Reversing And Power Ratio Change Patents (Class 280/236)
  • Patent number: 11884363
    Abstract: An individual chain wheel for a bicycle front crank arrangement for engaging in a drive chain includes a plurality of teeth formed on a circumference of the chain wheel and having a first and a second group of teeth. The teeth of the second group of teeth are arranged in an alternating manner between the teeth of the first group of teeth. Each tooth has a load flank via which force is transmitted between an adjacent roller of the drive chain and the respective tooth. Each tooth of the first group may also have at least one profile with an opening in the vicinity of the flank, in which a portion of an inner link plate of the drive chain, which portion protrudes beyond the roller, engages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: SRAM DEUTSCHLAND GmbH
    Inventors: Markus Reiter, Joachim Hanke, Bryn Johnson, Andreas Vonend, Martin Kehrer, Henrik Braedt, Pedro Miguel Nunes Dos Santos, Luis Figueiredo, Rodrigo Antunes
  • Patent number: 11827309
    Abstract: A ride-along vehicle may include both handles and foot rests each capable of providing power to the pump arm. An improved pumper arm and steering mechanism may include a pivot joint that is provided by rods, pins, or bolts attached to opposite sides of the pumper arm. The universal joint between the steering arm and the pumper arm can be aligned with the center of the pivot point to prevent rocking of the steering arm as the pumper arm is actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: Columbia-Inland Corporation
    Inventor: Micheal D. Jones
  • Patent number: 11192609
    Abstract: A shifting control device comprises a controller configured to control an actuator of a gear shifting device to arrange a chain guide of the gear shifting device on a plurality of gear positions. The controller is configured to control the actuator to temporarily arrange the chain guide on a first temporary position in a multistage gear shift operation before stopping the chain guide at the first target gear position. The controller is configured to temporarily arrange the chain guide on a second temporary position in a single gear shift operation before stopping the chain guide at the second target gear position. The first temporary position is offset from the second temporary position in the gear shift direction if the first target gear position is the first target gear position and the second target gear position correspond to the same gear position of the plurality of gear positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Yuta Mizutani, Takeshi Ueda
  • Patent number: 11124267
    Abstract: A human-powered vehicle control device includes an electronic controller operatively coupled to a motor that assists in propulsion of a human-powered vehicle. The controller is configured to control the motor in accordance with a human driving force that is input to the human-powered vehicle and is configured to change responsivity of an output torque of the motor to a change in the human driving force in accordance with a rider's pedaling posture of a rider of the human-powered vehicle. The human-powered vehicle control device is configured to change an output performance of the motor without operation of a switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Satoshi Shahana
  • Patent number: 11052965
    Abstract: A bicycle according to the present invention includes: a body configured such that a saddle and handlebars are disposed on a frame; a front wheel and a rear wheel disposed on the front and rear sides of the body, respectively; a pair of first driven units disposed on one side and remaining side of the rear wheel, respectively, and mounted around a rotating shaft; a pair of power generation units disposed on the one side and remaining side of the rear wheel, respectively, and mounted around the rotating shaft to be rotatable in upward and downward directions; and power transfer units disposed on the one side and remaining side of the rear wheel, respectively, connected to the first driven units and the power generation units, and configured to, when the power generation units are rotated, be rotated and transfer rotating power to the first driven units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Inventor: Seok Su Hong
  • Patent number: 11046387
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a bicycle driving device having increased torque, the device moving, to the front thereof, the center of a rotational track in a state in which an overall pedaling track (distance) does not increase, thereby removing the top dead center and enabling force to be strongly transmitted to a crankshaft during pedaling. According to the present invention, a rotational track of a pedal is moved to the front thereof such that when the pedal is in a forward position, the pedal is separated far away from the crankshaft so as to enable a strong force to be transmitted to the crankshaft by using the principle of the lever, and thus rotational torque can be increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Inventor: Kyung Taek Kang
  • Patent number: 10981625
    Abstract: A bicycle rear derailleur or gear changer may include a mounting portion mountable to a bicycle frame, an electrical portion attached to the mounting portion and including power supply alignment and attachment features, and an electrical cable electrically connected to the electrical portion and electrically connectable to a printed circuit board (PCB) of a movable member movably coupleable to the mounting portion. The mounting portion and the electrical portion may be formed of different materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: SRAM, LLC
    Inventors: Joshua Brown, Paul Feuerstein, David Reyes
  • Patent number: 10940914
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a bicycle driving apparatus with a novel structure which allows a bicycle to move forward by alternately pushing each of both pedals in one direction. Since a user repeatedly presses down a left pedal (113) and a right pedal (114) to move a bicycle forward, the bicycle driving apparatus according to the present invention has an advantage of more convenience of use than a conventional bicycle driving apparatus in which the left pedal (113) and the right pedal (114) should rotate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Inventor: Sung Koo Baek
  • Patent number: 10919598
    Abstract: Each plate (10) includes a plate throughbore (64) secured to an end of a drive axle (52) of a bicycle (16). A pedal arm (72) is secured to an attachment post (68) that extends from the leverage plate (10) between the drive axle (52) and a perimeter edge (70) of the plate (10). Moving a pedal (82) on the pedal arm (72) downward to move the bicycle (16) in a forward, desired direction of motion (56), causes the pedal arm (72) to contact the drive axle (52). An inner end (74) of the pedal arm (72) moves the pedal arm attachment post (68) and leverage plate (10) around the plate throughbore (64). The drive axle (52) therefore becomes a fulcrum (52) of a first-class lever (88) as the pedal arm (72) is moved downward. The leverage plates (10) may retro-fit to any bicycle (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Inventor: Norman Beamon
  • Patent number: 10894574
    Abstract: A bicycle rear derailleur includes a base member having a first portion and a second portion. The first portion of the base member is mountable to a bicycle frame, and the second portion of the base member is attached to the first portion of the base member and includes at least a portion of a power supply attachment. The bicycle rear derailleur also includes a movable member movably coupled to the first portion of the base member and electrically connected to the second portion of the base member. The bicycle rear derailleur includes a chain guide assembly rotatably connected to the movable member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Assignee: SRAM, LLC
    Inventors: Joshua Brown, Paul Feuerstein
  • Patent number: 10875601
    Abstract: An apparatus for a bicycle includes an intermediate power connector configured for transmitting power between a bicycle component and a power source positioned remote from the bicycle component. The intermediate power connector has a coupling portion configured for removable attachment to a connecting portion of the bicycle component. The bicycle component can also include a battery having a battery coupling portion configured for removable attachment to the connecting portion of the bicycle component. The battery and the intermediate power connector can be selectively attachable to the bicycle component to provide power thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: SRAM, LLC
    Inventor: Kevin Wesling
  • Patent number: 10843768
    Abstract: A ride-along vehicle may include a guard that attaches to a bottom portion of a molded plastic body and covers a spring and chain assembly. The guard may also provide an attachment point for the spring through a hole in the guard. The guard may have a narrow portion that covers and helps retain the chain on a sprocket as well as a wider portion that covers the spring. An improved pumper arm and steering mechanism may include a pivot joint that is provided by rods, pins, or bolts attached to opposite sides of the pumper arm. The universal joint between the steering arm and the pumper arm can be aligned with the center of the pivot point to prevent rocking of the steering arm as the pumper arm is actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Inventor: Micheal D. Jones
  • Patent number: 10773773
    Abstract: An electrical bicycle derailleur is basically provided with a base member, a movable member, at least one link member, a motor unit and a wireless unit. The base member is configured to be mounted to a bicycle frame. The movable member is movably arranged relative to the base member. The at least one link member movably connects the base member and the movable member. The motor unit is disposed on one of the base member, the movable member, and the at least one link member. The motor unit includes a motor configured to move the at least one link member. The wireless unit includes a wireless receiver configured to receive a wireless signal, the wireless unit being disposed on the at least one link member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Atsushi Komatsu, Shingo Sakurai
  • Patent number: 10711869
    Abstract: Traction planets and traction rings can be operationally coupled to a planetary gearset to provide a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The CVT can be used in a bicycle. In one embodiment, the CVT is mounted on the frame of the bicycle at a location forward of the rear wheel hub of the bicycle. In one embodiment, the CVT is mounted on and supported by members of the bicycle frame such that the CVT is coaxial with the crankshaft of the bicycle. The crankshaft is configured to drive elements of the planetary gearset, which are configured to operationally drive the traction rings and the traction planets. Inventive component and subassemblies for such a CVT are disclosed. A shifting mechanism includes a plurality of pivot arms arranged to pivot about the centers of the traction planets as a shift pin hub moves axially.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: Fallbrook Intellectual Property Company LLC
    Inventors: Donald C. Miller, Robert A. Smithson, Brad P. Pohl, Charles B. Lohr, Jon M. Nichols
  • Patent number: 10696357
    Abstract: A rocker for a bicycle gear that has an inner plate, an outer plate, a pair of pins integral with said inner and outer plates and a pair of toothed wheels arranged between them. Each toothed wheels is rotatably mounted on a respective pin. At least one pin is inserted in non-threaded through holes formed in the inner and outer plates and is defined by a screw with an outer threading and a female screw with an inner threading engaged with the outer threading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: Campagnolo S.r.l.
    Inventors: Leopoldo Lazzarin, Paolo Pasqua, Alessandro Sorio
  • Patent number: 10640171
    Abstract: An automatic bicycle drivetrain shifting apparatus comprising a bicycle drive chain derailleur powered by a servo gearmotor slaved to an electronic control system and controlled through a highly adaptable user interface serving to automatically alternate drive chain position between available bicycle drive sprockets under user defined shifting criteria adaptable in real time to rider conditioning, comfort level and road conditions thereby alleviating manual shifting tasks and achieving optimal pedal rate and effort settings for the rider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Inventor: Hazem Nihad Hamed
  • Patent number: 10633056
    Abstract: Provided is a bicycle with an automatic transmission, and more particularly, a bicycle with an automatic transmission for enabling rapid and smooth gearshifting from a low speed to a high speed or from a high speed to a low speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Inventors: Min Soo Ha, Jinsu Ha, Tae Hong Ha
  • Patent number: 10569835
    Abstract: An internal transmission is basically arranged with a hub shaft which is attachable to a bicycle frame, a first shaft which is separate from the hub shaft and which is non-rotatable around the hub shaft, and a second shaft which is separate from the hub shaft and from the first shaft and which is non-rotatable around the hub shaft. The internal transmission has a plurality of first rotating bodies which are coaxially rotatable around the first shaft, and a plurality of second rotating bodies which are coupled to each of the first rotating bodies, and which are coaxially rotatable around the axis of the second shaft. The internal transmission has a clutch mechanism which controls at least one of the rotation state of the first rotating body and the rotation state of the second rotating body, and a hub shell which is rotated around the hub shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Kazutaka Niki
  • Patent number: 10526041
    Abstract: A bicycle crank assembly comprises a sprocket, a crank axle, a movable member, a torque transmitting member, and a bearing structure. The sprocket has a rotational center axis. The crank axle extends along the rotational center axis. The crank axle includes an internal space. The movable member is movably provided in the internal space to move the sprocket in an axial direction of the rotational center axis. The torque transmitting member is to transmit a pedaling torque from the crank axle to the sprocket. The bearing structure is disposed between the movable member and the crank axle to slidably support the movable member in the axial direction. The bearing structure is disposed at a location different from a location of the torque transmitting member in the axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventor: Nobukatsu Hara
  • Patent number: 10479439
    Abstract: A ride-along vehicle may include a spring/chain guard that covers a spring and chain assembly and provides an attachment point for the spring. The guard may have a narrow portion that covers and helps retain the chain on a sprocket as well as a wider portion that covers the spring. In another embodiment, the spring can be connected to a fulcrum that has a chain retention pulley, gear, guide, or wheel that keeps the chain tight in loop to improve the pump-action operation of the vehicle. An improved pumper arm and steering mechanism may include a pivot joint that is provided by rods, pins, or bolts attached to opposite sides of the pumper arm. The universal joint between the steering arm and the pumper arm can be aligned with the center of the pivot point to prevent rocking of the steering arm as the pumper arm is actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Inventor: Micheal D. Jones
  • Patent number: 10479447
    Abstract: Powertrain for a pedal vehicle Powertrain for a pedal vehicle comprising a first (20) and a second (4) motor as well as an planetary gearing (3) having a planet carrier (14, 114), a ring gear (12, 112) and a sun gear (13), which first motor (20) is connected to the planetary gearing (3), which powertrain also comprises a crank axle (11) to which the ring gear (12, 112) is connected to create a first input to the planetary gearing (3), the second motor (4) is geared to the crank axle (11), a control unit (6) being designed to regulate the first motor (20) according to an angular position setpoint, and the second motor (4) according to a current or torque setpoint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: E2 DRIVES SA
    Inventor: Arthur Deleval
  • Patent number: 10451165
    Abstract: A chainring includes a first chainring segment and a second chainring segment for a chainring arrangement of a bicycle. Further provided is a chainring arrangement and a drive arrangement for a bicycle with at least one chainring. The segmented chainring arrangement is particularly suitable for bicycles with only one front chainring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: SRAM DEUTSCHLAND, GMBH
    Inventor: Henrik Braedt
  • Patent number: 10308318
    Abstract: A bicycle derailleur is basically provided with a base member, a movable member and an electric actuator. The base member is configured to rotate together with a bicycle sprocket apparatus about a rotational axis of the bicycle sprocket apparatus. The movable member is movable relative to the base member to displace a bicycle chain. The electric actuator is configured to electrically actuate the movable member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Kazutaka Niki, Takeshi Fujiwara
  • Patent number: 10239577
    Abstract: The transmission is for transmitting a reciprocating pedal movement into a rotational movement and comprises a pair of pedals suspended for reciprocating movement, two rotating cam members (29) rotating around respective cam axes (33), each rotating cam member (29) having a peripheral cam surface (31), the rotating cam members (29) being coupled to a rotating member (35) through a respective one-way clutch. Flexible tension members (63) are connecting either pedal to a respective one of the rotating cam members (29), which are eccentric to provide for a gearing ratio between angular movement of the rotating cam member (29) and translational movement of the respective pedal to vary, such that the gearing ratio has a minimum value when the pedal is in an intermediate position between its extended position and its retracted position, and major values when the pedal is in its retracted or extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: J.M.J. Holdings APS
    Inventor: Jørgen Mosbaek Johannessen
  • Patent number: 10106224
    Abstract: A front derailleur device for a bicycle chain shift includes a frame fixing part for attachment to a bicycle frame, a hinge arrangement which is pivotable relative to the frame fixing part, and a chain cage which is pivotable relative to the frame fixing part via the pivotable hinge arrangement for guiding and pivoting of the bicycle chain. The hinge arrangement includes at least two hinged struts which can be mounted rotatably relative to the frame fixing part and relative to the chain cage about pivot axes. The pivot axes run substantially parallel to each other and, in a mounted state of the derailleur device on a bicycle, may be oriented substantially vertically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: SRAM DEUTSCHLAND, GMBH
    Inventors: Sebastian Düweling, Markus Engel
  • Patent number: 10094452
    Abstract: A transmission for a bicycle having a driver assembly with a torque band, the driver assembly being pivotable about a first axis. A driven assembly rotatable about a second axis, the second axis spaced a distance from the first axis. The torque band is rotatable about the second axis. An input source engaged with the driver assembly such that the input source causes the torque band to rotate about the second axis. The driver assembly principally engages said driven assembly along an engagement path at a first distance from the first axis and at a second distance from the second axis whereby the driven assembly is caused to rotate about the second axis, the second distance being infinitely adjustable throughout a gear ratio range. A rotatable output member is engaged with the driven member wherein rotation of the driven member causes the output member to rotate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Inventor: Mark B. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 10017225
    Abstract: A bicycle transmission control device is basically provided with a transmission controller that is programmed to switch between a first control state and a second control state. The bicycle transmission control device operates in accordance with the first control state for controlling a transmission based on a first signal that is input from a first detector, which detects a rotation of a crank. The bicycle transmission control device operates in accordance with the second control state for controlling the transmission based on a second signal that is input from a second detector, which detects a value reflecting a bicycle speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Makoto Usui, Jun Gao, Yasuhiro Tsuchizawa, Yuki Kataoka, Akinori Hashimoto, Masako Itsukashi
  • Patent number: 9862455
    Abstract: A transmission assembly for a human- and/or motor-powered vehicle, including a hollow transfer shaft, first and second inner one-way needle bearings, the first inner one-way needle bearing disposed within a first hollow end of the transfer shaft, and the second inner one-way needle bearing disposed within a second hollow end of the transfer shaft; and a first and a second outer two-way needle bearings, each having an inner diameter and an outer diameter, the first outer two-way needle bearing disposed about the outer diameter of the transfer shaft near the first hollow end of the transfer shaft, and the second outer two-way needle bearing disposed about the outer diameter of the transfer shaft near the second end of the transfer shaft, such that the inner diameter of each of the first and second outer two-way needle bearings contacts the outer diameter of the transfer shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Inventor: Jeffery Curtis Adams
  • Patent number: 9657825
    Abstract: A drive device for a vehicle includes a first drive shaft, a second drive shaft, a differential mechanism, a speed reduction mechanism, and a case. The second speed reduction pinion gear of the speed reduction mechanism, and the first pinion gear and the second pinion gear of the differential mechanism are arranged out of phase in a rotation direction, and are arranged at a position in an axial direction so that at least any one of the first pinion gear and the second pinion gear of the differential mechanism overlaps with the second speed reduction pinion gear of the speed reduction mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jun Ohmura, Shigeru Nakayama
  • Patent number: 9643680
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a folding structure for two-wheeled vehicle, comprising: a front wheel; a rear wheel; a first connection rod connected to the front wheel; a second connection rod connected to the rear wheel; a first rotary shaft for rotating the first connection rod relative to the second connection rod; and a second rotary shaft for rotating the front wheel relative to the first connection rod, wherein a space is formed by means of the rotation of the first connection rod relative to the first rotary shaft and the rotation of the front wheel relative to the second rotary shaft so as to allow the first connection rod and the second connection rod to be placed between the front wheel and the rear wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: ADVANCED INSTITUTES OF CONVERGENCE TECHNOLOGY
    Inventor: Young Bong Bang
  • Patent number: 9555854
    Abstract: A vehicle is provided which is operable to motor power and/or pedal power, in particular an electric bicycle, which includes a crankshaft drive having a bottom bracket spindle, a chain ring, which outputs a drive torque for the vehicle to a chain, an electric drive, and a cone ring transmission for the continuous variation of a gear step ratio, the cone ring transmission and the electric drive being situated at the crankshaft drive, and the cone ring transmission being connected to the crankshaft drive and set up in such a way that a torque generated by the rider is transmitted to the chain ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Karl Bendel, Hans-Peter Dommsch, Katrin Martini, Gerd Dornhoefer
  • Patent number: 9514576
    Abstract: A method for detecting wear on at least one component of an electric bicycle includes: monitoring the operating condition of the at least one component with the aid of at least one sensor; detecting the stress on the component over the duration of operation; and displaying the need for service on a display unit as soon as a long-term load threshold defined for this component is reached, to inform the cyclist promptly of the need for service.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Oliver Gerundt, Gregor Dasbach, Ingo Immendoerfer, Ralf Diekmann
  • Patent number: 9499232
    Abstract: A front derailleur is provided for mounting to a bicycle having a crank axis. The front derailleur is provided with a base member, a chain guide and a link mechanism. The base member is mounted on the bicycle for positioning in a predetermined adjustment direction. The chain guide guides the chain. The link mechanism movably couples the chain guide to the base member. The link mechanism includes a first link member pivotally arranged in relation to the base member about a first link axis and pivotally arranged in relation to the chain guide about a second link axis. The first link axis and the second link axis are arranged non-parallel and non-orthogonal to the predetermined adjustment direction when viewed from the axial direction of the crank axis in a state where the base member is mounted to the bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Atsuhiro Emura, Kenkichi Inoue, Tomomi Sugimoto
  • Patent number: 9447852
    Abstract: Embodiments include a gear shifting system that eliminates the use of a derailleur and is capable of integrating with existing controls on the bike.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Inventor: Paul Thomas Williams
  • Patent number: 9429214
    Abstract: An automatic transmission includes an input shaft; a hub housing; a first clutch; a planetary gear portion; and a second clutch. A locking gap of the first clutch is formed to be greater than a locking gap of the second clutch. When the hub housing is rotated in the reverse direction, the sun gear is rotated in the forward direction, the second clutch is first released before the first clutch is locked, so that the hub housing is rotated in the reverse direction and is capable of moving backward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: CM PARTNER INC.
    Inventor: Geon Joon Kim
  • Patent number: 9400037
    Abstract: A bicycle chain tensioner includes a bicycle mounting bracket, and a chain tensioning element. The bicycle mounting bracket is configured to be mounted to a bicycle. The chain tensioning element is movably coupled to the bicycle mounting bracket by a first coupling structure to move in a lateral direction and by a second coupling structure to move in a direction different from the lateral direction, during operation of the bicycle chain tensioner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Nobukatsu Hara
  • Patent number: 9370454
    Abstract: A compact drive assembly for a wheeled transporter, illustrated as a wheelchair, and method convert reciprocating input forces applied by oppositely-directed essentially linear strokes to a drive shaft journaled for rotation in opposite directions of rotation about a central axis of rotation within the drive assembly, into rotation of a drive wheel of the transporter in a given single direction of rotation. Oppositely oriented clutches couple the drive shaft with respective sun gears. Sets of planet gears are engaged with corresponding ones of the sun gears and are overlapped for engagement with one-another. One of the sun gears is coupled to the drive wheel such that upon rotation of the drive shaft alternately in the first direction and the second direction in response to the oppositely-directed strokes, the drive wheel is rotated in the same given single direction of rotation during each direction of rotation of the drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Avant Mobility, LLC
    Inventor: David E. Parker
  • Patent number: 9259609
    Abstract: An exercise bike includes a frame, a driving member, two sun gears, two swing arms, two planet gears, and two cranks. The driving member is assembled to the frame and has a shaft extending from two sides of the frame. The two sun gears, the two swing arms, the two planet gears, and the two cranks are respectively assembled to the two sides of the frame. For each set, the crank drives the planet gear to rotate so as to drive the swing arm to rotate the shaft, and the planet gear is rotated around the sun gear. Accordingly, a pedal connected to each of the cranks moves around the axis of the corresponding planet gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: Ventek Fitness Corporation
    Inventor: Wen Chang Yang
  • Patent number: 9103392
    Abstract: A control mechanism for decoupling a drive ratchet on a bicycle hub makes it possible to push the bicycle backwards while the foot pedals of the pedal crank drive remain still. These functions can be applied to folding bicycles, in which pedal movements are harmful when in their folded up state. The control mechanism includes a controlling sleeve coupled to the drive ratchet, which is indirectly connected by means of a frictional device to the unmoving hub axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: SRAM DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
    Inventors: Werner Steuer, Gunter Pehse, Karl-Joachim Kühne
  • 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: 8886417
    Abstract: Electronic shifting systems, mechanisms and methods of using the systems to operate a bicycle that allows front and rear gear changer mechanisms to be controlled with only two switches. The switches can be arranged so that each hand is only required to operate one switch to shift the bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: SRAM, LLC
    Inventor: Brian Jordan
  • Publication number: 20140265210
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a variable speed drive system comprising: a frame having front and rear wheels; reciprocating pedals rotatably attached to the frame for supporting the rider; a pedal cam attached to one of the pedals at a hub where a distance between the hub and a first sprocket of the pedal cam is less than a distance between the hub and a second sprocket of the pedal cam; a coupling cam attached at a front axle and operably connected to the pedal cam so that when the pedal cam rotates when force is exerted downward on the pedal, the coupling cam rotates in an opposite direction from the pedal cam; and a drive sprocket carried by the coupling cam and linked to a wheel sprocket by a drive chain so that when the coupling cam rotates, the drive sprocket rotates causing the rear wheel to rotate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Zike, LLC
    Inventors: Nathan A. Scolari, George Reiter
  • Publication number: 20140225346
    Abstract: The invention relates to a compact, foldable bike with small wheels and a bicycle drive for driving the rear wheel, comprising a traction mechanism or a spur-gear transmission, driven by a crank, the distance of the bottom-bracket axle to the rear-wheel axle being larger than half the outer diameter of the rear wheel. The bicycle exhibits a front frame part and a rear frame part that are rotatably connected to each other by a folding hinge that is aligned at right angles to the ground plane, whereby the front frame part, the rear frame part, and a front-wheel fork, in the folded state, seen laterally, form the sides of a triangle having the following characteristic combination of features: The bicycle is ridden while standing up, the driving wheel and the output wheel of the bicycle drive are arranged on the same side of the bicycle frame and the steering tube exhibits a lower and an upper steering tube, that in the folded state of the bicycle are folded-in laterally beside the front wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2012
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Inventor: Karsten Bettin
  • Publication number: 20130075995
    Abstract: A tricycle includes a frame and a front wheel. The tricycle includes a first rear wheel coupled to the frame. The tricycle includes a second rear wheel coupled to the frame. The tricycle includes a front suspension system and a rear suspension system functionally coupled to the frame. The tricycle includes a drive system coupled to the frame and a wheel hub fixedly coupled to the first drive shaft. The drive system includes a transmission system coupling a first drive train to a second drive train. The tricycle includes a locking device configured to lock the relative position of the wheel hub and the rear axle, wherein the locking device is selectably adjustably between a first mode and a second mode. The first mode includes the wheel hub and the rear axle locked together, and the second mode includes the wheel hub and the rear axle shaft independently rotatable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Inventor: Mark E. Gunderson
  • Publication number: 20100264620
    Abstract: A system for providing an automated axial force to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) in a wheelchair. An electronic transmission control receives one or more input signals generated by throttle position or other variables. The microprocessor generates an output signal that adjusts the axial force applied to a CVT thereby automatically adjusting the input to output ratio. The invention also provides a manually controlled variator is designed for use on a wheelchair. The manual shifter hydraulically adjusts an axial force imparted on a variator in communication with a wheelchair wheel and a hand rim. Application of the axial force causes the hand rim input and wheelchair wheel output ratio to change, permitting a wheelchair operator to manually adjust the input to output ratio to more easily operate the wheelchair.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Applicant: Fallbrook Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: David Michael Miles, Todd Russell Peters
  • Patent number: 7497793
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a derailleur for a chain bicycle designed to move forward with either forward or reverse rotation of the bicycle's pedals. The chain bicycle comprises a single endless chain, first and second rear wheel sprocket assemblies, first and second one-way clutches to transmit power to a rear wheel hub in only a forward direction, and an idler roller. Any one sprocket of the second rear wheel sprocket assembly engages with the endless chain by using a pantograph linkage, and at the same time, any one sprocket of the first rear wheel sprocket assembly engages with the endless chain by using a chain hook member. The idler roller is coupled to a second base member via a plurality of joint shafts, so as to permit not only rotating, tilting and sliding motions thereof relative to any one joint shaft, but also elastic pivotal rotation in either clockwise or counterclockwise direction relative to another joint shaft parallel to a pedal shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Inventor: Min Young Hee
  • Patent number: 7464951
    Abstract: A powered vehicle and method of operating is described for on and off-road use. The powered vehicle comprises a chassis and a first and second axle coupled to the chassis having at least one wheel coupled to the first axle and at least two wheels coupled to the second axle. The powered vehicle further comprises a movable seat configured to support a rider sitting down on the seat, and configured to move relative to the chassis in order to provide a steering mechanism for the powered vehicle. For example, the movable seat provides a mechanism for the rider to shift his or her weight relative to the chassis to cause the steering mechanism for the powered vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Inventor: Stephen R. Coray
  • Patent number: 7434489
    Abstract: A bicycle drive system includes a front gear face, a rear gear face, a front guide assembly, a rear guide assembly, and a drive shaft coupled to a rear-suspension frame via a rear hub and a crank spindle. The bicycle drive system operates independently of the frame. Shifting from one gear to another is controlled by a shift controller. Each shift of the shift controller shifts both the front and rear guide assemblies at the same time. The shift controller is preferably coupled to the front and rear guide assemblies via a cable system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Inventor: Peter Scranton
  • Patent number: 7007570
    Abstract: A bicycle crank mechanism comprises a main crank, a follower crank, and a connecting lever disposed between free ends of the main and follower cranks. A second fixed fulcrum shaft of the follower crank is arranged obliquely upwardly and backwardly of a first fixed fulcrum shaft of the main crank, the follower crank extending downward beyond a line connecting the first and second fixed fulcrum shafts from the second fixed fulcrum shaft such that the second free fulcrum shaft is swung below the line connecting the first and second fixed fulcrum shafts. A pedal is attached to a projection end of the lever and arranged in the vicinity of the free end of the main crank, the pedal being rotated along a non-circular track passing between the first and second fixed fulcrum shafts, and the first fixed fulcrum shaft being located at an internal area of the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Inventor: Naotaka Gayoh
  • Patent number: 7004487
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission for bicycles having a transmission mechanism including a plurality of link units for converting rotary motion of an input shaft rotated by a pedal-operated crankshaft into swinging motion, and a one-way clutch for converting the swinging motion into rotary motion of an output shaft. The link units have drive links pivotally mounted on an eccentric ring which rotates in unison with the input shaft. The continuously variable transmission is disposed between a front wheel and a rear wheel of a bicycle in the longitudinal direction thereof and disposed either upwardly of a hypothetical plane which contains the axes of rotation of the front wheel and the rear wheel or upwardly of a position below and near the hypothetical plane. The transmission so configured provides better bicycle maneuverability, lower cost, while suffering almost no danger of contacting the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shinya Matsumoto, Naoki Inoue, Yoshiaki Tsukada