Belt Guide Has Surface In Sliding Contact With Belt Patents (Class 474/140)
  • Patent number: 11927267
    Abstract: A chain guide includes a contact guide portion that comes into contact with a chain and guides the chain, and a vibration control portion having a zero-touch surface extending along a travel line of the chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: DAIDO KOGYO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Toshiya Naoe, Hideaki Seki
  • Patent number: 11879522
    Abstract: A slide rail for damping a first side of a belt device of a belt drive includes an outer slide surface, an inner slide surface, an axial web, and a support-receiving element. The inner slide surface is oriented parallel to, and away from, the outer slide surface, and includes a rear side. The axial web has an axial extension disposed on the rear side. The support-receiving element is designed to orient the outer slide surface and the inner slide surface to damp the first side. In an example embodiment, the slide rail includes a transverse rib connecting the inner slide surface to the axial web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Nicolas Schehrer
  • Patent number: 11859706
    Abstract: Methods and systems are described for a gearbox lockout device. It may be desirable in certain vehicles to lock a drive shaft within a gearbox for a period of time. Lockout embodiments under the present disclosure include a shaft configured to selectively engage the drive shaft via teeth. An inner and outer collar surrounding the shaft can be manipulated to restrict the movement of the shaft once the shaft's teeth are engaged with the teeth of the drive shaft. The system can be torqued up and locked in place. This can allow for more safe transporting of the vehicle, easier maintenance, or other advantages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew M. Wilcox, Jacob P. Speed, Cody C. Anderson
  • Patent number: 11787506
    Abstract: A derailleur comprises a base member, a chain guide, and a linkage structure. The linkage structure includes a first link pivotally coupled to the base member about a first link pivot axis. The chain guide includes a first chain guide pivotally coupled to the first link about a first guide pivot axis spaced apart from the first link pivot axis. The first chain guide includes a first guide body and a first guide protrusion. The first guide protrusion protrudes from the first guide body and is pivotally coupled to the first link about the first guide pivot axis. The first guide protrusion is spaced apart from the first link in an axial direction with respect to the first guide pivot axis to define an intermediate space between the first guide protrusion and the first link in the axial direction. The intermediate space is free of a spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Takashi Furuya, Kazutaka Fukao
  • Patent number: 11732783
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a chain guide that can reduce vibration and noise while maintaining necessary strength, rigidity, and durability. The chain guide has a support wall extending forward from a boss part, which constitutes a circumferential wall of a pivot shaft, along a plane perpendicular to a pivot axis line. The support wall includes a base part that is provided with a running surface-side rib, and a connecting portion with a cross-sectional area thereof reducing toward the boss part. The running surface-side rib is not in contact with the boss part. The chain guide does not include a connecting portion that has a larger width than the thickness of the support wall and extends in a pivoting direction on a back side of the running surface-side rib in a region at a pivot shaft side end thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: TSUBAKIMOTO CHAIN CO.
    Inventors: Tsutomu Namie, Takahiro Matsushita
  • Patent number: 11674568
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a tensioning arm. In one example, the tensioning arm comprises a plurality of carbon fibers with electrically conductive fibers arranged therein configured to supply current to a pair of bushings arranged distally to one another to heat lubricant arranged proximally thereto in response to a temperature of the tensioning arm being less than or equal to a threshold temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Baranowski, Maik Broda, Kevin John Maile, Brian David Pearce
  • Patent number: 11661508
    Abstract: The invention relates to an object or object part made from a composition comprising at least one fluoropolymer F, wherein: —the at least one fluoropolymer F comprises vinylidene fluoride units and at least 30 wt. % of units derived from at least one monomer of formula (I): (I) CX1X2?CX3Y, wherein each of X1, X2 and X3 is independently selected from H, Cl, F, Br, I and alkyl groups comprising from 1 to 3 carbon atoms which are optionally partly or fully halogenated and Y is an alkyl group comprising from 1 to 3 carbon atoms which is optionally partly or fully halogenated; —the proportion of the at least one fluoropolymer F in the composition is at least 80 wt. %; and—the viscosity of the composition is at least 1000 Pa·s at a temperature of 230° C. and at a shear rate of 100 s?1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: Arkema France
    Inventors: Ramin Amin-Sanayei, Samuel Devisme, Florent Abgrall, Jerome Chauveau, Anthony Bonnet, Gregory O'Brien
  • Patent number: 11662000
    Abstract: A chain guide is provided that can improve the work efficiency during assembly and transportability with a simple structure. The chain guide includes a bushing structure where a bushing member is attached to a guide body at least in one location. The guide body includes a cylindrical insertion hole through which a bushing cylindrical part is inserted, and a backside restricting part that restricts movement of a flange part to the back side in the guide width direction. The guide body is provided, in each bushing structure, with a front-side restricting portion that restricts movement of the flange part to the front side in the guide width direction only in one location on the outer circumference of the cylindrical insertion hole when viewed in the guide width direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: TSUBAKIMOTO CHAIN CO.
    Inventors: Kosuke Murai, Masanori Watanabe
  • Patent number: 11656237
    Abstract: Described is a chain including a plurality of links pivotally connected to each other such that the chain is configured to bend in one direction without back-bending. Each of the plurality of links including a link body include: an inner side facing a bending direction of the chain; an outer side facing opposite the bending direction of the chain; a back-bending prevention portion; a post feature extending laterally across the link body, and a connection feature configured to engage with the post feature of the first other of the pivotally connected plurality of links to create one direction pivotal attachment without back-bending between the links. Further disclosed is a chain system and methods of moving devices with a chain or chain system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: WATERS TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Jeffrey Musacchio
  • Patent number: 11628908
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a chain guide assembly configured to be mounted on a linkage assembly of a bicycle derailleur. The chain guide assembly includes an inner plate, an outer plate, a first connecting bridge and a second connecting bridge. The outer plate is spaced apart from the inner plate. Two opposite sides of the first connecting bridge are respectively connected to the inner plate and the outer plate. Two opposite sides of the second connecting bridge are respectively connected to the inner plate and the outer plate. The inner plate, the outer plate, the first connecting bridge, and the second connecting bridge are made of a single piece. In addition, the disclosure also provides a bicycle derailleur having the chain guide assembly and a structural reinforcement sheet of the chain guide assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: TEKTRO TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tzung Ye Wu
  • Patent number: 11603167
    Abstract: A chain guide is disclosed herein. The chain guide includes a backplate and a chain guide. The backplate has an elongated opening therein. The chain guide includes a guide to orient a chain with respect to the sprocket. The chain guide also includes a retaining assembly to removably and adjustably frictionally couple the guide at a given location along the elongated opening in the backplate, such that when the guide is rotated axially about the retaining assembly, the guide is retained at the given location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Charette, Douglas Chalmers, Evan Michael Choltco-Devlin
  • Patent number: 11566688
    Abstract: A belt tensioner for an engine accessory drive is installed over a pulley such that rollers extend toward the engine. Due the belt being between the tensioner and the engine, installation of the belt on the pulley is difficult. To simplify installation, a removable belt guide is included in the belt tensioner. Two methods of installing the belt and tensioner are envisioned. In a first method, the belt is first installed on the pulley and the belt guide holds the belt toward the pulley radially as the tensioner is installed over the pulley. In a second method, the belt is first installed to the tensioner and the guide holds the belt radially away from the pulley as the tensioner is installed over the pulley. In both methods, the belt guide is removed after the belt and tensioner are installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Ryan Duffy
  • Patent number: 11555533
    Abstract: To provide a chain guide that can improve transportability and assembly operation efficiency, while also ensuring stable running of a timing chain and enhancing durability, with a simple structure. The chain guide has a guide shoe that slidably guides a chain, and a chain guide body that supports the guide shoe. A compression limiter having an attachment hole through which a mounting bolt for attaching the chain guide to an attachment target member passes is fitted in a fixing through hole extending through the chain guide body in a width direction thereof. A compression limiter holding mechanism is provided either to the compression limiter or to a hole rim part including the fixing through hole of the chain guide body in order to hold the compression limiter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: TSUBAKIMOTO CHAIN CO.
    Inventors: Masakazu Kanosue, Masanori Watanabe
  • Patent number: 11524746
    Abstract: An assembly for minimizing the disengagement of a chain from a chain ring is disclosed. The assembly includes a bracket and a chain guide assembly. The chain guide assembly includes a chain guide, a first lock and a second lock. The first lock and the second lock are capable of being actuated separately to lock the chain guide into a position in each of a first and second orientation relative to the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: Eko Sport, Inc.
    Inventors: Darek C. Barefoot, Scott Winans, Cole Hanson
  • Patent number: 11493114
    Abstract: To provide a simple-structured chain guide with improved durability and capable of preventing detachment or breakage of a supplementary member and of reliably reducing vibration and noise. The chain guide includes a supplementary member made of a different material from a guide body. The supplementary member is configured to have an engaging hole, which allows attachment of the supplementary member to a side face of a support wall part provided between a guide part and a base part of the guide body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: TSUBAKIMOTO CHAIN CO.
    Inventors: Yuji Kurematsu, Kaori Mori
  • Patent number: 11492059
    Abstract: In a saddle riding vehicle including: a swing arm that supports a rear wheel; a sprocket disposed at the rear wheel; and a chain that meshes with the sprocket to thereby drive the rear wheel, the rear wheel includes a rear wheel-side protruding portion that protrudes from the sprocket to an outside in a vehicle width direction, a chain cover fastening portion, to which a chain cover for covering the chain is fastened, is disposed on the outside in the vehicle width direction with respect to the rear wheel-side protruding portion and protrudes to an inside in the vehicle width direction, and the chain cover fastening portion is disposed at a position at which the chain cover fastening portion overlaps the rear wheel-side protruding portion in a vehicle side view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Imai, Hironori Nakamura, Naoki Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 11473652
    Abstract: To provide a universal design chain guide that can provide a position, track, and length of contact between the chain guide and the chain for optimal performance even when used with different types of chains. The chain guide includes a guide surface slidably guiding a running chain and at least one mounting part. The guide surface includes a first guide surface extending along a longitudinal direction and a second guide surface parallel to and protruding more than the first guide surface. The second guide surface protrudes from the first guide surface with varying heights along the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: TSUBAKIMOTO CHAIN CO.
    Inventors: Kenji Muratsubaki, Tsutomu Namie
  • Patent number: 11466755
    Abstract: A chain guide and tensioning apparatus is disclosed that is configured for engagement (contact) with a driven chain (e.g., in an automotive engine). The chain guide and tensioning apparatus includes a guide body and a guide face overlying the guide body. The guide face defines an inner surface and an opposite outer surface that is configured to guide and tension the driven chain. The guide face includes a plurality of spacers that extend therefrom into engagement (contact) with the guide body so as to define at least one channel that is configured to facilitate air and/or lubricant circulation between the guide body and the guide face to reduce heat and friction generated by engagement of the driven chain with the guide face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Alan L. Moster, Hiroyuki Fukuyama, Timothy K. White
  • Patent number: 11167820
    Abstract: A guide element for bicycle drive means includes a main bearing pin for fixing a swing arm bearing. Further, a spacer sleeve is provided which is arranged on the main bearing pin for reducing a distance between a drive ring and a bicycle frame element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: Canyon Bicycles GmbH
    Inventor: Johannes Thumm
  • Patent number: 10907725
    Abstract: Wet-running flexible drive mechanism (1) for the transmission of torque having a drive element (2, 2?) and an output element (3, 3?), the drive element (2, 2?) and the output element (3, 3?) being drive-connected to one another via a flexible drive (14), the flexible drive (14) being arranged partially in a lubricant sump (4), characterized in that at least one guiding element (5) is arranged in the region of the lubricant sump (4), the guiding element (5) being shaped in such a way that a constriction (6) in the form of a gap which tapers in a wedge-shaped manner is formed between the flexible drive (14) which is arranged partially in the lubricant sump (4) and the guiding element (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: MAGNA POWERTRAIN GMBH & CO KG
    Inventors: Alexander Klar, Wolfgang Schweiger, Helmut Martin Waser
  • Patent number: 10787228
    Abstract: A pin for a crown of a bicycle crankset that includes a mounting portion configured to be fixed to the crown, a chain engaging portion having a first face that faces towards said mounting portion for engaging a plate of a link of a bicycle chain, and a second face that faces the opposite way with respect to said mounting portion. The second face has at least one first surface portion inclined by a first angle smaller than 90° when measured in a longitudinal section plane of the pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: Campagnolo S.r.l.
    Inventors: Marco Minto, Nicola Sgreva
  • Patent number: 10711875
    Abstract: A bicycle chain ring for engaging a chain link of a bicycle chain, the bicycle chain ring including an inner edge fully circumscribing both an opening and an axis of rotation, an inner surface extending between the inner edge and an outer edge where a plurality of chain ring teeth emanate, and a plurality of ramps disposed about the inner surface, wherein at least one of the plurality of ramps includes a lifting surface for initiating lift of a bicycle chain without assistance from the plurality of chain ring teeth. The lifting surface extends radially along the inner surface toward the outer edge, and the at least one ramp has a first end proximate the inner edge and a second end proximate the outer edge. The second end of the at least one lifting surface terminates before reaching the bottom of a trough positioned between two or more of the plurality of chain ring teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: WICK WERKS, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher A. Wickliffe, Eldon Goates
  • Patent number: 10625821
    Abstract: A bicycle sprocket comprises a first sprocket body, first sprocket teeth, a first side surface, a second side surface, at least one shifting facilitation projection, at least one guide portion, and at least one recess. The at least one guide portion is provided on a first side surface to guide a bicycle chain from the bicycle sprocket toward a smaller sprocket in a second shifting operation. The at least one recess is provided on the first side surface so as to be adjacent to the at least one guide portion in a circumferential direction defined about a rotational center axis. At least one of the at least one recess is provided in an upstream angular area defined from the at least one shifting facilitation projection to an upstream side in a driving state and within 90 degrees in the circumferential direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Ken Yokoi, Akinobu Sugimoto
  • Patent number: 10591042
    Abstract: A damper pulley assembly for a vehicle engine is provided wherein the damper pulley assembly includes a hub, a pulley and a hybrid shield affixed to the hub. The hub may be affixed to the crankshaft. The hub includes a pulley contact surface. The pulley may be mounted on the hub at the pulley contact surface of the hub. The hybrid shield may be affixed to the hub. The hybrid shield may be configured to attenuate an axial flow of noise and vibration from the crank shaft when the crankshaft, the hub, and the pulley are rotating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Jeffery L Hanson
  • Patent number: 10544855
    Abstract: Provided is a chain guide that enables a reduction in size with a simple structure, without lowering the strength of the chain guide. The base member 30 includes a side wall rib 32 or 33 extending upward higher than a shoe support surface 31 at at least one of both side edges 31a and 31b in a guide width direction. The guide shoe 20 includes, at at least one of both side edges 20a and 20b in the guide width direction, an upstream lip 22, a downstream lip 23, and a shoe widthwise recess 24 formed between the upstream lip 22 and the downstream lip 23 by inwardly recessing the side edge 20a or 20b of the guide shoe 20 in the guide width direction. The side wall rib 32 or 33 is located inside the shoe widthwise recess 24.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: TSUBAKIMOTO CHAIN CO.
    Inventor: Toshitaka Ogo
  • Patent number: 10518976
    Abstract: A chain unit includes: a chain endlessly extending in a serial direction; a plurality of side rollers arranged on both sides of the chain at intervals along the serial direction of the chain; and a pair of revolving members provided on both sides of the chain and configured to rotate in conjunction with the travel of the chain. Each of the revolving members includes a revolving base and plural projections. The revolving base is located on the interior side of the chain. The projections are arranged in spaces between the neighboring side rollers in the serial direction of the chain so as to protrude from the revolving base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: FANUC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takeshi Fujimoto
  • Patent number: 10502288
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a chain drive device that guides a chain favorably with a chain guide to prevent noise generation and wear or damage of various parts with a simple structure, and to provide the chain guide. Provided is a chain drive device 10 having a guide shoe 40 that includes a shoe surface part 41 and a lip 43. The shoe surface part 41 has a larger widthwise dimension than that of the chain 20. The lip 43 has a front-side lip end 44 which has a lip front end face 44a that faces the front side in the chain running direction. The lip front end face 44a has a height that is set larger than a dimensional difference in backside height between inner plates 21 and outer plates 23.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: TSUBAKIMOTO CHAIN CO.
    Inventors: Masahiko Konno, Akira Kobara
  • Patent number: 10407128
    Abstract: A bicycle front derailleur includes a base member to be mounted to a bicycle frame, a chain guide, a first link pivotally connected to the chain guide about a first pivot axis, and a second link pivotally connected to the chain guide about a second pivot axis. The chain guide includes a link-connecting structure pivotally connected to the first link. The link-connecting structure includes a first link-connecting portion and a second link-connecting portion. The first link includes a first chain guide-connecting portion and a second chain guide-connecting portion. At least one of the first link-connecting portion and the second link-connecting portion is located between the first chain guide-connecting portion and the second chain guide-connecting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Atsuhiro Emura, Kenkichi Inoue, Kohei Obuchi
  • Patent number: 10405491
    Abstract: A wear strip arrangement for an endless belt conveyor for a feederhouse of an agricultural combine includes a first body that is configured to be attached to a slat that in turn is attached to the endless belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: David W. Peters, Corwin M. Puryk, Volker Fuchs, Mark L. Mattson, Christopher J. Faulkner, Martin Rittershofer
  • Patent number: 10239580
    Abstract: A bicycle frame includes a first frame member and a second frame member configured to be pivotally connected to the first frame member about a pivot axis. The first frame member includes a threaded hole, through which a fixing bolt for fixing a mounting member of a bicycle front derailleur to the first frame member passes, and an abutting portion configured to restrict rotation of a mounting member of a bicycle front derailleur around the fixing bolt by abutting the mounting member. The threaded hole is located on a front side of the pivot axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Atsuhiro Emura, Kenkichi Inoue
  • Patent number: 10035663
    Abstract: A packaging machine for placing articles into a carton includes rotating flight assemblies that receive a carton or carton blank, and rotate the carton blank and carton with articles while the flight assemblies move downstream. The flight assemblies each include two fixed segments and one segment that includes a block and associated bracket that rotate as the flight assembly is pulled through the machine by a conveying system. A method includes carton blanks being fed by a carton feeder onto the flight assemblies. Articles are formed into an article group, which is then placed onto a carton blank. As the blank and article group move in a downstream direction, the side panels of the carton blank are wrapped around the article group and the carton and article group are rotated to assist in closing the carton end flaps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, LLC
    Inventors: Colin P. Ford, Robert Harold Irvine
  • Patent number: 9963196
    Abstract: A bicycle sprocket comprises a sprocket element, a first shifting facilitation projection, and a second shifting facilitation projection. The sprocket element includes a rotational center axis, a sprocket body, and a plurality of sprocket teeth. The sprocket body includes a radially outer periphery disposed about the rotational center axis. The plurality of sprocket teeth are arranged on the radially outer periphery. The first shifting facilitation projection is coupled to the sprocket element to engage with an inner link plate of a bicycle chain when the bicycle chain is shifted from a smaller sprocket to the bicycle sprocket. The second shifting facilitation projection is coupled to the sprocket element to engage with an outer link plate of the bicycle chain when the bicycle chain is shifted from the smaller sprocket to the bicycle sprocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventor: Akinobu Sugimoto
  • Patent number: 9926038
    Abstract: A bicycle sprocket comprises a sprocket body, a plurality of sprocket teeth, and at least one chain-curvature limiting protuberance. The sprocket body is configured to be rotatable about a rotational center axis. The plurality of sprocket teeth extend radially outward from an outer periphery of the sprocket body. The at least one chain-curvature limiting protuberance is configured to limit axial curvature of a bicycle chain engaging with an independent neighboring bicycle sprocket which is adjacent to the bicycle sprocket without another sprocket between the bicycle sprocket and the independent neighboring bicycle sprocket. The axial curvature is curvature of the bicycle chain relative to the bicycle sprocket when viewed from a radial direction perpendicular to the rotational center axis. The at least one chain-curvature limiting protuberance is disposed on at least one of an outward facing side and an inward facing side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Yasufumi Fukunaga, Tsuyoshi Fukumori, Koji Tokuyama, Sota Yamaguchi, Toshinari Oishi
  • Patent number: 9915336
    Abstract: A bicycle sprocket assembly comprises a first sprocket and a second sprocket. The first sprocket comprises a first sprocket body, a first shifting facilitation area, a plurality of first chain-driving teeth, and a first outer diameter. The second sprocket comprises a second sprocket body, a plurality of second chain-driving teeth, a second outer diameter, and a support protuberance. The support protuberance protrudes from the second sprocket body toward the first sprocket. The support protuberance is provided in a circumferential support area on the second sprocket. The circumferential support area is configured to face a circumferential area on the first sprocket in an axial direction. The circumferential area extends from a third tooth to a fifth tooth in a circumferential direction with respect to a rotational center axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventor: Yasufumi Fukunaga
  • Patent number: 9796450
    Abstract: A bicycle front derailleur is basically provided with a base member and a movable member. The base member includes a bicycle mounting portion. The movable member is movably supported to the base member between a retracted position and an extended position relative to the base member. The movable member includes a first guide plate having a first inner surface and a second guide plate having a second inner surface. The first and second inner surfaces face each other to form a chain receiving slot therebetween. The second guide plate includes an adjustable guide member that is arranged at the chain receiving slot to move between at least two different positions relative to the second guide plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Atsuhiro Emura, Kazuya Kuwayama, Kenkichi Inoue
  • Patent number: 9791033
    Abstract: Disclosed are bicycle chain rings for bicycles having specially shaped ramps with lifting surfaces for improved up-shifting performance. Additional embodiments of the bicycle chain rings of the present invention may be configured with one or more additional features formed within the chain rings including a transition slide, a tapered ramp face, a ramp bridge, a ramp lead, a trailing transition slide and a wear pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Wick Werks, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher A. Wickliffe, Eldon Goates
  • Patent number: 9759294
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a chain guide structure including a guide supporter integrally formed with a chain case and provided with at least a plurality of assembly holes, and a guide body having at least a plurality of assembly protrusions which correspond to the assembly holes for being coupled with the guide supporter, wherein the guide body is provided with a guide wall that is inserted into a space between the guide supporter and a chain. As a result, It is possible to reduce the constituent elements such as bolts, save manufacturing cost, simplify the chain guide structure, and reduce weight or size of the chain guide structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Jong Won Lee
  • Patent number: 9718646
    Abstract: A chain drive includes a chain configured to rotate in a closed loop forming a load track and a return track interconnected by first and second turnaround sections; a drive sprocket for driving the chain, the drive sprocket being located in the first turnaround section of the closed loop; and a polygon compensation system for compensating the polygon effect of the chain. At least one component of the polygon compensation system is located within at least one turnaround section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: OTIS ELEVATOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Walter Srb-Gaffron, Martin Michalke, Phillip Schedl
  • Patent number: 9701364
    Abstract: A first sprocket is capable of engaging with a chain. The first sprocket has a first sprocket main body, a plurality of teeth disposed along a circumferential direction on the radially outer side of the first sprocket main body, and at least one shifting area. The teeth include at least one first tooth having a first maximum axial width and at least one second tooth having a second maximum axial width. The first maximum axial width is greater than the second maximum axial width. The first tooth is formed to be capable of engaging with an outer link plate of the chain. The second tooth is formed to be capable of engaging with an inner link plate of the chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Akinobu Sugimoto, Yuki Hirose
  • Patent number: 9482336
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a guide shoe that can prevent a shortage of lubricating oil and supply the lubricating oil onto a sliding surface of the shoe in a favorable manner. To achieve the above object, the present invention provides a guide shoe that has a shoe surface for slidably guiding a running chain CH. A plate guide groove extending along a chain running direction D and guiding link plates L of the chain CH is provide in the shoe surface. An oil guide part having a pair of guide walls is provided in the bottom surface of the plate guide groove. The pair of guide walls are each formed such as to face a rear side in the chain running direction D and converge to each other toward a front side in the chain running direction D.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: TSUBAKIMOTO CHAIN CO.
    Inventor: Akihiko Utaki
  • Patent number: 9394978
    Abstract: A method for producing a tensioning or guide rail with a base body, and a vibration absorber arranged on the base body is provided, comprising the steps of: providing a base body, at least partially embedding the base body into plastic material that is in a flowable state, and hardening the plastic material to obtain a vibration absorber that is captively arranged on the base body. The method also relates to a respective rail and to a continuous drive for a combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: IWIS MOTORSYSTEME GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Sandra Ketterl, Pia Gruler, Michael Weikert, Ralph Schneider
  • Patent number: 9309764
    Abstract: A method of limiting articulation of a chain joint in a chain assembly using plurality of chain plates. The chain plates prevent articulation of the chain assembly in one direction. The chain plates, as an example, include a neck portion and a body portion. The neck portion has a width less than a width between a pair of first side bars. The first side bars have end portions mounted on a chain barrel. The neck portion is attached to the first side bars. Also, a pair of second side bars are mounted on the chain barrel. The body portion of the chain plate has a width greater than a width between the second side bars. The body portion rest on top of a portion of the second side bars and prevents joint articulation of the second side bars in one direction during the movement of the chain assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Inventor: Charles M. Schloss
  • Patent number: 9145829
    Abstract: A timing belt system for a vehicle may include a camshaft timing gear, a crankshaft timing gear, a timing belt which connects the two timing gears to each other so as to synchronize rotations of the two timing gears, and a tensioner which adjusts tension of the timing belt, may include: a case which has one side formed in an opened container shape, and is provided to cover the crankshaft timing gear, the camshaft timing gear, the timing belt, and the tensioner from a rear side direction; and a front side plate which is formed in a large plate shape, and coupled to the case from a front side direction so as to close one open side of the case, in which a blow-by gas passage, which recirculates blow-by gas, is formed in the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Yun Sung Hwang, Bong Whoa Jeong
  • Patent number: 8992358
    Abstract: One embodiment may include an automotive timing chain system component (10, 12) such as a tensioner arm (10) or a chain guide (12) that, during use, bears directly or indirectly against a chain (22) of an automotive timing chain system (14). The component (10, 12) may have an elongated body (16, 116) made into a generally hollow shape by a hydroforming process. The body may have a first open free end (26, 126) and a second open free end (28, 128).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventor: Bradley F. Adams
  • Patent number: 8986142
    Abstract: Longitudinal grooves having rectangular cross-sections are formed by surface pressing in the front and/or back surfaces of the metal base plate of a chain guide. In the case of a chain guide for a roller chain, the grooves can be positioned so that they are located opposite the parts of the shoe surface that is contacted by the link plates on both sides of the chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignees: Tsubakimoto Chain Co., Tokyo Chikuma Sangyo Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Tadashi Shintani, Hiroyuki Ando
  • Patent number: 8968129
    Abstract: A bicycle chain guide assembly that includes a chain guide member having a mounting portion adapted to be positioned adjacent a chain ring of a bicycle, and a contact member removably affixed to the mounting portion. The mounting portion extends in a chain-running direction and has a chain-ring side and an opposite side. The contact member includes a first end portion affixed to the mounting portion and a chain contact portion that extends from the first end portion in the chain-running direction and is positioned adjacent the chain-ring side of the mounting portion. A gap is defined between the chain-ring side of the mounting portion and the chain contact portion of the contact member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Atsuhiro Emura, Yoshikazu Sugiyama, Hideki Ikemoto
  • Patent number: 8961342
    Abstract: A bicycle chain guide assembly that includes a mounting bracket adapted to be affixed to a bicycle, and a movable member movably mounted to the mounting bracket. The movable member includes a chain guide portion adapted to be positioned adjacent a chain ring of the bicycle and below a bottom bracket of the bicycle. When the assembly is mounted on a bicycle with a chain-ring, the movable member can move in a first direction such that the chain guide portion moves toward an outer circumference of the chain-ring and the movable member can move in a second direction such that the chain guide portion moves away from the outer circumference of the chain ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Atsuhiro Emura, Yoshikazu Sugiyama, Hideki Ikemoto
  • Patent number: 8965610
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for controlling an electric motor providing assistance to a bicycle rider based on measuring the mechanical power generated by the rider. The power generated by the rider is measured by measuring tension in a bicycle chain (or belt) and RPM. A chain (or belt) roller is carried at the free end of a cantilevered beam and the chain (or belt) rides over the roller. The resulting deflection of the cantilevered beam provides a measurement of chain tension. A control signal for the electric motor is generated based on a smoother version of the power generated by the rider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Inventor: Thomas Boyle
  • Publication number: 20150045164
    Abstract: The chain guide mechanism includes a slack side guide, a tension side guide, and a link member that is capable of rotating about a predetermined rotary shaft provided so as to be fixed to an attachment subject. The link member includes a slack side pivot portion attached rotatably to the slack side guide, and the slack side pivot portion is disposed on an opposite side of the chain that is guided by the slack side guide to the predetermined rotary shaft, and in a lower position than the predetermined rotary shaft. The slack side guide is biased by its own weight toward a side of the chain that is guided by the slack side guide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: TSUBAKIMOTO CHAIN CO.
    Inventor: Yuji Kurematsu
  • Publication number: 20150018149
    Abstract: A chain guide includes a guide base (21) disposed to face one side of a timing chain (5) for transmitting torque, and having an opposed pair of side plates (22) each formed with a plurality of shaft engaging portions (25) arranged along a circular arc. Roller shafts (31) have their ends supported by the respective shaft engaging portions (25) Rollers (41) for guiding the chain are rotatably supported by the respective roller shafts (31). Noncylidrical surface engaging portions are formed on the ends of the roller shafts (31) and on closed ends of the shaft engaging portions (50) to rotationally fix the roller shafts (31), thereby preventing the roller shafts (31) from rotating under drag torque applied from the rollers (41).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Applicant: NTN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Akio Kato, Shinji Oishi, Goro Nakao