And Hand Operator Patents (Class 74/501.6)
  • Publication number: 20090031845
    Abstract: A Bowden cable adjusting device is provided for one or more Bowden cables (1?, 1?). The Bowden cable adjusting device (3) has a housing (4) with a detachable locking device (6) for adjustably connecting the housing (4) to a transmission element (5), which can be connected to one or more Bowden cables (1?, 1?). The Bowden cable adjusting device (3) has a mounting securing device (7) for the transmission element (5). The mounting securing device (7) can be deactivated. A process for mounting and adjusting a Bowden cable arrangement is also provided, wherein the mounting securing device (7) may be deactivated and the Bowden cable adjusting device (3) is shortened while adjusting the distance between the actuating member (2) and the Bowden cable (1?, 1?).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventor: Christoph KAINZNER
  • Publication number: 20090031846
    Abstract: A control device for a derailleur of a bicycle is described, comprising a support body, a cable-winding bush supported for rotation with respect to the support body, an indexer mechanism housed in the support body and suitable for controlling the angular position of the cable-winding bush, and a single manual actuation lever, the indexer mechanism comprising a toothed wheel integral in rotation with the cable-winding bush and having a first and a second plurality of slanting teeth, a first pawl integral with a driven arm of the lever and brought into thrusting engagement upon the first teeth while the lever is manually moved in a first direction beyond a predetermined rotation threshold, and a second pawl driven out of retention engagement with the second teeth by the driven arm of the lever while the lever is manually moved in the first direction up to the predetermined rotation threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2006
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: CAPAGNOLO S.r.l.
    Inventors: Giuseppe Dal Pra', Marco Caiazzo
  • Patent number: 7484431
    Abstract: A portable handheld apparatus such as a brushcutter, blower or the like has a drive motor and a throttle lever (2). The throttle lever (2) is pivotally journalled about a rotational axis (3). The throttle lever (2) acts on an actuating device for controlling the drive motor. In order to make possible a simple adjustment of the actuating device, it is provided that the throttle lever (2) has an operator-controlled lever (6) and an actuating lever (5). The operator-controlled lever (6) can be actuated by the operator. The actuating lever (5) acts on the actuating device. The relative position of the actuating lever (5) relative to the operator-controlled lever (6) is adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Andreas Stihl AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Matthias Müller, Harald Schliemann
  • Publication number: 20090025504
    Abstract: The described actuation device comprises a casing, intended for the attachment to the handlebar of the bicycle, a cable-winding bobbin, angularly mobile in the casing about a main axis of the device, a first driving mechanism, acting on the bobbin to rotate it in a first angular direction, a second driving mechanism, acting on the bobbin to rotate it in a second angular direction opposite the first, as well as indexer assembly for removably holding the bobbin in predetermined angular positions. In accordance with the invention, the indexer assembly comprise first countering member, to counter the rotation of the bobbin in the first direction, and second countering member, distinct from the first countering member, to counter the rotation of the bobbin in the second direction. Asymmetric operation is thus obtained which allows active actuation to be set both for upward gearshifting and for downward gearshifting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicant: CAMPAGNOLO S.R.L
    Inventors: Giuseppe Dal Pra', Marco Caiazzo, Andrea De Pretto
  • Publication number: 20090007715
    Abstract: Consequently, since the present invention is constructed as has been described, even when the rider rotates the handlebar to the left or right, the operation can follow the movements of the fingers and automatically oscillate vertically, thereby making it possible to provide a throttle device that exhibits good operability and which is markedly easy to use when compared with conventional throttle devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2008
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Inventor: Terynce Millard Guthrie
  • Publication number: 20080295635
    Abstract: A bicycle control device is basically provided with a base member, a shift control unit, a non-shift operating lever, a first shift operating lever and a second shift operating lever. The shift control unit is mounted to the base member. The non-shift operating lever is movably coupled relative to the base member. The first and second shift operating levers are operatively coupled to the shift control unit. The second shift operating lever is a separate member from the first shift operating lever. The first and second shift operating levers are configured and arranged relative to each other such that the second shift operating lever is moved by the first shift operating lever when the first shift operating lever is operated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: Shimamo Inc.
    Inventors: Hisayuki Sato, Kenji Ose
  • Publication number: 20080295638
    Abstract: A bicycle control device is basically provided with a base member, a shift control unit and an operating lever. The base member includes a handlebar mounting structure defining a handlebar receiving area with a central handlebar mounting axis. The shift control unit is mounted to the base member. The operating lever is pivotally mounted relative to the base member to pivot from a rest position towards the handlebar receiving area about a non-shift operating pivot axis that is angled relative to the handlebar receiving area such that the operating lever moves along a non-shift operating path that avoid interference with a handlebar in a lateral direction with respect to the handlebar receiving area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Yoshimitsu Miki, Satoshi Shahana
  • Publication number: 20080282830
    Abstract: A bicycle component actuating device is provided with a base member, a first user operating member, a locking member and a second user operating member. The first user operating member rotates between first and second operating positions about a rotational axis in a first operating plane that intersects with the rotational axis. The locking member is moves between a locking position to lock the first user operating member in the second operating position and a releasing position to release the first operating member from the second operating position. The second user operating member moves from a non-releasing position to a releasing position for releasing the first user operating member. One of the locking member and the second user operating member is movably along an operating path that intersects with the first operating plane of the first user operating member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2007
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Applicant: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Nobukatsu HARA
  • Patent number: 7437969
    Abstract: A bicycle shift operating device is provided that includes a first shift operating member, a second shift operating member and a transmission control mechanism. The first shift operating member is pivotally coupled to a first pivot axle for rotation about a first pivot axis to move along a first shifting plane that is perpendicular to the first pivot axis. The second shift operating member is pivotally coupled to a second pivot axle for rotation about a second pivot axis to move along a second shifting plane that is perpendicular to the second pivot axis and intersects the first shifting plane to form an angle equal to or less than about thirty degrees between the first and second shifting planes. The transmission control mechanism is configured to control a bicycle transmission. The transmission control mechanism is operatively coupled to the first and second shift operating members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Kenji Ose
  • Publication number: 20080210046
    Abstract: A control device (1) for a bicycle for providing at least one electrical-electronic command to at least one bicycle component is provided, comprising a support body (2), at least one switch (47, 48), and a respective manual actuation member (34, 35, 70), the switch (47, 48) and the respective manual actuation member (34, 35, 70) are included in a switch unit (30) so as to be integrally removable from the support body (2). By so including said components (47, 48, 34, 35, 70) in a self-standing switch unit (30), in the case of a failure or malfunction of the switch (47, 48), the switch unit (30) can be easily inspected and possibly replaced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicant: CAMPAGNOLO S.R.L.
    Inventor: Bruno De Perini
  • Patent number: 7401535
    Abstract: A twistshifter mounted about a handlebar. The twist-shifter includes a housing element which may be fixed to the handlebar and an actuating element which may be rotated about the axis of the handlebar tube a predetermined angle. The actuating element may be fixed axially to the housing element by a locking device having interlocking first and second latching elements. The first latching element is arranged on the housing element. The second latching element that is complementary in shape to the first latching element is arranged on the actuating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Sram Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Georg K. Blaschke
  • Patent number: 7395733
    Abstract: An actuator is disclosed. The actuator includes: an output gear, a pinion, a drive shaft, a housing, and a spring. The output gear is adapted to receive a traction element. The pinion is in driving communication with the output gear. The drive shaft is interconnected with the pinion. The housing is adapted to receive the output gear and the drive shaft. The coil spring is circumjacent the drive shaft and located in a position intermediate the drive shaft and the housing, whereby rotation of the drive shaft causes the coil spring to frictionally disengage from the housing such that the output gear may rotate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Schukra of North America, Ltd.
    Inventor: Jintao Liu
  • Publication number: 20080134828
    Abstract: An apparatus for automatically controlling the tension of a cable of a parking brake is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: SL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hee-gon Lee, In-tae Hwang
  • Publication number: 20080121208
    Abstract: A portable handheld work apparatus has a drive motor as well as an adjusting element for controlling the drive motor. The work apparatus has at least one actuating element. A movement of the actuating element is transmitted to the adjusting element via a transmitting unit. A good operator control is achieved when at least one transmitting characteristic (49, 50; 89, 90; 309, 310) of the transmitting unit runs nonlinearly as a function of the actuating displacement (s) of the actuating element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Inventors: Heiko Rosskamp, Georg Maier, Volker Reber, Alexander Erkert, Daniel Herbst, Marcus Saak, Dirk Schweinberger
  • Patent number: 7373854
    Abstract: A bicycle gear-shifting handgrip includes an inner tube fixedly fit over a bicycle handlebar and an outer tube rotatably fit over the inner tube. A casing that is fixed to the handlebar is fit over the inner tube and defines axially spaced front and rear chambers, both surrounding the outer tube. A toothed ring and a detent ring are axially stacked over each other and received in the front chamber. The toothed ring is rotatably fixed but axially movable in the front chamber and has a surface forming plural sets of teeth that are axially biased by a spring to respectively engage detent projections formed on the detent ring. The detent ring is rotatable in unison with the outer tube to induce a camming action between the teeth and the detent projection. A cable-driving ring is received in the rear chamber and is rotatable in unison with the outer tube for pulling a cable coupled to a bicycle derailleur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Inventor: Po-Cheng Chen
  • Patent number: 7373856
    Abstract: The present application discloses a brake actuator for applying tension to a brake cable. The actuator includes: a mounting bracket; a brake actuator lever mounted for pivotal movement relative to the mounting bracket in brake applying and brake releasing directions; and a cam-and-drum member mounted for rotation relative to relative to the brake actuator lever. The cam-and-drum member is formed as one integral part including a protruding drum portion and a cam portion integral with the drum portion. The present application also discloses a brake actuator with a one-piece cam member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Ventra Group Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Sykes, Steven Demoe, Bob Bunker
  • Patent number: 7370546
    Abstract: A windshield for motorbikes which can be variably positioned at various angles of inclination on the motorbike by a holding device (6) and a drive device (8). The drive device (8) has a cable or a cable pull connection (22, 23, 24, 25) between a drive motor (26) of the drive device (8) and a support element (16) for the adjustable windshield. The holding device (6) can also be formed by two non-parallel guides (11, 19) for varying the position of the windshield (3) in terms of height and/or inclination, when it is moved along the guides (13, 19). The first guide (11) is fixed to the vehicle and the second guiding mechanism (19) is arranged on the windshield (3). A driveable carriage (12) which is connected to a support element (16) for the adjustable windshield and is situated on the first guide (11) engages a part (18) which is fixed to the vehicle and is situated on the second guide (19).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: HS Genion GmbH
    Inventors: Fritz Wegener, August Hirschberger, Peter Biecker, Sven Asendorf
  • Patent number: 7350870
    Abstract: An integrated compensator module that protects cable and conduit assemblies from excessive loading. Also, a primary cable and conduit assembly that transfers motion to a plurality of secondary cable and conduit assemblies. The conduit portions of the secondary cable and conduit assemblies are biased to relieve excessive loads on the secondary cable and conduit assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Capro, Ltd.
    Inventor: Jeffrey David Bates
  • Publication number: 20070214908
    Abstract: A shifter for a bicycle transmission that includes a spring element that functions as a preloaded spring for cable-release operations and a detent pawl. The shifter also includes a housing having a detent contour, a cable spool for winding and unwinding a control cable thereon, and an actuator. The actuator includes a release element, a spring seat and a driver. The spring element includes a detent pawl, a base and a spool driver. The detent pawl is engageable with the detent contour to maintain the shifter in a current detent position. The base is supported by the spring seat and the spool driver is operatively engages and rotates the spool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2007
    Publication date: September 20, 2007
    Applicant: SRAM Deustchland GmbH
    Inventor: Martin Weiss
  • Publication number: 20070137385
    Abstract: A bicycle shift controller is provided with two independently operable levers that are operatively coupled to a cable take up member disposed in a base member configured to be mounted to a handlebar. The cable take up member rotates about a rotational axis for winding and releasing a control cable in response to pivotal movement of the levers. A first one of the levers has a first operating portion with a first operating surface and a second operating portion with a second operating surface. The second operating surface is angularly offset from the first operating surface about a first lever pivot axis of the first lever. The first and second levers pivot from a rest position to a shift position for rotating the cable take up member in opposite directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Publication date: June 21, 2007
    Applicant: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Cengiz Cesur, Atsushi Komatsu
  • Patent number: 7182402
    Abstract: A seating apparatus for an aircraft comprising: a passenger seat having a seat frame and a seat back; a recline control device for selectively reclining the seat back; and a seat recline control override for disabling the recline control device. In the preferred embodiment, the passenger seat includes a seat leg supporting the seat. Also in the preferred embodiment, the seat recline control override comprises: an override lever for overriding the recline control; an actuator for remotely moving the override lever; and a linkage connecting the override lever to the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Timco Aviation Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Sam J. Ahad
  • Patent number: 7165810
    Abstract: A simplified, low-cost actuator used in conjunction with a lumbar support device designed to significantly decrease manufacturing costs and assembly time. The present invention produces similar movement as the more expensive actuators but does so with a considerably smaller number of parts. The actuator consists merely of four pieces—a handle, a spring, a plunger, and a mounting bracket. The symmetry of design of this actuator allows it to be installed more easily in any orientation and on either side of the seat. Furthermore, the actuator may be adapted for use with a tension cable or a drive rod. The simplicity, low-cost, and ease of use associated with this actuator makes it an attractive alternative to other actuators disclosed in the prior art. Finally, this actuator allows adjustable lumbar support to be offered in a cost effective manner in lower tier seating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: L&P Property Management Company
    Inventor: Robert McMillen
  • Patent number: 7146874
    Abstract: A bicycle shift control device is provided for a transmission actuating member, wherein the transmission actuating member moves to a plurality of transmission actuating positions for moving a bicycle transmission to a plurality of transmission positions. The shift control device comprises an operator attachment element that moves among a first operator attachment position, a second operator attachment position, and a third operator attachment position for causing an operation of the transmission actuating member. The second operator attachment position is disposed on a first path of movement from the first operator attachment position, and the third operator attachment position is disposed on a second path of movement from the first operator attachment position. The first path of movement is different from the second path of movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Shimano, Inc.
    Inventors: Satoshi Shahana, Tatsuya Kawakami
  • Patent number: 7146873
    Abstract: A device for adjusting a cable pull of a vehicle parking brake includes an actuating lever rotatable about a first axis, a pull element and a locking element. The pull element includes a pull rod and a guide housing, wherein the pull rod includes notches and is spring-loaded in an actuating direction of the cable pull. The guide housing is pivotably mounted about a second axis disposed outside a line defined by the actuating direction. The locking element includes a latch part releasably engaging the notches of the pull rod, wherein the locking element is mounted pivotably with respect to the guide housing, wherein a force acting in the actuating direction of the cable pull creates a torque on the pull element about the second axis that is proportional to the force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Edscha Betaetigungssysteme GmbH
    Inventors: Ulf Braker, Josef Neudorfer
  • Patent number: 7140474
    Abstract: A parking brake attachment structure is provided secured to a separate portion of the vehicle frame disposed above the main frame section. The attachment structure includes a bracket secured above the vehicle to the auxiliary frame. A stay is mounted so as to protrude rightwardly from the bracket. A lever support bracket is mounted to the stay, inclined at an angle from the vertical. A parking brake lever mechanism including a lever pin, a parking brake lever, and a spring, is provided in the lever support bracket such that the parking brake lever is inclined at angle from the vertical. The parking brake lever is offset from a vehicle centerline. This mounting configuration requires only a small space around a parking brake lever, and enhances operability and the operating feel of the parking brake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ken Kojika
  • Patent number: 7117762
    Abstract: A rotatable handgrip shifting device (10) that is mountable on a bicycle handlebar and connected to a bicycle gear changing mechanism by a cable within a tube and reversibly operable at discrete shift points corresponding to the gears of the bicycle gear changing mechanism. The shifting device (10) includes a handgrip (34) rotatable about the handlebar, a spool (30) rotatable with the handgrip (34) and a housing (12) that secures the shifting device (10) to the handlebar. The housing (12) includes a gear display (18) denoting a plurality of discrete shift points of the gear changing mechanism. A flexible member (40) includes at one end a pointer (44) and a spool tab (42) at another end. The pointer (44) is reciprocally displaceable along the gear display (18) in response to rotation of the handgrip (34).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: SRAM Corporation
    Inventors: Raymond Florczyk, Marcus Auer, Christian Buettner, Hung-I Chen
  • Patent number: 7104154
    Abstract: A bicycle shift control device comprises a fixed member and a rotatable member. The fixed member is adapted to be fixedly coupled to a bicycle handlebar adjacent a hand gripping area of the handlebar. The rotatable member is rotatably coupled to the fixed member for rotation around the handlebar between at least two shift positions. One of the fixed and rotatable members has a visible fixed contoured line and the other of the fixed and rotatable members has a visible movable contoured line adjacent the visible fixed contoured line. The visible fixed and movable contoured lines cooperate with each other to define a geometrically shaped visible area located between them. The geometrically shaped visible area is configured to change upon rotation of the rotatable member between the shift positions to indicate at least one of the shift positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander Hilsky, Masao Kojima
  • Patent number: 7100931
    Abstract: A rotation control brake system includes a tubular brake actuator coaxially mounted at a steering handle of a rider propelling vehicle, a brake unit operatively mounted at a position close to a driving wheel of the rider propelling vehicle, and a brake cable having a driving end coupling with the brake unit and an opposed actuating end extended to couple with the brake actuator to retain the brake actuator at a normal driving position. wherein at a braking position, the brake actuator is rotatably, longitudinally and outwardly slid with respect to the steering handle to pull the brake cable that the brake unit is biased against the driving wheel to control a rotational speed of the driving wheel, such that the rider propelling vehicle is adapted for being well controlled while the rider keeps the hand thereof at the steering handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Inventor: Hong Jiun Gu
  • Patent number: 7024959
    Abstract: A power saving apparatus is provided for an assisting apparatus that uses power from a rotating member to assist the operation of a bicycle transmission. The power saving apparatus comprises a rotating member engaging member that moves between a rotating member engaging position and a rotating member disengaging position, a setting mechanism that sets the rotating member engaging member toward the rotating member engaging position, and a power saving unit. The power saving unit saves power communicated between the setting mechanism and the rotating member engaging member when the setting mechanism attempts to move the rotating member engaging member into the rotating member engaging position and the rotating member engaging member encounters a force that resists the rotating member engaging member being in the rotating member engaging position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Shimano, Inc.
    Inventors: Toshio Tetsuka, Tetsuya Hino
  • Patent number: 7021174
    Abstract: A parking brake actuator for a vehicle includes a toothed stationary sector fixed to a mounting structure, a brake lever pivotably mounted to the sector, a pawl mounted to the brake lever for movement between engaged and disengaged positions relative to the teeth, an elongated, substantially rigid release member mounted to the brake lever for movement relative to the brake lever between normal and depressed positions, and a motion-absorbing spring connecting the release member to the pawl. When the brake lever is operatively connected to the vehicle brake cable and in a braking position thereof with the pawl in the engaged position thereof, moving the release member to the depressed position thereof without also moving the brake lever in the brake applying direction compresses the motion-absorbing spring without moving the pawl from the engaged position thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Ventra Group Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Revelis, Michael Sykes, Dusit Sukonthapanich
  • Patent number: 7021172
    Abstract: A hydraulically operated throttle system that has the hydraulic system components installed entirely within the throttle grip on the handlebar. A regular throttle cable is run through the frame/handlebar where it connects to the hydraulic system. A three-piston system is used to provide the control. One piston is connected to a disk cam. As the disk is turned (by turning the twist grip), the cam forces the first piston to move, which forces hydraulic fluid from a first cylinder into a secondary cylinder. This secondary cylinder contains a second piston, which is moved by the fluid from the first cylinder. As this second piston moves, hydraulic fluid moves third piston within a third cylinder. The third piston is attached to the throttle cable. As this piston moves within the third cylinder, it pulls or pushes the throttle cable, thereby opening or closing the throttle on the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Inventor: David S. Perry
  • Patent number: 7017715
    Abstract: A braking system includes a central sprag, connected and perpendicular to the handlebar, projecting towards the front side of the cycle. At the end of the sprag, a terminal is inserted, free in rotation and equipped with two side holes in the lower part through which the flexible metal cable is inserted, which will be connected outside to the common levers activating the front and rear brakes of the vehicle. At the opposite end, on the contrary, the two lugs of the cable will be directly connected to the ends of the knobs of the handlebar. With the adjustment in length of the flexible cable connected to it, relating both to the front and rear braking device, activating one of the two cables placed in the front of the knobs of the handlebar will also pull the complementary cable by the rotation and consequent draw of the mobile central body, so getting a braking action also on the opposite wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Inventor: Enrico Lapi
  • Patent number: 7013751
    Abstract: A bicycle shift control device includes a fixed member and a rotatable member rotatably coupled to the fixed member for rotation around a handlebar between at least two shift positions. The fixed member is adapted to be coupled to the handlebar adjacent a hand gripping area of the handlebar. The rotatable member has inner and outer axial ends with a tubular outer actuating surface extending between the inner and outer ends and around a center longitudinal axis of the hand gripping area. The actuating surface is configured to define a tubular hand grip with a finger operating projection extending outwardly relative to the tubular hand grip. The actuating surface includes a first portion constructed of a first material and a second portion constructed of a second material more rigid than the first material. The second portion has the finger operating projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander Hilsky, Masao Kojima
  • Patent number: 7007568
    Abstract: The actuator has a housing with a longitudinal passage between a first end and an opening at a second end. A spindle, supported and moveable in the passage, has oppositely handed, first and second threaded portions each nearer a respective end of the housing. A first nut fixed relative to the housing is engaged with the first threaded portion. The spindle is rotated and moved relative to the first nut by a handle at the housing first end. A second nut fixed against rotation relative to the housing and engaged with the second threaded portion moves relative to and in the same direction as the spindle as the spindle rotates. The second nut is connectable through the opening to a device, and the spindle is rotatable by the handle for adjusting the device by movement of the spindle and the second nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Henderson's Industries Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: Rodney Craig MacAulay, Wayne Andrew Harris
  • Patent number: 6993995
    Abstract: A bicycle shift positioning device includes a base member adapted to be mounted to a bicycle; a first rotating body rotatably mounted relative to the base member; a second rotating body rotatably mounted relative to the first rotating body; a positioning member coupled to the base member and having a plurality of positioning elements; a pawl coupled for movement with the first rotating body, wherein the pawl moves between a positioning member engaging position and a positioning member disengaging position; a pawl control member coupled for movement with the second rotating body; and a pawl biasing mechanism for biasing the pawl toward the positioning member engaging position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Shimano, Inc.
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Fujii
  • Patent number: 6957596
    Abstract: A braking actuator for an ergonomic support is connected thereto by a Bowden cable. The actuator has a housing with pin slots, friction surfaces and a mount for a disk axle. A disk has frictional surfaces, holes with pin load edges, a Bowden cable wire seat that holds the Bowden cable end and an axle that is supported by the mount in the housing. The friction surfaces of the disk and housing engage each other to brake the actuator and the ergonomic support. A lever having pins is disposed on the housing such that the pins extend through the pin slots to engage the holes in the disk. Turning the lever disengages the friction surfaces and rotates the disk, thereby moving the ergonomic support. Releasing the lever engages the frictional surfaces such that movement of the ergonomic support is braked at a selected position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Assignee: L&P Property Management Company
    Inventors: Robert Kopetzky, Richard Frank
  • Patent number: 6921102
    Abstract: A foldable stroller, incorporating with a one-hand operational control device includes a turn switch rotatably mounted on the stroller. A locking unit includes a locking latch slidably disposed a pusher cavity of the turn switch to lock up a rotational movement of the turn switch and a finger trigger arranged to push the locking latch inwardly into the pusher cavity to unlock the turn switch. In order to fold up the stroller, a user's fingers must grip the finger trigger inwardly to push the locking latch inward, so that the turn switch is unblocked and free to rotate with respect to pivot arms of the stroller to disengage an engagement unit of the stroller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Inventor: Ben Ming Hsia
  • Patent number: 6880425
    Abstract: A shift control device includes a mounting unit; a transmission control element movably mounted to the mounting unit, wherein the transmission control element moves between a first transmission control position and a second transmission control position; a first transmission control element biasing mechanism for biasing the transmission control element toward the first transmission control position; and a first shift control element that moves between a first shift control position and a second shift control position. The first shift control element and the transmission control element are operatively coupled such that the transmission control element moves toward the second transmission control position when the first shift control element moves toward the second shift control position, and the transmission control element moves toward the first transmission control position as the first shift control element continues to move toward the second shift control position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Shimano, Inc.
    Inventor: Satoshi Shahana
  • Patent number: 6877347
    Abstract: A tool for remotely turning a key includes a key unit including an engagement assembly adapted to engage the key and an operator unit including a control assembly. At least one cable segment is provided linking the key unit and the operator unit such that the engagement assembly can be mechanically rotated via the cable segment by manipulation of the control assembly to thereby rotate the key when the key is engaged by the engagement assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Universal Product Marketing, Inc.
    Inventor: John Elliason
  • Patent number: 6862948
    Abstract: A shift lever for a bicycle having a derailleur, includes a housing including a clamp head for mounting the housing on a handlebar of the bicycle and a cavity therein; a gear connected with the cable, rotatably mounted in the cavity and having first and second sets of teeth; a major pawl element mounted to the housing and biased by a spring into engagement with the first set of teeth; a main lever rotatably mounted to the housing, having a thumb engaging end and a substantially common axis of movement with a person's thumb during a shifting operation, such that the main lever moves in a natural direction of movement of the thumb to tighten a grip of the person on the handlebar on which the shift lever is mounted; and a minor pawl element for engaging the second set of teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Inventor: John L. Calendrille, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6848336
    Abstract: A shift control device is provided for controlling a transmission control member coupled to a bicycle transmission. The device comprises an actuating component that is manually operated by a rider, wherein the actuating component moves to an actuating component neutral position, to an actuating component upshift position and to an actuating component downshift position. A first biasing component biases the actuating component toward one of the upshift position and the downshift position, and a neutral positioning component positions the actuating component in a neutral position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Shimano, Inc.
    Inventor: Satoshi Shahana
  • Patent number: 6837302
    Abstract: A mechanical control head system allows a vehicle user to control certain HVAC functions. The mechanical control head system includes a mounting plate, a faceplate, at least two user-adjustable actuators, at least two function interfaces and connections between the function interfaces and the HVAC module. The knobs provide the user a means to control, for example, the ambient temperature in the vehicle interior and the outside air circulation within the vehicle. The rotary cylinders can be coupled and uncoupled to the knobs in a single step instead of requiring individual steps for each knob.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jacob A Spinner, Douglas David Turner
  • Publication number: 20040261566
    Abstract: A bicycle transmission control device includes a fixed housing fitted on a handlebar of the bicycle, one side of the housing being recessed to form an annular cavity in which a first locating section is disposed. A locking member having a first linking section and pivotably and slidably mounted in the annular cavity, one end of the locking member being formed with a second locating section, any end of the locking member being hooked with one end of the steel cord of the bicycle transmission system, the steel cord always resiliently pulling the locking member, whereby the second locating section is biased toward the first locating section to engage therewith. A rotary member fitted on the handlebar and pivotally mounted on outer side of the housing, a second linking section protruding from inner side of the rotary member for drivingly connecting with the first linking section of the locking member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventor: Bing-He Feng
  • Patent number: 6829963
    Abstract: A handlebar shifter device for operating bicycle derailleur system includes a fixed piece connected to a bicycle handlebar and a recess defined in the end surface of the fixed piece for receiving a resilient member therein. A rotatable member is rotatably mounted to a tube of the fixed piece and an annular flange extends from an end surface of the rotatable member. A cable retaining hole is defined in the fixed piece for receiving a derailleur cable therein and a free end of the cable is fixed to the rotatably member. Two blocks extend from the rotatable member and a plate is mounted on the annular flange. Two protrusions extend from an outer periphery of the plate and respectively contacting two blocks on the rotatable member. A plurality of notches are defined in an outer periphery of one of the protrusions and an index peak of the resilient member is engaged with one of the notches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Yung Sung Lin
    Inventor: Chiu Lung Liao
  • Patent number: 6827365
    Abstract: A single-handed remote controller is disclosed. Such a controller is installed at the handle of an accordion frame and is connected to a lock mechanism of the frame through a flexible element. As the remote controller rotates relative to the handle, the flexible element is coiled around the handle, changing the relative position between the lock mechanism and the handle. The frame is thus changed to make the folding much easier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Link Treasure Limited
    Inventor: Chuan-Ming Yeh
  • Publication number: 20040237696
    Abstract: A bicycle shift control device includes a fixed member and a rotatable member rotatably coupled to the fixed member for rotation around a handlebar between at least two shift positions. The fixed member is adapted to be coupled to the handlebar adjacent a hand gripping area of the handlebar. The rotatable member has inner and outer axial ends with a tubular outer actuating surface extending between the inner and outer ends and around a center longitudinal axis of the hand gripping area. The actuating surface is configured to define a tubular hand grip with a finger operating projection extending outwardly relative to the tubular hand grip. The actuating surface includes a first portion constructed of a first material and a second portion constructed of a second material more rigid than the first material. The second portion has the finger operating projection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Applicant: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander Hilsky, Masao Kojima
  • Publication number: 20040237697
    Abstract: A bicycle shift operating device is basically provided with a first operating member, a second operating member, a shift wire take-up element and a wire winding/release mechanism. The second operating member is operatively coupled to the first operating member to move with the first operating member during movement of the first operating member, and to move the first operating member during movement of the second operating member. The shift wire take-up element is rotated in a first rotational direction by the first operating member and in a second rotational direction that is opposite to the first rotational direction by the second operating member. The wire winding/release mechanism is operatively coupled to the shift wire take-up element and the first and second operating members to selectively hold the shift wire take-up element in one of a plurality of shift positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Applicant: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Tatsuya Kawakami
  • Patent number: 6824161
    Abstract: A remote control device 1 simplified in construction and with an improved usability and a baby carriage 100 possessed of the device 1 are disclosed. The remote control device 1 is connected via wire cables 2 and 3 to a folding and a handle switching mechanism 111 and 112. A pair of pulleys 10a and 10b rotatably supported by a support shaft 4 are rotated by a rotary plate 20 so as to wind the wire cables 2 and 3 thereon, respectively. The rotary plate 20 is rotatably supported between the pulleys 10a and 10b. A switching plate 40 is operated to select one of the pulleys 10a and 10b representative of a selected one of the folding and handle switching mechanisms. The switching plate 40 drives said rotary plate to assume a pre-established rotational angular position at which the rotary plate is capable of actuating and then rotating a selected one pulley 10a or 10b.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Combi Corporation
    Inventor: Katsuhiro Iwata
  • Patent number: 6789847
    Abstract: A reclining chair has a control switch and a control device. The control device has a tube connected to a support frame, a joint disposed on a seat, a rod inserted through the tube and connected to the joint, a control thread connected to the control switch and a cylindrical block, an inner threaded socket disposed on the tube, a hollow cylinder disposed on a positioning mount, a compression spring inserted in the hollow cylinder, a positioning pin passing through the compression spring and the hollow cylinder, the hollow cylinder engaging with the inner threaded socket, a connector clamping a tail of the positioning pin, the control thread passing through an angle plate of the positioning mount, and the cylindrical block inserted in the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Inventor: Sung-Tsun Tsai
  • Publication number: 20040173043
    Abstract: The present invention provides a car-powering automatic hand brake device; an electronic controller thereof connects with the ignition switch and a driving device respectively. Therefore, when the driver parks the car and turns off the ignition switch, the electronic controller automatically turns on and starts the driving device. The driving device tightens the brake cable of the brake apparatus thereby braking the car wheels. In addition, when the driver turns on the car, the driving device reverses releasing the brake cable and then the car runs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2003
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Inventor: Tsao-Hui Huang