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).

  • Publication number: 20180015982
    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: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2016
    Publication date: January 18, 2018
    Applicant: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Keiji MATSUEDA, Kentaro KOSAKA, Takashi ITO
  • Publication number: 20180015980
    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: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2016
    Publication date: January 18, 2018
    Applicant: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Kentaro KOSAKA, Shinji KAWAMURA, Yoshimitsu MIKI, Naoki FUJIMOTO
  • Patent number: 9849932
    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: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Yoshimitsu Miki, Kazutaka Fukao, Kentaro Kosaka
  • Publication number: 20170361819
    Abstract: A bicycle hydraulic operating device is basically provided with a base member, a piston, an operating member and a hydraulic reservoir. The base member includes a cylinder bore. The piston is movably disposed in the cylinder bore. The operating member is coupled to the piston to move the piston within the cylinder bore. The hydraulic reservoir includes a hydraulic reservoir tank and a reservoir lid. The hydraulic reservoir is provided on the base member and is fluidly connected to the cylinder bore by a fluid passage. At least part of one of the base member and the hydraulic reservoir includes a fluid inspection portion making visually perceptible therethrough at least a portion of a hydraulic fluid flow path that includes the hydraulic reservoir, the cylinder bore and the fluid passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2016
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Yoshimitsu MIKI, Kentaro KOSAKA, Keji MATSUEDA
  • Patent number: 9836076
    Abstract: A bicycle operating device for operating at least one bicycle component. The bicycle operating device includes a base member configured to be mounted on a bicycle handlebar that defines a handlebar axis and a first operating member rotatably supported on the base member about the bicycle handlebar when the base member is mounted on the bicycle handlebar. The first operating member is configured to be at least partially adjustably supported on the base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Kentaro Kosaka, Yoshimitsu Miki
  • Publication number: 20170334507
    Abstract: A bicycle operating device comprises a base member, a hydraulic cylinder, a piston, and a fluid passageway. The base member is configured to be mounted to a bicycle. The hydraulic cylinder is provided on the base member and includes a cylinder bore. The piston is movably provided in the cylinder bore. The cylinder bore and the piston define a hydraulic chamber. The fluid passageway is connected to the hydraulic chamber. The fluid passageway is provided inside the base member. The fluid passageway has a length longer than a stroke of the piston.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2016
    Publication date: November 23, 2017
    Applicant: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Keiji MATSUEDA, Kentaro KOSAKA, Masahiro NAKAKURA
  • Publication number: 20170334508
    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: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2016
    Publication date: November 23, 2017
    Applicant: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Keiji MATSUEDA, Kentaro KOSAKA
  • Publication number: 20170283001
    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: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2016
    Publication date: October 5, 2017
    Inventors: Kentaro KOSAKA, Yoshimitsu MIKI, Kazunori OKUBO
  • Patent number: 9731787
    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: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Shinya Hirotomi, Kentaro Kosaka, Yoshimitsu Miki, Kazutaka Fukao, Takaaki Fujiwara
  • Publication number: 20170101154
    Abstract: A bicycle operating device is basically provided with a support structure, a first release member, a second release member and a select member. The first release member is movably supported on the support structure between a first non-releasing position and a first releasing position. The second release member is movably supported on the support structure between a second non-releasing position and a second releasing position. The select member is movably supported on the support structure between at least a first select position and a second select position. The select member permits movement of the first release member and prevents movement of the second release member while the select member is in the first select position. The select member permits movement of the second release member and prevents movement of the first release member while the select member is in the second select position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2015
    Publication date: April 13, 2017
    Inventors: Kentaro KOSAKA, Kazunori OOKUBO, Yoshimitsu MIKI
  • Publication number: 20170073034
    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: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2015
    Publication date: March 16, 2017
    Applicant: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Kentaro KOSAKA, Yoshimitsu MIKI, Kazunori OKUBO
  • Patent number: 9594393
    Abstract: A bicycle operating device is basically provided with a base member, a first operating member, a second operating member and an electric control unit. The base member is configured to be attached to a bicycle handlebar having a handlebar axis. The first operating member is supported on the base member such that the first operating member is configured to rotate about the handlebar axis while the base member is attached to the bicycle handlebar. The second operating member is supported on the base member such that the second operating member is configured to rotate about the handlebar axis while the base member is attached to the bicycle handlebar. The electric control unit generates a first signal and a second signal as the first operating member and the second operating member are operated respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Kentaro Kosaka, Yoshimitsu Miki
  • Publication number: 20170008599
    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: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2015
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventors: Kentaro KOSAKA, Yoshimitsu MIKI, Kazunori OKUBO
  • Patent number: 9511815
    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: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Shinya Hirotomi, Kentaro Kosaka, Yoshimitsu Miki, Kazutaka Fukao, Takaaki Fujiwara
  • Patent number: 9440703
    Abstract: A clamp assembly is provided for fixing a handlebar grip to a handlebar. The clamp assembly has a fixing member that is configured to be mounted on the handlebar. The fixing member has at least one mating grip locking structure and a component attachment structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Yoshimitsu Miki, Kazutaka Fukao, Kentaro Kosaka
  • Patent number: 9428247
    Abstract: A control device is provided for controlling an electric device on a bicycle. The control device basically includes a bicycle attachment member, an operating member, an operation detection unit and a signal output unit. The operating member includes at least a first operating part and a second operating part. The operating member is rotatably mounted to the attachment member to rotate in a prescribed operation direction. The operation detection unit is arranged to detect selective operation of the first and second operating parts in the operation direction. The signal output unit outputs an actuation signal to actuate the electric device based on a detection result from the operation detection unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Kentaro Kosaka, Yoshimitsu Miki, Akinori Hashimoto, Ayumi Kato, Kazuya Takahashi, Koji Yuasa
  • Patent number: 9327793
    Abstract: A bicycle operating device is provided with a position maintaining arrangement that selectively maintains a movable member in any one of a plurality of holding positions relative to a fixed member. The moving arrangement selectively moves the movable member in a first moving direction from a current holding position to another one of the plurality of holding positions. The first operating member moves in a first operating direction from a rest position to a first end position, and moves in a second operating direction from the rest position to a second end position. The movable member is moved by a different number of the holding positions in the first moving direction when the first operating member moves from the rest position to the first end position as compared to when the first operating member moves from the rest position to the second end position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Kazutaka Fukao, Etsuyoshi Watarai, Kentaro Kosaka
  • Patent number: 9327795
    Abstract: An operating device is provided that is configured to be attached to a handlebar of a bicycle. The operating device includes a first operating unit and a second operating unit. The first operating unit includes a first input part and a fixing part configured to be fixed on the handlebar. The second operating unit includes a second input part that is rotationally arranged around an axis of the handlebar. The second operating unit is detachably attached on the first operating unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Yoshimitsu Miki, Kentaro Kosaka
  • Patent number: 9326412
    Abstract: An electric control device for a bicycle that includes a base member mountable to a bicycle handlebar, a first electric user interface member operatively coupled to the base member, and a second electric user interface member operatively coupled to the base member. The first electric user interface member and the second electric user interface member are adjustable relative to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Kentaro Kosaka, Nobukatsu Hara, Michihiro Kodama
  • Publication number: 20160052587
    Abstract: A bicycle control device is basically provided with a bracket, a shift unit, a hydraulic cylinder unit and a first operating member. The bracket includes a coupling portion that is configured to be coupled to a handlebar. The shift unit is mounted to the bracket. The hydraulic cylinder unit is mounted to the bracket in a location that is closer to the coupling portion than the shift unit. The first operating member is pivotally mounted relative to the bracket around a first pivot axis to operate the hydraulic cylinder unit. The first pivot axis is disposed between the shift unit and the coupling portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2014
    Publication date: February 25, 2016
    Inventors: Kazutaka FUKAO, Yoshimitsu MIKI, Kentaro KOSAKA, Takaaki FUJIWARA