Patents by Inventor Toshinari Oishi

Toshinari Oishi 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: 9868491
    Abstract: A bicycle sprocket assembly is basically provided with a first sprocket having a first pitch circle diameter, a second sprocket having a second pitch circle diameter, a third sprocket having a third pitch circle diameter, a fourth sprocket having a fourth pitch circle diameter, and a sprocket supporting member. At least one of the second and third sprockets is attached to the sprocket supporting member. The first sprocket is attached to the second sprocket so that the second sprocket is positioned between the first sprocket and the sprocket supporting member in an axial direction. The fourth sprocket is attached to the third sprocket so that the third sprocket is positioned between the sprocket supporting member and the fourth sprocket in the axial direction. The second sprocket is adjacent to the third sprocket without another sprocket positioned therebetween in the axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Toshinari Oishi
  • Publication number: 20180001961
    Abstract: A bicycle tensioner apparatus comprises a first base member, a second base member, and a tensioner. The second base member is movably coupled to the first base member. The tensioner is configured to contact a driving-force transmitting member to apply tension to the driving-force transmitting member. The tensioner is coupled to both the first base member and the second base member. The tensioner is movable relative to at least one of the first base member and the second base member in response to a relative movement between the first base member and the second base member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Applicant: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Atsuhiro EMURA, Toshinari OISHI, Yusuke NISHIMOTO, Sota YAMAGUCHI, Kohei OBUCHI, Kento MITSUYASU
  • Publication number: 20170313385
    Abstract: A bicycle transmission apparatus comprises a base member, a first transmission member, a second transmission member, a first coupling member, a first guide structure, a switching device, and a transmission controller. The switching device is configured to switch a position of the first transmission member relative to the base member in an axial direction between a first axial position and a second axial position. The transmission controller is configured to control the switching device and the first guide structure so as not to change a first engagement state of the first coupling member from one cogwheel to another adjacent cogwheel among first cogwheels when the first transmission member moves relative to the base member in association with a movement of the first guide structure relative to the base member to change a second engagement state of the first coupling member from one cogwheel to another adjacent cogwheel among second cogwheels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2016
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Applicant: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Atsuhiro EMURA, Toshinari OISHI, Yusuke NISHIMOTO, Sota YAMAGUCHI, Kohei OBUCHI, Kento MITSUYASU
  • Publication number: 20170307049
    Abstract: A bicycle chain comprises an inner link plate. The inner link plate comprises a first inner-link end portion, a second inner-link end portion, an inner-link intermediate portion, at least one first inner-link chamfered portion, and at least one second inner-link chamfered portion. The at least one first inner-link chamfered portion is provided at least on an inner-link outer peripheral edge in a first inner-link surface. The at least one second inner-link chamfered portion is provided at least on the inner-link outer peripheral edge in a second inner-link surface. The at least one first inner-link chamfered portion has a first non-overlapped portion with respect to the at least one second inner-link chamfered portion when viewed from an axial direction. The at least one second inner-link chamfered portion has a second non-overlapped portion with respect to the at least one first inner-link chamfered portion when viewed from the axial direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2016
    Publication date: October 26, 2017
    Applicant: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi FUKUMORI, Toshinari OISHI
  • Patent number: 9789928
    Abstract: A bicycle transmission apparatus comprises a base member, a first transmission member, a second transmission member, and a first coupling member. The first transmission member is rotatable relative to the base member about a first rotational axis and is movable relative to the base member in an axial direction parallel to the first rotational axis. The second transmission member is rotatable relative to the base member about a second rotational axis and is stationary relative to the base member in the axial direction. The first coupling member is configured to couple the first transmission member to the second transmission member to transmit rotation of the first transmission member to the second transmission member at a variable speed stage which is variable in accordance with at least one positional relationship among the first transmission member, the second transmission member, and the first coupling member in the axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Atsuhiro Emura, Toshinari Oishi, Yusuke Nishimoto, Sota Yamaguchi, Kohei Obuchi
  • Publication number: 20170246904
    Abstract: A bicycle hub assembly comprises a hub axle, a hub shell, a sprocket support body, and a clutch. The sprocket support body is rotatably mounted on the hub axle to rotate about a rotational axis. The sprocket support body is rotatable relative to the hub axle and the hub shell about the rotational axis. The clutch has a first coupling state where a pedaling rotational force is transmitted from the sprocket support body to the hub shell in a first rotational direction during pedaling, a first release state where the hub shell is rotatable relative to the sprocket support body in the first rotational direction during coasting, and a second coupling state where a coasting rotational force is transmitted from the hub shell to the sprocket support body in the first rotational direction during coasting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2016
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Applicant: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Atsuhiro EMURA, Toshinari OISHI, Yusuke NISHIMOTO, Sota YAMAGUCHI, Kohei OBUCHI
  • Patent number: 9623931
    Abstract: A bicycle transmission apparatus comprises a base member, an input shaft, a first transmission member, a second transmission member, and a first coupling member. The base member is configured to be attached to a bicycle frame as a separate member from the bicycle frame. The first transmission member is rotatable relative to the base member about a first rotational axis different from the input rotational axis. The second transmission member is rotatable relative to the base member about a second rotational axis different from each of the input rotational axis and the first rotational axis. The first coupling member is configured to couple the first transmission member to the second transmission member to transmit rotation of the first transmission member to the second transmission member at a variable speed stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Atsuhiro Emura, Sota Yamaguchi, Toshinari Oishi, Yusuke Nishimoto, Kazuki Koshiyama
  • Publication number: 20170029066
    Abstract: A bicycle sprocket comprises a sprocket body, a plurality of sprocket teeth, and at least one chain-curvature limiting protuberance. The sprocket body is configured to be rotatable about a rotational center axis. The plurality of sprocket teeth extend radially outward from an outer periphery of the sprocket body. The at least one chain-curvature limiting protuberance is configured to limit axial curvature of a bicycle chain engaging with an independent neighboring bicycle sprocket which is adjacent to the bicycle sprocket without another sprocket between the bicycle sprocket and the independent neighboring bicycle sprocket. The axial curvature is curvature of the bicycle chain relative to the bicycle sprocket when viewed from a radial direction perpendicular to the rotational center axis. The at least one chain-curvature limiting protuberance is disposed on at least one of an outward facing side and an inward facing side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2015
    Publication date: February 2, 2017
    Applicant: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Yasufumi FUKUNAGA, Tsuyoshi FUKUMORI, Koji TOKUYAMA, Sota YAMAGUCHI, Toshinari OISHI
  • Publication number: 20160272279
    Abstract: A bicycle rear sprocket assembly has a rotational center axis. The bicycle rear sprocket assembly comprises a first sprocket and a second sprocket. The first sprocket includes a first sprocket body and a first chain-engagement structure. The first sprocket body is made of a non-metallic material. The first chain-engagement structure is made of a metallic material and is configured to engage with a bicycle chain. The second sprocket includes a second sprocket body and a second chain-engagement structure. The second sprocket body is made of a non-metallic material and attached to the first sprocket body. The second chain-engagement structure is made of a metallic material and is configured to engage with the bicycle chain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2016
    Publication date: September 22, 2016
    Applicant: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Toyoshi YOSHIDA, Toshinari OISHI, Tsuyoshi FUKUMORI
  • Publication number: 20160257375
    Abstract: A bicycle transmission apparatus comprises a base member, an input shaft, a first transmission member, a second transmission member, and a first coupling member. The base member is configured to be attached to a bicycle frame as a separate member from the bicycle frame. The first transmission member is rotatable relative to the base member about a first rotational axis different from the input rotational axis. The second transmission member is rotatable relative to the base member about a second rotational axis different from each of the input rotational axis and the first rotational axis. The first coupling member is configured to couple the first transmission member to the second transmission member to transmit rotation of the first transmission member to the second transmission member at a variable speed stage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2015
    Publication date: September 8, 2016
    Applicant: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Atsuhiro EMURA, Sota YAMAGUCHI, Toshinari OISHI, Yusuke NISHIMOTO, Kazuki KOSHIYAMA
  • Publication number: 20160257373
    Abstract: A bicycle transmission apparatus comprises a base member, a first transmission member, a second transmission member, and a first coupling member. The first transmission member is rotatable relative to the base member about a first rotational axis and is movable relative to the base member in an axial direction parallel to the first rotational axis. The second transmission member is rotatable relative to the base member about a second rotational axis and is stationary relative to the base member in the axial direction. The first coupling member is configured to couple the first transmission member to the second transmission member to transmit rotation of the first transmission member to the second transmission member at a variable speed stage which is variable in accordance with at least one positional relationship among the first transmission member, the second transmission member, and the first coupling member in the axial direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2016
    Publication date: September 8, 2016
    Applicant: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Atsuhiro EMURA, Toshinari OISHI, Yusuke NISHIMOTO, Sota YAMAGUCHI, Kohei OBUCHI
  • Publication number: 20160236750
    Abstract: A bicycle drive system includes a front sprocket assembly having a first front sprocket and a second front-sprocket. The first front-sprocket has a first front-tooth number that is the largest tooth number in the front sprocket assembly. The second front-sprocket has a second front-tooth number that is less than or equal to the first front-tooth number. The second front-sprocket is adjacent to the first front-sprocket without another sprocket intervening therebetween in an axial direction. The first front-tooth number is less than or equal to 40.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2015
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Inventors: Atsuhiro EMURA, Sota YAMAGUCHI, Toshinari OISHI, Yusuke NISHIMOTO, Kazuki KOSHIYAMA
  • Publication number: 20160229486
    Abstract: A bicycle sprocket assembly comprises a first sprocket, a second sprocket, a first intervening member, and a second intervening member. The first sprocket includes a first sprocket body and a first chain-engagement structure. The second sprocket includes a second sprocket body and a second chain-engagement structure. The first intervening member is positioned between the first sprocket and the second sprocket in an axial direction parallel to a rotational center axis. The second intervening member is positioned between the first sprocket and the second sprocket in the axial direction. The second intervening member is provided radially outwardly from the first intervening member with respect to the rotational center axis. The second intervening member is attached to at least one of the first sprocket and the second sprocket and has an elongated shape extending along a first reference plane perpendicular to the rotational center axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2015
    Publication date: August 11, 2016
    Applicant: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Toyoshi YOSHIDA, Toshinari OISHI, Tsuyoshi FUKUMORI
  • Patent number: 9403578
    Abstract: A bicycle sprocket assembly comprises a first sprocket, a second sprocket, a first intervening member, and a second intervening member. The first sprocket includes a first sprocket body and a first chain-engagement structure. The second sprocket includes a second sprocket body and a second chain-engagement structure. The first intervening member is positioned between the first sprocket and the second sprocket in an axial direction parallel to a rotational center axis. The second intervening member is positioned between the first sprocket and the second sprocket in the axial direction. The second intervening member is provided radially outwardly from the first intervening member with respect to the rotational center axis. The second intervening member is attached to at least one of the first sprocket and the second sprocket and has an elongated shape extending along a first reference plane perpendicular to the rotational center axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Toyoshi Yoshida, Toshinari Oishi, Tsuyoshi Fukumori
  • Patent number: 9376165
    Abstract: A bicycle sprocket is provided with a sprocket body and a plurality of sprocket teeth. The sprocket teeth extend radially outward from a root circle of the sprocket body with the sprocket teeth being circumferentially spaced around the outer periphery of the sprocket body. The sprocket teeth include at least one shift assist tooth that assists in a shifting operation from the bicycle sprocket to a smaller sprocket. The shift assist tooth has a maximum radial height as measured from the root circle of the sprocket body. The maximum radial height of the shift assist tooth is larger than a maximum radial height of a majority of remaining ones of the sprocket teeth as measured from the root circle of the sprocket body. The shift assist tooth has a radially inclined surface sloping toward the smaller sprocket as the radially inclined surface approaches radially toward the center rotational axis A.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Toshinari Oishi
  • Publication number: 20160167737
    Abstract: A multiple bicycle sprocket assembly is basically provided that is capable of creating a gear ratio in a wide range. The multiple bicycle sprocket assembly includes a first sprocket and a second sprocket. The first sprocket includes a first tooth number that is less than or equal to ten. The second sprocket includes a second tooth number that is more than or equal to forty-four.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2015
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Inventors: Koji TOKUYAMA, Kenji OSE, Toshinari OISHI, Kenji KAMADA, Sota YAMAGUCHI
  • Patent number: 8905880
    Abstract: A chain connecting pin basically includes a pin body, a connecting portion and an inserting portion. The pin body has a first axial end face and a second axial end face, the second axial end face having a recessed surface with respect to an outermost edge of the second axial end face. The connecting portion is attached to the recessed surface of the second axial end face of the pin body. The inserting portion is attached to the connecting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Kenkichi Inoue, Tsuyoshi Fukumori, Toshinari Oishi
  • Patent number: 8734280
    Abstract: An inner link plate is provided for a chain. The inner link plate has a longitudinal centerline, an inside surface arranged to face another inner link plate when the chain is assembled, an outside surface opposite to the inside surface, and an outer peripheral edge disposed between the inside and outside surfaces. The bicycle inner link plate basically has a first end portion, a second end portion and a connecting portion. The first and second end portions are each provided with a connecting opening. The connecting portion includes a recess disposed on the inside surface of the connecting portion. The recess has a maximum longitudinal width on the outer peripheral edge, and a minimum longitudinal width in a region adjacent the longitudinal centerline. The recess at least extends from the outer peripheral edge to the longitudinal centerline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Toshinari Oishi, Tsuyoshi Fukumori, Atsuhiro Emura
  • Patent number: 8696503
    Abstract: A bicycle sprocket assembly is provided with at least a first sprocket, a second sprocket and a first axial spacer. The first sprocket includes an outermost peripheral portion defining a plurality of first teeth, and an innermost peripheral portion defining an opening that is free of any freewheel engaging splines. The first sprocket is larger than any other sprocket of the bicycle sprocket assembly. The second sprocket includes an outermost peripheral portion defining a plurality of second teeth, and an innermost peripheral portion defining an opening having a plurality of freewheel engaging splines. The first axial spacer is fixed to the first and second sprockets such that the first axial spacer is disposed between the first and second sprockets without any intervening sprockets disposed between the first and second sprockets. The first axial spacer includes an innermost peripheral portion defining an opening having a plurality of freewheel engaging splines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Toshinari Oishi, Koji Tokuyama, Keisuke Hyogo
  • Publication number: 20140038759
    Abstract: A chain connecting pin basically includes a pin body, a connecting portion and an inserting portion. The pin body has a first axial end face and a second axial end face, the second axial end face having a recessed surface with respect to an outermost edge of the second axial end face. The connecting portion is attached to the recessed surface of the second axial end face of the pin body. The inserting portion is attached to the connecting portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Kenkichi INOUE, Tsuyoshi FUKUMORI, Toshinari OISHI