Multi-post shock absorber clamp system

• US 6,712,541 B1
• Filed: 12/05/2001
• Issued: 03/30/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 12/05/2000
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Research Group Three Inc.
• Original Assignee: Research Group Three Inc.
• Inventors: Henricksen, Rob William
• Primary Examiner(s): Cottingham, John R.
• Application Number:
  US10/010,501
• Time in Patent Office: 846 Days
• Field of Search: 403/338, 403/344, 403/337, 403/336, 403/335, 403/286
• US Class Current: 403/344
• CPC Class Codes: B62K 21/04 Fork crowns
• CPC Class Codes: B62K 21/18 Connections between forks and handlebars or handlebar stems
• CPC Class Codes: B62K 21/20 resilient
• CPC Class Codes: F16B 2200/509 clamped
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 403/50 Bridged by diverse connector

Abstract

An intermediate device that clamps the front suspension of a two-wheeled and/or motorized vehicle as part of the steering system that attaches to the frame structure and provides a mounting area for the handlebar and controls. This multiple point mounting area comprises of Acrylonitrile/Butadiene polymer or Urethane dampeners positioned above and below the clamp plane. A shoulder bolt passing through from the lower side captures these dampeners against a step washer backed against the lower portion of the threaded handlebar clamp. This assembly provides a contained system of absorption of impact to the operators'"'"' forearms and hands while protecting against handlebar position relocation in the event of a collision, crash or aggressive rider input.

Claims

1. A handlebar mount assembly, comprising:

a triple clamp mountable to an associated vehicle for rotation about a steering axis;

at least one lower handlebar clamp;

at least one upper handlebar clamp connectable to said at least one lower handlebar clamp, said at least one upper handlebar clamp and said at least one lower handlebar clamp cooperating to define an aperture configured to receive a handlebar, said aperture defining an axis;

wherein said at least one lower handlebar clamp is removeably connected to said triple clamp at least first and second locations spaced from one another in a direction perpendicular to said axis; and

a dampener interposed between said at least one lower handlebar clamp and said triple clamp at each of said first and second locations.

2. The handlebar mount assembly of claim 1, wherein said at least one upper handlebar clamp is connectable to said at least one lower handlebar clamp at least first and second connection points spaced from one another in a direction perpendicular to said axis, wherein a distance of said spacing of said first and second connection points is less than a distance of said spacing of said first and second locations.

3. The handlebar mount assembly of claim 2, wherein said first and second locations straddle said first and second connection points.

4. The handlebar mount assembly of claim 1, wherein said at least one lower handlebar clamp defines a recessed surface portion extending between said first location and said second location.

5. The handlebar mount assembly of claim 1, wherein said at least one lower handlebar clamp comprises a pair of lower handlebar clamps spaced from one another along said axis.

6. The handlebar mount assembly of claim 1, wherein said at least one upper handlebar clamp comprises a pair of upper handlebar clamps spaced from one another along said axis.

7. The handlebar mount assembly of claim 1, additionally comprising a fastener at each of said first said second locations connecting said at least one lower handlebar clamp to said triple clamp, and another dampener interposed between each said fastener and said triple clamp.

8. The handlebar mount assembly of claim 7, wherein said fastener comprises a bolt, wherein said another dampener is positioned between a head portion of said bolt and a lower surface of said triple clamp.

9. The handlebar mount assembly of claim 1, wherein one of said at least one lower handlebar clamp and said triple clamp defines a pocket sized and shaped to receive said dampener at each of said first and second locations.

10. The handlebar mount assembly of claim 9, wherein said triple clamp defines a pair of apertures, each of said apertures adapted to receive a fork leg of an associated vehicle, and wherein at least a portion of said pocket at said first location is forward of said pair of apertures and at least a portion of said pocket at said second location is rearward of said pair of apertures.

11. The handlebar mount assembly of claim 1, wherein each said dampener is conical in shape.

12. The handlebar mount assembly of claim 1, wherein said dampener at said first location is a separate member from said damper at said second location.