For Cycle-type Vehicle Patents (Class 301/110.5)
  • Publication number: 20120119565
    Abstract: A sprocket support structure includes a main body, a plurality of projections and an abutment ring. The main body includes an outer surface with a plurality of parallel extending sprocket attachment splines defining a plurality of sprocket engaging grooves between the sprocket attachment splines. The projections extend radially outward farther than the sprocket attachment splines with respect to a rotation axis of the main body. Each of the projections includes a first surface facing in a first axial direction of the main body. The abutment ring is disposed on the main body as a separate member from the main body. The abutment ring includes a second surface facing in the first axial direction and axially spaced from the first surfaces of the projections with respect to the rotation axis. The second surface of the abutment ring is exposed between the projections as viewed along the sprocket engaging grooves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventor: Kenji KAMADA
  • Patent number: 8176631
    Abstract: A method for making positioning structures of a bicycle hub comprises the steps of: A. bicycle hub clamping step; B. bicycle hub press forming step; and C. bicycle hub loading step. By such arrangements, the positioning structures of the bicycle hub can be obtained by the quick press forming without affecting the structure strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Bitex Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Te-Yao Hsieh
  • Publication number: 20120112522
    Abstract: A rear hub assembly for bicycle includes a ratchet wheel and a hub body assembled with the ratchet wheel. The hub body has a first hub plate disposed on one end thereof. The first hub plate has a plurality of protrusions formed on an outer lateral surface thereof. A dodging portion is formed between every two adjacent protrusions. A plurality of recesses are defined in an inner lateral surface of the first hub plate. A plane portion is formed between every two adjacent recesses. The first hub plate has a plurality of bores defined therein and located on each protrusion and dodging portion. A first and a second stepped level difference are respectively defined between every recess and plane portion; and between every protrusion and dodging portion. A plurality of spokes engaged with the bores respectively and buckled the first hub plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2010
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventor: Fu Sheng CHEN
  • Publication number: 20120104838
    Abstract: A hub assembly for a bicycle includes a shaft, a hub body rotatably mounted on the shaft, a drive seat rotatably mounted on the shaft and engaging the hub body, a first bearing located between the shaft and the hub body, a second bearing located between the shaft and the hub body, and a bushing unit located between the first bearing and the second bearing. The bushing unit includes a first adjusting sleeve and a second adjusting sleeve. The first adjusting sleeve has a first end provided with an outer threaded portion and a second end abutting the first bearing. The second adjusting sleeve has a first end provided with an inner threaded portion screwed onto the outer threaded portion of the first adjusting sleeve and a second end abutting the second bearing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2010
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Inventors: Ching-Shu Chen, Wu-Hsiung Liao
  • Patent number: 8127909
    Abstract: A hub assembly for a bicycle includes a shaft (12), a hub body (40), a driven ring (43), a drive seat (10), a rotation ring (20), a plurality of pawl members (22), a plurality of push balls (23), a mounting sleeve (32), a damping ring (30), and a plurality of tension adjusting mechanisms (37). Thus, each of the pawl members is driven by each of the push balls in a rolling manner so that each of the pawl members is moved smoothly and stably without incurring sliding friction, thereby facilitating operation of the drive seat. In addition, each of the tension adjusting mechanisms is used to adjust the damping force of the damping ring, so that the damping force of the damping ring is distributed evenly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Chosen Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ching-Shu Chen
  • Patent number: 8096623
    Abstract: A protection structure for outer shell of a hub comprises: a hub and an outer shell mounted at one end of the hub, the outer shell is provided at one end close to the hub with an enlarged flange, on an outer peripheral surface of the outer shell are annularly and spaced-apart formed a plurality of splines and at least one positioning rib, at least at one side of each splines is disposed with a protecting member whose material is different from that of the outer shell. By such arrangements, the protecting member can be assembled with a sprocket to prevent the sprocket from touching the splines. Thus, damages of the outer shell of the hub are prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Xero Engineering Inc.
    Inventor: Gwo-Dong You
  • Patent number: 8075065
    Abstract: A quick-release system for a quick-release device, in particular for a cycle, such as a bicycle, the device being of the type including an axially extending skewer and an end support element mounted on a first end of the skewer adapted to be supported on a first tightening surface of the cycle. The quick-release system includes a tightening sub-assembly including a support surface and an actuation sub-assembly including a movable actuating mechanism, capable of axial rotation around the skewer and configured to transmit a tightening torque to the tightening sub-assembly when the device is being tightened. The system includes tightening torque limiting mechanism making it possible to limit the torque transmitted by the actuation sub-assembly to the tightening sub-assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Salomon S.A.S.
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Mercat, Jean-Luc Veux, Joseph Normand
  • Patent number: 8056987
    Abstract: A quick release assembly for a bicycle wheel that includes a pair of heads disposed at generally opposite ends of a skewer rod. One of the heads includes a cam surface that is translatable relative to the head. The quick release includes an operator having a handle portion and a stem portion. The stem portion includes a cam that cooperates with the cam surface formed in one of the heads such that operation of the handle alters the distance between the heads from a first orientation wherein the heads secure a wheel to a bicycle, a second orientation wherein the heads loosely secure the wheel to the bicycle and a third orientation wherein the wheel assembly can be freely removed from the bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Trek Bicycle Corporation
    Inventor: Douglas A. Cusack
  • Patent number: 8038225
    Abstract: A bicycle hub assembly includes two end caps which are two collar-shaped member and an axle is connected between the two end caps. A casing is mounted to two respective outer peripheries of the two end caps and accommodates the axle therein. The two end caps and the casing form a smooth and curved outer shape. Two collars are connected to two distal ends of the two end caps and two ends of the casing. Two positioning bolts extend through the collars and are threadedly connected to the two ends of the axle. Multiple copper heads are connected to the two end caps and protrude outward from the casing at an angle so as to be connected to spokes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Joy Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Pi-Yun Chiang
  • Publication number: 20110248556
    Abstract: A hub device for a bicycle includes a hub case which is attached to a center of a wheel for receiving a load exerted from a rim to which a tire is fitted, and formed to have each inner diameter of both end portions larger than a diameter of a center portion, a sleeve with plural slits in a circumferential direction and a cylindrical shape integrally attached to the hub case at the inner diameter side, which serves to transfer the load exerted to the hub case to a shaft, a bearing for receiving the load exerted to the sleeve and rotatably supporting a whole structure of the wheel, a shaft for rotatably supporting the whole structure of the wheel via the bearing, and spherical washers attached to both end portions of the shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2010
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Applicant: GOKISO GIKEN CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yutaka Kondo
  • Publication number: 20110227401
    Abstract: A hub assembly includes a tube having a fist connection portion on each of two ends thereof and each first connection portion has multiple first flat surfaces. Two flange parts are respectively connected to the two ends of the tube and each have a connection part and a second connection portion on two opposite sides thereof. The second connection portion includes an extension part and a groove is defined between the extension part and the flange part. The extension part is shaped to be inserted into the first connection portion corresponding thereto. A tubular member extends through the connection part and the second connection portion of each of the two flange parts. At least one bearing is located between the two flange parts and the tubular member. Two end rings are respectively connected to the connection parts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Inventor: STEPHEN HUANG
  • Publication number: 20110221263
    Abstract: A hub assembly includes a hub and a driving tube is connected to one end of the hub, the driving tube includes a connection end and a sprocket portion located on two ends thereof. The connection portion is inserted into the hub and the sprocket portion has a reception hole defined in an end thereof. An axle extends through the hub and the driving tube. A rotary unit is located between the reception hole and the axle, and includes a tubular member which is mounted to the axle and includes a stop flange. At least one space is defined between the tubular member, the stop flange and an inner periphery of the reception hole. At least one self-lubricating bearing is located in the space and two sides of the self-lubricating bearing are well positioned by the stop flange and the locking unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: JOY INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: PI-YUN CHIANG
  • Patent number: 7997664
    Abstract: A hub for off-road motorcycle includes a bearing having a first portion and a second portion respectively formed on two opposite ends thereof. Each of the first portion and the second portion has a connecting flange extended therefrom. A first annular element has a first through hole defined therein. The first annular element has a plurality of first spoke holes defined therein. A second annular element has a second through hole defined therein. The second annular element has a plurality of second spoke holes defined therein. When the hub adapts to be assembled with spokes, the first annular element and the second annular element are slightly pivotally rotated relative to the bearing for adapting to easily adjustably assemble the spokes with a rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Inventor: Judy Wu
  • Publication number: 20110193406
    Abstract: A bicycle hub includes a tubular portion which is fixed to the hub and includes at least one first transmission portion and at least one second transmission portion. The first transmission portion extends axially and radially outward from the tubular portion. The at least one second transmission portion includes at least one positioning protrusion on the tubular portion and at least one engaging member which has a first end mounted to the at least one positioning protrusion so as to form the at least one second transmission portion. Two sides of the at least one positioning protrusion are covered by the at least one engaging member. The at least one engaging member of the at least one second transmission portion provides dual-direction protection feature so as to reduce wearing when the flywheels 50 rotate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Applicant: JOY INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: PI-YUN CHIANG
  • Publication number: 20110175433
    Abstract: A bicycle hub includes a tubular portion which is fixed to the hub and includes at least one first transmission portion and at least one second transmission portion. The first transmission portion extends axially and radially outward from the tubular portion. The at least one second transmission portion includes at least one positioning protrusion on the tubular portion and at least one engaging member which has a first end mounted to the at least one positioning protrusion so as to form the at least one second transmission portion. Two sides of the at least one positioning protrusion are covered by the at least one engaging member. The at least one engaging member of the at least one second transmission portion provides dual-direction protection feature so as to reduce wearing when the flywheels 50 rotate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Applicant: JOY INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: PI-YUN CHIANG
  • Publication number: 20110163594
    Abstract: A manufacturing process for a bicycle hub includes steps of preparing dry carbon fiber fabric, covering around inner tube, placing in upper and lower molds, injecting adhesive into the upper and lower molds, and forming by heating and pressurizing. Because the manufacturing process uses tubular dry carbon fiber fabric to form a hub shell, the manufacturing process is simple and the produced hub has few defects. Thus, the production rate and product stability are enhanced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2010
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Inventor: SHU-WEI LIN
  • Publication number: 20110148183
    Abstract: A hub assembly for a bicycle includes a shaft (12), a hub body (40), a driven ring (43), a drive seat (10), a rotation ring (20), a plurality of pawl members (22), a plurality of push balls (23), a mounting sleeve (32), a damping ring (30), and a plurality of tension adjusting mechanisms (37). Thus, each of the pawl members is driven by each of the push balls in a rolling manner so that each of the pawl members is moved smoothly and stably without incurring sliding friction, thereby facilitating operation of the drive seat. In addition, each of the tension adjusting mechanisms is used to adjust the damping force of the damping ring, so that the damping force of the damping ring is distributed evenly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventor: Ching-Shu Chen
  • Patent number: 7959235
    Abstract: The eccentric wheel apparatus includes a rotating frame, a wheel frame, and a circular adjustment member. Here, the inner portion of a cylindrical body is isolated by an isolation plate and an axial tube to which a driving shaft is fixed is eccentrically formed via the isolation place, in the rotating frame. Accordingly, the rotating frame and the wheel frame are combined with or released from each other. In the case that the rotating frame and the wheel frame are released from each other, the wheel frame can be freely eccentrically adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Inventor: Man Seob Kim
  • Patent number: 7954906
    Abstract: A wheel quick release system for a bicycle or other wheeled vehicle where the wheel can be easily removed by a manual operation on only one side of the wheel hub but is prevented from unexpected separation at all times while engaged with the wheel. A laterally moving skewer mounted concentrically inside a hollow axle is equipped with a “non-touch” nut on one end and is spring loaded toward a quick release cam on the other end thereby always urging the nut against the adjacent dropout. To remove the wheel, the quick release cam is operated and the quick release side assembly is pushed axially inward and a safety mechanism is operated and held in this position while the wheel is removed from the fork dropouts. When the wheel is again inserted into the wheel fork, the skewer automatically locks onto the dropouts, and subsequently if the quick release cam is inadvertently left open by the user, the wheel will be somewhat loose but will remain safely inserted in the wheel mounts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Inventors: David Montague, Harry Montague
  • Patent number: 7954905
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a modular motorcycle hub system includes a central hub body with a first and second extension member coupling end; a brake extension member with a first hub body coupling end operable to couple with the central hub body via at least one of the first and second extension member coupling; and a pulley extension member having a second hub body coupling end operable to couple with the central hub body via at least one of the first and second extension member coupling ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Inventor: Salim Wakim
  • Patent number: 7950747
    Abstract: A tension-spoke wheel including a rim, spokes, and a central hub, the exterior of the rim having a tire-receiving channel that defines a median plane, and an interior of the rim having spoke fastening zones that define a median plane for fastening the spokes, the hub having a median plane and two flanges for fastening the spokes, one of the flanges being closer to the median plane of the hub than the other, and at least the spokes fastened to the flange that is closer to the median plane of the hub lacking individual tensioning mechanisms. The spokes fastened to the flange that is closer to the hub median plane are fastened to the rim on the side of the median plane of the tire-receiving channel that is opposite the closer flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Salomon S.A.S.
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Mercat, Claude Righini, Benoît Saillet
  • Publication number: 20110121638
    Abstract: This invention relates to a wheel spindle structure of bicycle, in which a wheel spindle is inserted in wheel hub so as to fix wheel body. The wheel spindle, made by rigid titanium alloy, is cut to have a plurality of elastic recessed grooves provided around circumference and extended along the axial direction. By providing the elastic recessed grooves, rigidity of the wheel spindle is reduced so as to increase its elasticity. This results in high elastic force with slight elongation-contraction, whereby the wheel body can roll to move smoothly so as to remarkably increase the steering capability of bicycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Inventor: Chai-Chen Lin
  • Patent number: 7938241
    Abstract: A hub for a bicycle includes a shaft, a hub body, a ratchet wheel, a damper, a drive seat, and a plurality of pawl members. Thus, when the drive seat is rotatable backward, the locking detent of each of the pawl members is detached from the oneway ratchet teeth of the ratchet wheel constantly, so that each of the pawl members will not touch the ratchet wheel to prevent from incurring a noise. In addition, when the drive seat is rotatable backward, the hub body is separated from the drive seat, and rotation of the hub body will not drive the drive seat and the pedal to prevent the pedal from being driven when the hub body is rotated backward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Chosen Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ching-Shu Chen
  • Patent number: 7938242
    Abstract: A hub for a bicycle includes a shaft, a hub body, a ratchet wheel, a damper, a drive seat, a plurality of pawl members, and a plurality of elastic plates. The ratchet wheel has a plurality of oneway ratchet teeth. The drive seat has a support base which has a plurality of receiving slots. Each of the pawl members has a locking detent. Thus, when the pedal is driven backward (and the drive seat is rotated backward), each of the pawl members is fully hidden in the respective receiving slot, and the locking detent of each of the pawl members is detached from the oneway ratchet teeth constantly, so that each of the pawl members will not touch the ratchet wheel when the pedal is driven backward to prevent from incurring a noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Chosen Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ching-Shu Chen
  • Patent number: 7926886
    Abstract: Apparatus for mounting a cycle wheel on a cycle wheel frame including two axle segments connected to cycle frame mounting lugs, a freewheel body being mounted on one of the axle segments and a hub being mounted on the other of the axle segments. A lock bolt extends through the hub and the axle segment supporting the hub and threadedly engages the axle segment supporting the freewheel body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Inventor: J. Leonard Ashman
  • Publication number: 20110084544
    Abstract: There is described a bicycle (1) in which the rear wheel (3) is provided with a planetary hub gearbox (17) and is mounted on a single rear arm (13) positioned to one side of the rear wheel. The planetary gearbox comprises an outer casing (19) having an external bearing surface to engage a bearing mounted to the rear arm (13) of the bicycle, and releaseable mounting means for attaching the rear wheel (3) of the bicycle to the outer casing (19) of the planetary hub gearbox (17). The rear arm is of tubular or hollow construction, with the drive chain (15) or belt running enclosed within the rear arm (13).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Inventor: RICHARD THORPE
  • Publication number: 20110084541
    Abstract: A bicycle wheel with a tri-flange hub includes a hub with a first flange, second flange, and a third flange. The rim of the bicycle wheel is connected to the first, second and third flanges by spokes. The third flange is located on the hub along a centerline which passes through the center of the rim.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Applicant: Reynolds Cycling LLC
    Inventor: Paul Eric Lew
  • Patent number: 7918474
    Abstract: A bicycle wheel dropout assembly that includes a split component axle mount assembly. An inboard and an outboard component of the axle mount assembly cooperate with overlapping portions of a respective seat stay and chain stay and are rotatably engaged therewith. An axle passes between adjacent mount assemblies and is offset with respect to an axis of rotation of the respective mount assemblies. The axle mount assemblies secure the overlapping portions of the seat stay and the chain stay relative to one another and support the axle in a manner that is convenient for drive train maintenance and/or servicing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Trek Bicycle Corporation
    Inventor: Raymond E. Waxham
  • Publication number: 20110068618
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a cartridge-based hub system for a bicycle with at least two frame stays, consisting of a hub shell that is fastened together with the hub wheel rim, and an internal detachable cartridge consisting of the typical elements that a hub contains, made in such a way that the cartridge can be detached from the hub shell and the rest of the wheel by a person not possessing the competence of a specialist, without exposing the inner mechanism. The cartridge-based hub system enables the cyclist to use the same cartridge on multiple wheel sets with for example different rim- and tire solutions, and to use different cartridges with different hub- and power transfer solutions on the same wheel set. Furthermore, a cartridge-based hub system enables the use of detachable power transfer solutions on wheels with synchronously arranged spokes, which strengthens the wheel and eases the process of building a wheel, compared to wheels with asynchronously arranged spokes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Inventors: Christian Antal, Knut Tore Ljøsne
  • Patent number: 7909412
    Abstract: A cycle wheel mounting system wherein a cycle wheel hub is rotatably mounted on an axle rod having threaded portions. Structure associated with the cycle wheel hub and the axle rod, including projections on the hub casing of the cycle wheel hub, and receivers for the projections on the cycle frame ensures proper alignment of the cycle wheel when mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Inventor: J. Leonard Ashman
  • Publication number: 20110057506
    Abstract: A hub for off-road motorcycle includes a bearing having a first portion and a second portion respectively formed on two opposite ends thereof. Each of the first portion and the second portion has a connecting flange extended therefrom. A first annular element has a first through hole defined therein. The first annular element has a plurality of first spoke holes defined therein. A second annular element has a second through hole defined therein. The second annular element has a plurality of second spoke holes defined therein. When the hub adapts to be assembled with spokes, the first annular element and the second annular element are slightly pivotally rotated relative to the bearing for adapting to easily adjustably assemble the spokes with a rim.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2009
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Inventor: JUDY WU
  • Publication number: 20110049966
    Abstract: A wheel hub includes a hub center and an end part. The hub center has, towards a first end thereof, a first attachment formation that includes a bearing face. The end part has an attachment formation which is configured to receive the first attachment formation of the hub center. The attachment formation includes a bearing face which is complementary to the bearing face of the hub center such that when the first attachment formation of the hub center is received in the attachment formation of the end part, the bearing face of the hub center bears against the bearing face of the end part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: TALON ENGINEERING LIMITED
    Inventors: Robert Sartin, Michael Mullett
  • Patent number: 7896381
    Abstract: A wheel assembly, which is particularly applicable to bicycles, includes a hub, a pair of laterally spaced bearings, and is constructed to cooperate with a frame of a bicycle. The bearings include an outer race that is directly engaged with the hub. An inner race of each bearing is constructed to directly receive a portion of the bicycle frame such that the wheel is supported by direct interaction of the bicycle frame and the bearing members. Optionally, a hollow axle may extend between adjacent bearings to further enhance the lateral stiffness of the wheel assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Trek Bicycle Corporation
    Inventor: Brad J. Addink
  • Publication number: 20110037240
    Abstract: A bicycle and bicycle parking and lock system wherein a hub locking device that is secured to a bicycle cooperates with a parking rack. The bicycle includes an engagement member that is secured to an axle of the bicycle. The engagement member selectively removably cooperates with a recess formed in the parking and lock system. The parking and lock system includes a number of upstanding members that are positioned to generally flank the front wheel of a bicycle to maintain the bicycle in a generally upright orientation. Each or select number of the upstanding members include a lock system that cooperates with the locking engagement member so as to secure the respective bicycle with respect to the parking system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2010
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Inventors: Michael Kritzer, Alex Bogusky
  • Publication number: 20100280766
    Abstract: A cassette-based power measuring apparatus includes a power sensing arrangement mounted within a cavity defined by a hollow bicycle cassette. The power sensing arrangement includes a torque sensing assembly including torque sensing elements configured to measure a user applied torque. The torque sensing elements are in communication with an electronics assembly configured to process the measured data and transmit it to a receiver. The torque sensing assembly may comprise a torque tube or a series of bending beams secured between a rear plate of the cassette and a freehub. The torque tube or bending beams may include strain gauges bonded thereto for measuring strain induced by application of forces in response to user-applied power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2010
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Inventors: Jordan R. Roessingh, David L. Wendt
  • Patent number: 7823981
    Abstract: A wheel hub is provided. The wheel hub includes an axle, a first spoke coupling member operably connected to the axle, a second spoke coupling member operably connected to the axle and an outer surface covering at least a portion of the axle. The outer surface is located between the first and second spoke coupling members and has a length and a thickness where the length is greater than the thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Zero Products, LLC
    Inventor: John Cobb
  • Publication number: 20100260544
    Abstract: A connection tube of bicycle rear wheel hub includes a connection portion and an engaging portion one two ends of the connection tube, the connection portion is connected to the bicycle rear wheel hub. The engaging portion is a hollow tube and four elongate driving ribs extend radially from an outer periphery of the engaging portion. Each driving rib includes a driving surface and an inclined surface on two sides thereof. The driving surface is perpendicular to the outer periphery of the engaging portion. A positioning rib extends radially from an outer periphery of the engaging portion and is located between two driving ribs. Only the driving surface contacts the engaging ribs of the sprocket set.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2009
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Inventor: Pi-Yun Chiang
  • Publication number: 20100194183
    Abstract: A bicycle hub assembly includes two end caps which are two collar-shaped member and an axle is connected between the two end caps. A casing is mounted to two respective outer peripheries of the two end caps and accommodates the axle therein. The two end caps and the casing form a smooth and curved outer shape. Two collars are connected to two distal ends of the two end caps and two ends of the casing. Two positioning bolts extend through the collars and are threadedly connected to the two ends of the axle. Multiple copper heads are connected to the two end caps and protrude outward from the casing at an angle so as to be connected to spokes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2009
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Inventor: Pi-Yun Chiang
  • Patent number: 7766143
    Abstract: A rear hub for a bicycle includes a mandrel, a hub body, a first locking nut, a freewheel, an auxiliary threaded post, and a second locking nut. The mandrel has a primary threaded section and a secondary mounting portion which has a diameter smaller than that of the primary mounting portion. Thus, the secondary mounting portion of the mandrel has a smaller diameter so that the freewheel has a smaller diameter to reduce the tooth number of the driven gear to reduce the tooth number of the chainwheel to reduce the diameter of the chainwheel so as to reduce the whole volume and weight of the bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Chosen Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ching-Shu Chen
  • Publication number: 20100187898
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided herein that provide for a modular motorcycle hub system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2009
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Inventor: Salim Wakim
  • Patent number: 7758250
    Abstract: A bicycle hub is provided that comprises a hub axle, a hub body rotatably mounted on the hub axle by a pair of bearings. The bicycle hub also has an inner tubular structure including a pair of inner tubes. One of the inner tubes is fixedly secured relative to a first body end adjacent to a first bearing, while the other inner tube is fixedly secured relative to the second body end adjacent to the second bearing. The inner tubes have inner free end portions that are telescopically arranged so that the inner tubes can be used with several different has that have different axial widths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Takanori Kanehisa, Atsuhiro Nishimura
  • Patent number: 7753454
    Abstract: A bicycle wheel securing structure includes an outer axle, an inner axle, a head member, a lever member, a fixing structure and an adjustment member. The outer axle has a first threaded end and a second end. The inner axle is coupled to the outer axle within an internal bore of the outer axle. The head member is disposed on the inner axle with the lever member operatively mounted to move the head member relative to the inner axle in response to movement of the lever member. The fixing structure is disposed between the outer axle and the inner axle to releasably prevent axial removal of the inner axle from the internal bore of the outer axle. The fixing structure and the adjustment member cooperate together to adjust a final position of the lever member in a rotational direction with respect to the outer axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Nobukatsu Hara, Takanori Kanehisa
  • Patent number: 7740325
    Abstract: A hub for a bicycle includes a shaft, a hub body rotatably mounted on the shaft, a drive seat rotatably mounted on the shaft and engaged with the hub body, and a self-lubricating bearing mounted between the drive seat and the shaft. The self-lubricating bearing has a radially and outwardly extending limit flange rested on the drive seat. Thus, the self-lubricating bearing has an inner wall contacting with an outer wall of the shaft completely and an outer wall contacting with an inner wall of the drive seat completely, so that the external force applied on the self-lubricating bearing is distributed evenly and smoothly to prevent the self-lubricating bearing from being distorted or deformed due to a stress concentration, thereby enhancing the lifetime of the self-lubricating bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Chosen Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ching-Shu Chen
  • Patent number: 7726454
    Abstract: A free coaster bicycle wheel driving apparatus is provided with a clutch that employs radially acting, rather than axially acting components. An annular drive sleeve projecting inwardly from a drive sprocket is disposed within multiple transmission power transmission sleeves, which are disposed within a cylindrical wheel hub shell. The drive sleeve defines multiple cam lobes and the power transmission sleeves define multiple cam lobes and multiple pockets. When the drive sleeve cam lobes are disposed in the power transmission sleeve pockets, the driving apparatus is disengaged and allowed to free coast. Upon forward rotation of the driving apparatus, the drive sleeve cam lobes rotate toward and engage the power transmission sleeve cam lobes, thereby forcing the power transmission sleeve radially outward towards the wheel hub shell, thereby allowing the sprocket to engage the wheel hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Bear Corporation
    Inventor: George French
  • Patent number: 7722129
    Abstract: A quick release assembly for a bicycle wheel that includes a pair of heads disposed at generally opposite ends of a skewer rod. One of the heads includes a cam surface that is translatable relative to the head. The quick release includes an operator having a handle portion and a stem portion. The stem portion includes a cam that cooperates with the cam surface formed in one of the heads such that operation of the handle alters the distance between the heads from a first orientation wherein the heads secure a wheel to a bicycle, a second orientation wherein the heads loosely secure the wheel to the bicycle and a third orientation wherein the wheel assembly can be freely removed from the bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Trek Bicycle Corporation
    Inventor: Douglas A. Cusack
  • Publication number: 20100096913
    Abstract: Device including an inner shaft and an outer body rotatably mounted about an axis with respect to the shaft via at least one rolling bearing, the rolling bearing including an inner ring mounted on the inner shaft and an outer ring mounted in a housing of the outer body, the device including an automatic backlash elimination mechanism. The automatic backlash elimination mechanism includes a first washer having a tapered surface, and an elastic element in contact with the tapered surface of the first washer, the elastic element structured and arranged to generate a radial return force that is converted, by means of the tapered surface, into an axial force in order to eliminate the backlash related to the mounting of the rolling bearing. The first washer can be mounted on the shaft, in which case the elastic element generates a centripetal return force, or it can be mounted in the bore of the outer body, in which case the elastic element generates a centrifugal return force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2009
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Applicant: SALOMON S.A.S.
    Inventor: Jean-Luc VEUX
  • Publication number: 20100096912
    Abstract: An axle arrangement (1) for two-wheelers, particularly for bicycles, wherein the arrangement includes a quick-release axle (2) having an axle (6) as the supporting part for a hub (7), wherein the axle can be inserted in receiving or dropout ends (3, 4) of a fork, a linkage, a rear end or similar mount. The axle has a threaded end (16) and a quick-release fastener (9) with a tensioning lever (10) on the other end. One of the receiving ends (3, 4), or an intermediate supporting part (13, 22) that can be connected to the dropout end, has a screw thread (15) for screwing in the one threaded end (16) of the axle (6). In addition, an adjustable stop may be provided for the purpose of limiting the screw-in depth of the threaded axle end (16) in the screw thread (15) of the receiving end (4) or in the screw thread (15) of the intermediate supporting part connected to the receiving end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Applicant: GUSTAV MAGENWIRTH GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Dirk Lude
  • Patent number: 7695073
    Abstract: A rear hub for a bicycle includes a shaft, a hub body mounted on the shaft and provided with two spoke mounting portions and a mounting ring, a driven member located beside the mounting ring, a brake disc mounted on the mounting ring, and a drive member engaged with the driven member. Thus, the drive member and the brake disc are located at the same side of the hub body, so that one side of the hub body is provided with the drive member and the brake disc, and the other side of the hub body is disposed at a vacant state to facilitate a rider using the other side of the hub body to have a greater inclined angle without being obstructed by the drive member and the brake disc so as to perform acrobatics easily and smoothly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Chosen Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ching-Shu Chen
  • Publication number: 20100066159
    Abstract: A hub body for a bicycle wheel has a substantially tubular body extending along a longitudinal axis with a pair of opposite end portions, at least one of which has an annular front surface on which a plurality of housing seats for an end portion of respective spokes are formed. Advantageously, at least some of these seats comprise retention elements adapted to prevent said spokes from moving along a direction substantially parallel to said longitudinal axis in all operating conditions. The spoke is thus prevented from moving away from the hub in the case of untightening or breaking of a spoke during a race, which would compromise the correct operation of the wheel and/or constitute a danger to the cyclists.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Applicant: CAMPAGNOLO S.R.L.
    Inventor: Mario Meggiolan
  • Patent number: 7673946
    Abstract: A hub apparatus for a bicycle wheel with improved aerodynamic mechanism is provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a hub body having a parabolic shape. The hub body is disclosed approximately about a center plane of the bicycle wheel and has a plurality of retaining holes for retaining one end of bicycle spokes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Hed Cycling Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven Arthur Hed