Single Rotatable Lever (e.g., For Bicycle Brake Or Derailleur) Patents (Class 74/502.2)
  • Patent number: 11958564
    Abstract: An integrated control device is provided, having a support body configured for attachment to curved bicycle handlebars. The support body has a brake lever for controlling the brake, and a pair of control levers. The pair of control levers are configured for manual operation. Each control lever has a respective control region and the control regions of the pair of control levers are arranged behind the brake lever and above each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: CAMPAGNOLO S.R.L.
    Inventors: Gaetano Dalla Guarda, Christian Marangon
  • Patent number: 11952074
    Abstract: A bicycle electronic controller has a body with a push-operated switch, a manual actuation member for issuing a command, and a motion transmission device interposed between the manual actuation member and the switch. The motion transmission device includes a guide element which is provided with a filiform through cavity and has a first end fixed in proximity to the manual actuation member and a second end fixed in proximity to the switch. A longitudinally, substantially incompressible filiform body is slidingly guided within the guide element and has a first end pushed by actuation of the manual actuation member and a second end that pushes on the switch. The switch is housed within the electronic controller body where a tight insulation can be achieved in addition to arranging the actuation member where it is more ergonomic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: CAMPAGNOLO S.R.L.
    Inventors: Gaetano Dalla Guarda, Marco Porro, Michele Fassina
  • Patent number: 11884355
    Abstract: A bicycle electronic control device having a support body configured for attachment to the bicycle handlebars. The control device includes a switch and a manual actuator for switching the switch and issuing a command. A de-coupling mechanism is interposed between the manual actuator and the switch for initially de-coupling the manual actuator from the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: CAMPAGNOLO S.R.L.
    Inventors: Gaetano Dalla Guarda, Marco Porro
  • Patent number: 11866123
    Abstract: A lever system using a linkage assembly creates linear movement from a rotational movement of a lever. The lever system may be arranged as a grip assembly to activate a braking system of a vehicle. The linkage assembly may include a slide linkage, a bearing linkage, and a pivot linkage such that the lever may cause an end of the bearing linkage and an end of the pivot linkage to move toward the slide linkage, which causes the slide linkage to move in a linear direction. The grip assembly may have a lever that is pivotally connected with a housing of the grip assembly at a predetermined distance and with a contact region to prevent rotational movement in one direction while allowing rotational movement in the opposite direction. Further, the grip assembly may include a bearing linkage that is pivotally connected to the lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: Dextera Brakes, LLC
    Inventors: Todd Vorhies, John Doane Nichols, III, Nathaniel Bartholomew Egging, Scott Miller Padiak
  • Patent number: 11745822
    Abstract: The bicycle handlebar grip assembly is disclosed. The assembly comprises an inner core having a first contact surface and an outer sleeve having an inner surface and a third contact surface on the inner surface. The outer sleeve is configured to enclose at least a major part of the inner core, when the grip assembly is installed to a handle-bar. The inner core and the outer sleeve are separate parts, which are configured to be bonded together by friction force acting between the first contact surface of the inner core and the third contact surface of the outer sleeve, when the grip assembly is installed to a handlebar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: Herrmans Bike Components Ltd
    Inventors: Thomas Finnäs, Joel Savikko
  • Patent number: 11499349
    Abstract: A motor vehicle Bowden cable arrangement, in particular for application in the event of and in conjunction with motor vehicle door locks. The Bowden cable arrangement has a core and a sheath which accommodates the core. Moreover, a spring is implemented between the sheath and an abutment. The abutment is formed on or in a support which is preferably mounted flying on the sheath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: Kiekert AG
    Inventors: Michael Scholz, Ömer Inan, Manuel Reusch
  • Patent number: 11390353
    Abstract: An operating device for a human-powered vehicle comprises a base member and an operating member. The base member extends in a longitudinal direction. The base member includes a first end portion and a second end portion. The second end portion includes a cover portion provided on a reverse side of the first end portion in the longitudinal direction. The operating member includes an outer surface configured to face away from the first end portion in a rest state where the operating member is in a rest position. The cover portion is configured to be arranged on a pivotal movement track of the operating member so as to at least partly overlap with the outer surface of the operating member in the rest state as viewed in the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Yuichiro Hidaka, Takuma Sakai, Yasuyuki Komada, Shun Kakehashi
  • Patent number: 11372440
    Abstract: A joystick with a first casing that has a piece of a sensor/effector pair. A second section is attached to the first casing, where at least one of the first and second casings form a void within the first and second casings. A puck with a cylindrical shape is disposed within the void, where the puck has a piece of the sensor/effector pair. A shaft is connected to the puck, with a distal end free to move, thereby rotating the puck. The shaft passes through a void between the first and second casings, and as the shaft is moved and the puck rotates, an interaction between the pieces of the sensor/effector pair produces a signal indicating a degree of movement of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: SURE GRIP CONTROLS, INC.
    Inventor: Stephen L. Leckenby
  • Patent number: 11279437
    Abstract: A shift operating device includes a frame body, a cable spool assembly, a first elastic component, an upshift lever, a driving pawl, a positioning pawl, a movable component, and a downshift lever. The cable spool assembly is disposed on the frame body. The first elastic component can force the cable spool assembly to rotate along a first direction. The upshift lever can rotate the cable spool assembly along a second direction by the driving pawl. The positioning pawl is disposed on the frame body and engaged with the cable spool assembly. The movable component is linearly and movably disposed on the frame body and in contact with the positioning pawl. The downshift lever is disposed on the frame body and in contact with the movable component. When the downshift lever is pivoted, the downshift lever forces the movable component to detach the positioning pawl from the cable spool assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: TEKTRO TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: John L. Calendrille, Jr., Chung-Sheng Tsai
  • Patent number: 11155319
    Abstract: A hydraulic brake control device for a bicycle includes a housing having a first side and a second side, the second side being opposite the first side. The housing includes a first hydraulic line path and a second hydraulic line path, the first hydraulic line path including a first recess at the first side of the housing and the second hydraulic line path including a second recess at the second side of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: SRAM, LLC
    Inventors: Nathan Luman, Neil Swanson
  • Patent number: 11078057
    Abstract: A remote controller includes a shell having an upper shell and a lower shell, and further includes a light emitting module and a fixing plate for fixing the light emitting module. The fixing plate is fixedly connected to an inner side of the lower shell. The light emitting module is fixedly connected to one side, far away from the lower shell, of the fixing plate. The fixing plate is provided with a first light-transmitting hole for displaying the light emitting module; and the lower shell is provided with a second light-transmitting hole for displaying the fixing plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: Ningbo Zhongxin Electronic Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Mingkui Tong
  • Patent number: 11072392
    Abstract: A bicycle operating device comprises a base, a user operated input, a cable actuator and a positioning abutment. The user operated input is movably arranged with respect to the base from a rest position towards an operated position. The cable actuator is movably arranged with respect to the base in response to movement of the user operated input between at least first and second cable holding positions. The positioning abutment is movably supported on the base between at least a first abutment position and a second abutment position. The positioning abutment selectively engages the user operated input to position the user operated input at an adjusted rest position in a state after the user operated input has been moved from the rest position to the operated position. The adjusted rest position is different from the rest position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Tatsuya Kawakami
  • Patent number: 11035422
    Abstract: A hold and release mechanism for holding and releasing a cable includes a toothed-disk arrangement coupled with the cable take-up device for rotating together about a first axis. The toothed-disk arrangement includes a plurality of teeth at an outer periphery of the toothed-disk arrangement. The plurality of teeth includes locking and safety teeth. The locking catch engages with one of the locking teeth for holding the toothed-disk arrangement in a first rotational position. The safety catch engages with one of the safety teeth for holding the toothed-disk arrangement in a second rotational position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: SRAM DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
    Inventor: Martin Weiss
  • Patent number: 11021206
    Abstract: The actuator device for a hydraulic actuation system for a brake/clutch for a motorcycle is described. The actuator device may have a support structure associable with a handlebar of the motorcycle. The actuator device may also have an actuation assembly having a push rod operatively connectable to at least one braking device. The actuator device may also have an actuation lever connected to the support structure so as to be rotatable about an actuation axis, where the actuation lever is provided with a pusher adapted to interface with the push rod. The actuator device may also have an adjustment device adapted to modify both the angular position, in a rest condition, of the pusher and of the actuation lever with respect to the handlebar and to modify a pitch between the actuation axis of the actuation lever and a contact and thrust point of the pusher on the push rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: Freni Brembo S.p.A.
    Inventors: Marcello Colombo, Roberto Lavezzi
  • Patent number: 10988203
    Abstract: A bicycle operating device includes a base, a positioning ratchet, a positioning pawl, a user operated member, a first release member and a first release pawl. The positioning pawl engages the positioning ratchet to selectively maintain the positioning ratchet in first and second positions. The user operated member is in a first rest position while the positioning ratchet is in the first position, and in a second rest position while the positioning ratchet is in the second position. The positioning pawl is disengaged from the positioning ratchet by the first release member in response to the user operated member being operated from the second rest position in one of a first direction and a second direction. The first release pawl is provided on the user operated member, and contacts the first release member at the second position to maintain the user operated member at the second rest position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Tatsuya Kawakami
  • Patent number: 10946934
    Abstract: A bicycle control cable actuation device having: a casing, configured for fixing to bicycle handlebars, a cable-winding bush, on which the control cable is wound and which is angularly mobile in the casing about a main axis of the device, an indexing bush that is coaxial to and associated with the cable-winding bush to removably hold the cable-winding bush in predetermined positions that are angularly spaced from each other by predetermined indexing angles, a manoeuvring mechanism, operative on the cable-winding bush to rotate it in a first angular direction about the main axis of the device, to obtain an upward gearshifting; and, a predetermined circumferential clearance corresponding to a predetermined gearshifting extra-stroke angle is provided between the cable-winding bush and the indexing bush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: Campagnolo S.r.l.
    Inventors: Marco Minto, Christian Marangon
  • Patent number: 10919593
    Abstract: A grip cover for a bicycle control device includes a high durometer portion that is configured to engage the bicycle control device to maintain the grip cover in contact with the bicycle control device. The grip cover further includes a low durometer portion that is connected to the high durometer portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: SRAM, LLC
    Inventor: Paul A. Feuerstein
  • Patent number: 10829180
    Abstract: A hydraulic operating device for a small vehicle including a bicycle comprises a base member, a mounting structure, an operating member, and a piston. The base member includes a cylinder bore having a cylinder axis. The mounting structure defines a mounting axis linearly extending along the handlebar in a mounting state where the base member is mounted on a handlebar with the mounting structure. The operating member is pivotally coupled to the base member about a first pivot axis between a rest position and an operated position. The cylinder axis is non-perpendicular to the mounting axis as viewed along the first pivot axis in the mounting state. The piston is movably provided in the cylinder bore. The piston is coupled to the operating member to be pulled in response to a pivotal movement of the operating member from the rest position to the operated position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Takuma Sakai, Yasuyuki Komada, Mototsugu Nakai, Masahiro Nakakura, Takafumi Nishino
  • Patent number: 10780940
    Abstract: A human-powered vehicle operating device including a base member, a first operating member, a second operating member, a first electrical switch and a second electrical switch. The first operating member includes a first operating surface and configured to pivot about a first axis with respect to the base member. The second operating member includes a second operating surface and configured to pivot about a second axis with respect to the base member. The first electrical switch is provided between the base member and the first operating member. The second electrical switch is provided between the base member and the second operating member. The first operating member and the second operating member are arranged next to each other in a first direction and configured to pivot independent from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Kakinoki, Kentaro Kosaka, Keijiro Nishi, Ryo Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 10759489
    Abstract: A bicycle operating device comprises a base member, a brake operating member, an additional operating member, an electrical switch, and a wireless communication unit. The brake operating member is movably coupled to the base member. The additional operating member is movably coupled to the brake operating member. The electrical switch is to provide an electric signal in response to a movement of the additional operating member. The electrical switch is disposed at the additional operating member. The wireless communication unit is connected to the electrical switch to transmit a wireless signal based on the electric signal. The wireless communication unit is disposed at one of the base member and the brake operating member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Atsushi Komatsu, Takehiko Nakajima, Takafumi Nishino
  • Patent number: 10494052
    Abstract: The invention relates to an adjustable-compression suspension kit for a wheeled vehicle, comprising a first suspension with adjustable compression (24), a second suspension with adjustable compression (26), an actuator device (32) for actuating the first and second suspensions, a first cable (34) connected to the actuator device and to the first suspension, a second cable (36) connected to the actuator device and to the second suspension; the actuator device (32) being configured to move the first cable (34) in a first direction while moving the second cable (36) in a second direction in order to increase compression of the first and second suspensions (24, 26). Characteristically, the actuator device is configured to move the first cable in the second direction while moving the second cable in the first direction, in order to reduce the compression of the first and second suspensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: DECATHLON
    Inventors: François Poupart, Gautier Destrebecq, Alexandre Francois, Rémi Lozach, Zigor Garate
  • Patent number: 10494046
    Abstract: A bracket cover is configured to cover at least a portion of a bracket that is attachable to a handlebar of a bicycle. The bracket cover includes a cover main body, a first fixing member and a second fixing member. The cover main body includes a portion having a first edge portion and a second edge portion. The portion is between the first and second edge portions being an elastic material. The first fixing member is configured to detachably fix the cover main body to a first side surface of an outer perimeter portion of the bracket at the first edge portion. The second fixing member is configured to detachably fix the cover main body to a second side surface of an outer perimeter portion of the bracket at the side edge portion. The first and second fixing member are separate members from the cover main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Naoki Fujimoto, Yoshimitsu Miki, Yasuhisa Watanabe, Yasuyuki Komada
  • Patent number: 10450035
    Abstract: A bicycle operating device includes a support structure, a release member, a positioning ratchet and a position maintaining pawl. The release member is movable between first and second positions. The positioning ratchet has positioning ratchet teeth that establish predetermined positions. The position maintaining pawl is movable between a ratchet maintaining position and a ratchet releasing position. The position maintaining pawl includes a positioning portion, a holding portion, a release portion and a contact portion. The positioning portion moves away from the positioning ratchet, while the contact portion and the holding portion move toward the positioning ratchet teeth as the release member contacts and moves the release portion away from the release member as the release member moves in a releasing direction. The release portion moves away from the release member in response to movement of the positioning ratchet contacting and moving the contact portion away from the positioning ratchet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Tatsuya Kawakami
  • Patent number: 10351210
    Abstract: A bicycle operating device comprises a base member, a first operating structure, a second operating structure, and a prevention member. The first operating structure comprises a first take-up member, a first operating member, and a first actuating member. The second operating structure comprises a second take-up member and a second operating member. The prevention member is configured to move together with the second operating member to prevent the first actuating member from actuating the first take-up member to move in at least one of a first pulling actuation direction and a first releasing actuation direction during a movement of the first operating member from a first rest position toward a first operated position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Kentaro Miyazaki, Kazutaka Fukao
  • Patent number: 10293884
    Abstract: A control device may be configured so as to be integrated, or coupled, with a bicycle to control bicycle components. The control device may also be integrated with other control devices and system components to control bicycle components. The control device may interface with electromechanically controlled bicycle components so as to trigger an action when actuated. The control device may be dimensioned so as to have a mating surface contoured to matingly engage with a mounting surface of a bicycle, such as on a handlebar. The control, device may also be dimensioned so as to have a compact and/or concealed appearance aided by a low profile relative to the bicycle mounting surface selected for the control device. The control device may be configured such that the control device is protected from actuation from unintended or other user inputs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: SRAM, LLC
    Inventors: Paul Feuerstein, Andrew Schumacher, Joshua Brown
  • Patent number: 10259533
    Abstract: A bicycle operating device includes a base member, a positioning ratchet, a positioning member, a pulling member, a pulling pawl and first and second release members. The positioning ratchet pivots in first and second directions. The positioning member moves between a holding position that prevents pivoting of the positioning ratchet in the first direction, and a releasing position that releases the positioning ratchet in the first direction. The pulling member pivots the positioning ratchet in the second direction as the pulling member is moved by the pulling pawl. The first release member moves the positioning member from the holding position to the releasing position. The second release member moves the pulling pawl away from the pulling member. The second release member extends between opposite axial sides of the positioning ratchet. The first release member and the pulling member are positioned on opposite axial sides of the positioning ratchet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Kazutaka Fukao
  • Patent number: 10207768
    Abstract: A bicycle operating device is provided with a support structure, a release member, a first operating member and a release pawl. The release member is pivotally supported on the support structure to pivot about a pivot axis between a first non-releasing position and a first releasing position. The first operating member is movably supported on the support structure between a rest position and an operated position. The release pawl is movably mounted on the first operating member. The release member includes a first abutment and a second abutment. The second abutment is circumferentially spaced from the first abutment with respect to the pivot axis. The release pawl is selectively arranged to engage one of the first and second abutments, and pivot the release member during movement of the first operating member from the rest position towards the operated position without engaging the other of the first and second abutments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Kentaro Kosaka, Yoshimitsu Miki, Kazunori Okubo
  • Patent number: 10173746
    Abstract: A bicycle operating device comprises a base member and an operating member. The operating member includes an adapter, an operating lever, and an operating shaft. The adapter includes a center cross sectional area and a first cross sectional area. The center cross sectional area is defined on a center cross sectional plane perpendicular to the pivot axis. The first cross sectional area is defined on a first cross sectional plane perpendicular to the pivot axis. The first cross sectional area is offset from the center cross sectional area in a second direction parallel to the pivot axis. The first cross sectional area is larger than the center cross sectional area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Naoki Fujimoto, Kentaro Kosaka
  • Patent number: 10160515
    Abstract: The invention relates to an actuation device for actuating the front derailleur of a bicycle, comprising a control pin, configured to be set in rotation by a control lever, rotatable about a rotation axis in a first angular direction between the first and last angular positions and in a second angular direction between the last and the first angular positions. A cable-winding bush rotates between the first and last winding positions. An indexer has a plurality of stop areas corresponding to angular positions between the first and the last angular positions. Elastic members makes the control pin form a unit with the cable-winding bush during rotations of the cable-winding bush between and among the various winding positions and to make the control pin rotatable with respect to the cable-winding bush between the last winding position of the cable-winding bush and the last angular position of the control pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: CAMPAGNOLO S.R.L.
    Inventors: Marco Minto, Christian Marangon
  • Patent number: 10099747
    Abstract: A bicycle shift operating device is basically provided with a base member, a shift unit, an operating lever and a connecting member. The shift unit is disposed in the base member between first and second ends of the base member. The operating lever is pivotally mounted relative to the base member about first and second pivot axes. The connecting member operatively connects the shift unit to the first operating lever. The connecting member includes a lever contact portion that contacts the operating lever to transmit movement of the operating lever to the connecting member in response to pivotal movement of the operating lever about the second pivot axis. The connecting member is arranged such that the contact portion passes through a space provided between the first pivot axis and the first operating lever from the top surface side with respect to the first pivot axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Kazutaka Fukao, Yoshimitsu Miki
  • Patent number: 10065702
    Abstract: A control device is configured to be installed on a handlebar of a bicycle and configured to operate a brake device on the bicycle. The control device basically includes a bicycle attachment member, a brake operating member and at least one of a wireless communication unit and a notification unit. The brake operating member is pivotally coupled to the attachment member to pivot about a first axis. The least one of the wireless communication unit and the notification unit is disposed on the brake operating member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Jun Gao
  • Patent number: 10053181
    Abstract: A bicycle shift operating device is provided with a mounting bracket, a shift unit, an attachment member and an operating member. The shift unit is disposed in the mounting bracket. The attachment member is removably attached to the mounting bracket. The operating member is movably mounted on the attachment member. The operating member is mechanically coupled to the shift unit to operate the shift unit while the attachment member is attached to the mounting bracket, and the operating member is mechanically disengaged from the shift unit while the attachment member is removed from the mounting bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Kazutaka Fukao, Yoshimitsu Miki
  • Patent number: 10005513
    Abstract: A bicycle operating device includes a bicycle component positioning unit that basically includes a positioning structure and a maintaining member. The positioning structure is configured to be movable in a first direction and a second direction that is opposite the first direction. The maintaining member is configured to move between a first position that maintains the positioning structure in one of a plurality of predetermined positions and a second position that releases the positioning structure to move to another one of the predetermined positions. The maintaining member contacts the positioning structure. The positioning structure and the maintaining member are configured such that the maintaining member applies a rotating force on the positioning structure in the first direction as the maintaining member moves from the second position to the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Kentaro Kosaka, Yoshimitsu Miki, Kazunori Okubo
  • Patent number: 9944345
    Abstract: A bicycle control device is basically provided with a mounting part, a first actuating unit, a second actuating unit and a first operating member. The first actuating unit includes a first actuating member that is connected to a first component part and a first positioning mechanism that selectively maintains a position of the first actuating member with respect to the mounting member. The second actuating unit includes a second actuating member that is connected to a second component part and a second positioning mechanism that selectively maintains a position of the second actuating member with respect to the mounting member. The first operating member is operatively coupled to the first and second actuating units to operate the first actuating unit when the first operating member is moved in a first direction and to operate the second actuating unit when the first operating member is moved in a second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Satoshi Shahana
  • Patent number: 9791002
    Abstract: A hold and release mechanism for holding and releasing a cable includes a toothed-disk arrangement coupled with the cable take-up device for rotating together about a first axis. The toothed-disk arrangement includes a plurality of teeth at an outer periphery of the toothed-disk arrangement. The plurality of teeth includes locking and safety teeth. The locking teeth are disposed in a first tooth plane orthogonal to the first axis. The safety teeth are disposed in a second tooth plane that is orthogonal to the first axis and offset relative to the first tooth plane. An adjustable locking pawl pivotably mounted about a second axis includes locking and safety catches. The locking catch engages with one of the locking teeth for holding the toothed-disk arrangement in a first rotational position. The safety catch engages with one of the safety teeth for holding the toothed-disk arrangement in a second rotational position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: SRAM Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Martin Weiss
  • Patent number: 9650102
    Abstract: A collapsible control lever comprises an assembling member, a rotation seat, a first torsion spring, an handle, and a pivoting rod. One end of the rotation seat is pivoted to the assembling member. The first torsion spring is assembled between the assembling member and the rotation seat. One end of the handle has a ball socket. One end of the pivoting rod has a ball head which is passing through and pivoted to the ball socket and the other end thereof is passing through and assembled to the rotation seat to provide to be folded and rotated in multiple angles with an external force. It provides a multi-angle collapsible control lever to increase the ranges of bending and rotation. A single element is provided a three-dimension range to achieve the effects of collapsing and rotating and the structure is simplified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: Flo Motorsports
    Inventor: Judy Wu
  • Patent number: 9592879
    Abstract: A shift positioning mechanism includes a take-up member movably arranged with respect to a fixed member in first and second directions. A stopping pawl has a stopping tooth and is rotatably mounted on a first rotational axis so as to move between a non-stop position and a stop position. A positioning pawl has a positioning tooth and is rotatably mounted on the first rotational axis so as to move between a non-holding position and a holding position. A releasing member is movably arranged between a non-releasing position and a releasing position so as to rotate the stopping pawl and the positioning pawl. The releasing member rotates the stopping pawl and the positioning pawl such that the stopping tooth moves from the non-stop position to the stop position prior to the positioning tooth moving from the holding position to the non-holding position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Kazutaka Fukao, Yoshimitsu Miki
  • Patent number: 9434443
    Abstract: A cable operating mechanism basically comprises a fixed member, a wire takeup member, a single position maintaining abutment and a positioning member. The wire takeup member is movably mounted with respect to the fixed member. The single position maintaining abutment movably mounted with the wire takeup member. The positioning member is pivotally mounted with respect to the fixed member. The positioning member has a plurality of positioning abutments configured to engage the single position maintaining abutment such that the wire takeup member is positioned in one of a plurality of predetermined wire positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Tatsuya Kawakami
  • Patent number: 9394031
    Abstract: A bar end electric shifter is provided for bicycle. The bar end electric shifter has a base member, a brake lever and a shift operating member. The base member includes a handlebar mounting portion and a brake lever mounting portion. The handlebar mounting portion is configured to be fixedly mounted to a free end of a handlebar. The brake lever is pivotally disposed on the brake lever mounting portion about a brake pivot axis. The brake lever includes an elongated brake operating portion extending from the brake pivot axis and a proximal portion adjacent to the brake pivot axis. The shift operating member is disposed on the proximal portion of the brake lever to move therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Kiwame Oku, Kazuhiro Fujii
  • Patent number: 9381975
    Abstract: A bicycle shift operating device is basically provided with a base member, a shift unit, a first operating lever, a second operating lever, a first biasing element and a second biasing element. The first operating lever operates the shift unit by pivoting about a first pivot axis between a rest position and a shifting position. The second operating lever operates the shift unit by pivoting about a second pivot axis on the first operating lever between a rest position and a shifting position. The first biasing element biases the first operating lever towards the first rest position to keep the first operating member at the first rest position. The second biasing element biases the first operating lever towards its rest position in response to independent movement of the second operating lever from its rest position to its shifting position while the first operating lever remains at its rest position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Kazutaka Fukao, Kazunori Ookubo
  • Patent number: 9381971
    Abstract: An operating device for a bicycle that includes a fixing member that is adapted to be fixed to a bicycle handlebar and includes an adjustment portion, and a housing that includes first, second and third members. The first member and the second member define an adjustment space therebetween and the third member fixes the first member and the second member to each other without passing through the adjustment portion. The adjustment portion of the fixing member is at least partially received in the adjustment space such that the adjustment portion is adjustable relative to the housing in at least a first adjustment direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Yoshimitsu Miki, Yasuhisa Watanabe
  • Patent number: 9267536
    Abstract: The integrated control device (1) for driving the control cable (20) of the derailleur and the brake cable (16) of a bicycle is provided. The device having a support body (4) connectable to the handlebar (2) and that can be gripped by the cyclist's hand, a cable-winding bush (19) about which the control cable (20) of the derailleur is wound/unwound and a first lever (9) rotatable with respect to the support body (4) about a first axis (X1) for actuating the brake cable (16) and rotatable about a second axis (X2) to drive the cable-winding bush (19) into rotation in a first direction of rotation (R2). An indexing mechanism (12) connected to the first lever (9) cooperates with the cable-winding bush (19) to define predetermined angular positions therefor. The support body (4) having a recess (25) for the passage of the control cable (20) of the derailleur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: Campagnolo S.r.l.
    Inventor: Giuseppe Dal Prà
  • Patent number: 9260155
    Abstract: A bicycle shift lever having a lever member and a base member that can be combined with other commonly available parts to enable connection of the lever member and base member to the derailler on a bicycle so that it can enable a user of the bicycle to shift between gears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Inventor: Sue Knaup
  • Patent number: 9211936
    Abstract: A control device is configured to be installed on a handlebar of a bicycle and configured to operate a brake device on the bicycle. The control device basically includes a bicycle attachment member, a brake operating member and at least one of a wireless communication unit and a notification unit. The brake operating member is pivotally coupled to the attachment member to pivot about a first axis. The least one of the wireless communication unit and the notification unit is disposed on the brake operating member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Jun Gao
  • Patent number: 9199688
    Abstract: A bicycle control device is provided with a main support shaft, a first control unit and a second control unit. Each of the control units includes a wire takeup element, a positioning structure and an operating member. The wire takeup elements are both rotatably mounted on the main support shaft. The positioning structures are operatively coupled to their respective wire takeup elements to selectively maintain their respective wire takeup elements in one of at least two positions. The operating members are operatively coupled to their respective positioning structure to change a current position of their respective wire takeup element. The first wire takeup element is stationary when the second operating member is operated to change the current position of the second wire takeup element such that the current position of the first wire takeup element always remains the same in response to operation of the second operating member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Satoshi Shahana
  • Patent number: 9187150
    Abstract: A bicycle component control device includes a bracket, a hydraulic brake unit and either a mechanical shifting unit or electric control unit. The bracket has a gripping portion. The hydraulic brake unit is operatively mounted on the bracket and configured to operate a hydraulic brake device. The mechanical shifting unit or the electric control unit is operatively mounted on the bracket and configured to operate a bicycle device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Yoshimitsu Miki, Kazutaka Fukao, Kentaro Kosaka
  • Patent number: 9174700
    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: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: Campagnolo S.r.l.
    Inventors: Giuseppe Dal Pra', Marco Caiazzo
  • Patent number: 9174697
    Abstract: A bicycle operating device comprises an operating unit, a mounting member, and a positioning structure. The operating unit includes a first portion. The mounting member includes a second portion configured to be connected with the first portion of the operating unit. The positioning structure is configured to adjustably position the first portion with respect to the second portion in a first direction and a second direction. The positioning structure comprises an abutment member and a fixing member. The abutment member is arranged opposite to the first portion with respect to the second portion. The fixing member is configured to fix the second portion with respect to the first portion by sandwiching the second portion between the first portion and the abutment member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Yoshimitsu Miki, Yasuhisa Watanabe, Kazutaka Fukao, Toshihiko Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 9145183
    Abstract: An electric control device for a bicycle that includes a clamp member adapted to be mounted to a bicycle handlebar, a bracket member adjustably mounted to the clamp member, and a first electric user interface member operatively coupled to the bracket member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Kentaro Kosaka, Yoshimitsu Miki
  • Patent number: 9132886
    Abstract: A shift operating device is basically provided with a bracket member, a support structure, a wire takeup member, a positioning mechanism, and a control member. The bracket member is mounted to a bicycle. The support structure is removably mounted to the bracket member. The wire takeup member is movably supported by the support structure. The positioning mechanism includes first and second positioning members supported by the support structure. The first positioning member integrally moves with the wire takeup member. The second positioning member engages the first positioning member such that the first positioning member has a plurality of operating positions. The control member has a first portion movably supported by the support structure inside the bracket member and a second portion disposed outside the bracket member. The control member is operatively coupled to the positioning mechanism for changing the operating position of the first positioning member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Takashi Kususe, Yoshimitsu Miki, Shinji Kawamura, Tatsuya Matsushita, Takefumi Terada