Handlebar with adjustable dampening mechanism

Abstract

The invention relates to a handlebar having an adjustable dampening mechanism which further strengthens the handlebar and allows an operator to vary the stiffness of the handlebar. The handlebar includes a tubing with a central region having a first end and a second end, a first bent region extending from the first end of the central region, a second bent region extending from the second end of the central region, a first handgrip region extending from a distal end of the first bent region, and a second handgrip region extending from a distal end of the second bent region. Bent portions adjoin each of the regions. The adjustable dampening mechanism includes a rod disposed within the tubing, wherein the rod contacts the inner wall of the tubing at the bent portions. Forces acting upon the handlebar cause the handlebar to deflect. During the deflection of the handlebar, the rod is forced to further bend at some of the bent portions due to increasing contact forces. As such, the rod provides the handlebar with additional resistance to bending. Stiffness of the handlebar may be adjusted by varying rod tension, wherein an increase in rod tension stiffens the handlebar and a decrease in rod tension decreases tension. The rod may be adjustable tensioned with a screw and adapter arrangement, wherein rotation of the screw causes distal/proximal displacement of the adapter.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.