Patents by Inventor Robert L. Barnett

Robert L. Barnett 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: 20090038894
    Abstract: A wheel brake for a bicycle or other vehicle has a pair of pivoting arms. Each arm is configured to support a brake pad. A first arm pivotally supports a cam. A second arm defines a cam surface and a cable guide. The cam has a first end for mounting of a cable and a second end having a roller which rests on the cam surface. When the cable is actuated, the cable pulls the first end of the cam, causing the cam to pivot and causing the second end of the cam to roll along the cam surface. Force applied by the cam compresses the arms, causing associated brake pads to move inwardly into engagement with the wheel. The brake is compact and efficient in design.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventors: Robert Z. Liu, Robert L. Barnett
  • Patent number: 7210371
    Abstract: A control lever assembly suitable for use in connection with an offroad motorcycle. The lever assembly includes a control lever having a finger grip portion and a mount portion. A control lever support has a first flange and a second flange defining a space therebetween to receive the mounted portion of the control lever. The first flange defines a first surface and the second flange defines a second surface facing the first surface. The control lever support is configured to support the mount portion of the control lever between the first and second surfaces for rotation about a pivot axis. The control lever is supported for relative rotation by the control lever support at first and second points along the pivot axis, wherein a distance between the first and second points is greater than a distance between the first and second surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Inventor: Robert L. Barnett
  • Patent number: 7080879
    Abstract: A bicycle seat clamp arrangement including a bicycle seat having a mounting beam extending lengthwise on an underneath side of the bicycle seat and defining a first surface. A clamp assembly is configured to apply a clamping force to the mounting beam and defines a second surface. The first and second surfaces are configured to interlock in order to inhibit relative fore and aft movement of the bicycle seat and the clamp arrangement. In one arrangement, the surfaces comprise a plurality of interlocking gear teeth. In another arrangement, the surfaces comprise a corresponding plurality of projections and depressions. The first and second surfaces may cooperate to form a wedge configuration to inhibit rocking of the bicycle seat relative to the clamp assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Inventor: Robert L. Barnett
  • Patent number: 6892603
    Abstract: A control lever mount assembly suitable for use in connection with an off-road motorcycle. The lever mount assembly includes a lever-supporting portion, or perch, which is configured to rotatably support a control lever. A sleeve is secured to the handlebar and supports the perch for rotation about an axis of the handlebar. A detent assembly secures the perch in a desired angular orientation relative to the sleeve and the handlebar. The detent assembly is configured to permit rotation of the perch in response to a force being imparted to the lever and/or perch during a crash or fall to protect the perch and lever from damage. Preferably, one or more clamp members are configured to apply a clamping force to the sleeve over a relatively large surface area to prevent damage to the handlebar. A slot may be provided in the sleeve to permit the sleeve to be compressed around the handlebar for a secure fit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Inventor: Robert L. Barnett
  • Publication number: 20040174052
    Abstract: A bicycle seat clamp arrangement including a bicycle seat having a mounting beam extending lengthwise on an underneath side of the bicycle seat and defining a first surface. A clamp assembly is configured to apply a clamping force to the mounting beam and defines a second surface. The first and second surfaces are configured to interlock in order to inhibit relative fore and aft movement of the bicycle seat and the clamp arrangement. In one arrangement, the surfaces comprise a plurality of interlocking gear teeth. In another arrangement, the surfaces comprise a corresponding plurality of projections and depressions. The first and second surfaces may cooperate to form a wedge configuration to inhibit rocking of the bicycle seat relative to the clamp assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Inventor: Robert L. Barnett
  • Patent number: 6739133
    Abstract: A control lever for operating a control system of a vehicle, such as a brake or clutch of a motorcycle, for example. The lever is especially useful with hydraulic control systems, for applying a force to a hydraulic piston of the control system. Preferably, the lever includes an engagement portion that contacts an end surface of the piston. The engagement portion may be free to rotate with respect to a body portion of the lever such that the engagement portion rolls across the end surface of the piston. Such an arrangement provides improved lever “feel” and substantially prevents transverse loading of the piston. The engagement portion may also include a protruding arm that engages the end surface of the piston, for use with hydraulic control systems where the piston is recessed within a housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Inventor: Robert L. Barnett
  • Publication number: 20040031347
    Abstract: A collapsible control lever suitable for use on a motorcycle includes a handlebar mount, an intermediate section and a lever section. The intermediate section and lever section are capable of rotation with respect to the handlebar mount between a relaxed position and an actuated position in order to provide control lever functions, such as disengaging a manual clutch. The lever section is capable of rotation with respect to the intermediate section between a normal position and a fully deflected position in order to avoid damage in the event of the motorcycle overturning. The lever section may be biased to its normal position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventor: Robert L. Barnett
  • Publication number: 20030205102
    Abstract: A control lever mount assembly suitable for use in connection with an off-road motorcycle. The lever mount assembly includes a lever-supporting portion, or perch, which is configured to rotatably support a control lever. A sleeve is secured to the handlebar and supports the perch for rotation about an axis of the handlebar. A detent assembly secures the perch in a desired angular orientation relative to the sleeve and the handlebar. The detent assembly is configured to permit rotation of the perch in response to a force being imparted to the lever and/or perch during a crash or fall to protect the perch and lever from damage. Preferably, one or more clamp members are configured to apply a clamping force to the sleeve over a relatively large surface area to prevent damage to the handlebar. A slot may be provided in the sleeve to permit the sleeve to be compressed around the handlebar for a secure fit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Inventor: Robert L. Barnett
  • Patent number: 6578445
    Abstract: A collapsible control lever suitable for use on a motorcycle includes a handlebar mount, an intermediate section and a lever section. The intermediate section and lever section are capable of rotation with respect to the handlebar mount between a relaxed position and an actuated position in order to provide control lever functions, such as disengaging a manual clutch. The lever section is capable of rotation with respect to the intermediate section between a normal position and a fully deflected position in order to avoid damage in the event of the motorcycle overturning. The lever section may be biased to its normal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Inventor: Robert L. Barnett
  • Publication number: 20030101722
    Abstract: A control lever for operating a control system of a vehicle, such as a brake or clutch of a motorcycle, for example. The lever is especially useful with hydraulic control systems, for applying a force to a hydraulic piston of the control system. Preferably, the lever includes an engagement portion that contacts an end surface of the piston. The engagement portion may be free to rotate with respect to a body portion of the lever such that the engagement portion rolls across the end surface of the piston. Such an arrangement provides improved lever “feel” and substantially prevents transverse loading of the piston. The engagement portion may also include a protruding arm that engages the end surface of the piston, for use with hydraulic control systems where the piston is recessed within a housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2002
    Publication date: June 5, 2003
    Inventor: Robert L. Barnett
  • Patent number: 6533690
    Abstract: A bicycle includes a conventional pedal crank and chain drive together with a conventional derailleur shifting mechanism operative to selectively transfer the drive chain between alternative rear sprockets of the bicycle drive system. A chain ring is rotatable in response to pedal crank rotation to transfer pedal crank power to the rear sprockets. A pair of guide blocks define respective internal guide channels through which the drive chain passes toward and from engagement with the chain ring. The guide blocks are maintained at their respective positions by a guide support plate secured to the bicycle frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Inventor: Robert L. Barnett
  • Publication number: 20030041687
    Abstract: A collapsible control lever suitable for use on a motorcycle includes a handlebar mount, an intermediate section and a lever section. The intermediate section and lever section are capable of rotation with respect to the handlebar mount between a relaxed position and an actuated position in order to provide control lever functions, such as disengaging a manual clutch. The lever section is capable of rotation with respect to the intermediate section between a normal position and a fully deflected position in order to avoid damage in the event of the motorcycle overturning. The lever section may be biased to its normal position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2002
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventor: Robert L. Barnett
  • Publication number: 20020160869
    Abstract: A bicycle includes a conventional pedal crank and chain drive together with a conventional derailleur shifting mechanism operative to selectively transfer the drive chain between alternative rear sprockets of the bicycle drive system. A chain ring is rotatable in response to pedal crank rotation to transfer pedal crank power to the rear sprockets. A pair of guide blocks define respective internal guide channels through which the drive chain passes toward and from engagement with the chain ring. The guide blocks are maintained at their respective positions by a guide support plate secured to the bicycle frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2001
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventor: Robert L. Barnett
  • Patent number: 6393936
    Abstract: A collapsible control lever suitable for use on a motorcycle includes a handlebar mount, an intermediate section and a lever section. The intermediate section and lever section are capable of rotation with respect to the handlebar mount between a relaxed position and an actuated position in order to provide control lever functions, such as disengaging a manual clutch. The lever section is capable of rotation with respect to the intermediate section between a normal position and a fully deflected position in order to avoid damage in the event of the motorcycle overturning. The lever section may be biased to its normal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Inventor: Robert L. Barnett
  • Patent number: 6354973
    Abstract: A bicycle includes a conventional pedal crank and chain drive together with a conventional derailleur shifting mechanism operative to selectively transfer the drive chain between alternative rear sprockets of the bicycle drive system. A chain ring is rotatable in response to pedal crank rotation to transfer pedal crank power to the rear sprockets. A pair of guide blocks define respective internal guide channels through which the drive chain passes toward and from engagement with the chain ring. The guide blocks are maintained at their respective positions by a guide support plate secured to the bicycle frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Inventor: Robert L. Barnett
  • Patent number: 5509675
    Abstract: A bicycle front suspension system includes a pair of V-shaped strut supports secured to a bicycle head tube in a spaced apart arrangement. Each strut support receives and secures the upper portion of a collapsible suspension strut to provide increased suspension travel. The lower end of each suspension strut is secured to the axle of a bicycle front wheel in a clamping action which increases the strength of the cycle front suspension. Each strut includes an oil dampened air spring mechanism in which the compression and rebound characteristics of the strut are independently adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1996
    Inventor: Robert L. Barnett
  • Patent number: 5460576
    Abstract: A bicycle chain guide is secured to the front hub portion of an otherwise conventional bicycle having a multiple speed chain drive and plural front sprocket coupled to a pedal crank. The bicycle chain guide is pivotally secured beneath the front hub and defines a plurality of staggered step portions corresponding generally to the outer diameters of the plural front sprockets. Sufficient clearance is provided between the step portions and the front sprockets to avoid rubbing against the chain engaged with one of the front sprockets. In the event a chain whipping motion or wave is imparted to the bicycle chain, the minimal clearance between the step portions of the chain guide and the underlying chain captivate the chain against the engaged sprocket and prevent separation thereof. During chain transfer between sprockets, the lateral motion of the chain displaces the pivotally secured guide temporarily afterwhich a return spring restores the chain guide to the proper position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Inventor: Robert L. Barnett
  • Patent number: 4173338
    Abstract: A game score apparatus utilizes a display apparatus in conjunction with a miniaturized hockey game which responds to the output signal generated by placing the puck in a holding position from which it is dispensed automatically so as to simultaneously start up a display clock exhibited on a display panel in digital form. The clock continues to operate until such time that the puck is disposed in one of the two goal positions so as to descend downwardly into a transparent tube causing a photoelectric cell to sense its presence therein. Scoring automatically takes place at the same time as the clock is then stopped. Apparatus is provided for adding additional score points to either of the two displayed scores, similarly displayed in digital form. A counter is utilized to determine which game period is in progress. Such counter being operated by the timing apparatus reaching the total period equivalent to a full period play.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1977
    Date of Patent: November 6, 1979
    Inventor: Robert L. Barnett