Handlebar, grip and binding assemblies

Abstract

This application describes a handlebar and handlebar end assembly for effectively locking a handlebar end to a handlebar without the use of tools or instruments. The handlebar and handlebar end assembly according to an embodiment comprises a knob, threaded stud, non-threaded expansion retaining block, threaded expansion retaining block and handlebar. According to another embodiment, a wakeboard/water sports binding/boot attachment system for more securely attaching a wakeboard/water sports binding/boot to the ski/board is disclosed herein.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A handlebar assembly, comprising:
 a knob;   a threaded stud;   a non-threaded expansion retaining block comprising a first angled face;   a threaded expansion retaining block comprising a second angled face;   a handlebar;   wherein the knob may be selectively coupled to the threaded stud, the non-threaded expansion retaining block and the threaded expansion retaining block to form a bar end assembly;   wherein, once assembled, the first angled face of the non-threaded expansion retaining block contacts the second angled face of the threaded expansion retaining block;   wherein the bar end assembly may be selectively positioned inside the handlebar and against an interior wall of the handlebar; and   wherein the outer surface of the non-threaded expansion retaining block is selectively biased against the interior wall of the handlebar to tighten the bar end assembly against the handlebar.   
     
     
         2 . The assembly of  claim 1  wherein the non-threaded expansion retaining block is selectively biased against the interior wall of the handlebar by rotation of the knob and threaded stud. 
     
     
         3 . A handlebar end assembly for selectively coupling to a handlebar, comprising:
 a knob comprising a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end comprising a barrel portion;   a threaded shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end configured to be received by the barrel portion of the knob in a threaded engagement;   a first spring retaining bracket having a longitudinal slot for expansion and contraction and capable of being received by the threaded shaft and comprising a plurality of teeth about an outer circumference of the first spring retaining bracket;   a second spring retaining bracket having a longitudinal slot for expansion and contraction and capable of being received by the threaded shaft and comprising a plurality of teeth about an outer circumference of the first spring retaining bracket;   an elastomeric retaining band configured to be placed around a portion of the first retaining bracket and a portion of the second retaining bracket;   wherein the knob may be rotated in a clockwise manner relative to the threaded shaft to decrease the distance between the proximal end of the knob and the distal end of the threaded shaft, thereby expanding the first and second spring retaining brackets;   wherein the plurality of teeth of the first and second spring retaining brackets are expanded, increasing the diameter of the outer circumference of the first and second spring retaining brackets; and   wherein the elastomeric retaining band retains the first and second spring retaining brackets to the handlebar end assembly during expansion.   
     
     
         4 . The handlebar end assembly of  claim 3  wherein the knob may be rotated counterclockwise manner to increase the distance between the proximal end of the knob and the distal end of the threaded shaft, thereby contracting the first and second spring retaining brackets. 
     
     
         5 . The handlebar end assembly of  claim 4  wherein the assembly is received within an interior portion of a handlebar.