Single Rotatable Lever (e.g., For Bicycle Brake Or Derailleur) Patents (Class 74/502.2)
  • Patent number: 7735392
    Abstract: A thumb-twist throttle control device for vehicles includes a control device housing, a twist-type throttle control device mounted thereon which includes a rotatable handle and a thumb-type throttle control device mounted thereon generally adjacent the twist-type throttle control device, the thumb-type throttle control device including an outwardly-extending lever pivotably mounted on the control device housing. A throttle control device control mechanism is operatively interposed between the twist-type and the thumb-type throttle control device and the throttle of the vehicle and is operative to select one of the twist-type and the thumb-type throttle control device and to operatively connect the selected one of the twist-type and the thumb-type throttle control device to the throttle of the vehicle for operation thereof, with each control device being independently operable to control the throttle yet are not simultaneously operable, i.e. only one may control the throttle at any one time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Inventors: Danny Poulos, Jr., George Poulos
  • Publication number: 20100139442
    Abstract: A bicycle operating device is provided with a first operating unit, a second operating unit and a connecting member. The first operating unit includes a clamp portion for attaching the bicycle operating device to a bicycle and a first operating member. The second operating unit includes a housing and a second operating member. The connecting member includes a first attachment portion and a second attachment portion, with the first attachment portion being detachably attached to an outwardly facing surface of the clamp portion of the first operating unit by an adjustable connection for changing a relative position of the connecting member with respect to the clamp portion. The second attachment portion is detachably attached to the second operating unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2008
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventor: Akira TSUMIYAMA
  • Patent number: 7721621
    Abstract: A bicycle shift control mechanism that has an operating member, a wire take up member, a positioning ratchet and a position maintaining pawl. The operating member is movable between a rest position, a shift wind position and a shift releasing position. The positioning ratchet includes a plurality of winding teeth, a plurality of positioning teeth and a plurality of movement restricting teeth. The positioning teeth and the movement restricting teeth are non-concentrically arranged to form stair shaped arrangements. The position maintaining pawl selectively holds and releases the positioning ratchet upon movement of the operating member from the rest position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Tatsuya Kawakami
  • Patent number: 7703350
    Abstract: A bicycle control device is provided with a lever bracket and an electrical unit. The lever bracket is movably supporting the control lever. The electrical unit is coupled to the lever bracket. The lever bracket includes a bracket body and a bracket lid. The bracket body has a rearwardly located bicycle mounting portion, a control lever mounting portion and a forwardly located unit mounting portion containing the electrical unit. The bracket lid is releasably coupled to a forwardly face of the unit mounting portion of the bracket body to at least partially enclose the electrical unit in the unit mounting portion of the bracket body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Fujii
  • Publication number: 20100083788
    Abstract: A bicycle control device includes a lever for actuating a brake control mechanism and a shift control mechanism in a cable-release direction and a cable-pull direction. The lever is rotatable about a brake axis to actuate the brake control mechanism and rotatable about a shift axis to actuate the shift control mechanism in the cable-release direction and in the cable-pull direction. The bicycle control device is configured to not displace the shift control mechanism upon actuation of the brake control mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2008
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Applicant: SRAM, LLC
    Inventors: Brian Jordan, Christopher Shipman
  • Publication number: 20100071499
    Abstract: A shifter designed to actuate a gear change device of a bicycle by pulling and releasing a control cable. The shifter includes a base plate mountable to the bicycle, a cable spool and cable-pull and cable-release lever assemblies. The cable spool is rotated in a cable-pull direction to wind the control cable thereon and in a cable-release direction to unwind the control cable therefrom. The cable-pull and cable-release lever assemblies are operatively connected to the cable spool to rotate the cable spool in the cable-pull and cable-release directions, respectively. The cable-pull lever assembly includes a cable-pull lever rotated about a first axis and at least two winding pawls received by and rotating with the cable-pull lever about the first axis to transmit rotational movement of the cable-pull lever to the cable spool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2009
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Applicant: SRAM Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Martin Weiss
  • Patent number: 7681472
    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: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: SRAM, LLC
    Inventor: Martin Weiss
  • Publication number: 20100050807
    Abstract: A hand lever for a vehicle includes a lever body formed with first and second threaded holes, and a pull lever segment connected pivotally to the lever body and having a stop portion. The first and second threaded holes are located respectively to two opposite sides of the stop portion. A limiting member is threaded within either the first or second threaded holes, and abuts against the stop portion so as to limit the pull lever segment to rotate relative to the lever body in a direction. When the hand lever is disposed at the left side of the vehicle, the limiting member is threaded within the first threaded hole. When the handle lever is disposed at the right side of the vehicle, the limiting member is threaded within the second threaded hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Inventor: Hsieh-Yi TSAI
  • Patent number: 7669502
    Abstract: A shift control device for a bicycle transmission comprises a mounting member adapted to mount the shift control device to a bicycle; a first lever operatively coupled to the mounting member such that the first lever stops at a plurality of positions corresponding to gear positions of the bicycle transmission, wherein the first lever moves in a first plane; and a second lever operatively coupled to the mounting member for movement in a second plane between a rest position and an operating position such that the second lever returns to the rest position after moving to the operating position. In this embodiment, the first plane is substantially parallel to the second plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Shimano, Inc.
    Inventor: Tatsuya Kawakami
  • Patent number: 7665383
    Abstract: A bicycle shift control device is provided with a stroke length control arrangement that allows the rider to selectively regulate at least one shift operating member between a single gear shifting operation position and a multiple gear shifting operation position. In the illustrated embodiment, the bicycle shift control device has a gear shifting mechanism that is operated by a pair shift operating members (levers). The stroke length control arrangement selectively limits movement of the shift operating member in a range of movement between the rest position and an intermediate actuating position by preventing the shift operating member from being moved past the intermediate actuating position to the fully actuating position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Tatsuya Kawakami
  • Patent number: 7665382
    Abstract: A bicycle shift control device is provided with a shift winding member, a winding pawl, a winding member return element, a gear shifting mechanism and a winding pawl biasing element. The winding member is movably arranged between a rest position and a shifting position. The winding pawl moves in response to movement of the winding member. The winding member return element biases the winding member to the rest position and to bias the winding pawl to a pawl engagement position when the winding member is moved from the rest position towards the shifting position. The gear shifting mechanism includes winding teeth that are engaged with the winding pawl. The winding pawl biasing element applies a biasing force to the winding pawl that urges the winding pawl to the pawl engagement position when the winding member is in the rest position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Tatsuya Kawakami
  • Patent number: 7665384
    Abstract: A bicycle control device is basically provided with a base member, a shift control unit, a control member and a first shift operating lever. The shift control unit is mounted to the base member. The control member includes a first portion operatively coupled to the shift control unit and a second portion spaced from the first portion. The first shift operating lever is movably coupled relative to the base member to move along a first shift operating path and movably coupled relative to the base member to move along a non-shift operating path that is non-coincident with the first shift operating path. The first shift operating lever is slidably engaged with the second portion of the control member such that the second portion of the control member is moved when the first shift operating lever is moved along the non-shift operating path with sliding contact therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Hisayuki Sato, Daisuke Nago, Yoshimitsu Miki
  • Publication number: 20100037724
    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: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2008
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Applicant: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventor: Tatsuya KAWAKAMI
  • Patent number: 7654171
    Abstract: A brake handle having a supporting frame, a handle and a push unit; wherein: the supporting frame has a receiving space; a piston is installed in the receiving space; the handle has a first sliding groove; the push unit has a second sliding groove; the second sliding groove is installed with an adjusting unit; the handle and push unit are pivoted to the supporting frame; the handle and push unit are pivoted to the supporting frame; the push unit resists against the piston; the adjusting unit passes through the first sliding groove and second sliding groove so as to pivotally install the handle and the push unit; and a screw rod is screwed to the adjusting unit. The screwing operation of the screw rod with respect to the adjusting unit will adjust an elevation of the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Inventor: Chester Wen
  • Patent number: 7650813
    Abstract: A position control mechanism is provided for a bicycle control device that has a shifting unit. The position control mechanism has an operating member that is configured to operate a positioning member that moves through two of a plurality of predetermined shift positions during a single progressive movement of the operating member. The operating member is configured in the preferred embodiment to operate both a hydraulic braking unit and the shifting unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Akira Tsumiyama
  • Publication number: 20100011902
    Abstract: A shift control device includes a shift-up control apparatus, a shift-down control apparatus and a transmission control assembly. The shift-up control apparatus includes an operable shift-up controller, a first link member connected with the shift-up controller and a first pawl pivotally mounted on the first link member. The shift-down control apparatus includes an operable shift-down controller and a second link member connected with the shift-down controller. The second link member includes first and second actuating members. The transmission control assembly includes a locking member, a housing assembly and first second pawls. The locking member is moveable in the housing at various positions for various bicycle speed transmissions and includes first and second engaging sections. The first engaging section is selectively engaged by the first pawl and the second engaging section selectively engaged by the second and third pawls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2009
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Inventor: Douglas Chiang
  • Publication number: 20090308194
    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: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Applicant: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventor: Satoshi SHAHANA
  • Patent number: 7628095
    Abstract: A bicycle shifting mechanism is provided with a wire takeup member and a positioning mechanism. The wire takeup member rotates about a rotational axis to wind and release an inner wire of a shift cable. The positioning mechanism selectively maintains the takeup member in one of a plurality of predetermined shift positions. The positioning mechanism has a first movable positioning member, a second movable positioning member separately movable relative to the first positioning member, a first toothed segment that moves with the takeup member, a second toothed segment that moves with the takeup member. The first and second movable positioning members alternately engage and disengage one of the first and second toothed segments, respectively, as the first and second movable positioning members are moved to perform a shifting operation between sequential shift positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Shingo Funai
  • Patent number: 7600447
    Abstract: An actuator assembly for hand-grippable devices, such as levers for a brake or clutch, triggers, scissor-action tools, etc. The actuator assembly is a lever having a rotation-restriction mechanism, such as a one-way bearing, mounted on a shaft, with a sleeve assembled over the rotation-restriction mechanism and shaft. As the lever is grasped by the fingertips and pulled toward the operator's palm, the sleeve rotates about the shaft axis, thereby allowing the lever to roll from the fingertips toward the base of the fingers near palm of the operator's hand, where the operator has greater strength and control over the lever. The sleeve is prevented from rotating in the reverse direction, so, when the operator releases the lever, the lever slides along toward the fingertips, allowing the operator to slow the motion as desired. The actuator assembly reduces fatigue and loss of control over hand-operated mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Inventors: Keith Richard Burner, Scott Albert Burner
  • Publication number: 20090235772
    Abstract: A bar end electric shifter is provided with a handlebar mounting portion, an electrical switch housing portion, a first electrical shift operating member and a second electrical shift operating member. The handlebar mounting portion is configured to be fixedly mounted to a free end of a bicycle handlebar. The electrical switch housing portion extends longitudinally from the handlebar mounting portion. The electrical switch housing portion has first and second lateral sides with a center axis of the free end of the handlebar extends longitudinally through the electrical switch housing portion when the handlebar mounting portion is mounted to the free end of the bicycle handlebar. The first electrical shift operating member is located on one of the lateral sides of the electrical switch housing portion. The second electrical shift operating member is located on one of the lateral sides of the electrical switch housing portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2008
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Applicant: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Kazuyuki NAKA, Kazuhiro FUJII, Toshio TETSUKA
  • Patent number: 7571665
    Abstract: Device in a handle (10) comprising a throttle (13) for controlling the power of an engine powered portable tool via a line or wire (w). The throttle (13) is arranged to turn around a first axle (A). The turning movement in the throttle (13) is transformed into an axial movement in the line or wire (w) by a lever (30) that is turning around a second axle (31) angled in relation to the first axle (A).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Husqvarna AB
    Inventors: Bo Sandström, Urban Jägenstedt
  • Publication number: 20090173181
    Abstract: A bicycle shift operating device basically has a base member, a shift wire take-up element rotatably mounted with respect to the base member and a shifting unit operatively coupled to the shift wire take-up element to selectively rotate the shift wire take-up element in first and second rotational directions about a pivot axis. The shifting unit includes a shift operating member pivotally mounted with respect to the base member along a pivotal path to operate the shift wire take-up element in the first rotational direction in response to pivotal movement of the shift operating member about an operating axis. The shift operating member is movably mounted with respect to the base member along a non-pivotal path to operate the shift wire take-up element in the second rotational direction in response to non-pivotal movement of the shift operating member with respect to the operating axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2008
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Applicant: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Etsuyoshi Watarai, Satoshi Shahana
  • Publication number: 20090173182
    Abstract: A bicycle shift operating device basically has a base member, a shift wire take-up element and a shifting unit. The shift wire take-up element is rotatably mounted with respect to the base member in first and second rotational directions about a pivot axis. The shifting unit is operatively coupled to the shift wire take-up element. The shifting unit includes first and second shift operating members. The first shift operating member is movably mounted with respect to the base member to selectively operate the shift wire take-up element in the first and second rotational directions. The second shift operating member is movably mounted with respect to the base member to release the shift wire take-up element for movement in the second rotational direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2008
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Applicant: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Etsuyoshi Watarai, Satoshi Shahana
  • Publication number: 20090165591
    Abstract: A bicycle shift operating device basically has a base member, a shift wire take-up element rotatably mounted with respect to the base member and a shifting unit operatively coupled to the shift wire take-up element to selectively rotate the shift wire take-up element in first and second rotational directions about a pivot axis. The shifting unit includes a shift operating member pivotally mounted with respect to the base member along a pivotal path to operate the shift wire take-up element in the first rotational direction in response to pivotal movement of the shift operating member about an operating axis. The shift operating member is movably mounted with respect to the base member along a non-pivotal path to operate the shift wire take-up element in the second rotational direction in response to non-pivotal movement of the shift operating member with respect to the operating axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Applicant: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventor: Tatsuya Kawakami
  • Patent number: 7540216
    Abstract: An electrical control device for a motor-driven derailleur for bicycles. The control device has a supporting body adapted for attachment to the handlebars of the bicycle. A brake lever is mounted on the supporting body so that it can oscillate. A pair of switches, for controlling gear change, are carried by the supporting body. The switches are preferably mounted on a supporting plate that is located on the supporting body. Preferably, the switches are pre-assembled on the support plate before the plate is positioned on the supporting body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Campagnolo S.r.l.
    Inventor: Valentino Campagnolo
  • Publication number: 20090133526
    Abstract: A control device for a bicycle with curved handlebars is described, comprising a support body fixable to the handlebars of the bicycle and a brake lever pivoted to the support body, a resisting arm of which integrally moves with an end of a brake cable, the support body having a grippable distal-upper projection, the brake lever having a first actuation area in a first riding condition gripping the support body, and a second actuation area in a second riding condition gripping the projection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicant: CAMPAGNOLO S.R.L.
    Inventors: Giuseppe Dal Pra, Andrea De Pretto
  • Publication number: 20090126526
    Abstract: An operation lever structure wherein an operation lever is pulled toward a left handle to cause a link to swing-move to thereby operate an operation cable. The operation lever structure is configured so that each of inside and outside rollers are provided to an opposite end of the link. Inside and outside guide holes for movably supporting the inside and outside rollers are formed in each of a pair of inside and outside side walls. A discharge opening is formed in a bottom part of the operation lever for discharging a foreign matter that has entered the operation lever.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2008
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Keiji IINO, Kazuyoshi Miyahara, Seishu Sakai
  • Patent number: 7527137
    Abstract: A combination shift and brake lever arrangement for a bicycle, includes a single lever for performing a braking operation and a shifting operation in both directions. A braking arrangement mounts the single lever for movement in a first front to back pivoting direction to perform a braking operation, while a shifting arrangement mounts the single lever for movement in a second side to side pivoting direction different from the first pivoting direction. A shift control mechanism controls shifting of gears of the bicycle in a first shifting direction upon movement of the single lever in the second pivoting direction, while a reverse control changes over the shift control mechanism to control shifting of the gears of the bicycle in a second opposite shifting direction upon movement of the single lever in the same second pivoting direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Inventor: John L. Calendrille, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7526979
    Abstract: A bicycle shift position control mechanism is configured to provide a bicycle shifting unit with multiple gear shifting in a single upshift operation or a single downshift operation. The shift position control mechanism that has a wire take up member, a positioning member, a first position maintaining member and a second position maintaining member. The positioning member rotates with the wire take up member between one of a plurality of predetermined shift positions. The first position maintaining member selectively moves between a first engagement position that holds the positioning member in one of the predetermined shift positions and a first disengagement position that releases the positioning member for rotational movement. The second position maintaining member selectively moes between a second engagement position that holds the positioning member in one of the predetermined shift positions and a second disengagement position that releases the positioning member for rotational movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Akira Tsumiyama
  • Publication number: 20090095116
    Abstract: A handlebar for attachment to a cycle is disclosed. The handlebar comprises a generally horizontally extending cross-piece portion and at least one brake operating lever disposed at least partially within the forward horizontal projection of said cross-piece portion. Various arrangements and shapes of brake levers are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Applicant: ULTIMATE SPORTS ENGINEERING LIMITED
    Inventors: Graham Barnes, Roger Lionel Sparrow
  • Publication number: 20090095117
    Abstract: A control cable adjustment device for adjusting a control cable extending between a control mechanism and an operating mechanism. The adjustment device includes an adjuster rotatably connected to a housing of the control mechanism and a spring element having at least one retention segment. The retention segment engages a detent contour of the adjuster to retain the adjuster in its current position. Another segment of the spring element may have a second function as a return spring for a gear shifter or a brake lever.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Applicant: SRAM Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Martin Weiss
  • Publication number: 20090090209
    Abstract: A cable operating mechanism basically has a fixed member, a wire take-up member, an operating lever and a movement transmission arrangement. The wire takeup member is rotatably mounted with respect to the fixed member in first and second rotational directions with the second rotational direction being opposite the first rotational direction. The operating lever is pivotally mounted in the first rotational direction with respect to the fixed member. The movement transmission arrangement is operatively coupling the operating lever to the wire takeup member to transmit pivotal movement of the operating lever to rotational movement the wire takeup member such that the wire takeup member has a greater amount of angular displacement than an angular displacement of the operating lever in response to pivotal movement of the operating lever in the first rotational direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Applicant: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Nobukatsu HARA, Katsuyuki IKEBATA, Takeshi TAKACHI
  • Publication number: 20090084221
    Abstract: A positioning device for a brake lever includes a first stationary member, a second stationary member and two positioning members. The first stationary member is connected to a lever bracket while the second stationary member corresponds to the first stationary member and is adapted to mount on a handlebar. The two positioning members are respectively mounted on the stationary members and can be engaged with each other to position the brake lever relative to the handlebar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Inventors: Wen-Tsung LIU, Jing-Ling DUNG
  • Publication number: 20090084654
    Abstract: An operating lever, for example for use in a vehicle, is provided. The operating lever may comprise a lever holder, and an operating component pivotably coupled to the lever holder. Manipulation of the operating component may regulate or control a “pulling margin” of a wire that operates a device such as a clutch. The operating component and the lever holder may contact each other circumferentially at a contact portion. At the contact portion, projections on respective surfaces of the operating component and lever holder may engage each other in such a way that when the operating component is turned to regulate the pulling margin, the operating component undergoes elastic deformation in a radial direction. In this way, a definite operating feel is transmitted to a person operating the operating component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Applicant: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takashi FUJINAKA
  • Patent number: 7509888
    Abstract: A hydraulic gear shift mechanism for a bicycle having a positioning mechanism for controlling the motion of the piston of a master cylinder assembly is disclosed, wherein the master cylinder assembly is in communication with a slave cylinder for operation of a derailleur. The positioning mechanism preferably includes a pivot shaft spaced apart from the handlebar, a rotating member rotatable about the pivot shaft, a push mechanism for rotating the rotating member in a first direction and a return mechanism for rotating the rotating member in a second direction. In a more preferred embodiment of the invention, an adjuster piston is threadingly engaged with the master cylinder assembly for adjusting the initial position of the slave cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Tadashi Ichida, Akira Tsumiyama
  • Patent number: 7503237
    Abstract: A device for adjusting the position of the brake lever of a motorcycle comprises a bracket (5) connectable to a handlebar (4), a brake lever (2) extending in an essentially longitudinal direction (X-X), pivotally mounted on the bracket (5) and intended to be moved towards or away from a hydraulic actuator (3), and an adjustment lever (9) pivotally mounted on the bracket (5) and functionally connected to the brake lever (2) in order to operate the hydraulic actuator (3) when the brake lever (2) moves towards the hydraulic actuator (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Freni Brembo S.p.A.
    Inventors: Raffaello Cornolti, Pierangelo Gherardi
  • Patent number: 7503420
    Abstract: A bicycle control device is provided with a control lever and a lever bracket. The lever bracket is movably supporting the control lever. The lever bracket includes a bracket body and an electrical connector housing. The bracket body has a bicycle mounting portion and a control lever mounting portion. The electrical connector housing is movably supported on the bracket body between a retracted position and an accessible position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Fujii
  • Publication number: 20090049946
    Abstract: The Ricky Braking System for Zipline Riders is a new method of braking and controlling rider's speed on ziplines. The Ricky Braking System for Zipline Riders is a dual cable zipline design that utilizes pulleys and counterweights to safely bring the rider to a complete stop. Because the rider is not required to use an active braking method, such as leather gloves rubbed on the cable to provide friction, and the rider is not brought to an abrupt stop such as ziplines using stop blocks, my invention improves safety and comfort of zipline riders.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2008
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventor: Richard Barrett Buckman
  • Publication number: 20090045021
    Abstract: An improved electronic braking system for walkers that incorporates one or more electrically-operated brakes controlled by an electronic controller is disclosed. The controller is responsive to touch-sensitive switches for easy operation, and is adjustable and responsive to operator patterns of use to provide individualized control of the brake operation. The controller may also be responsive to environmental conditions such as the slope of the ground over which the walker is moving, to its rate of motion, or to the distance between the walker frame and the user, and may be adjusted to accommodate for the weight of the user or to set limits to the speed at which it can move.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2007
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventor: Eli Einbinder
  • Patent number: 7487694
    Abstract: A handlebar is disclosed that includes a handlebar main body, a pair of support walls, a first slit, and a brake lever. The handlebar main body is hollow and is mounted to the handlebar stem. The hollow interior of the handlebar main body is formed with the support walls that extend along at least a portion of the length of the interior of the handlebar main body. The brake lever has a lever body and a brake cable attachment portion. The lever body is pivotally supported by the support walls proximate the first slit. The lever body includes a brake operating portion that extends away from the handlebar main body and a pivot support portion that is pivotally mounted to the support walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Seiji Fukui
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7481131
    Abstract: A control cable adjustment device for adjusting a control cable extending between a control mechanism and an operating mechanism. The adjustment device includes an adjuster rotatably connected to a housing of the control mechanism and a spring element having at least one retention segment. The retention segment engages a detent contour of the adjuster to retain the adjuster in its current position. Another segment of the spring element may have a second function as a return spring for a gear shifter or a brake lever. However, if the spring element does not serve a dual purpose, the spring element has a support segment that is braced against an existing control cable insertion opening in the housing of the control mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: SRAM, LLC
    Inventor: Martin Weiss
  • Publication number: 20080314183
    Abstract: A bicycle control device is basically provided with a base member, a release member, a shift operating lever and a release pawl. The release member is pivotally mounted relative to the base member about a pivot axis. The shift operating lever is pivotally mounted relative to the base member. The release pawl is movably mounted on the shift operating lever such that the release pawl is movable from a rest position in a direction away from the pivot axis to a release operating position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2007
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventor: Yoshimitsu MIKI
  • Publication number: 20080314191
    Abstract: A bicycle control device is basically provided with a base member, a shift control unit, a brake lever, a shift operating lever and a lever adjustment mechanism. The shift control unit is mounted to the base member. The brake lever is movably mounted relative to the base member. The shift operating lever is operatively coupled to the shift control unit to operate the shift control unit when the shift operating lever is moved from a rest position along a shift operating path. The shift operating lever is movable from the rest position along a non-shift movement path independently of the brake lever. The lever adjustment mechanism is operatively coupled to the shift operating lever to change a location of the rest position of the shift operating lever along the non-shift movement path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2007
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Yoshimitsu MIKI, Hisayuki SATO, Etsuyoshi WATARAI, Akira TSUMIYAMA
  • Patent number: 7461573
    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 means, to counter the rotation of the bobbin in the first direction, and second countering means, distinct from the first countering means, 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: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Campagnolo, S.r.l.
    Inventors: Giuseppe Dal Prà, Marco Caiazzo, Andrea De Pretto
  • Publication number: 20080295636
    Abstract: A bicycle control device is basically provided with a base member, a shift control unit, a control member and a first shift operating lever. The shift control unit is mounted to the base member. The control member includes a first portion operatively coupled to the shift control unit and a second portion spaced from the first portion. The first shift operating lever is movably coupled relative to the base member to move along a first shift operating path and movably coupled relative to the base member to move along a non-shift operating path that is non-coincident with the first shift operating path. The first shift operating lever is slidably engaged with the second portion of the control member such that the second portion of the control member is moved when the first shift operating lever is moved along the non-shift operating path with sliding contact therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Hisayuki Sato, Daisuke Nago, Yoshimitsu Miki
  • 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: 20080284126
    Abstract: The adaptive system in combination includes a handlebar configured with stub end portions which angle slightly toward each other in the direction of the shoulders of the user. Grip shift members are configured to fit against the palm of the user's hand and mounted at the free ends of the handle bar, the grip shift members including a base portion which mates with an existing gear mechanism on the bicycle for shifting of the bicycle gears. A brake mechanism includes a base member mounted on the ends of the handlebar. The brake mechanism further includes a T-shaped member and two connecting members which are each rotatably mounted to the base member and to the T-shaped handle member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2007
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventor: STEPHEN T. SMITH
  • Publication number: 20080276748
    Abstract: Gear shifter includes base plate having a bolt shaft which is in turn fitted in with a detent ring, a pawl, a lever, and a plate member. The detent ring is provided with interior space whose inner circumferential surface is formed with a series of first and second ratchet teeth. Side wall of the pawl is disposed with first catch tongue and second catch member. Lever is formed with movable ratchets engaged with second ratchet tooth. When user triggers the lever towards first direction, the movable ratchet is to actuate detent ring to rotate, and using the first catch tongue to abut against the first ratchet teeth, thus cable is pulled tightly wound. When the lever is triggered towards second direction, the lever will push the first catch tongue to disengage from abutting against the first ratchet tooth, thus making the detent ring rotating back to release the tight cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventor: Bo-Cheng Chen