# US 5,708,244 A · Handgrip switch assembly

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- Number: US 5,708,244 A
- Document ID: US5708244A
- Status: Granted
- Kind: A
- Application number: 08/545,240
- Filed: 1995-10-19
- Granted: 1998-01-13
- Earliest claimed: 1995-10-19
- Inventors: William S. Conti
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US5708244A

## CPC

- B62K 11/14: Handlebar constructions, or arrangements of controls thereon, specially adapted thereto (hand controls per se B62K23/02)
- H01H 3/141: {Cushion or mat switches}
- H01H 2009/068: {with switches mounted on a handlebar, e.g. for motorcycles, fork lift trucks, etc.}
- Y10T 74/20828: Handholds and grips
- B62K: CYCLES; CYCLE FRAMES; CYCLE STEERING DEVICES; RIDER-OPERATED TERMINAL CONTROLS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR CYCLES; CYCLE AXLE SUSPENSIONS; CYCLE SIDECARS, FORECARS, OR THE LIKE
- H01H: ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES (contact cables H01B7/10; electrolytic self-interrupters H01G9/18; emergency protective circuit arrangements H02H; switching by electronic means without contact-making H03K17/00)
- Y10T: TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION

## Abstract

A safety improvement for a Motorcycles warning actuation switch. The hand grip commonly made of rubber or leather material incorporates a ribbon switch that encompasses a 360 degree area. The ribbon switch is preferably placed in the inside end of the hand grip. Normal hand placement on the hand grip will not actuate the warning device unless deliberate. The ribbon switch is a momentary switching device. As the hand grip is depressed or squeezed at any point around its 360 degree arc, the ribbon switch contacts are closed, therefore actuating the warning device, ordinarily a horn.

## Claims

### Claim 1

An actuation device for a motorcycle or the like having a substantially rigid handlebar comprising a hand grip fitted on the handlebar, said grip being tubular, an elongated momentary strip switch completely encircling the inner end of the hand grip substantially at a location where the thumb of an operator would normally rest whereby engagement of the switch by means of compression will result in actuation.

### Claim 2

A switch device for a motorcycle or the like having a substantially rigid handlebar, a handle grip fitted on the handlebar, said grip comprising a tubular member having an internal recess at the inner end thereof, said grip being made of resilient material, an elongated switch of spaced strips mounted in and substantially filling said recess whereby engagement of the end of the grip will flex the grip and compress the switch to effect contact.