Patents by Inventor Andrew J. Caron

Andrew J. Caron has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 6443027
    Abstract: A brake operating device (30) is configured such that actuation of the brake lever (34) around the lever pivot (36) displaces the cable (38) in a direction transverse to the cable length toward the lever pivot (36), as the user is actuating the brake lever (34). This provides at least a 33% increase in mechanical advantage over the actuation range of the brake lever (34).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: SRAM Corporation
    Inventors: John D. Cheever, Michael W. Larson, Andrew J. Caron, Scott A. McLaughlin, David Zimberoff
  • Publication number: 20020069813
    Abstract: A gear indicator for a bicycle that includes first and second control cables connected to first and second shift actuators, respectively. The gear indicator includes a housing mounted onto the control cables. The housing is spaced apart from the shift actuators and is not attached to the handlebars. First and second pulleys are disposed in the housing and are rotatable by a displacement of the first and second control cables, respectively. First and second gear display elements are movable in response to the rotation of the first and second pulleys. The first and second display elements indicate the currently selected gears of the bicycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2000
    Publication date: June 13, 2002
    Inventors: Andrew J. Caron, Kent Solberg, Stacey Chang, Jacob Brauer, John Lake
  • Patent number: 6394021
    Abstract: A gear indicator for a bicycle that includes first and second control cables connected to first and second shift actuators, respectively. The gear indicator includes a housing mounted onto the control cables. The housing is spaced apart from the shift actuators and is not attached to the handlebars. First and second pulleys are disposed in the housing and are rotatable by a displacement of the first and second control cables, respectively. First and second gear display elements are movable in response to the rotation of the first and second pulleys. The first and second display elements indicate the currently selected gears of the bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: SRAM Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew J. Caron, Kent Solberg, Stacey Chang, Jacob Brauer, John Lake
  • Patent number: 6389929
    Abstract: An elongated rotatable handgrip for use in actuating mechanisms on handlebar-steered vehicles that is readily engaged from an outboard hand position on the handlebar. The rotatable handgrip is mounted coaxially over the handlebar inboard of a stationary grip, having a length that is greater than that of the stationary grip, and is formed of a deformable material to improve torque transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: SRAM Corporation
    Inventors: Ryan A. Calilung, Andrew J. Caron
  • Patent number: 5857387
    Abstract: Nubbed grips for hand-rotatable bicycle gear shifters have longitudinally elongated groups of nubs (50) that are angularly spaced apart by valley regions (44). Preferably, the elastomeric nubs are formed both on a cylindrical portion and an adjacent flanged portion of the grip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Assignee: SRAM Corporation
    Inventors: Michael W. Larson, Andrew J. Caron, John David Cheever, Tymme A. Laun, Tyler D. Duston
  • Patent number: 5584213
    Abstract: A rotatable gripping surface for a derailleur-type bicycle gear shifting system is formed of a resilient material with axially extending alternating ribs and grooves. The ribs and grooves are spaced such that they fit naturally into the crooks of the rider's thumb and finger or fingers and the portion of the palm therebetween. The ribs provide an increased diameter to aid in the transmission of torque and to protrude above any mud which may have collected thereon. To further enhance the torque transmitting capabilities of the grip and the ability to remain effective in the presence of mud and other debris, the surfaces of the ribs are provided with a pattern of nubs. The hubs are engaged and deflected slightly by an operator's thumb and finger and the portion of the palm therebetween to transmit torque to the rotational grip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Assignee: SRAM Corporation
    Inventors: Michael W. Larson, Andrew J. Caron, John D. Cheever, Tymme A. Laun
  • Patent number: 5564316
    Abstract: Nubbed grips for hand-rotatable bicycle gear shifters have longitudinally elongated groups of nubs (50, 96, 142) that are angularly spaced apart by valley regions (44, 98, 156). Preferably, the elastomeric nubs are formed both on a cylindrical portion and an adjacent flanged portion of the grip. In an alternative embodiment, shark tooth nubs (142) offer leading faces (158) against which a hand of a rider may abut in either rotational direction for maximum torque transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Assignee: SRAM Corporation
    Inventors: Michael W. Larson, Andrew J. Caron, John D. Cheever, Tymme A. Laun, Tyler D. Duston