BICYCLE HANDLEBAR VIDEO SYSTEM

Abstract

A bicycle video system for facilitating improved aerodynamic positioning of a bicyclist. The bicycle video system includes a video display. The video display is used by the bicyclist to view an area in front of the bicycle. The video display allows the bicyclist to ride while maintaining a lowered head position to see an area in front of the bicycle. The bicycle video system also includes a video camera. The video camera is in electrical communication with the video display. The video camera is positioned in a direction toward an area in front of the bicycle to capture images in front of the bicycle. The video camera may transmit a video signal representative of a real-time image of an area in front of the bicycle to the video display. The video display may continuously receive real-time images of an area in front of the bicycle.

Claims

1. A bicycle video system, comprising: a bicycle handlebar defining a top surface, the bicycle handlebar configured for attachment to a bicycle frame; a video display coupled to the top surface of the bicycle handlebar; and a video camera coupled to the bicycle handlebar, the video camera being directed toward an area in front of the bicycle handlebar; wherein the video display is in electrical communication with the video camera for receiving a signal representative of a real-time image generated by the video camera.

2. The bicycle video system of claim 1, wherein the bicycle handlebar has a first end and a second opposing end, the video display being positioned on the top surface of the bicycle handlebar generally equidistant from the first end and the second opposing end.

3. The bicycle video system of claim 1, wherein the bicycle handlebar further comprises a bicycle handlebar stem being connectable to a front fork of the bicycle frame.

4. The bicycle video system of claim 1, wherein the bicycle handlebar further comprises a pair of handlebar grips extending from the first end and the second opposing end.

5. The bicycle video system of claim 2, wherein the video camera is positioned on the bicycle handlebar at a point generally equidistant from the first end and the second opposing end.

6. The bicycle video system of claim 3, wherein the video camera is positioned to substantially align with the bicycle handlebar stem.

7. The bicycle handlebar of claim 1, wherein the video display is pivotally coupled to the bicycle handlebar.

8. The bicycle handlebar of claim 1, wherein the video display is configured to receive a continuous signal representative of real-time images generated by the video camera.

9. A bicycle handlebar mounted bicycle video system, comprising: a bicycle handlebar mount for attaching to a bicycle handlebar; a video camera disposed within the bicycle handlebar mount, the video camera being positioned toward an area in front of the bicycle handlebar; a flexible shaft extending from the bicycle handlebar mount, the flexible shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of the flexible shaft being coupled to the bicycle handlebar mount; and a video display coupled to the distal end of the flexible shaft, the video display being in electrical communication with the video camera for receiving a signal representative of a real-time image generated by the video camera.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the bicycle handlebar mount is a clamp.

11. The system of claim 9, wherein the position of the video display is adjustable via the flexible shaft.

12. A method of displaying a real-time image generated by a video camera coupled to a bicycle frame and a video display coupled to a bicycle handlebar attached to the bicycle frame, the method comprising: positioning the video camera in a direction forward of the bicycle frame; optically sensing a scene forward of the bicycle frame using the video camera coupled to the bicycle frame; transmitting a video signal from the video camera to the video display; and displaying the real time image on the video display in response to receiving a video signal from the video camera.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the video camera is disposed within the bicycle handlebar.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein the video camera is housed in a mount affixed to the bicycle handlebar.

15. The method of claim 12, wherein the video display is disposed on the bicycle handlebar equidistant from a pair of handlebar grips.

16. The method of claim 12, wherein the video display is connected via a flexible stem to a mount affixed to the bicycle handlebar.

17. The method of claim 12, wherein the video display is adjustable.

18. A bicycle video system, comprising: a bicycle handlebar defining a top surface, the bicycle handlebar configured for attachment to a bicycle frame; a video display coupled to the top surface of the bicycle handlebar; and a video camera coupled to the bicycle frame, the video camera being directed toward an area in front of the bicycle frame; wherein the video display is in electrical communication with the video camera for receiving a signal representative of a real-time image generated by the video camera.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] These and other features and advantages of the various embodiments disclosed herein will be better understood with respect to the following description and drawings, in which like numbers refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

[0020] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bicycle rider with an elevated head position;

[0021] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a bicycle rider with a lowered head position;

[0022] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a bicycle video system in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the bicycle video system in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention; and

[0024] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the bicycle video system with a video camera coupled to a bicycle frame.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Referring now to FIG. 3, the bicycle video system 10 is incorporated into a bicycle handlebar 12. The bicycle handlebar 12 enables the bicyclist to ride the bicycle while maintaining a lowered head position. The lowered head position is associated with the bicyclist looking in a downward direction towards the bicycle handlebar 12. Maintaining the lowered head position as opposed to an elevated head position enhances the aerodynamic efficiency of the bicyclist. Furthermore, the bicycle handlebar 12 enables the bicyclist to maintain a lowered head position while viewing a video display 24 that may display real-time images of views similar to a bicyclist with an elevated head position. The elevated head position may correspond to a line of sight directed toward an area to be traversed by the bicycle. When the head is elevated the surface area exposed to wind resistance may be greater than the surface area exposed to wind resistance for a lowered head position. As a result, the surface area exposed to the wind resistance may correspond to a high pressure zone. The surface area blocks the wind resistance and may create a low pressure region behind the head of the bicyclist. The pressure differential has an adverse effect on potential speed and efficiency.

[0026] The bicycle handlebar 12 may include an elongated body. The elongated body of the bicycle handlebar 12 may include an airfoil shape to minimize drag as a result of wind interfacing with the bicycle handlebar 12. The bicycle handlebar 12 includes a first end 30 and a second opposing end 30. A pair of handlebar grips 28 may be attached to the opposing ends 30 of the bicycle handlebar 12. In one embodiment, a pair of drop bar grips may be coupled or attached to the opposing ends 30. The drop bar grips extend downward such that when the bicyclist engages the grips the center of mass of the bicyclist is positioned closer to the front wheel of the bicycle. The bicycle handlebar 12 may also define a longitudinal axis A. The pair of handlebar grips 28 may extend perpendicular or orthogonal to the longitudinal axis A. In another embodiment, the pair of handlebar grips 28 is molded with the elongated body of the bicycle handlebar 12 to form a unitary molded bicycle handlebar 12 for attachment to a bicycle frame 32.

[0027] The bicycle handlebar 12 may also include a pair of arm pads 18 affixed to a top surface defined by the bicycle handlebar 12. A pair of bar extensions 20 may also be coupled to the elongated body of the bicycle handlebar 12. The pair of bar extensions 20 is configured to extend away from the bicycle handlebar 12 towards an area in front of the bicycle. Both the pair of arm pads 18 and the pair of bar extensions 20 may be used to facilitate a riding position on the bicycle that maximizes aerodynamic efficiency by positioning the center of mass of the bicyclist closer to the front wheel.

[0028] The elongated body of the bicycle handlebar 12 may also include a central surface area 22 equidistantly spaced from the opposing ends 30. The central surface area 22 is generally aligned with the bicycle frame 32. The bicycle handlebar 12 is configured for attachment to the bicycle frame 32. The central surface area 22 of the bicycle handlebar 12 is configured to be generally aligned with the center of a bicyclist's body such that the video display 24 is adjacent to the face of the bicyclist when the bicyclist enters a lowered head position. The bicycle handlebar 12 includes a handlebar stem 14 extending from the elongated body. The handlebar stem 14 is adjacent the central surface area 22 of the elongated body of the bicycle handlebar 12 and configured to extend away from the area in front of the bicycle. In one embodiment, the handlebar stem is molded with the elongated body of the bicycle handlebar 12 to form a unitary bicycle handlebar component. In this regard, the bicycle handlebar 12 may be manufactured from one continuous body. The handlebar stem 14 and the elongated body of the bicycle handlebar 12 may define an outer peripheral edge.

[0029] The handlebar stem 14 is the portion of the bicycle handlebar 12 that is attached to the bicycle frame 32. In particular, the handlebar stem 14 may be coupled to a front fork 34 attached to the bicycle frame 32. The front fork 34 is the portion of the bicycle that holds the front wheel and allows the bicyclist to steer and balance the bicycle. The bicycle handlebar 12 is attached to the front fork 34 via the handlebar stem 14. The handlebar stem 14 may include a plurality of apertures 16 configured to receive a screw or fastener for coupling the bicycle handlebar 12 to the bicycle frame 32 and the front fork 34. However, other well known methods for coupling the handlebar stem 14 to the bicycle frame 32 and/or the front fork 34 are contemplated.

[0030] Still referring to FIG. 3, a video camera 26 is provided. The video camera may be coupled to the peripheral edge of the bicycle handlebar 12. The video camera 26 is positioned such that the video camera 26 may include a line of sight defining a line of sight axis B. The line of sight axis B extends toward an area in front of the bicycle handlebar 12 and may be orthogonal to the longitudinal axis A. The video camera 26 may be installed in a plurality of locations on the bicycle handlebar 12. The video camera 26 may be placed along the outer periphery of the bicycle handlebar 12 as long as the video camera 26 is directed toward the area in front of the bicycle handlebar 12. In one embodiment, the video camera 26 may be embedded within the bicycle handlebar 12 at a point equidistant from the opposing ends 30. In this regard, the video camera 26 is positioned adjacent the central surface area 22 of the elongated body of the bicycle handlebar 12. When the video camera 26 is positioned adjacent the central surface area 22, the optical image of the area in front of the bicycle handlebar 10 may closely resemble the view associated with a bicyclist riding with an elevated head position. Advantageously, the video camera 26 may provide views similar to the views of the bicyclist provided in FIG. 1. The video camera 26 may also incorporate a wide angle lens to capture the area in front of the bicycle handlebar 12 that may be outside the peripheral vision of the bicyclist. In another embodiment, the video camera 26 is coupled to an actuator disposed within the bicycle handlebar 12. The actuator allows the video camera 26 to adjust the direction of the lens. The actuator may be in electrical communication with a sensor configured to send a signal for positioning the video camera 26.

[0031] The bicycle video system 10 may include the video display 24 incorporated into the bicycle handlebar 12. The video display 24 is in electrical communication with the video camera 26. The video display 24 may be disposed within the elongated body of the bicycle handlebar 12 adjacent the central surface area 22. The video display 24 may be disposed equidistantly spaced from the opposing ends 30. The video display 24 may be positioned to substantially align with the handlebar stem 14. The position of the video display 24 is configured to be easily viewable by the bicyclist in the lowered head position looking downward towards the bicycle handlebar 12 or the handlebar stem 14. The video display 24 by way of example is a liquid crystal display (LCD). However, other well known technologies including cathode ray tube (CRT), plasma, and the like may be used for the video display 24. In one embodiment, the video display 24 is encapsulated within the elongated body of the bicycle handlebar 12. The encapsulation may protect the video display 24 from scratching, cracking or other types of damage. In another embodiment, the video display 24 is pivotally coupled to the surface of the bicycle handlebar 12. This allows the video display 24 to be adjusted at different angles relative to the bicycle handlebar 12.

[0032] The video display 24 is configured to receive a video signal from the video camera 26. Subsequent to receiving the video signal, the video display 24 displays real-time images of the general area in front of the bicycle handlebar 12 generated by the video camera 26. The video display 24 may continuously display the real-time images received from the video camera 26 through the video signal. This may allow the bicyclist to focus on the video display 24 and maintain a streamlined aerodynamically efficient position similar to the position shown in FIG. 2. The video display 24 allows the bicyclist to immediately observe the optical images captured by the video camera 26. The video display 24 may also be configured to display the speed of the bicycle, distance traveled, time elapsed, and various other variables associated with the bicycle and the bicyclist. A battery (not shown) is used to power the video camera 26 and the video display 24. Additionally, a power switch (not shown) is used to power the video camera 26 and the video display 24 on and off. In another embodiment, the bicycle pedals are connected to a power electronics converter. The power electronics converter is in electrical communication with the video camera 26 and the video display 24. The pedaling action produces energy which is converted into the electricity necessary to power both the video camera 26 and the video display 24.

[0033] Referring now to FIG. 4, the bicycle video system 10 is incorporated within a bicycle handlebar mount 40 representative of a second embodiment is provided. The bicycle handlebar mount 40 is configured to couple to the bicycle handlebar 44. The handlebar mount 40 may be coupled to the bicycle handlebar 44 at a midpoint along the bicycle handlebar 44, such that the handlebar mount 40 is generally aligned with the handlebar stem 50, the bicycle frame 52, and the front fork 54. The handlebar mount 40 may also be coupled to the handlebar stem 50. The handlebar mount 40 is configured to clamp onto the bicycle handlebar 44. A fastener, screw, hinge, latch or the like may be used for securing the handlebar mount 40 to the bicycle handlebar 44. A video camera 46 is provided on the handlebar mount 40. A portion of the video camera 46 is disposed within the handlebar mount 40. The lens of the video camera 46 is directed to an area in front of the bicycle handlebar 44. The video camera 46 is used to generate a video signal representative of an area in front of the bicycle and the bicycle handlebar 44. In this embodiment, the video camera 46 is not incorporated into the bicycle handlebar 44.

[0034] Also provided with the handlebar mount 40 is a flexible shaft 48. The flexible shaft 48 may include a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the flexible shaft 48 is coupled to the handlebar mount 40. The flexible shaft 48 may be configured to extend toward the area in front of the bicycle handlebar 44. The flexible shaft 48 connects the video display 42 to the handlebar mount 40. In this regard, the distal end of the flexible shaft 48 is coupled to the video display 42. The flexible shaft 48 may be configured to bend and maneuver to adjust the positioning of the video display 42. Positioning the video display 42 in an area in front of the handlebar 44 facilitates the riding position of the bicyclist enabling the bicyclist to look downward toward the video display 42 rather than straight ahead at an elevated head position.

[0035] For races or time trials, the position facilitated by the handlebar mount 40 may produce better results due to the improvement in aerodynamic efficiency. The lowered head position may maximize the aerodynamic efficiency by enabling a streamlined position. Additionally, the farther forward the center of mass of the combined bicycle and bicyclist, the less the front wheel has to move laterally in order to maintain balance. Conversely, the further back the center of mass is located, the more front wheel lateral movement or bicycle forward motion will be required to regain balance. Therefore, the lowered head position facilitated by the handlebar mount 40 minimizes the lateral movement associated with the front wheel of the bicycle. The bicycle handlebar mount 40 includes a battery (not shown) used to power the video camera 46 and the video display 42. Furthermore, the bicycle handlebar mount 40 includes an on/off switch (not shown) for the video camera 46 and the video display.

[0036] Viewing the video display 42 connected to the handlebar mount 40 by the flexible shaft 48 encourages the bicyclist to lower his head position. The video display 42 is configured to immediately display the real time images captured by the video camera 46. Thus, the bicyclist does not jeopardize the line of sight or peripheral vision associated with a less streamlined elevated head position. The streamlined lowered head position reduces the advantage of competitors using a slipstream strategy in races.

[0037] Referring briefly to FIG. 5, the bicycle video system 10 is provided. In this embodiment, the video camera 26 may be coupled to the front fork 34 of the bicycle frame 32. The video display 24 may be coupled to the handlebar stem 14 of the bicycle handlebar 12. The video display 24 is in electrical communication with the video camera 26. The video display 24 may provide images generated by the video camera 26 and transmitted as a video signal.

[0038] The above description is given by way of example, and not limitation. Given the above disclosure, one skilled in the art could devise variations that are within the scope and spirit of the invention disclosed herein, including various ways of embodying a video system on a bicycle for maximizing the aerodynamic efficiency of a bicyclists' riding position on a bicycle. Further, the various features of the embodiments disclosed herein can be used alone, or in varying combinations with each other and are not intended to be limited to the specific combination described herein. Thus, the scope of the claims is not to be limited by the illustrated embodiments.