerging from the said LED (105'). The internal surface of the lens (106') is constructed to capture the light emerging from the said LED (105') and distribute the captured light uniformly over the external surface of the lens (106'), thereby creating uniform dispersion of light. LED (105') has been used so as to provide uniform illumination taking minimum space, minimum power, and maximum life and making it almost maintenance free.
Referring again to Figure 12, water, dust and other contamination can be prevented by minimizing the gap between the lens (106') and the LED (105'). Preferably the gap between the lens (106') and the LED (105') is kept to 0.1 mm per side. The said rubber/PVC grommet (108') further prevents the entry of water, dust and other contamination inside the lens (106').
According to this embodiment of the present invention there is provided a light assembly or rigid end (100') having an asymmetrical shape. The said rigid end (100') is in the form of a flap as shown in Figure 8. The prior existing device has got symmetrical fixed rigid ends with an illumination feature at both left hand side and the right hand side. Due to this symmetry the illumination is visible to the rider/driver of the same vehicle over which these rigid ends are mounted while driving during night time. This gives glaring effect and causes unsafe driving conditions for the rider/driver of the same vehicle.


Accordingly, the present invention breaks the symmetry of rigid ends from simply circular disks type to asymmetrical shapes that are ergonomically enhanced. These asymmetrical rigid ends have illumination feature placed in such a way that is comparatively les visible to the driver. Further, these asymmetrical rigid ends provide sideway support to the hands while driving and prevent slippage. It also protects the driver from sideway rubbing of hands in case of accident, sideway-moving vehicles or sudden vehicle fall.
Referring to Figure 13, the said light assembly or rigid end (100') has a reference mark in the form of an arrow pointing downwards. The said arrow mark point towards the downward direction and provide indicative information for the assembly operator the way rigid end is mounted over the handlebar.
Figure 10, shows fool proofing of the rigid end or light assembly (100') with respect to the handlebar. As shown in figure 10, a circular disk (116') is welded / fixed inside the end portion of the handlebar at a predetermined angle. The circular disk (116') is having a slot (117') to encompass the protrusion (118') provided on the light assembly or rigid end (100') so that the light assembly or rigid end is connected to the end portion of the handlebar at a predetermined angular position. The circular disk (116') provides a rigid support at the end of the handlebar. The angular position of rigid ends minimizes the direct contact of illuminating surface with respect to rider/driver. This in turn eliminates the glaring effect of illumination faced by the rider/driver of the same vehicle over which the light assembly or rigid end (100') is mounted.
The angle at which the said light assembly or rigid end (100') is mounted over the end portion of the handlebar ensures that illumination deriving out of the said light assembly (100') is least visible to the rider/driver during night driving condition. The said angle varies form one vehicle to the other and depends on the riding posture, handlebar design and it's mounting with respect to the vehicle. For instance, the said angle may be different for street bikes, cruiser bikes and sports bikes.


The present invention is described with reference to the figures and specific embodiments; this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various alternate embodiments of the invention will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. It is therefore contemplated that such alternative embodiments form part of the present invention.

We Claim:
1. A light assembly for providing illumination at the end portion of the handlebar of
two wheeled or three wheeled vehicles, said light assembly comprising:
a lens sub assembly;
a housing enclosing said lens sub assembly; and
a removable cover mounted over said housing by a first fastening means and allowing access to said lens sub assembly;
wherein said lens sub assembly comprises: a light source; and
a lens positioned over the light source, said lens having an internal surface and an external surface; the said internal surface of the lens is constructed to capture the rays emerging from said light source and distribute the captured light uniformly over the said external surface of the lens, thereby creating uniform dispersion of light.
2. The light assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein said lens has serrations and/or corrugations provided on the internal surface to create uniform dispersion of light.
3. The light assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein said light source is fixed to a light source retaining means having a rubber/PVC grommet disposed between the light source retaining means and the light source to prevent the entry of water, dust and other contamination and to dampen the vibration during vehicle operation.
4. The light assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein said light assembly has an asymmetrical shape.


5. The light assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the housing is provided with a
pointed/focused light sub assembly;
said pointed/focused light sub assembly comprises:
a light source retaining means;
a light source fixed to said light source retaining means;
a rubber/PVC grommet disposed between the light source retaining means and the light source to prevent the entry of water, dust and other contamination and to dampen the vibration during vehicle operation; and
a lens positioned over said light source.
6. The light assembly as claimed in claim 5, wherein said pointed/focused light sub assembly is located at a predetermined angle inside the housing for providing illumination at the center stand area of said vehicle.
7. The light assembly as claimed in claim 6, wherein said predetermined angle ranges from 5 degree to 25 degree.
8. The light assembly as claimed in claim 7, wherein said predetermined angle preferably ranges from 15 degree to 25 degree.
9. The light assembly as claimed in claim 7, wherein said predetermined angle preferably ranges from 5 degree to 13 degree.
10. The light assembly as claimed in claim 7, wherein said predetermined angle preferably ranges from 8 degree to 18 degree.
11. The light assembly as claimed in claim 6, wherein said pointed/focused light sub assembly provides uniform illumination at the center stand area.


12. A handlebar grip assembly for two wheeled or three wheeled vehicles, said
handlebar grip assembly comprising:
a longitudinally extending grip sized to fit over the end portion of the handlebar of said vehicle;
a light assembly connected to the end portion of the handlebar;
a connecting means for ensuring positive mounting of said light assembly with respect to the handlebar, said connecting means comprises;
a circular disk having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the end portion of the handlebar, said circular disk detachably attached within the end portion of the handlebar and said disk comprising a first part in complementary engagement with a second part provided on the light assembly so that the light assembly is connected to the handlebar at a predetermined angular position; and
a second fastening means to firmly fix said light assembly to the end portion of the handlebar.
13. The handlebar grip assembly as claimed in claim 12, wherein the first part is a slot and the second part is a protrusion.
14. The handlebar grip assembly as claimed in claim 12, wherein the first part is a protrusion and the second part is a slot.
15. The handlebar grip assembly as claimed in claim 12, wherein said grip is provided with an insert to route the connecting/electrical cables from the light assembly to the electronic control unit (ECU) or battery.
16. A light assembly for providing illumination at the end portion of the handlebar of two wheeled or three wheeled vehicles substantially as herein described with reference to the foregoing specification and accompanying drawings.


17. A handlebar grip assembly for two wheeled or three wheeled vehicles substantially as herein described with reference to the foregoing specification and accompanying drawings.