Patents by Inventor Kentaro KOSAKA

Kentaro KOSAKA 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: 10343744
    Abstract: A bicycle operating device comprises a base member, an operating member, and a hydraulic unit. The operating member is pivotally coupled to the base member about a pivot axis. The hydraulic unit is provided on the base member and comprises a hydraulic cylinder, a piston, and a hydraulic reservoir. The hydraulic cylinder includes a cylinder bore being at least partly provided above the pivot axis in a mounting state where the bicycle operating device is mounted to a bicycle. The piston is movably provided in the cylinder bore. The cylinder bore and the piston define a hydraulic chamber. The hydraulic reservoir includes a reservoir chamber connected to the hydraulic chamber. The reservoir chamber is provided above the cylinder bore without overlapping with the cylinder bore in a transverse direction parallel to the pivot axis in the mounting state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Keiji Matsueda, Kentaro Kosaka
  • Patent number: 10300983
    Abstract: An operating assembly for a small vehicle including a bicycle is basically provided with a base member, an operating member, a handlebar fixing structure and a handlebar spacer. The base member includes a support. The operating member is movably coupled to the base member. The handlebar fixing structure is coupled to base member. The handlebar fixing structure defines a handlebar receiving area. The support is spaced from the handlebar receiving area of the handlebar fixing structure in a parallel direction parallel to a handlebar axis defined by the handlebar receiving area. The handlebar spacer is disposed between a handlebar and one of the support and the handlebar fixing structure in a mounted state where the operating device is mounted to the handlebar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Mototsugu Nakai, Kohei Obuchi, Kentaro Kosaka, Takahiro Yamashita, Toshio Tetsuka
  • Patent number: 10207768
    Abstract: A bicycle operating device is provided with a support structure, a release member, a first operating member and a release pawl. The release member is pivotally supported on the support structure to pivot about a pivot axis between a first non-releasing position and a first releasing position. The first operating member is movably supported on the support structure between a rest position and an operated position. The release pawl is movably mounted on the first operating member. The release member includes a first abutment and a second abutment. The second abutment is circumferentially spaced from the first abutment with respect to the pivot axis. The release pawl is selectively arranged to engage one of the first and second abutments, and pivot the release member during movement of the first operating member from the rest position towards the operated position without engaging the other of the first and second abutments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Kentaro Kosaka, Yoshimitsu Miki, Kazunori Okubo
  • Publication number: 20190039683
    Abstract: An operating assembly for a small vehicle including a bicycle is basically provided with a base member, an operating member, a handlebar fixing structure and a handlebar spacer. The base member includes a support. The operating member is movably coupled to the base member. The handlebar fixing structure is coupled to base member. The handlebar fixing structure defines a handlebar receiving area. The support is spaced from the handlebar receiving area of the handlebar fixing structure in a parallel direction parallel to a handlebar axis defined by the handlebar receiving area. The handlebar spacer is disposed between a handlebar and one of the support and the handlebar fixing structure in a mounted state where the operating device is mounted to the handlebar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2017
    Publication date: February 7, 2019
    Inventors: Mototsugu NAKAI, Kohei OBUCHI, Kentaro KOSAKA, Takahiro YAMASHITA, Toshio TETSUKA
  • Patent number: 10189532
    Abstract: A bicycle operating device comprises a base member, an operating unit, and a support shaft. The operating unit includes a rotatable member rotatable relative to the base member about a first rotational axis to control a bicycle component. The operating unit has a first operating unit end supported by the base member and a second operating unit end opposite to the first operating unit end along the first rotational axis. The support shaft extends in a direction non-parallel to the first rotational axis and couples the second operating unit end to the base member. The support shaft has a first end and a second end opposite to the first end. The first end and the second end are supported by the base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Kentaro Kosaka, Shinji Kawamura, Yoshimitsu Miki, Naoki Fujimoto
  • Publication number: 20190009852
    Abstract: An electrical bicycle operating system comprises a first switch, a second switch, and a controller. The first switch is configured to generate a first signal. The second switch is configured to generate a second signal. The controller is configured to generate a third signal different from the first signal and the second signal in response to a concurrent operation of the first switch and the second switch. The controller is configured to generate a fourth signal different from the third signal in response to a release of the first switch in a state where the second switch is operated continuously after the concurrent operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2017
    Publication date: January 10, 2019
    Applicant: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Toyoto SHIRAI, Kentaro KOSAKA, Takafumi NISHINO, Takehiko NAKAJIMA, Yuta KUROKAWA
  • Patent number: 10173746
    Abstract: A bicycle operating device comprises a base member and an operating member. The operating member includes an adapter, an operating lever, and an operating shaft. The adapter includes a center cross sectional area and a first cross sectional area. The center cross sectional area is defined on a center cross sectional plane perpendicular to the pivot axis. The first cross sectional area is defined on a first cross sectional plane perpendicular to the pivot axis. The first cross sectional area is offset from the center cross sectional area in a second direction parallel to the pivot axis. The first cross sectional area is larger than the center cross sectional area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Naoki Fujimoto, Kentaro Kosaka
  • Publication number: 20180346069
    Abstract: A bicycle operating device comprises a base member, a switch structure, an operating structure, and a controller. The switch structure comprises a first electrical switch and a second electrical switch. The first electrical switch has a first operated state. The second electrical switch has a second operated state. The operating structure includes an operating member. The controller is configured to respectively generate a first control signal and a second control signal based on a first signal pattern and a second signal pattern. The first signal pattern includes a first combination of the first operated state and the second operated state. The second signal pattern including a second combination of the first operated state and the second operated state. The second combination is different from the first combination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2017
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Applicant: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Takaya MASUDA, Tsutomu NANASE, Kentaro KOSAKA
  • Patent number: 10144483
    Abstract: A bicycle component control device basically includes a bracket and a bicycle component operating unit. The bicycle component operating unit is disposed in an interior space of the bracket. The bicycle component operating unit includes an operating member protruding toward outside of the interior space. The bracket includes a plurality of bracket parts being separate pieces from each other and non-movably fixed to at least one adjacent one of the plurality of bracket parts that define the interior space. The plurality of bracket parts is further configured relative to each other such that a connecting seam formed on the bracket extends along at least three of a mounting surface, an upper surface, a lower surface, a first side surface and a second side surface of the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Yoshimitsu Miki, Kazutaka Fukao, Kentaro Kosaka
  • Patent number: 10131406
    Abstract: A bicycle operating device comprises a base member, a cable control body, a positioning pawl, a stopping member, and a stopping pawl. The positioning pawl is movable between a holding position to stop a movement of the cable control body in a first direction, and a non-holding position to allow a movement of the cable control body in the first direction. The stopping pawl is movable between a stopping position to stop a movement of the stopping member in the first direction, and a non-stopping position to allow a movement of the stopping member in the first direction. The stopping member is coupled to the cable control body such that the cable control body is movable relative to the stopping member within a movable range while the stopping pawl is arranged at the stopping position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Kentaro Kosaka, Yoshimitsu Miki, Kazunori Okubo
  • Patent number: 10118666
    Abstract: A bicycle hydraulic device is basically provided with a base member, a first plug and a second plug. The base member has a hydraulic fluid passageway, a first opening communicating with the hydraulic fluid passageway and a second opening communicating with the hydraulic fluid passageway. The first plug is disposed in the first opening, and having a receiving hole. The second plug is disposed in the second opening. The second plug has a protrusion extending into the receiving hole of the first plug to couple the first and second plugs to the base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Keiji Matsueda, Yusuke Nishikawa, Kentaro Kosaka
  • Patent number: 10071787
    Abstract: A bicycle hydraulic device comprises a base member and a cover member. The base member is configured to be mounted to a bicycle body. The base member comprises a hydraulic bore and an insertion portion. The hydraulic bore has a first end and a second end. The first end defines a first opening. The insertion portion is provided between the first end and the second end. The insertion portion includes an insertion opening different from the first opening. The cover member is provided at the insertion portion via the insertion opening to cover the hydraulic bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Keiji Matsueda, Kentaro Kosaka, Takashi Ito
  • Patent number: 10061342
    Abstract: A bicycle operating device is basically provided with a base member, a first operating member, a second operating member and a clicking mechanism. The base member is configured to be attached to a bicycle. The first operating member is movably supported on the base member from a rest position to an operated position. The second operating member is movably supported on the base member from a rest position to an operated position. The clicking mechanism includes a first part contacting at least one of the first operating member and the second operating member to produce a haptic feedback response as each of the first and second operating members moves from the rest position towards the operated position, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Kentaro Kosaka, Yoshimitsu Miki
  • Publication number: 20180215441
    Abstract: A bicycle hydraulic device is basically provided with a base member, a first plug and a second plug. The base member has a hydraulic fluid passageway, a first opening communicating with the hydraulic fluid passageway and a second opening communicating with the hydraulic fluid passageway. The first plug is disposed in the first opening, and having a receiving hole. The second plug is disposed in the second opening. The second plug has a protrusion extending into the receiving hole of the first plug to couple the first and second plugs to the base member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2017
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventors: Keiji MATSUEDA, Yusuke NISHIKAWA, Kentaro KOSAKA
  • Publication number: 20180215445
    Abstract: A bicycle operating device comprises a base member, an operating structure, and a support plate. The operating structure includes a rotatable member rotatable relative to the base member about a rotational axis to control a bicycle component. The operating structure includes a first axial end and a second axial end. The first axial end is secured to the base member. The second axial end is opposite to the first axial end along the rotational axis. The support plate is attached to the second axial end to be movable relative to the base member and contactable with the base member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2017
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Applicant: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Shinji KAWAMURA, Kentaro KOSAKA, Yoshimitsu MIKI
  • Publication number: 20180215439
    Abstract: A bicycle operating device comprises a base member and an operating member. The operating member includes an adapter, an operating lever, and an operating shaft. The adapter includes a center cross sectional area and a first cross sectional area. The center cross sectional area is defined on a center cross sectional plane perpendicular to the pivot axis. The first cross sectional area is defined on a first cross sectional plane perpendicular to the pivot axis. The first cross sectional area is offset from the center cross sectional area in a second direction parallel to the pivot axis. The first cross sectional area is larger than the center cross sectional area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2017
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Applicant: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Naoki FUJIMOTO, Kentaro KOSAKA
  • Publication number: 20180215438
    Abstract: A bicycle operating device comprises a base structure, an operating member, an adjustment member, a receiving member, and an elastic member. The adjustment member is attached to one of the base structure and the operating member to change a rest position of the operating member relative to the base structure. The receiving member is provided to the other of the operating member and the base structure to be movable with the adjustment member in response to a pivotal movement of the operating member relative to the base structure. The elastic member is provided between the adjustment member and the receiving member to keep a clearance between the adjustment member and the receiving member in a rest state where the operating member is in the rest position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2017
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Applicant: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Kazunori OKUBO, Kentaro KOSAKA
  • Patent number: 10005513
    Abstract: A bicycle operating device includes a bicycle component positioning unit that basically includes a positioning structure and a maintaining member. The positioning structure is configured to be movable in a first direction and a second direction that is opposite the first direction. The maintaining member is configured to move between a first position that maintains the positioning structure in one of a plurality of predetermined positions and a second position that releases the positioning structure to move to another one of the predetermined positions. The maintaining member contacts the positioning structure. The positioning structure and the maintaining member are configured such that the maintaining member applies a rotating force on the positioning structure in the first direction as the maintaining member moves from the second position to the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Kentaro Kosaka, Yoshimitsu Miki, Kazunori Okubo
  • Patent number: 9932082
    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: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Kentaro Miyazaki, Yoshimitsu Miki, Kazutaka Fukao, Kentaro Kosaka
  • Publication number: 20180072370
    Abstract: A bicycle component operating apparatus includes a first operating device and a second operating device. The first operating device includes a base member, a main body and an operating member. The base member has a clamp configured to be coupled to a handlebar. The operating member is movably arranged with respect to the base member. The operating device member is configured to perform an operation of at least one of a bicycle transmission component and a bicycle brake component. The second operating device includes an attachment part that is detachably and adjustably attached to the attachment area of the main body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2017
    Publication date: March 15, 2018
    Inventors: Yoshimitsu MIKI, Kazutaka FUKAO, Kentaro KOSAKA