Pulley Is Vehicle Drive Pulley (e.g., Bicycle Sprocket, Etc.) Patents (Class 474/116)
-
Patent number: 10586424Abstract: A variable skill proposition interleaved wagering system is disclosed. The system includes an interactive processing device constructed to detect a user selection of a payable having an associated skill proposition, communicate the selection of the paytable to a process controller, receive the skill proposition from the process controller, determine a skill outcome for the skill proposition presented to a user, and communicate to the process controller the skill outcome. A wager controller is constructed to generate a wager outcome using the selected paytable, and communicate the wager outcome to the process controller. The process controller constructed to receive the selection of the paytable, determine the skill proposition from the selection of the paytable, communicate the skill proposition to the interactive processing device, receive the skill outcome from the interactive processing device, and update one or more credit meters using the skill outcome and the wager outcome.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2017Date of Patent: March 10, 2020Assignee: Gamblit Gaming, LLCInventors: Miles Arnone, Zachary Foley, Eric Meyerhofer, Timothy Isaacson
-
Patent number: 10464635Abstract: A chainguide includes a mounting bracket and a guide member supported by and infinitely laterally adjustable relative to the mounting bracket.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2017Date of Patent: November 5, 2019Assignee: Wolf Tooth Components, LLCInventor: Michael W. Pfeiffer
-
Patent number: 10427747Abstract: A bicycle frame structure has a drop-out and includes: a fixing bracket having a rail groove formed in a frontward and rearward direction and fixed to one side of the frame; a movement member mounted to the fixing bracket to be movable forward and backward along the rail groove; a drop plate fixed to the movement member and having a drop-out formed therein for fixing a wheel; and an adjustment bolt screw-engaged by penetrating one side of the movement member. A front end of the adjustment bolt is supported by a fixing support formed in the fixing bracket. The movement member is moved along the rail groove according to rotation of the adjustment bolt.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2017Date of Patent: October 1, 2019Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventors: Jungnam Choi, Sung Dae Lim
-
Patent number: 9650108Abstract: A method for electronically controlling a bicycle gearshift comprising a support unit configured to be mounted on a bicycle frame at an assembly of toothed wheels coaxial with one another of the gearshift and a mobile unit comprising a chain guide. The method comprising the steps of: moving the mobile unit to impart on the chain guide a primary displacement having at least a component in axial direction with respect to an axis (Z) of the assembly of toothed wheels; and, moving the mobile unit to impart onto the chain guide a secondary displacement having at least a component in radial direction with respect to the axis (Z) of the assembly of toothed wheels, wherein the secondary displacement is carried out independently of the primary displacement.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2015Date of Patent: May 16, 2017Assignee: Campagnolo S.r.l.Inventors: Alberto Bortoli, Gianluca Bortolozzo, Paolo Pasqua
-
Patent number: 9008923Abstract: A bicycle derailleur adjusting apparatus for adjusting a bicycle derailleur includes a controller. The bicycle derailleur includes a base member adapted to be mounted to a bicycle, a movable member, a linkage coupled between the base member and the movable member, and an actuator configured to move the movable member of the bicycle derailleur among a plurality of derailleur positions. The controller is configured to control the actuator based on a travel value indicative of a travel distance of the movable member between adjacent derailleur positions to update the derailleur positions of the movable member.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2013Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Ryuichiro Takamoto, Yoshiyuki Kasai
-
Publication number: 20140315672Abstract: The invention refers to a device for adjusting the tension of a motorcycle chain, the chain being the transmission element between two rotating shafts; that of the motorcycle engine output and the rear wheel axle.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2014Publication date: October 23, 2014Applicant: VERTIGO MOTORS, S.L.Inventor: Joan FORRELLAD VIVES
-
Patent number: 8424894Abstract: Described are dropout assemblies for bicycles, which include a receiver and a dropout. The dropout assemblies can allow a single bicycle frame to be compatible with various drivetrains, wheels and other components and accessories. The receiver may include inner and outer mounting surfaces on which a dropout may be mounted. The dropout may include first and second mounting surfaces formed to be mounted on the inner or outer mounting surfaces of the receiver. The axle spacing may be adjusted by mounting of either the first or second surface of the dropout on the inner or outer surface of the receiver.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2009Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Assignee: Speedhound Design Bureau, LLCInventor: Christopher Coghlan Cleveland
-
Patent number: 8371660Abstract: A splined drive body for supporting a plurality of sprockets is disclosed. The drive body is provided with at least one composite drive body spline which consists of a first portion made up of the drive body material and a second portion made up of a different, harder material. The second portion of the composite drive body spline is an insert which includes a force receiving surface and a force transmitting surface and is operable to transmit force transmitted to it into the drive body through a force receiving surface provided on the first portion of the composite drive body spline.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2010Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Inventor: William B. Shook
-
Publication number: 20120129637Abstract: Transmission device for self-propelled equipment, includes a housing having a driving input shaft transmitting movement to an output shaft, the input shaft bearing a receiving pulley around which pulley a belt transmission is wrapped. The input shaft also bears a component that rotates as one with the shaft and a member for controlling the movement of the pulley along the input shaft in terms of the pulley movement towards or away from the component so that the pulley, which is mounted with freedom to rotate on the input shaft, can be moved from a disengaged position when it is away from the component, into an engaged position when it is close to the component, the pulley having a groove of constant predetermined width for accepting the belt so that when the belt is taut inside the groove, the belt tension is maintained as the pulley moves along the input shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2011Publication date: May 24, 2012Applicant: FRANCE REDUCTEURSInventor: Robert BLANCHARD
-
Patent number: 8074538Abstract: A specially configured wrench is fitted to the fork structure of the rear wheel of a motorcycle to transmit rotational torque to the axle and move the rear wheel axle and sprocket to adjust and accurately set the tension in the drive belt of the motorcycle to a desired level. Further, a method is disclosed for reducing slack, changing, and/or setting a desired tension in the flexible power transmission mechanism of a motorcycle, the mechanism exemplified by a chain or drive belt having upper and lower reaches wrapped about respective of a rotatable forward motor drive sprocket and a rotatable rear wheel drive sprocket and used in cooperation with a fork structure for mounting the rear wheel and a cam-operated structure for repositioning the rear sprocket and associated axle.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2009Date of Patent: December 13, 2011Inventors: John Gilgallon, George Faleris vice Saleris
-
Patent number: 8043179Abstract: A drive chain adjustment mechanism for simplifying the tension adjustment work of a drive chain of an all terrain vehicle. The drive chain is wound around a driven sprocket connected to the rear wheels of the vehicle. The mechanism includes a case to which the driven sprocket is coupled; a cam which moves the case in a fore and aft direction with respect to a vehicle body frame; and a bolt which is located rearward of a shaft portion of the driven sprocket, and which attaches the cam and the case to the vehicle body frame. When the case is moved in the fore and aft direction of a vehicle body, the tension of the drive chain is adjusted.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2006Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Bunzo Seki, Tomoaki Yamagata, Shigeto Inami
-
Patent number: 8007383Abstract: A bicycle rear derailleur comprises a base member, a movable member that supports a chain guide including a pulley that rotates around a pulley axis, and a linking member coupled between the base member and the movable member so that the chain guide moves laterally relative to the base member between a first lateral position and a second lateral position. Examples of features include the linking member being coupled to the base member through separate pivot pins, the linking member straddling the base member, and the base member having link coupling projections with different thicknesses.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2007Date of Patent: August 30, 2011Assignee: Shimano, Inc.Inventors: Etsuyoshi Watarai, Shinya Oseto, Souta Yamaguchi
-
Publication number: 20110130233Abstract: A bicycle sprocket support assembly is provided with a sprocket support body, a first sprocket support member and at least first and second sprockets. The sprocket support body has a tubular shaped part with an exterior surface and an interior surface arranged around a center longitudinal axis. The first sprocket support member is integrated with the exterior surface of the sprocket support body as a one-piece, unitary member and projects radially from the exterior surface of the sprocket support body. The first and second sprockets are fixed to the first sprocket support member by at least one fastener with the first and second sprockets being supported at axially spaced apart locations along the center longitudinal axis of the sprocket support body.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2009Publication date: June 2, 2011Applicant: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Kouji TOKUYAMA, Takanori KANEHISA, Yoshimitsu MIKI, Kazuki KOSHIYAMA
-
Publication number: 20110114406Abstract: A flywheel energy storage system for a vehicle, comprising a first shaft, a second shaft operatively coupled to the first shaft and to the vehicle's drivetrain, a flywheel operatively coupled to the first shaft, and a motor operatively coupled to the first shaft and electrically coupled to a power source, the motor being adapted to receive energy from the vehicle's electrical system and the flywheel energy storage system being adapted to transfer energy to the vehicle's drive system.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2011Publication date: May 19, 2011Inventors: Charles GIBSON, Dolleva Rogers
-
Publication number: 20110042917Abstract: Described are dropout assemblies for bicycles, which include a receiver and a dropout. The dropout assemblies can allow a single bicycle frame to be compatible with various drivetrains, wheels and other components and accessories. The receiver may include inner and outer mounting surfaces on which a dropout may be mounted. The dropout may include first and second mounting surfaces formed to be mounted on the inner or outer mounting surfaces of the receiver. The axle spacing may be adjusted by mounting of either the first or second surface of the dropout on the inner or outer surface of the receiver.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 21, 2009Publication date: February 24, 2011Inventor: Christopher Coghlan Cleveland
-
Publication number: 20110034280Abstract: A bike chain checker includes a base, an opening formed in the bottom of the base, a leaning portion extended from one sidewall of the base toward the opening, two threaded holes bored in another sidewall for respectively engaging with a chain wheel screw and a pointer screw. The pointer is freely hung downward. A marking line is marked under one of the threaded holes. A groove is formed on the top of the base for fitting a level bar, and the level bar fixed by a screw engaged with a threaded hole bored in a sidewall of the groove. Thus, the level bar is positioned horizontally if the pointer overlaps the marking line. If the chain does not overpass the level bar when pulled up, it represents the loose allowance of the chain is acceptable. But, if passing over, the chain is too loose, needing to be adjusted.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2009Publication date: February 10, 2011Inventor: Hsin-Fa Kang
-
Patent number: 7854302Abstract: A bicycle brake apparatus comprises a securing bracket with an axle opening dimensioned to receive a bicycle wheel hub axle therethrough, a braked member that has a braking surface and is adapted to rotate with a bicycle wheel hub rotatably supported by the hub axle, a braking member adapted to contact the braking surface, and an operating unit that selectively causes the braking member to contact the braking surface. A locking unit is structured for attachment to the securing bracket, wherein the locking unit extends in an axial direction of the hub axle and is dimensioned to nonrotatably engage the bicycle frame radially inwardly of a rotating portion of the brake apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2008Date of Patent: December 21, 2010Assignee: Shimano, Inc.Inventors: Seiji Fukui, Keiji Matsueda, Keita Tanaka
-
Patent number: 7837000Abstract: An all terrain vehicle includes a caliper bracket that moves with the movement of a rear axle by the rotation of an eccentric hub. The eccentric hub rotatably supports the rear axle in a position eccentric to the radial center of an axle supporting section. The caliper bracket includes a range specifying section or, specifically, a first engaging portion, which engages with the rear arm, for specifying the rotating range of the eccentric hub according to the position of engagement with the rear arm. The rear arm includes a second engaging portion that engages with the first engaging portion.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2007Date of Patent: November 23, 2010Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Tatsuya Matsuura, Tomoyuki Hayashi
-
Patent number: 7805268Abstract: A bicycle component calibration device and method are provided that assist the user in determining that an adjustment was made. Basically, when a calibration command in inputted to indicate a selected adjustment amount in a selected adjustment direction, the bicycle component (e.g., a derailleur) initially moves farther than the selected adjustment amount in a first direction by an adjustment indicating amount in response to the calibration command, and then subsequently moves the bicycle component in a second direction to the selected adjustment position in which the second direction is opposite to the first direction. The adjustment indicating amount is greater than the selected adjustment amount of the calibration command. Finally, the selected adjustment position is set as an adjusted position of the bicycle component.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2008Date of Patent: September 28, 2010Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventor: Ryuichiro Takamoto
-
Patent number: 7785220Abstract: An automotive vehicle has a power operated lift-gate that is opened and closed by two drive units. The typical drive unit has a guide channel, an attachment assembly that is disposed in the guide channel, a flexible drive member that is attached to the attachment assembly and formed in a loop for moving the attachment assembly in the guide channel. The flexible drive member is trained solely around two pulleys at the respective opposite ends of the guide channel to form the flexible drive member in a narrow loop. One of the pulleys is an idler pulley that is part of an adjustable pulley assembly and the other pulley is driven by a power unit that is attached to the guide channel. The adjustable pulley assembly adjusts the distance between the pulleys to take up slack in the flexible drive member.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2005Date of Patent: August 31, 2010Assignee: Strattec Power Access LLCInventors: Michael A. Ciavaglia, Lloyd W. Rogers, Jr., Howard W. Kuhlman, Brian N. Orr, Eric R. Hansen, John R. Rice, Joseph M. Johnson
-
Patent number: 7686721Abstract: A bicycle chainring is formed from a first member and an second member. The first member includes a center rotational axis, a crank attachment portion with a plurality of chainring attachment openings and an annular tooth portion with a plurality of chain engaging gear teeth. The second member disposed around the center rotational axis and is fixedly attached to overlie at least one of the crank attachment portion and the annular tooth portion to reinforce the first member without obstructing access to the chainring attachment openings.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2005Date of Patent: March 30, 2010Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Koshi Tabe, Masahiro Yamanaka, Toshio Tetsuka, Shingo Shiraishi, Hideya Inoue, Yusuke Nishimoto, Atsuhiro Emura
-
Patent number: 7637830Abstract: A low profile tension adjuster for use with a chain or belt driven power transmission system which has a slidable bar that sits inside of a yoke and over an axle and a base plate and set screw arrangement that abuts the slidable bar. The set screw and base plate being utilized to force the slidable bar into a positive fixed contact with the inside yoke end and then force the base plate and axle rearward in order to tighten the chain or belt power transmission system. The entire tension adjuster being generally cylindrical in shape and not extending beyond the ends of the yoke.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2007Date of Patent: December 29, 2009Inventor: John P. Greilinger
-
Patent number: 7630810Abstract: An electronically servo-assisted bicycle gearshift and method for electronically shifting the gears of a bicycle involves the steps of: receiving a signal requesting a displacement of a chain of a bicycle gearshift from a first sprocket to a second adjacent sprocket of a gearshift group comprising at least two sprockets; if the first sprocket has a smaller diameter than the second sprocket, obtaining an upwards gear-shifting position for the second sprocket, if the first sprocket has a larger diameter than the second sprocket, obtaining a downwards gear-shifting position for the second sprocket; and driving an actuator of the gearshift group to displace a guide element of the chain in an axial direction with respect to the gearshift group from the first sprocket to the upwards gear-shifting position for the second sprocket or to the downwards gear-shifting position for the second sprocket, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2007Date of Patent: December 8, 2009Assignee: Campagnolo S.r.l.Inventor: Gianfranco Guderzo
-
Publication number: 20090230758Abstract: The present invention provides a bicycle wheel hub that generally includes an axle, an input sprocket, an output shell, a one-way clutch and a locking mechanism. The one-way clutch operatively connects the input sprocket and the output shell and is configured to drive the output shell in a first direction. The locking mechanism is configured to operatively connect the output shell and the input sprocket to drive the output shell in a second direction to operate the bicycle wheel hub in a fixed drive mode. The locking mechanism is configured to operatively disconnect the output shell and the input sprocket to operate the bicycle wheel hub in a freewheel drive mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2009Publication date: September 17, 2009Applicant: SRAM Deutschland GmbHInventors: Marcus Schneider, Karl-Joachim Kuhne
-
Patent number: 7516972Abstract: A bicycle rear frame includes a mandrel, a hub mounted on the mandrel, a freewheel secured on the hub, two rear fork end members each mounted on the mandrel and each formed with a first tapered face, two rear stays each mounted on a respective rear fork end member, two press members each mounted on the mandrel and each formed with a second tapered face rested on the first tapered face of a respective rear fork end member, and two locking nuts each screwed onto the mandrel and each rested on a respective press member. Thus, the second tapered face of each of the press members presses the first tapered face of the respective rear fork end member to prevent the freewheel and the hub from being pulled forward by the chain, thereby preventing the chain from becoming loosened.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2007Date of Patent: April 14, 2009Inventor: Wu-Hsiung Liao
-
Publication number: 20080312016Abstract: A chain wheel comprises a chain wheel body formed with a plurality of combining holes for assembly a crank of a bicycle and a plurality of through holes for riveting so that the chain can be engaged with different chain wheel body for speed change; the chain wheel body including an outer periphery and an inner periphery; the outer periphery being formed with a teeth portion with a plurality of tooth for engaging with a chain; a coarse portion formed at a back surface of the chain wheel body; and a combining portion covering upon a part of the outer periphery and both at the front surface and back surface of the chain wheel body; the combining portion being extended through the inner periphery so as to be combined as an integral body at both the front surface and back surface of the chain wheel body.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2007Publication date: December 18, 2008Inventors: Douglas Chiang, Hsiu-Chih Wang
-
Publication number: 20080234082Abstract: A bicycle multi-gear cassette mountable to a wheel hub that generally includes a truncated conical shell and a plurality of toothed sprockets having different numbers of teeth. The shell includes a plurality of coaxial annular cylinders of variable diameter extending along an axis of the shell and a plurality of coaxial annular discs of variable diameter extending radially of the axis. The cylinders and discs are alternatingly arranged in a stepped sequence. The toothed sprockets are disposed on the shell and extend radially of the shell axis. At least one of the toothed sprockets includes a recess on a side facing an adjacent toothed sprocket having a smaller number of teeth. The recess includes a first region having a first depth and a second region having a second depth. The first depth is greater than the second depth. The shell and the plurality of toothed sprockets embody a single piece.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2007Publication date: September 25, 2008Applicant: SRAM CorporationInventor: Henrik Braedt
-
Publication number: 20080200292Abstract: The present invention refers to a bicycle hub being part of the drive mechanism 1 of a BMX bicycle comprising: an axle 5, a first part 7 being seated on said axle 5 and being provided with or connected to a cog 6, a second part 8 being movable relative to said first part 7 in longitudinal and rotational direction of said axle 5, said first part 7 and said second part 8 being in contact with each other via a screw coupling provided by threads 7? and 8?, a hub body 11 being arranged around at least said second part 8, said second part 8 being provided with a first cone surface 9, said hub body 11 having a second cone 10 surface formed thereon or connected thereto, wherein said two cone surfaces 9, 10 are engageable for power transmission, wherein a cassette 6 with several sprockets 6a is connected to the first part 7.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2007Publication date: August 21, 2008Applicant: KHE Fahrradhandels GmbHInventor: Thomas Goring
-
Patent number: 7373232Abstract: An electronically servo-assisted gearshift actuates a multiple gear-shifting that moves a chain from a current toothed wheel to a target toothed wheel not immediately adjacent to the current toothed wheel in a gearshift group having at least three toothed wheels. Actuating the multiple gear-shifting takes several steps (i) actuating a single gear-shifting to move the chain to a toothed wheel immediately adjacent to the current toothed wheel in the gear-shifting direction, and (ii) repeating step (i) until the immediately adjacent toothed wheel is the target toothed wheel.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2004Date of Patent: May 13, 2008Assignee: Campagnolo S.r.l.Inventor: Gianfranco Guderzo
-
Patent number: 7369929Abstract: An electronically servo-assisted bicycle gearshift and method for electronically shifting the gears of a bicycle involves the steps of: receiving a signal requesting a displacement of a chain of a bicycle gearshift from a first sprocket to a second adjacent sprocket of a gearshift group comprising at least two sprockets; if the first sprocket has a smaller diameter than the second sprocket, obtaining an upwards gear-shifting position for the second sprocket, if the first sprocket has a larger diameter than the second sprocket, obtaining a downwards gear-shifting position for the second sprocket; and driving an actuator of the gearshift group to displace a guide element of the chain in an axial direction with respect to the gearshift group from the first sprocket to the upwards gear-shifting position for the second sprocket or to the downwards gear-shifting position for the second sprocket, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2007Date of Patent: May 6, 2008Assignee: Campagnolo S.r.l.Inventor: Gianfranco Guderzo
-
Patent number: 7292923Abstract: An electronically servo-assisted bicycle gearshift and method for electronically shifting the gears of a bicycle involves the steps of: receiving a signal requesting a displacement of a chain of a bicycle gearshift from a first sprocket to a second adjacent sprocket of a gearshift group comprising at least two sprockets; if the first sprocket has a smaller diameter than the second sprocket, obtaining an upwards gear-shifting position for the second sprocket, if the first sprocket has a larger diameter than the second sprocket, obtaining a downwards gear-shifting position for the second sprocket; and driving an actuator of the gearshift group to displace a guide element of the chain in an axial direction with respect to the gearshift group from the first sprocket to the upwards gear-shifting position for the second sprocket or to the downwards gear-shifting position for the second sprocket, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2007Date of Patent: November 6, 2007Assignee: Campagnolo, S.r.l.Inventor: Gianfranco Guderzo
-
Patent number: 7287772Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for securing and positioning an axle relative to a cycle frame are provided. An adjustor block is placed in a cavity of the cycle frame. The block can slide longitudinally within the frame cavity. An axle bolt is inserted into the cavity and seated against a bearing surface of the adjustor block for engagement with the adjustor block. The axle bolt is threadedly engaged with the axle, thereby coupling the axle to the adjustor block. An adjustor bolt is inserted into a bore in the cycle frame and used to move the adjustor block longitudinally within the frame cavity, which in turn moves the axle longitudinally relative to the frame. The frame and axle assembly are both functional and aesthetically pleasing without the use of axle covers.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2004Date of Patent: October 30, 2007Assignee: West Coast Choppers, Inc.Inventor: Jesse G. James
-
Patent number: 7184872Abstract: An electronically servo-assisted bicycle gearshift and method for electronically shifting the gears of a bicycle involves the steps of: receiving a signal requesting a displacement of a chain of a bicycle gearshift from a first sprocket to a second adjacent sprocket of a gearshift group comprising at least two sprockets; if the first sprocket has a smaller diameter than the second sprocket, obtaining an upwards gear-shifting position for the second sprocket, if the first sprocket has a larger diameter than the second sprocket, obtaining a downwards gear-shifting position for the second sprocket; and driving an actuator of the gearshift group to displace a guide element of the chain in an axial direction with respect to the gearshift group from the first sprocket to the upwards gear-shifting position for the second sprocket or to the downwards gear-shifting position for the second sprocket, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2004Date of Patent: February 27, 2007Assignee: Campagnolo S.r.l.Inventor: Gianfranco Guderzo
-
Patent number: 7052422Abstract: A tension adjusting device is attached to an axle member of a driven wheel of a vehicle and is coupled to a forked frame member to adjust tension of a chain. The tension adjusting device has two tension adjusters joined to each side of the axle member that engages a guide recess of the forks of the frame member and support the axle fastener to secure the axle member to the two adjustment plates. The two adjustment plates include extending members that each extend over an end of each fork. An adjustment bore is drilled through the extending member and aligned with the ends of the forks. An adjustment stud is affixed through the adjustment bores to make contact with the end of the forks and to allow the axle member of the driven wheel to move in an adjustment slot to adjust the tension of the chain.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2003Date of Patent: May 30, 2006Assignee: JSR, Inc.Inventors: Jay F. Skidmore, Lance P. Johnson
-
Patent number: 6533690Abstract: A bicycle includes a conventional pedal crank and chain drive together with a conventional derailleur shifting mechanism operative to selectively transfer the drive chain between alternative rear sprockets of the bicycle drive system. A chain ring is rotatable in response to pedal crank rotation to transfer pedal crank power to the rear sprockets. A pair of guide blocks define respective internal guide channels through which the drive chain passes toward and from engagement with the chain ring. The guide blocks are maintained at their respective positions by a guide support plate secured to the bicycle frame.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2001Date of Patent: March 18, 2003Inventor: Robert L. Barnett
-
Publication number: 20020098933Abstract: A washer with grooves matching the grooves of the dropout of a bicycle frame. The washer can slide a reasonable distance forward or backward in the grooves of the bicycle frame to enable proper chain tension and wheel alignment of the bicycle. When tightened the grooves would lock the wheel in place preventing undesired movment of the wheel.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2001Publication date: July 25, 2002Inventor: Scott Russell Kline
-
Patent number: 6409619Abstract: An arrangement in connection with a belt drive device having two counter-rotating continuous belts operated by drive rollers traveling around stretching rollers, whereby the belts are urged towards one another by press rolls to draw a cable between the belts. Adjustment of the stretching rollers is provided by an adjustment mechanism that effects the axle with which the stretching rollers are associated.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2000Date of Patent: June 25, 2002Assignee: Maillefer S.A.Inventor: Jarkko Sjöblom
-
Patent number: 6267699Abstract: A drive mechanism of the type having a first pulley, a second pulley, and an endless flexible drive member extending therebetween for transmitting motion from the first pulley to the second pulley wherein at least one of the pulleys is a variable ratio pulley assembly. The variable ratio pulley assembly includes a planar and includes at least one circular row of apertures through the disk. At least one fixed magnet is affixed to the planar disk wherein the polar orientation of the fixed magnet is substantially transverse to the planar disk. A plurality of drive segments are positioned in the row of apertures and forms at least one circular row of drive segments wherein each of the segments is selectably translatable between a retracted position and an engaged position.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 1999Date of Patent: July 31, 2001Inventors: James P. Gruich, Timothy M. Kurtz
-
Patent number: 6129645Abstract: A bicycle chain tension adjustment assembly includes a clamping member and a clamped member. The clamping member is attached to a rear bracket in which a rear shaft of a rear wheel hub of a bicycle is mounted, and has left and right ends and an inner annular wall with an annular cam surface of an adjustable dimension so as to be placed at tightening and loosening positions. The clamped member extends rightwardly of the right end of the rear shaft, and has a peripheral wall with an axis that is offset from the axis of the rear shaft to mate with the annular cam surface when the annular cam surface is in the tightening position.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 1999Date of Patent: October 10, 2000Assignee: Giant Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventor: Mike Burrows
-
Patent number: 5992587Abstract: A motorcycle disk brake rotor in the shape of an annular ring is (i) mounted to the motorcycles rear wheel at the outside of its annulus and (ii) swept by the yoke of a disk brake caliper that is mounted to the inside of the annulus. A belt pulley affixes at its exterior circumferential region--either rigidly or "floating"--the exterior annular region of the disk brake rotor which is in the shape of the annular ring. A motorcycle disk brake caliper assembly is anchored at one mounting point to the motorcycle's rear axle shaft, and at a second mounting point to the motorcycle's suspension swingarm, engages the disk brake rotor from the inside of its annulus. The combined disk brake and belt pulley assembly is compact and visually regularly appearing. It may suitably be stylized with the same pattern as are the wheels of the motorcycle.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 1997Date of Patent: November 30, 1999Inventor: Michael Maldonado
-
Patent number: 5935033Abstract: An improvement of multi-stage sprocket assembly for bicycle includes at least a small sprocket and a large sprocket. The large sprocket includes at least two different sets of teeth. The large sprocket defines a radial second center line across the thickness thereof while the first set of teeth each defines a first center line across the teeth crest and parallel to the second center line. The first center line is moved away from the second center line in an opposite direction of the small sprocket. The second set of teeth includes at least two consecutive special teeth. The first special tooth has a recess formed under the root in a lateral side facing the small sprocket to avoid interference with the chain during shifting movement. The second special tooth has its first center line moving away from the second center line of the large sprocket toward the small sprocket for engaging with the chain at a small rotation angle without raising the chain or changing the tension of the chain during shifting movement.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 1997Date of Patent: August 10, 1999Assignee: Tracer Company, Ltd.Inventors: Rock Tseng, Sheng-Sheuan Hsu
-
Patent number: 5888159Abstract: A chain adjuster for bicycles includes a body having one of two sides thereof a dovetail groove and a hole defined laterally therethrough for an axle of rear hub extending therethrough, a tubular member extending laterally therefrom, a first block slidably received in the dovetail groove, a second block fixedly connected to one of two ends of the body and an adjusting bolt threadedly extending through the second block to contact the first block. The first block is pushed by the adjusting bolt to push the bicycle's rear fork tip so as to adjust a tension of the chain.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 1997Date of Patent: March 30, 1999Inventor: H. C. Liao
-
Patent number: 5725450Abstract: A device for preventing derailment of a bicycle chain of a bicycle. Upper and lower guide members are positioned strategic to a drive sprocket of the bicycle to guide and maintain the chain in engagement with the drive sprocket regardless of the tension of the chain. The upper and lower guides force the chain to be engaged a longer circumferential distance on the drive sprocket to prevent the chain from jumping off the drive sprocket. Circular guards are mounted on each side of the drive sprocket to protect the drive sprocket and the chain entrained thereon from impact. The spacing of the circular guards provides a channel for receiving the chain as it traverses the drive sprocket.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 1996Date of Patent: March 10, 1998Assignee: Joshua ParisInventor: Theodore A. Huskey
-
Patent number: 5675202Abstract: Irregularities on the face of the pulley groove of the pulley for driving the rotor shaft of the generator through the one-way clutch are positively extended and a frictional force between the face and the belt is increased, so that a higher torque than the drag torque can be transmitted to the one-way clutch without causing a slippage of the belt. Since no slippage occurs on the belt, the belt life can be extended. Since the one way clutch is positively operated, the inertial energy of the rotor can be effectively recovered.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 1995Date of Patent: October 7, 1997Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushi KaishaInventors: Keisaku Zenmei, Shuzo Isozumi
-
Patent number: 5480356Abstract: A powered control device for speed change in a bicycle comprises an electric motor directly mounted onto the rear derailleur and is provided with an encoder for detecting the position of the rear derailleur.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 1994Date of Patent: January 2, 1996Assignee: Campagnolo S.r.l.Inventor: Valentino Campagnolo
-
Patent number: 5356348Abstract: An electro-mechanical system for shifting gears on a multi-gear bicycle or other human-powered vehicle includes a closed loop derailleur position control system using circuitry for measuring derailleur position. Shifting gears is accomplished automatically based on rider cadence or manually using signals supplied by hand operated switches. The system calculates gear ratios based on bicycle speed and cadence and then sorts the gear ratios in order from lowest to highest. During automatic operation, the system calculates a cadence from bicycle speed and gear ratio, determines if the calculated cadence is within predetermined limits set by the rider, and it changes the gear ratio if the calculated cadence is not within the predetermined limits.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 1992Date of Patent: October 18, 1994Assignee: E.B.T., Inc.Inventors: Stephen Bellio, Gerald P. Eidelman
-
Patent number: 5292286Abstract: A bicycle power train assembly includes a crank axle, a primary driving sprocket cluster mounted on one end of the crank axle, a rear wheel axle, a primary driven sprocket cluster mounted on one end of the rear wheel axle, a primary drive chain trained between the primary driving and driven sprocket clusters, a secondary driving sprocket mounted on the other end of the crank axle and rotating with the crank axle, a secondary driven sprocket mounted on the other end of the rear wheel axle, a secondary drive chain trained between the secondary driving and driven sprockets, an idle sprocket rotatably mounted on the rear wheel axle, and a ratchet clutch disposed between the rear wheel axle and the secondary driven sprocket to disengage the secondary driven sprocket from the rear wheel axle when the primary drive chain is trained between the primary driving and driven sprocket clusters and to engage the secondary driven sprocket and the rear wheel axle so as to drive rotatably the rear wheel axle when the primaryType: GrantFiled: May 14, 1992Date of Patent: March 8, 1994Inventor: Jin-Hua Lan
-
Patent number: 5058913Abstract: A self-locking safety retaining mount for use with bicycles utilizing quick-release hubs for front wheel mounting. The mount comprises a left and right configured pair of devices, each of which provides positive closure of the open-ended axle receiving slot in the dropout at the end of each leg of the front forks of a bicycle by rotating a positive barrier load-bearing surface latch across the end of the axle receiving slot. The latch is retained in the closed position by the forces exerted by an accidentally loosened or undertightened hub on the load-bearing surface formed by the closed latch in cooperation with a pivot.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 1990Date of Patent: October 22, 1991Inventors: Alexander La Riviere, Jorge Sousa
-
Patent number: 5059158Abstract: An electro-mechanical system for shifting gears on a multi-gear bicycle or other human-powered vehicle includes a closed loop derailleur position control system using a circuitry for measuring derailleur position. Shifting gears is accomplished automatically based on rider cadence or manually using signals supplied by hand operated switches. The system calculates gear ratios based on bicycle speed and cadence and then sorts the gear ratio in order from lowest to highest. During automatic operation, the system calculates a cadence from bicycle speed and gear ratio, determines if the calculated cadence is within predetermined limits set by the rider, and it changes the gear ratio if the calculated cadence is not within the predetermined limits.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 1990Date of Patent: October 22, 1991Assignee: E.B.T., Inc.Inventors: Stephen Bellio, Gerald P. Eidelman
-
Patent number: RE34009Abstract: A dropout member for bicycle frames is designed to cause an easily replaceable part to separate under stresses which would normally be sufficient to cause bending or other damage to the bicycle frame itself. A relatively lightweight piece of material is bolted, riveted, adhesively bonded or otherwise fastened to the main portion of the dropout such that a torque or bending moment placed upon the derailleur plate serves to fracture or bend the derailleur plate or disengage the attaching mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 1991Date of Patent: July 28, 1992Inventor: Frederick C. Schilplin