U.S. patent application number 15/922538 was filed with the patent office on 2018-07-19 for bicycle handlebar video system.
The applicant listed for this patent is FELT RACING, LLC. Invention is credited to JAMES MICHAEL FELT.
Application Number | 20180205914 15/922538 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42117087 |
Filed Date | 2018-07-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180205914 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
FELT; JAMES MICHAEL |
July 19, 2018 |
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.
Inventors: |
FELT; JAMES MICHAEL;
(AUBURN, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
FELT RACING, LLC |
Rancho Santa Margarita |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
42117087 |
Appl. No.: |
15/922538 |
Filed: |
March 15, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14562985 |
Dec 8, 2014 |
9955125 |
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15922538 |
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12257124 |
Oct 23, 2008 |
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14562985 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B62K 21/12 20130101;
B62J 99/00 20130101; Y10T 74/20822 20150115; H04N 7/185
20130101 |
International
Class: |
H04N 7/18 20060101
H04N007/18; B62J 99/00 20060101 B62J099/00; B62K 21/12 20060101
B62K021/12 |
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
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not Applicable
STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not Applicable
BACKGROUND
1. Technical Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a bicycle handlebar and,
more particularly, a bicycle handlebar having a video system
configured to facilitate the reduction of aerodynamic drag
associated with a riding position on a bicycle.
2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] The sport of cycling is continuously growing. Cycling is
enjoyed by many people who participate at various levels. There are
professional and amateur bicyclists' who participate in
competitions, some bicyclist ride recreationally, and other's for
the exercise. A common goal across the sport of cycling includes
maximizing the aerodynamic efficiency of the bicyclist and the
bicycle to achieve faster speeds, greater control and better
overall results. In the sport of cycling, a fraction of a second
can have a profound impact on the outcome of a race. The power
generated by a bicyclist has its human limitations. Aerodynamics is
an area where cycling enthusiasts and researchers alike look to
improve performance. The main obstacle to aerodynamic efficiency at
high speeds is wind resistance. Every bicyclist has to overcome
wind resistance. Most recreational bicycles in which the bicyclist
is seated in an upright riding position have very poor
aerodynamics. While new bicycles are being designed with better
aerodynamics in mind, the human body is simply not well designed to
maneuver through air. Bicycling enthusiasts have been keenly aware
of the problem of wind resistance and over the years have developed
techniques for enhancing the aerodynamic efficiency of the bicycle
and the bicyclist.
[0005] Aerodynamic drag consists of two forces: air pressure drag
and direct friction (skin friction). A blunt, irregular object such
as the human body disturbs the air flowing around it, forcing the
air to separate from the body's surface. Low pressure regions from
behind the body result in a pressure drag against the body. With
high pressure in the front, and low pressure behind, the bicyclist
is literally being pulled backwards. Streamlined designs help the
air close more smoothly around the body and reduce pressure drag.
Direct friction occurs when wind comes into contact with the outer
surface of the bicyclist and the bicycle. Racing bicyclists often
wear special skin tight suits in order to reduce direct friction.
Direct friction is less of a factor than air pressure drag.
[0006] Aerodynamic drag plays an important role in cycling. For
example, at speeds of 8 mph or greater the aerodynamic drag of a
bicycle and rider is greater than the rolling resistance. When the
speed is increased to 20 mph, the aerodynamic drag is more than 80%
of the total drag. There are several areas for aerodynamic
improvement. The most important area is associated with the
positioning of the bicyclist. The bicyclist may account for 65% to
80% of the drag. Therefore, the bicyclist's position is very
important to the overall aerodynamics. Research using wind tunnels
and coast down tests has shown that proper body position can reduce
drag by 31% over an upright riding position. The farther forward
(closer to front wheel) the center of mass of the combined
bicyclist and bicycle, the less the front wheel has to move
laterally in order to maintain balance. Conversely, the further
back (closer to the rear wheel) the center of mass is located, the
more front wheel lateral movement or bicycle forward motion will be
required to regain balance. In order to move forward, the bicyclist
must push through the mass of air in front. Moving forward through
the mass of air requires energy. Aerodynamic efficiency (a
streamlined shape that cuts through the air more smoothly) enables
a bicyclist to travel much faster, with less effort. But the faster
the bicyclist is traveling, the more wind resistance is
experienced, and the more energy is required to overcome the
resistance. When bicyclists aim to reach high speeds, they focus
not only on greater power, which has its human limitations, but
also on greater aerodynamic efficiency.
[0007] The aid of technology has enabled many improvements to the
bicycle components for reducing aerodynamic drag. In addition to
the components, accessories have gained from special designs
configured to reduce the aerodynamic drag. One example is the use
of a helmet which can help to decrease the aerodynamic drag that a
bicyclist encounters. An aerodynamic bicycle helmet may reduce the
drag by approximately 2% over a bicyclist with no helmet. Also
improvements to the bicycle handlebar such as using an airfoil
design has helped maximize aerodynamic efficiency. While
improvements to frames and components have improved aerodynamic
performance, the bicyclist remains the largest obstacle to dramatic
improvement. Riding position is important because the human body is
not inherently streamlined. However, certain riding positions
contort the human body into a more streamlined position. Some
bicycles include "drop bars" to facilitate a position to minimize
the front area of the bicyclist. Minimizing the front area reduces
the amount of resistance that must be overcome by the bicyclist.
Less resistance translates into increased speed and efficiency. The
drop bars enable the bicyclist to shift his or her center of mass
closer to the front wheel.
[0008] With reference to FIG. 1, a bicyclist sitting in a crouched
position on the bicycle is provided. The improvement in aerodynamic
efficiency over the bicyclist sitting upright on the bicycle is
well known in the art. However, even in the crouched position the
bicyclist may experience significant wind resistance. The line of
sight of the bicyclist is straight ahead to an area in front of the
bicycle. As a result, the front portion of the bicyclist's head
blocks the wind and experiences increased resistance as speed
increases. Therefore, the front portion of the bicyclist's head is
an area of high pressure. Conversely, the area directly behind the
head is an area of low pressure due to the front portion blocking
the wind. The pressure difference between the front and back
portion of the head generates a dragging force pulling the
bicyclist backward. Referring now to FIG. 2, the bicyclist's line
of sight is downward instead of straight ahead in front of the
bicycle. The change in position of the bicyclist's head reduces the
front area that experiences wind resistance. As a result, the
pressure difference between the front and back portion of the
bicyclist's head is significantly reduced. Thus, the bicyclist's
position corresponds to increased aerodynamic efficiency.
[0009] However, there is a delicate balance between the most
efficient riding position (one which reduces drag) and comfort and
safety of the rider. Some positions that may result in enhanced
aerodynamic efficiency may not be practical due to safety concerns
or simply the comfort of the bicyclist. The balance arises from the
general limitations of the human body that must be considered. As
described above, the reduction of the bicyclist's frontal area
reduces the amount of resistance that must be overcome. One way to
accomplish this is a lowered head position where the head is
positioned such that the line of sight is directed downward. The
lowered head position is impractical because it reduces the
bicyclist's ability to see the area in front of the bicycle. This
position may put the bicyclist at an increased risk of injury due
to the limited line of sight. The bicyclist may be more prone to an
accident or collision.
[0010] Accordingly, there exists a need in the art for a bicycle
video system which addresses one or more of the above or related
deficiencies.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0011] A bicycle video system is provided for facilitating an
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 instead of a raised head position to see the area in
front of the bicycle that may be viewed by the bicyclist. The video
display may be positioned in a plurality of locations as long as
the video display enables the bicyclist to ride with a lowered head
position. 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 the
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. As a result, the video display may constantly receive
real-time images of an area in front of the bicycle enabling the
bicyclist to maintain a lowered head position for better
aerodynamics.
[0012] In a first embodiment, a bicycle video system includes a
bicycle handlebar. The bicycle handlebar defines a top surface. The
bicycle handlebar is also configured for attachment to a bicycle
frame. In this regard, the bicycle video system is incorporated
into the bicycle handlebar. The bicycle video system includes a
video display coupled to the top surface of the bicycle handlebar.
A video camera is coupled to the bicycle handlebar. The video
camera is directed towards an area in front of the bicycle
handlebar. The video display and the video camera are in electrical
communication with each other. The video display receives a signal
representative of a real-time image generated by the video camera.
Through the use of a video camera and a video display, the bicycle
handlebar facilitates a lowered head riding position on the bicycle
which minimizes the pressure drag associated with the bicyclist.
The video camera feeds real time images directly to the video
display for immediate observation. Because the video camera is
disposed on the bicycle handlebar, the video camera is able to
capture real time images directly in front of the bicycle similar
to the views of a bicyclist riding with a raised head position.
[0013] Without the video camera and the video display, the
bicyclist may be inclined to keep his or her head elevated to view
the area in front of the bicycle. However, the elevated head of the
bicyclist generates a high pressure region in front of the
bicyclist's head. This is caused by the wind contacting the surface
area of the bicyclist's head. Conversely, the region directly
behind the bicyclist's elevated head is a low pressure region
because the front surface area of the bicyclist's head blocks the
wind. The pressure difference between the front and rear portion of
the elevated head results in back pressure drag that negatively
affects the aerodynamic efficiency of the bicyclist. The video
camera and the video display disposed on the bicycle handlebar
allow the bicyclist to maintain a lowered head position while
viewing the area in front of the bicycle on the video display. The
lowered head position minimizes the pressure difference between the
front and rear portion of the head, resulting in a streamlined
position. The pressure at the front portion of the lowered head is
minimized because less surface area is exposed to the wind
resistance.
[0014] In more detail, the bicycle handlebar may include an
elongated body with a first end and a second opposing end. The
elongated body defines a longitudinal axis extending along the
elongated body from one opposing end to the other opposing end.
Additionally, the elongated body of the handlebar includes a
central area generally equidistant from the first end and the
second opposing end. The bicycle handlebar may also include a
handlebar stem configured to extend away from the central area of
the elongated body. The elongated body and the handlebar stem may
form a unitary piece comprising the bicycle handlebar. The
handlebar stem may define a stem axis orthogonal to and
intersecting the longitudinal axis. The stem axis is configured to
generally align with the bicycle frame when the bicycle handlebar
is attached to the bicycle frame. In this regard, the handlebar
stem is connectable to the bicycle frame. The handlebar stem may be
connected to the bicycle frame by a screw fastener or any other
well known method in the art. The shape of the bicycle handlebar
may be defined by the outer periphery of the elongated body and the
handlebar stem. A video camera is coupled to the outer periphery of
the elongated body of the handlebar. The video camera is coupled to
the elongated body such that the video camera lens is directed
toward an area in front of the bicycle handlebar and away from the
bicycle frame. The bicycle handlebar also includes a video display
disposed within the central area of the elongated body. The video
display is positioned adjacent the handlebar stem.
[0015] The handlebar stem may be connected to the bicycle frame via
a bicycle fork also known as the front fork. The front fork is the
portion of the bicycle that holds the front wheel and allows the
rider to steer and balance the bicycle. The first end and the
second opposing end of the elongated body may also include a pair
of handlebar grips attached thereto.
[0016] The video camera may also be disposed within the outer
periphery of the elongated body along the stem axis spaced
substantially equidistant from the first and second opposing end of
the elongated body. The placement of the video camera enables the
viewing by the video camera resembling the area viewed by the
bicyclist with an elevated head position and a line of sight in the
forward direction. Additionally, the video display may be pivotally
coupled to the elongated body. As a result, the position of the
video display is adjustable. For example the video display may be
adjustable between 0 and 45 degrees relative to the elongated body.
However, it is preferred that the video display is flush with the
elongated body to minimize drag experienced by the bicycle
handlebar. The video display is configured to receive a continuous
signal representative of real-time images generated and transmitted
by the video camera. The video camera and the video display may be
battery powered.
[0017] In a second embodiment of the system, a handlebar mounted
bicycle video system is provided. The bicycle handlebar mount is
configured to attach to a bicycle handlebar. In this regard the
mount may be a clamp or any similar device used to attach to the
bicycle handlebar. The mount is configured to rigidly attach to the
bicycle handlebar. A video camera is disposed within the bicycle
handlebar mount. The video camera is positioned in a manner such
that the video camera is directed toward an area in front of the
bicycle handlebar. The video camera is configured to capture real
time images similar to the image a bicyclist with an elevated head
position may view. The handlebar mounted bicycle video system also
includes a flexible shaft. The flexible shaft extends from the
bicycle handlebar mount. The flexible shaft includes a proximal end
and a distal end. The proximal end of the flexible shaft is coupled
to the bicycle handlebar mount. A video display is also associated
with the handlebar mounted bicycle video system. The video display
is in electrical communication with the video camera for receiving
a signal representative of real time images of the area in front of
the bicycle handlebar. The video display is coupled to the distal
end of the flexible shaft. The configuration of the flexible shaft
allows for the video display to be positioned wherein the bicyclist
may view the video display while minimizing aerodynamic drag
associated with the riding position. Furthermore, the flexible
shaft may be adjusted to change the positioning of the video
display.
[0018] In another embodiment, a method of displaying a real-time
image generated by a video camera coupled to a bicycle frame is
provided. A video display is coupled to a bicycle handlebar
attached to the bicycle frame. The method includes positioning the
video camera in a direction forward of the bicycle frame. The
method continues by optically sensing a scene forward of the
bicycle frame using the video camera coupled to the bicycle frame.
The video camera may defines a viewing axis parallel to the scene
forward of the bicycle. The video signal generated by the video
camera is transmitted to the video display. The video display may
be positioned adjacent to the viewing axis such that the bicyclist
may look down to view the video display. The video display is
configured to display real time images in response to receiving the
video signal from the video camera. The method enables the
bicyclist to maintain a lowered head position. Without a continuous
display of real time images of an area forward of the bicycle the
bicyclist may be less inclined to maintain a lowered head
position.
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.
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