Patents by Inventor Kazutaka Fukao

Kazutaka Fukao 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).

  • Publication number: 20160052592
    Abstract: A bicycle component control device includes a bracket, a hydraulic brake unit and either a mechanical shifting unit or electric control unit. The bracket has a gripping portion. The hydraulic brake unit is operatively mounted on the bracket and configured to operate a hydraulic brake device. The mechanical shifting unit or the electric control unit is operatively mounted on the bracket and configured to operate a bicycle device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2015
    Publication date: February 25, 2016
    Inventors: Yoshimitsu MIKI, Kazutaka FUKAO, Kentaro KOSAKA
  • Publication number: 20150336628
    Abstract: A bicycle handlebar includes a base portion that can be coupled to a bicycle, a gripping portion that is rotatably coupled to the base portion, and a mounting portion to which an operating member that operates a component of the bicycle is mounted. The mounting portion is rotatable together with the gripping portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2014
    Publication date: November 26, 2015
    Applicant: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Kentaro MIYAZAKI, Yoshimitsu MIKI, Kazutaka FUKAO, Kentaro KOSAKA
  • Patent number: 9187150
    Abstract: A bicycle component control device includes a bracket, a hydraulic brake unit and either a mechanical shifting unit or electric control unit. The bracket has a gripping portion. The hydraulic brake unit is operatively mounted on the bracket and configured to operate a hydraulic brake device. The mechanical shifting unit or the electric control unit is operatively mounted on the bracket and configured to operate a bicycle device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Yoshimitsu Miki, Kazutaka Fukao, Kentaro Kosaka
  • Patent number: 9174697
    Abstract: A bicycle operating device comprises an operating unit, a mounting member, and a positioning structure. The operating unit includes a first portion. The mounting member includes a second portion configured to be connected with the first portion of the operating unit. The positioning structure is configured to adjustably position the first portion with respect to the second portion in a first direction and a second direction. The positioning structure comprises an abutment member and a fixing member. The abutment member is arranged opposite to the first portion with respect to the second portion. The fixing member is configured to fix the second portion with respect to the first portion by sandwiching the second portion between the first portion and the abutment member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Yoshimitsu Miki, Yasuhisa Watanabe, Kazutaka Fukao, Toshihiko Takeuchi
  • Publication number: 20150307154
    Abstract: A bicycle component operating apparatus includes a first operating device and a second operating device. The first operating device includes a base member and an operating member movably arranged with respect to the base member, and the first operating device being configured to perform an operation of at least one of a bicycle transmission component and a bicycle brake component, the base member having an attachment area. The second operating device is detachably attached to the attachment area of the base member, the second operating device being configured to perform an operation of a bicycle height adjustable seat post.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2014
    Publication date: October 29, 2015
    Applicant: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Yoshimitsu MIKI, Kazutaka FUKAO, Kentaro KOSAKA
  • Publication number: 20150291249
    Abstract: A bicycle operating device comprises a base member, a first movable member, an operating structure, and a changing structure. The base member is configured to be mounted to a bicycle part. The first movable member is movable relative to the base member. The operating structure is configured to operate a bicycle component in response to movement of the first movable member. The changing structure includes a second movable member configured to be movable relative to the first movable member. The changing structure is configured to change an amount of movement of the first movable member relative to the base member in accordance with movement of the second movable member relative to the first movable member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2014
    Publication date: October 15, 2015
    Applicant: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Kazutaka FUKAO, Yasuhisa WATANABE
  • Publication number: 20150291248
    Abstract: A bicycle operating device comprises a base member, an operating member, an operating structure, and an operating unit. The operating structure includes a take-up member movable relative to the base member to move a first operation cable in a pulling direction and a releasing direction. The take-up member is configured to move the first operation cable in the pulling direction to operate a first bicycle component in response to a movement of the operating member from a rest position to an operated position. The take-up member is configured such that the first operation cable is movable in the releasing direction in response to a release of the operating member from the operated position. The operating unit is configured to operate a second bicycle component in response to an input operation from a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2015
    Publication date: October 15, 2015
    Applicant: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Kazutaka FUKAO, Yasuhisa WATANABE
  • Publication number: 20150291247
    Abstract: A bicycle operating system comprises a first operating device and a take-up device. The take-up device is configured to be provided in a tubular part of a bicycle body. The take-up device is configured to move a control cable configured to be connected to a bicycle component. The take-up device is operatively coupled to the first operating device via a first control element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 25, 2014
    Publication date: October 15, 2015
    Applicant: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventor: Kazutaka FUKAO
  • Patent number: 9132887
    Abstract: A bicycle operating device includes a control member, two user operating members, a pivoting member and a transmission. The control member is rotated by actuation of the user operating members to control a control cable. The pivoting member pivots when one of the user operating members is actuated. The transmission includes a ratchet, a positioning tooth and a maintaining tooth. The ratchet includes first teeth engaged by the positioning tooth while the pivoting member is disposed at a first position, second teeth engaged by the maintaining tooth while the pivoting member is disposed at a second position, and third teeth engaged by a pawl when the other user operating member is operated. At least one of the teeth is arranged on a periphery of the ratchet and at least one of the teeth is arranged radially inside of the periphery of the ratchet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Tatsuya Kawakami, Yoshimitsu Miki, Kazutaka Fukao, Takafumi Nishino
  • Publication number: 20150210342
    Abstract: A bicycle component positioning device includes a wire takeup member, a positioning member, first and second maintaining members and a release member. The positioning member rotates with the wire takeup member between a plurality of predetermined positions. The first maintaining member moves between a position to maintain the positioning member in one of the predetermined positions and a position to release the positioning member. The second maintaining member moves between a position to maintain the positioning member in one of the predetermined positions and a position to release the positioning member. The release member moves in the first direction to selectively move the first maintaining member between its two positions, and to selectively move the second maintaining member between its two positions. The release member moves in the second direction in response to a rotation of the wire takeup member in the second direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2014
    Publication date: July 30, 2015
    Applicant: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Kazutaka FUKAO, Yoshimitsu MIKI
  • Patent number: 9090303
    Abstract: A bicycle control device is provided with a mounting bracket, a first lever and an adjustment arrangement. The first lever is pivotally arranged relative to the mounting bracket about a first-axis and about a second axis being non-parallel to the first axis. The first lever is configured relative to the mounting bracket such that a free end of the first lever moves closer to the mounting bracket as the first lever pivots about the first axis from a rest position to an operated position. The adjustment arrangement adjusts the rest position of the first lever relative to the mounting bracket around the second operating axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Kazutaka Fukao, Tatsuya Matsushita, Makoto Yoshikawa
  • Patent number: 9073595
    Abstract: A bicycle operating device comprises a mounting clamp and a restricting structure. The mounting clamp is configured to be mounted to a bicycle tube member. The mounting clamp comprises a first radius portion, a second radius portion, and a clamp opening. The first radius portion defines a first inner radius. The second radius portion defines a second inner radius different from the first inner radius. The bicycle tube member is to extend through the clamp opening. The clamp opening is defined by the first radius portion and the second radius portion. The restricting structure is provided on the second radius portion and is configured to restrict relative movement between the second radius portion and an adapter member at least in a circumferential direction of the second radius portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Yoshimitsu Miki, Yasuhisa Watanabe, Kazutaka Fukao, Toshihiko Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 9056597
    Abstract: A bicycle control device is provided with a bracket, a first lever and a second lever. The first lever is pivotally mounted to the bracket on a first pivot axle for pivotal movement about a first pivot axis defined by the first pivot axle. The second lever is pivotally mounted to the bracket on a second pivot axle for pivotal movement about a second pivot axis defined by the second pivot axle. The second pivot axle is disposed inside the first pivot axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Kazutaka Fukao
  • Patent number: 9016162
    Abstract: A bicycle component operating device is basically provided with a base member, an operating member and an insert element. The base member includes a body member having a recess with an inner wire opening. The operating member is movably coupled with respect to the base member to operatively pull and release an inner wire. The insert element has a first channel portion and a second channel portion disposed in the recess of the body member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Yoshimitsu Miki, Kazutaka Fukao
  • Publication number: 20150096399
    Abstract: A bicycle operating device comprises an operating unit, a mounting member, and a positioning structure. The operating unit includes a first portion. The mounting member includes a second portion configured to be connected with the first portion of the operating unit. The positioning structure is configured to adjustably position the first portion with respect to the second portion in a first direction and a second direction. The positioning structure comprises an abutment member and a fixing member. The abutment member is arranged opposite to the first portion with respect to the second portion. The fixing member is configured to fix the second portion with respect to the first portion by sandwiching the second portion between the first portion and the abutment member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Yoshimitsu MIKI, Yasuhisa WATANABE, Kazutaka FUKAO, Toshihiko TAKEUCHI
  • Publication number: 20150096406
    Abstract: A bicycle operating device comprises a mounting clamp and a restricting structure. The mounting clamp is configured to be mounted to a bicycle tube member. The mounting clamp comprises a first radius portion, a second radius portion, and a clamp opening The first radius portion defines a first inner radius. The second radius portion defines a second inner radius different from the first inner radius. The bicycle tube member is to extend through the clamp opening. The clamp opening is defined by the first radius portion and the second radius portion. The restricting structure is provided on the second radius portion and is configured to restrict relative movement between the second radius portion and an adapter member at least in a circumferential direction of the second radius portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Yoshimitsu MIKI, Yasuhisa WATANABE, Kazutaka FUKAO, Toshihiko TAKEUCHI
  • Publication number: 20150096400
    Abstract: A bicycle operating device comprises a mounting clamp and an adapter member. The mounting clamp is configured to be mounted to a bicycle tube member and comprises a first radius portion, a second radius portion, and a clamp opening. The first radius portion defines a first inner radius. The second radius portion defines a second inner radius different from the first inner radius. The bicycle tube member is to extend through the clamp opening. The clamp opening is defined by the first radius portion and the second radius portion. The adapter member is configured to be provided between the second radius portion and the bicycle tube member in a state where the mounting clamp is mounted to the bicycle tube member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Yoshimitsu MIKI, Yasuhisa WATANABE, Kazutaka FUKAO, Toshihiko TAKEUCHI
  • Publication number: 20150000452
    Abstract: A bicycle operating device mounting assembly is basically provided with a handlebar mounting clamp and an adapter member. The handlebar mounting clamp has a clamp opening. The adapter member includes at least a first part that is detachably disposed within the clamp opening. The first part is configured to be clamped between the handlebar mounting clamp and a handlebar as the handlebar mounting clamp is tightened in a state that the first part is disposed within the clamp opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Applicant: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Shinya HIROTOMI, Kentaro KOSAKA, Yoshimitsu MIKI, Kazutaka FUKAO, Takaaki FUJIWARA
  • Publication number: 20150000455
    Abstract: A bicycle operating device mounting assembly is basically provided with a handlebar mounting clamp and an adapter member. The handlebar mounting clamp has a clamp opening that defines a first diameter. The adapter member includes a connecting portion and a projecting portion. The connecting portion is detachably disposed within the clamp opening. The projecting portion projects from the clamp opening. The connecting portion has a second diameter that is smaller than the first diameter. The connecting portion is configured to clamp a handlebar as the handlebar mounting clamp is tightened in a state that the connecting portion is disposed within the clamp opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Shinya HIROTOMI, Kentaro KOSAKA, Yoshimitsu MIKI, Kazutaka FUKAO, Takaaki FUJIWARA
  • Patent number: 8869649
    Abstract: A bicycle shift operating device is provided with a base member, a shift unit and a position sensing device. The base member includes a body portion with an internal cavity. The shift unit is disposed in the internal cavity of the body portion. The shift unit includes a movable portion that selectively moves between a plurality of predetermined operating positions. The position sensing device is removably attached to the body portion while the base member is attached to a bicycle. The position sensing device includes a sensor component that senses the operating position of the movable portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Yoshimitsu Miki, Kazutaka Fukao, Kazunori Okubo, Shinji Kawamura