Guard Or Housing For Belt Or Pulley Patents (Class 474/144)
  • Patent number: 8337346
    Abstract: A power unit may include an engine, a belt transmission driven by the engine, a belt transmission chamber incorporating the belt transmission, a second transmission driven by the belt transmission, a second transmission chamber incorporating the second transmission, and a housing member constituting both a part of the belt transmission chamber and a part of the second transmission chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Kochidomari, Shuji Nishimoto
  • Patent number: 8327583
    Abstract: A pulley assembly for an overhead counter weight door features a base plate and a support arrangement carried on and spaced from the base plate so that the base and support arrangements face toward one another. A shaft is carried on the base plate and the support arrangement to extend therebetween with a pulley supported on the shaft between the base plate and the support arrangement for rotation about an axis defined by the shaft. A plurality of wall sections extends between the base plate and the support arrangement to establish connection therebetween radially outward from the shaft beyond an outer periphery of the pulley on more than two sides thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Hanover Door Systems (1996) Inc.
    Inventors: Greg Reimer, Dennis Braun, Richard Klassen, Walter Toews
  • Patent number: 8323134
    Abstract: A transmission controller for a continuously variable transmission system steadily returns a gear ratio toward the low-ratio range, even after a driving pulley has stopped during sudden deceleration. A control unit is provided which drives an actuator to move a driving-pulley movable half part to a position in the low-ratio range when a vehicle speed sensor detects the sudden deceleration of a body, a pulley number-of-revolution sensor detects stopping of the driving pulley, and then a gear ratio sensor detects that the gear ratio of the continuously variable transmission system has not returned to the low-ratio range where a sufficient acceleration is obtainable at the time of restart. Upon detecting a restart, the control unit presses the driving-pulley movable half part onto a V-belt to prevent sliding therebetween and thereby reduce a loss in the transmission of a driving force at the time of restart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Tsukada, Hiroyuki Kojima, Takashi Ozeki, Hiroaki Uchisasai
  • Patent number: 8235849
    Abstract: A combined chain guide and chain ring protector for a bicycle for off-road use having a lower bracket sleeve, a chain ring around which a drive chain extends and a chain ring outer radius. The protector includes a mounting bracket secured at the lower bracket sleeve and a guard mounted thereto. An outer edge of the guard extends beyond the outer radius of the chain ring, thereby protecting a portion of the chain ring from inadvertent impacts. The chain guide extends from the mounting bracket along a path of the drive chain, and preferably includes an upper guide having an inner barrier positioned inboard of the bicycle chain an outer barrier positioned outboard of the inner barrier and an upper barrier positioned above the bicycle chain for preventing the chain from derailing from the chain ring in an upward direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Eko Sport, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan K. Cranston, James K. Rogers
  • Patent number: 8218204
    Abstract: An image reading apparatus is provided with a carriage accommodating an optical unit for image reading, a driving member for moving the carriage, a guide rail, a guide-rail engaging portion engaged with the guide rail, a holding portion for holding the driving member, a guide plate and a claw portion. The claw portion presses the guide-rail engaging portion against the guide rail by partially deforming the driving member to produce a tensile force in the driving member and causing the tensile force to act on the first end portion of the carriage, and produces such a rotation moment for biasing the first end portion of the carriage in a first direction parallel with a sub scanning direction and, on the other hand, biasing the second end portion of the carriage in a second direction opposite to the first direction and parallel with the sub scanning direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Kyocera Mita Corporation
    Inventor: Tomohide Hozono
  • Patent number: 8202181
    Abstract: An engine having an engine case on one side of which a V-belt type of continuously variable transmission is provided, the CVT being placed in a transmission case and constituted that a V-belt is routed around a drive pulley and a driven pulley, the drive pulley being attached to one end of a crankshaft, the driven pulley being attached to one end of a transmission shaft parallel to the crankshaft, characterized in that the crankshaft is supported for free rotation with the engine case, one end of the crankshaft is projected in cantilever fashion from the engine case into the transmission case, the drive pulley is attached to the projected portion, and the transmission case is made as a component separate from or independent of the engine case and supported with the engine case so that a space is present between the engine case and the transmission case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akifumi Oishi, Yousuke Ishida
  • Patent number: 8172032
    Abstract: The invention is a combination drive and suspension system that includes an upper drive assembly and a lower drive assembly pivotally connected. The pivoting drive system provides improved ground clearance for a farm vehicle capable of carrying a large quantity of field application material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: AGCO Corporation
    Inventor: John Buschena
  • Patent number: 8162340
    Abstract: A mechanism for shifting a chain from one sprocket to another sprocket is disclosed herein. The mechanism preferably includes rotor assembly, a control element and a chain tensioner. The rotor assembly preferably has a conical shaped body with a chain slot having clearance windows and cam surfaces. The control element rotates the rotor assembly to shift the chain from one of the sprockets to another sprocket without lateral movement of the rotor assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Inventor: Sam Patterson
  • Patent number: 8132824
    Abstract: A bicycle having a wheel (e.g., a rear wheel) and a frame supported by the wheel. The frame includes a wheel support and a stay extending from the wheel support. A stay protector resiliently engages the stay and comprises a body member including a resilient material adapted to resiliently engage the stay, and a guard member positioned on (e.g., protruding beyond) an outer surface of the body member (e.g., on a top portion and/or bottom portion of the body member). Preferably, the stay includes a molded image on a central portion that is not covered by the guard member. In one embodiment, the guard member comprises a material that has a different hardness than the resilient material of the body member. For example, the guard member can comprise a material that is harder than the resilient material of the body member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Brandon Dale Sloan, Joseph Edward Buckley, F. Robert Egger
  • Patent number: 8105193
    Abstract: A bicycle rear derailleur is basically provided with a base member, a movable member and a moving mechanism. The movable member pivotally supports a chain guide. The moving mechanism is coupled between the base member and the movable member so that the movable member is movable relative to the base member. The chain guide includes a first guide plate, a second guide plate, a guide pulley rotatably disposed between the first and second guide plates and a tension pulley rotatably disposed between the first and second guide plates. The first and second guide plates are releasably coupled together by a tool-less connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Shinya Oseto, Hajime Nagasawa, Satoru Kunisawa
  • Publication number: 20110256971
    Abstract: A roller-chain tensioning assembly includes a resilient bow-shaped structure to which are mounted first, second and third guide wheels. These guide wheels are mounted in such manner that a roller chain can be threaded around said first guide wheel on side facing away from said bow, around said second guide wheel on side facing said bow, and around said third guide wheel on side facing away from said bow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2010
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventor: Richard J. Kilshaw
  • Patent number: 8038557
    Abstract: A power unit, provided in a saddle-ride type vehicle, makes a vertical dimension of an engine body compact and achieves reduction in loss horsepower. A cylinder body is formed so that a virtual plane including a cylinder axis and being in parallel to a crank axis passes through a position displaced downward from the crank axis, At least a part of an ECVT motor (electric motor for driving) and a reciprocation gear (drive member) is arranged on a side of a virtual plane, which includes a crankcase side end of the cylinder body and is perpendicular to the cylinder axis, toward the cylinder body and above a lower surface of the cylinder body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Atsushi Aoyama
  • Publication number: 20110251003
    Abstract: A power transmission device includes an electromagnetic wave-shielding wall partitioning a first space and a second space adjacent to the first space and blocking propagation of an electromagnetic wave between the first space and the second space. The power transmission device also includes a first pulley arranged within the first space and a second pulley arranged within the second space. The power transmission device also includes a belt placed on the first pulley and the second pulley and extending through the electromagnetic wave-shielding wall to transmit rotational driving force between the first space and the second space. From the electromagnetic wave-shielding wall a hollow tubular member is protruded and allows the first space and the second space to communicate with each other. The belt extends through the inside of the tubular member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Applicant: TOSHIBA MITSUBISHI-ELECTRIC INDUS. SYS. CORP.
    Inventors: Kazuhiko Nishimiya, Hideki Miura
  • Patent number: 8029397
    Abstract: A chainguard for use on a bicycle includes a housing having a connecting portion and an engaging portion. The connecting portion and the engaging portion are connected to a seat tube and a rear stay of a bicycle frame in the bicycle. Additionally, the rear stay includes a first portion and a second portion adapted for engaging with an axle of a rear wheel, and the first and second portions are interconnected at a corner. Additionally, the second portion includes a first surface, a second surface and a third surface substantially transverse to and interconnecting the first and second surfaces. Further, the third surface defines a positioning portion on which the engaging portion of the chainguard is mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Inventor: Louis Chuang
  • Patent number: 8012053
    Abstract: A rotatable device, such as a pulley, includes an annular rotatable member having a bore extending therethrough and an outer surface disposed about the bore. A bearing is located in the bore. The bearing is operably connected to the annular rotatable member to form an axis of rotation about which the annular rotatable member can rotate relative to an inner race of the bearing. A combination dust cover and bearing retaining member spans the bore at a location spaced axially from the bearing. The cover includes a flange received by a groove extending outwardly from the bore in a direction toward the outer surface of the rotatable member to attach the combination dust cover and bearing retaining member to the rotatable member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Dayco Products, LLC
    Inventor: Ethan L. Filip
  • Publication number: 20110177898
    Abstract: A sprocket and rotor cover is provided that includes a hollow annular structure having a substantially U-shaped cross-section along any portion of the structure and having an outer surface, an inner surface, and a pair of inner circumferential edges defining a centrally-disposed opening of the hollow annular structure. The sprocket and rotor cover further includes an annular receiving cavity that is defined between the inner surface of the hollow annular structure and that has a shape adapted to fit around a sprocket or a rotor. Methods of using the sprocket and rotor covers to change a sprocket or tire on a motorcycle are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventor: Daniel Haydon
  • Patent number: 7967101
    Abstract: The invention is a combination drive and suspension system that includes an upper drive assembly and a lower drive assembly pivotally connected. The pivoting drive system provides improved ground clearance for a farm vehicle capable of carrying a large quantity of field application material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: AGCO Corporation
    Inventor: John Buschena
  • Patent number: 7951031
    Abstract: A straddle type all terrain vehicle is provided with a chain guide for covering an outer peripheral edge of at least an engaged portion of a driven sprocket with a drive chain from outside in a radial direction inside a chain cover. A rear axle housing is formed with upper and lower flange portions extending upward and downward at opposite end portions in the vehicle width direction of the rear axle housing. The rear axle housing is coupled to a rear end portion of the rear swing arm for swinging forward and rearward about mounted portions of the upper flange portion. The chain cover is mounted on the swing arm side and the chain guide is mounted on the rear axle housing side, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Suzuki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yuzo Hioki, Tetsuharu Nojiri
  • Patent number: 7946939
    Abstract: A sprocket (3A, 3B) is fixed onto a crank shaft (2) projecting outward from a cylinder block (1) of an internal combustion engine (100). A timing chain (7A, 7B) is looped around the sprocket (3A, 3B). A slippage prevention mechanism (10) which prevents slippage of the timing chain (7A, 7B) with respect to the sprocket (3A, 3B) comprises an arm (10C) extending from a base portion (10A) fixed to the cylinder block. A slippage prevention rail (10B) in the form of an arc-shaped recess is formed on the arm (10C) so as to face the engaging part between the sprocket (3A, 3B) and the timing chain (7A, 7B) with a clearance smaller than the height of a tooth of the sprocket (3A, 3B) therebetween. The slippage prevention rail (10B) thus constructed does not interfere with other members fixed onto the crank shaft (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takuya Hirata, Noriyoshi Maruyama
  • Patent number: 7942767
    Abstract: A bicycle derailleur comprises a base member; a movable member that supports a chain guide, wherein the movable member is coupled to the base member so that the movable member moves relative to the base member for moving a chain among a plurality of sprockets; an intermediate member that mounts the base member to a bicycle frame; a first adjusting mechanism that adjustably sets a position of the intermediate member relative to the bicycle frame; and a second adjusting mechanism that adjustably sets a position of the base member relative to the intermediate member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Shimano, Inc.
    Inventors: Souta Yamaguchi, Hideki Ikemoto
  • Patent number: 7931553
    Abstract: A bicycle sprocket apparatus comprises a sprocket mounting member, a first sprocket, and a second sprocket. The sprocket mounting member includes a hub mounting portion and a sprocket mounting portion, wherein the hub mounting portion is structured to be mounted to a rotating hub that rotates around a rotational axis. The sprocket mounting portion includes a first sprocket mounting surface that faces in a first direction and a second sprocket mounting surface that faces in an opposite second direction. The first sprocket is disposed at the first sprocket mounting surface, and the second sprocket is disposed at the second sprocket mounting surface. A fastener fastens the first sprocket to the first sprocket mounting surface, and a chain supporting structure extends from the fastener in the first direction and projects in the first direction away from a side surface of the first sprocket that faces in the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Shimano, Inc.
    Inventor: Koji Tokuyama
  • Patent number: 7922613
    Abstract: A hollow yoke is inserted into a bore section of a frame. The yoke is connected to a slider via a slit in the frame. A timing belt is inserted into a belt hole of the yoke. Further, a pair of guide members are provided on both side surfaces of the yoke, which engage with guide grooves of the frame. The yoke is displaced along the guide grooves by the timing belt, under a driving action of a driving section. Accordingly, the slider is displaced in the axial direction along the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: SMC Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Iida
  • Publication number: 20110070987
    Abstract: An insert moldable cap retainer for securing a bearing cap to a pulley assembly is disclosed. The cap retainer includes a hollow neck configured to receive a bearing cap, a plate that extends outward from the neck with the neck protruding upward from the plate, and a continuous or discontinuous flange extending downward from the outer periphery of the plate. The plate is configured to be juxtaposed with an upper surface of an outer race of a bearing and the flange is configured to be juxtaposed with an outer surface of the outer race of the bearing when the cap retainer is positioned on the bearing. The cap retainer and bearing are insert moldable together to have an integral pulley body connected thereto. A pulley assembly is also disclosed that includes the insert moldable cap retainer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Swane
  • Patent number: 7883437
    Abstract: A sprocket for transferring a force between a chain and a drive element that includes a plurality of teeth and a plurality of openings proximate the teeth. Each tooth has a load-bearing flank and a non-load-bearing flank. One of the plurality of openings are arranged relative to one of the plurality of teeth, in one-to-one correspondence therebetween, such that the opening is asymmetrically divided by a radial centerline of the tooth, a first load strip is formed between the opening and the load-bearing flank of the tooth, and a second load strip is formed between the opening and the non-load-bearing flank of the tooth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: SRAM Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Henrik Braedt
  • Patent number: 7874951
    Abstract: A motor to accessory drive system wherein an electric or gasoline motor, having a housing with a drive shaft end protruding from the motor housing, is mounted with respect to the accessory to be driven, such as a pump or a generator, which also has a housing with a drive shaft protruding from the accessory housing, with a mounting plate secured at one end to the motor housing, and secured at another end to the accessory housing whereby the accessory is supported from the motor. The mounting plate is provided with spaced apertures with the drive shaft ends of the motor and accessory respectively protruding through the apertures in parallel alignment. A drive pulley is mounted on each of the protruding drive shaft ends in alignment in a common plane and an endless belt is in driving engagement with the pulleys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Jenny Products, Incorporated
    Inventor: Daniel Leiss
  • Publication number: 20100323834
    Abstract: A T belt power control system is disclosed to consist of a centrifugal clutch integral bell drum, or in the case of a straight shaft engine such as a Honda GXH50 a non integral bell drum, a T belt drive pulley affixed to a bell drum, an automotive type timing belt, a driven pulley cylindrical cam lock assembly consisting of a larger driven pulley with a one-way bearing for speed reduction and torque enhancement, a non concentric cylindrical housing and an output jackshaft with or without an engine power engaging system to a primary drive sprocket for chain operation. The T Belt tension is secured and maintained by rotating the cam lock assembly with a spanner wrench and then held tight by four bolts. If the T belt power control system is made without an engager system the power is transmitted as soon as the centrifugal clutch latches with the bell drum. If with an engager system the engagement and disengagement of engine power is done by an integral engager remotely controlled by steel cable and hand lever.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Inventor: Donald Barton Grube
  • Patent number: 7849948
    Abstract: A motorcycle including a frame, a swing arm pivotably coupled to the frame, a rear wheel rotatably coupled to the swing arm, a rear fender disposed above the rear wheel. The rear fender has a profile shape. The motorcycle includes a belt assembly having a debris deflector attached to the swing arm. The debris deflector forms a profile shape that mimics at least a portion of the profile shape of the rear fender.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Harley-Davidson Motor Company Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas D. Clarkson, Jason J. Zuleger
  • Publication number: 20100234154
    Abstract: The invention relates to the guidance of chains on bicycles. In this context, a chain stay is provided on a rear section of a bicycle, which chain stay is set up by means of a receiving device in such a manner that a chain guide can be fixed firmly on the chain stay. Furthermore, the chain guide is designed in such a manner that with regard to the guidance of the chain, it is possible to respond to a lateral position change of the chain due to a derailleur gear in such a manner that the desired guidance of the chain is achieved in any lateral position of the chain. The chain is thus held in the desired position in any operating state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2010
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Inventor: Jochen Klieber
  • Patent number: 7793963
    Abstract: A bicycle having a wheel and a frame supported by the wheel. The frame includes a wheel support and a stay extending from the wheel support. A stay protector resiliently engages the stay. In one embodiment, the stay includes a tubular-shaped member having an exterior surface, and the stay protector is contoured to substantially match the exterior surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Brandon Dale Sloan, Joseph Edward Buckley, F. Robert Egger
  • Patent number: 7771299
    Abstract: A V-belt continuously variable transmission (CVT) for a straddle-type vehicle includes a measurement plate for a rotational speed sensor for detecting a rotational speed of a primary sheave shaft to control a speed change ratio. The measurement plate is disposed on an opposite end of the primary sheave shaft, to one end of which a driving force of an engine is input, with respect to a primary sheave.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shigehiro Mochizuki, Kazuhiko Izumi
  • Patent number: 7771303
    Abstract: A chain guide for guiding a chain includes a chain passage formed by an outer side wall and an inner side wall for surrounding the chain passage. A front end portion of the inner side wall is retracted to and is positioned at a rear side of a vehicle body than a front end portion of the outer side wall. Guide ribs are formed on an upper wall and a bottom wall and are brought into sliding contact with upper and lower sides of the chain. A discharge recessed portion which is opened frontwardly from the front end portion is formed in the inner side wall, wherein the chain passage is in communication with the outside through the discharge recessed portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomohiro Fuse, Shinya Nishiyama
  • Patent number: 7753815
    Abstract: A bicycle chain wheel assembly is provided with a chain wheel and a chain wheel cover. The chain wheel has a central mounting portion and an outer gear with a plurality of outer gear teeth. The chain wheel cover is disposed on an exteriorly facing side of the chain wheel. The chain wheel cover has a mounting portion coupled to the chain wheel and an outer peripheral portion with a chain drop prevention protrusion projecting outwardly from the outer peripheral portion at a location that is radially inward of the outer gear teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Shimano Components (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.
    Inventors: Muhd Àdi Saifuddin, Noor Adian Bin Mohsin, Masahiro Hanatani
  • Publication number: 20100167853
    Abstract: A V-belt type continuously variable transmission according to the present invention includes a drive pulley assembly provided in a drive shaft, a driven pulley assembly provided in a driven shaft, a V-belt looped over both the pulley assemblies, and a transmission case assembly housing both the pulley assemblies and the V-belt. One end of the drive shaft in the shaft direction is coupled to an output side rotation member of a centrifugal clutch, and the other end of the drive shaft is rotatably supported on a boss portion formed in the transmission case assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventor: Taisuke MORITA
  • Publication number: 20100160101
    Abstract: A transmission assembly of a motor vehicle is provided with a gearbox having a motion output shaft, whose end 5 carries, in fixed position, a sprocket wheel, coupled to the crown of a differential to transmit motion from the gearbox to the drive wheels; a drive chain or belt transmits motion from the sprocket wheel to the crown, making the output shaft and the crown turn in the same 10 rotation direction; the crown and the sprocket wheel (5) are interchangeable with a toothed crown and a gear directly meshing with the same transmission ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2007
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: ELASIS - SOCIETA CONSORTILE PER AZIONI
    Inventors: Giovanni Gatti, Domenico Feola
  • Patent number: 7740554
    Abstract: A chain guide for guiding a chain traveling around a sprocket supported on a frame of a motorcycle is disclosed. Typically, the chain guide includes a plastic chain guide support having a substantially U-Shaped body with a channel formed along an inner surface of the body. The body typically includes an outer surface and a ridge structure protruding outward from the outer surface so as to reinforce the chain guide support. The body of the plastic chain guide support is generally configured with at least one mounting hole sized to receive a fastener for securing the chain guide to the frame of the motorcycle. Typically the plastic chain guide support further is configured to house a chain guide insert in at least a portion of the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: T.M. Designworks, LLC
    Inventor: Timothy McGarry
  • Publication number: 20100120565
    Abstract: A power unit may include an engine, a belt transmission driven by the engine, a belt transmission chamber incorporating the belt transmission, a second transmission driven by the belt transmission, a second transmission chamber incorporating the second transmission, and a housing member constituting both a part of the belt transmission chamber and a part of the second transmission chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventors: Yoshitaka KOCHIDOMARI, Shuji Nishimoto
  • Patent number: 7708662
    Abstract: Vehicle apparatus for a vehicle including a chain guide device which can be easily mounted to the vehicle with a reduced number of parts. The chain, guide device for guiding a chain in the vehicle includes a main frame and a rear swing arm extending rearward from the main frame. The chain guide device also includes a stay extending downward from the rear swing arm, a sectionally U-shaped plate member fastened to the stay using fastening members, and a chain guide member mounted in the plate member. The chain guide member has a chain guide hole through which the chain passes through to be guided. The chain guide member is fixed by fitting the lower surface and the right and left side surfaces of the chain guide member to the plate member and by fitting the upper surface of the chain guide member to the stay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mikio Uchiyama, Kazuhiko Gogo
  • Patent number: 7704174
    Abstract: A vertical internal combustion engine includes a crankshaft enclosed in a crank chamber, a belt-drive transmission mechanism held in a belt chamber and including a rubber belt for transmitting power of the crankshaft to a camshaft included in a valve train, and a transmission case defining the belt chamber. The transmission case has a lower case between the crank chamber and the belt chamber. The belt has a part extending over the crank chamber, and the lower case is disposed to screen the part of the belt from the crank chamber. The belt is lubricated by oil in oil-containing gas from the crank chamber. Thus the oil containing gas is prevented from excessively contacting the rubber belt, so that the life of the belt is extended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideaki Takada, Yutaka Kubota, Tatsuya Kuroda, Kazutake Koyama
  • Patent number: 7691019
    Abstract: A chain guide, including a chain guide member and a guide holder, in which deformation and/or scarring of the guide holder can be controlled, and which is easy to assemble and disassemble, is described. The position of a front end of the guide holder is brought in contact with a flange provided at the front end of the chain guide member. Left and right side surfaces of the chain guide member are formed on the backside of the flange. The leading edge of the front end of the guide holder abuts and confronts the left and right side surface of the backside of the flange of the chain guide member so that a chain entering the chain guide contacts the chain guide member rather than the guide holder. A method of manufacturing the guide holder is presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuhiko Gogo
  • Patent number: 7686123
    Abstract: A noise suppressor for a straddle-type vehicle provided with a belt type continuously variable transmission having a resin-block-type belt. A portion of an air passage for guiding air to a belt chamber is formed in a closed casing. The closed casing includes a dish-shaped first casing member and a dish-shaped second casing member. An inlet port and an exhaust port are formed in the second casing member. Partition walls in the form of curved plate pieces are formed in the first casing and second casing members. Air flow paths formed by the partition walls are U-shaped, thereby forming a serpentine flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yousuke Ishida
  • Patent number: 7673719
    Abstract: The invention is a combination drive and suspension system that includes an upper drive assembly and a lower drive assembly pivotally connected. The pivoting drive system provides improved ground clearance for a farm vehicle capable of carrying a large quantity of field application material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Agco Corporation
    Inventor: John Buschena
  • Patent number: 7617899
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention facilitate shifting by reducing forces on certain shifting components and includes a snowmobile comprising a chassis, an engine supported by the chassis, a drive train operatively connected to the engine, the drive train comprising a reverse sprocket assembly functionally coupled to an upper sprocket assembly, a jackshaft rotatable within the upper sprocket assembly, and a pinion operatively connected to the jackshaft and selectively positionable axially along the jackshaft to a first position that engages the upper sprocket assembly to translate the snowmobile in a forward direction or to a second position that engages the reverse sprocket assembly to translate the snowmobile in a reverse direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Ty Warner, Todd Zinda
  • Publication number: 20090229944
    Abstract: In a motorcycle, a cable linked with a clutch release lever is reduced in length and arranged without being bent so much. A release mechanism for a friction type clutch device is provided with a clutch release lever on a lateral surface of a crankcase that is linked with a cable connected to a clutch operational lever disposed on the left side of a steering handlebar that is turned to perform a clutch release operation. The clutch release lever includes an arm portion linked with the cable and a release rod turned together with the arm portion to press the push rod. The release rod is disposed on a left side portion of the crankcase and the arm portion is attached to project outwardly of the crankcase. The clutch release lever is turned clockwise as viewed from above a vehicle body to perform clutch release operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2009
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Inventor: Hisashi SAKUYAMA
  • Publication number: 20090197725
    Abstract: A chainguard for use on a bicycle includes a housing having a connecting portion and an engaging portion. The connecting portion and the engaging portion are connected to a seat tube and a rear stay of a bicycle frame in the bicycle. Additionally, the rear stay includes a first portion and a second portion adapted for engaging with an axle of a rear wheel, and the first and second portions are interconnected at a corner. Additionally, the second portion includes a first surface, a second surface and a third surface substantially transverse to and interconnecting the first and second surfaces. Further, the third surface defines a positioning portion on which the engaging portion of the chainguard is mounted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2008
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Inventor: Louis Chuang
  • Patent number: 7544154
    Abstract: A guard assembly for exercise bikes has a master sprocket guard and a slave sprocket guard that are separate from each other and that are positioned between a master sprocket and a slave sprocket. A flexible transmitter such as a belt or chain extends through a portion of the master sprocket guard and the slave sprocket guard but does not make more than incidental contact with the guards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Unisen, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin P. Corbalis, Raymond Lim, Victor Torres Cornejo
  • Patent number: 7540815
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission has an input pulley assembly connected to a first transfer pulley assembly with a first chain and a second transfer pulley assembly connected to an output pulley assembly with a second chain. The first transfer pulley assembly and the second transfer pulley assembly shaft a common shuttle disk that moves axially on a countershaft that carries the first and second transfer pulleys. The input pulley assembly and the output pulley assembly are generally axially aligned and a bearing carrier is positioned between the pulleys. A high pressure fluid supply system reduces or eliminates axial loading on the shafts of the transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Inventor: Albert W. Brown
  • Patent number: 7520831
    Abstract: A gear-shifting apparatus is provided which does not require a position of a chain to be set with high precision, and which reduces a risk of the chain coming off an adjacent sprocket due to a quick gear shifting operation. The gear shifting system includes a derailer for changing the chain from one sprocket to another among a plurality of axially-arranged gear shifting sprockets, and a case for containing the gear shifting sprockets and the chain. The case is provided with a protruding part for preventing the chain from moving axially outwardly at an area too close to the case. The protruding part effectively prevents the chain from coming off from the adjacent sprocket by means of contact of the protruding part with the chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Kaga, Tatsuro Kimura
  • Publication number: 20090062049
    Abstract: A combined chain guide and chain ring protector for a bicycle for off-road use having a lower bracket sleeve, a chain ring around which a drive chain extends and a chain ring outer radius. The protector includes a mounting bracket secured at the lower bracket sleeve and a guard mounted thereto. An outer edge of the guard extends beyond the outer radius of the chain ring, thereby protecting a portion of the chain ring from inadvertent impacts. The chain guide extends from the mounting bracket along a path of the drive chain, and preferably includes an upper guide having an inner barrier positioned inboard of the bicycle chain an outer barrier positioned outboard of the inner barrier and an upper barrier positioned above the bicycle chain for preventing the chain from derailing from the chain ring in an upward direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Applicant: EKO SPORT, INC.
    Inventors: Ryan K. Cranston, James K. Rogers
  • Publication number: 20080314676
    Abstract: A belt-type continuously variable transmission that prevents escape of noise generated by a resin block belt to the outside. The resin block belt is wound around a primary sheave and a secondary sheave. A transmission case defines a belt chamber accommodating the primary sheave, secondary sheave, and resin block belt. The transmission case includes an exhaust passage, intake passages, and a sound absorbing member. The sound absorbing member is attached to an inner wall of the exhaust passage in a position to collide with sound waves traveling through the exhaust passage. The sound absorbing member has a sound absorbing surface crossing an extending direction of the exhaust passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yousuke ISHIDA
  • Patent number: RE42436
    Abstract: A chain ring protector having a substantially planar mounting bracket operably secured to the bottom bracket sleeve of a vehicle with a durable semi-circumferential guard extending therefrom is disclosed. The durable guard has a substantially arcuate outer edge sized to approximate the outer diameter of a chain ring, and it is operably secured to the planar mounting bracket such that the outer edge extends slightly beyond the outer diameter of the portion of the chain ring extending below the bottom bracket sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Eko Sport, Inc.
    Inventor: James K. Rogers