Single Rotatable Lever (e.g., For Bicycle Brake Or Derailleur) Patents (Class 74/502.2)
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Publication number: 20040144193Abstract: A position release mechanism for a bicycle control device comprises a positioning unit that is adapted to be biased in a first direction; a position maintaining mechanism that maintains the positioning unit in a plurality of predetermined positions; and a position releasing mechanism that moves in a position releasing direction, wherein the position releasing mechanism is operatively coupled to the position maintaining mechanism so that the positioning unit moves through at least two of the plurality of predetermined positions in the first direction in response to a progressive movement of the position releasing mechanism in the position releasing direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2003Publication date: July 29, 2004Applicant: Shimano, Inc.Inventors: Hisayuki Sato, Kenji Ose, Satoshi Shahana, Toshio Tetsuka, Tetsuya Hino
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Patent number: 6767024Abstract: A bicycle front suspension system includes two cylinders on the front fork and each cylinder includes an outer tube and an inner tube which is movably received in the outer tube. A cap is rotatably connected to the inner tube and connected to a rod. A control cable is connected between the cap and a lever which is rotatably engaged in a collar on the handlebar of the bicycle. The lever is rotated to operate the control cable so as to rotate the cap and the rod. The rotation of the rod controls the communication between two chambers in the inner tube so that the hydraulic fluid is controlled to make the cylinder to be locked or operative.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2003Date of Patent: July 27, 2004Inventor: Yung-Pin Kuo
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Publication number: 20040089092Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2003Publication date: May 13, 2004Applicant: Campagnolo S.r.l.Inventor: Valentino Campagnolo
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Patent number: 6729203Abstract: A shifting device including first and second shift control members, a takeup element, a holding member, and a release member. The takeup element configured for winding and unwinding a tensioned control cable. The first control member is rotatable about a handlebar and configured to rotate the takeup to at least pull or wind the control cable onto the takeup. The second control member is a return-to-neutral member for rotating the takeup to release the. The holding member is rotatable with the takeup and retains the takeup in select angular positions. The release member is operable for disengaging the holding member in response to the actuation or return stroke of the second control member for allowing the takeup to unwind the cable a sufficient amount to enable a single gear shift.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2002Date of Patent: May 4, 2004Assignee: SRAM CorporationInventors: Kevin F. Wesling, Christopher A. Shipman, John D. Cheever, James P. Orrico, Danny R. Smith, Jr., Georg K. Blaschke
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Patent number: 6725740Abstract: A combined gear change and brake control unit for a bicycle is provided. The unit comprises a support body connected to a brake control lever pivoting around a first axis and a gear change control unit connected to the support body. This control unit comprises a gear change lever pivoting on a second axis, orthogonal with respect to the first axis, for shifting the gear. The gear change lever is arranged immediately behind the brake control lever and is free to oscillate in the same direction as the latter lever to prevent obstructing the brake control movement.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2002Date of Patent: April 27, 2004Assignee: Campagnolo SrlInventor: Giuseppe Dal Pra′
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Publication number: 20040069089Abstract: A handle mounted bicycle derailleur controller is mounted to a bicycle handle bar for controlling a derailleur of the bicycle. The derailleur controller includes a casing including a cylindrical wall and a concentric hub fit over the handle bar. A number of teeth are mounted in a receiving space defined between the cylindrical wall and the hub. A rotation sleeve is rotatably fit over the hub and forms a slot to engage an expanded end of a cable whereby rotation of the sleeve leads to a change of the length of the cable which in turn causes gear shifting. The rotation sleeve includes a detent retainer integrally formed therewith. The detent retainer includes two opposite U-shaped portions open toward each other. A leaf spring has a substantially L-shaped body having first and second sections connected to each other by an angled connection serving as a detent and two free ends respectively and movably received in the U-shaped portions of the detent retainer.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2002Publication date: April 15, 2004Inventor: Po-Cheng Chen
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Publication number: 20040069090Abstract: A bicycle control device having a switch mounting recess therein is disclosed. The bicycle control device could be a shifter, a brake control mechanism or an integrated shifting and brake control device. A control switch of a cycle computer is mountable in the switch mounting recess. The control switch is connected to a cycle computer, located remote from the control switch, by a connecting cable. The control switch can be attached in the switch mounting recess by various means, including, adhesively connecting the control switch to the switch mounting recess. In one embodiment of the invention, the control switch is press fitted into the switch mounting recess. In another embodiment, an elastic portion of the control switch is press fitted into a hole in the switch mounting recess. The control switch can also be securely retained in the switch mounting recess by a retention ring attached to the control device.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2001Publication date: April 15, 2004Inventor: Yoshihide Iteya
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Patent number: 6718843Abstract: A gear-shift and brake-control assembly for a racing bicycle, comprising a first control lever located along and behind the brake lever and a second control lever projecting transversely from the internal side wall of the supporting body of the brake lever, is provided with a push-button for controlling the operating mode of a display associated to the handlebars of the bicycle, which is positioned further back (with reference to the direction of advance of the bicycle) and higher up than the aforesaid second control lever.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2001Date of Patent: April 13, 2004Assignee: Campagnolo S.r.l.Inventor: Valentino Campagnolo
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Patent number: 6718844Abstract: A bicycle shift control device comprises a base member for attachment to the bicycle, a operating member rotatably supported relative to the base member for rotating in first and second directions, a transmission control member rotatably mounted relative to the base member for controlling the pulling and releasing of a transmission control element, a bracket for supporting a transmission control element diverting surface, and an intermediate member coupled for rotation with the transmission control member. The intermediate member rotates around a first axis, and the intermediate member can move in the direction of the first axis between an engagement position, in which the intermediate member engages the bracket, and a disengagement position, in which the intermediate member is disengaged from the bracket.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2002Date of Patent: April 13, 2004Assignee: Shimano, Inc.Inventor: Masahiro Hanatani
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Patent number: 6712173Abstract: A remote throttle control device for snowmobiles includes a throttle coupler for releasable mounting to a snowmobile throttle controller. The throttle coupler mounts to a first end of a flexible push/pull cable. A manually operable remote actuator is mounted to an opposite second end of the push/pull cable. The remote actuator is for pushing or pulling the push/pull cable, so as to respectively push or pull the throttle coupler for actuation of the throttle controller when the throttle coupler is mounted to the throttle controller. The remote actuator is mounted to a pull handle. A strap is mountable at one end to the handle and at its opposite end to the ski of the snowmobile so that the ski may be pulled on by a user while the user simultaneously remotely controls the snowmobile throttle.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2002Date of Patent: March 30, 2004Inventors: Troy Esselink, Brett Bottcher
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Patent number: 6708582Abstract: A bicycle gear shifting system includes a gear shifting derailleur, a rotatable shift member to be rotatably carried by handlebars of the bicycle and connected to the gear shifting derailleur, and a hand attachment to be carried by a hand of a rider. The rotatable shift member and the hand attachment may each have respective mating surfaces for positively engaging one another to facilitate gear shifting by the rider and are readily releasable to permit the rider to change hand positions. More particularly, the mating surfaces may include pairs of corresponding recesses and projections. The pairs of corresponding recesses and projections may also be tapered. Furthermore, the mating surfaces may engage in superposed relation upon radial squeezing of the hand of the rider. According to another embodiment, the mating surfaces may engage in side-by-side relation upon lateral positioning of the hand of the rider.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2001Date of Patent: March 23, 2004Assignee: L. H. Thomson Company, Inc.Inventors: Mark P. McJunkin, Loronzo H. Thomson, Brian H. Thomson
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Patent number: 6698567Abstract: An electric control device for a motor-driven derailleur for bicycles includes a supporting body fixed to a handlebar of a bicycle, a supporting body, a pair of electric switches to control the gear change carried by the supporting body, and a gear change lever that can be manually operated to control a first of said switches. The gear change lever comprises a first part connected to the supporting body so as to consent shift of the gear change lever between a position at rest and an operating position, and a second part hinged to the first part.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Campagnolo SrlInventor: Giuseppe Dal Pra'
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Patent number: 6694840Abstract: A bicycle shift operating device basically includes first operating member operatively coupled to a winding mechanism by a follower link and an operating link. A second operating member is also preferably operatively coupled to the winding mechanism. The cable winding mechanism is mounted on a first pivot axle and is configured to be selectively retained in a plurality of shift positions. In one shift operating device, the operating link is pivotally mounted on the first pivot axle. In an alternate shift operating device, the operating link is pivotally mounted on a second pivot axle that is spaced from the first pivot axle and parallel to the first pivot axle. The first operating member is preferably arranged to reciprocate in a first direction. The second operating member is preferably arranged to move in a second direction that is substantially parallel to the first direction.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventor: Tatsuya Kawakami
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Publication number: 20040031347Abstract: A collapsible control lever suitable for use on a motorcycle includes a handlebar mount, an intermediate section and a lever section. The intermediate section and lever section are capable of rotation with respect to the handlebar mount between a relaxed position and an actuated position in order to provide control lever functions, such as disengaging a manual clutch. The lever section is capable of rotation with respect to the intermediate section between a normal position and a fully deflected position in order to avoid damage in the event of the motorcycle overturning. The lever section may be biased to its normal position.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2003Publication date: February 19, 2004Inventor: Robert L. Barnett
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Patent number: 6691591Abstract: A bicycle control device is disclosed having a control lever that is operable in a first direction to operate the brake control mechanism, a second direction to operate the shift control mechanism in the pulling direction and a third direction to operate the shift control mechanism in the release direction. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, when viewed from the perspective of a rider on the bicycle, the first direction is the direction of movement of the lever toward the handlebar. The second direction is the direction of movement of the control lever downward and the third direction is the direction of movement of the control lever upward. In a more preferred embodiment, the second and third directions are perpendicular to the first direction.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2003Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Akira Tsumiyama, Nobukatsu Hara
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Publication number: 20040025621Abstract: A bicycle speed change control device comprises a housing; a cable control set fastened pivotally with the housing and reversibly supported, the cable control set comprising a first toothed engagement portion, a second toothed engagement portion, and a third toothed engagement portion; a first lever fastened pivotally with the housing and reversibly supported, the first lever having a push member being forced into engagement with the third toothed engagement portion of the cable control set and to further turn the cable control set when the first lever is turned in one direction, the push member being disengaged from the third toothed engagement portion of the cable control set when the first lever reversed; and a second lever fastened pivotally with the housing and reversibly supported, the second lever having a tooth adapted to engage the first toothed engagement portion and second toothed engagement portion of the cable control set selectively.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2003Publication date: February 12, 2004Inventor: Chieh-Yuan Chen
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Publication number: 20040020322Abstract: In an improved brake handle structure for a mobility aid, a control handle is connected to a handlebar of a vehicle body. The control handle has a main body. An upper section of the main body has a transverse through bar hole. The handlebar extends through the bar hole and is then secured. A lateral side of the main body is provided with a brake pull wire hole for extension of a brake wire therethrough, with a plug inserted into a securing groove in a rotary pull lever. The main body is provided with upper and lower cavities for insertion of upper and lower corners of an inner end of the pull lever. A press rod cavity is disposed above the pull wire hole of the main body for insertion of an outer end of a press rod. The inner end of the press rod is connected pivotally in a rod sleeve of the pull lever. A projecting portion is provided near one side of the outer end of the press rod. A notch portion is provided between the projecting portion and the outer end of the press rod.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2002Publication date: February 5, 2004Inventor: Yu-Chi Hsieh
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Patent number: 6675672Abstract: A shift operating device for a bicycle is provided to change gears of the bicycle. The shift operating device is coupled to the front or rear derailleur via a shift cable. The shift operating device is also coupled to a gear indicator device via an indicator cable. The shift operating device has an attachment portion, a hand operating portion, and a take up member. The attachment portion is adapted to be coupled to a portion of a handlebar of the bicycle. The hand operating portion is coupled to the attachment portion to move between a plurality of shifting positions. The take up member is operatively coupled to the hand operating portion to move in response to movement of the hand operating portion. The take up member has a peripheral winding surface, a first cable attachment point and a second cable attachment point.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2002Date of Patent: January 13, 2004Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventor: Kenji Ose
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Publication number: 20030226418Abstract: This invention is an additional throttle control which is easily installed on an All Terrain Vehicle. This additional throttle control is a twist handle throttle control which operates in addition to the original thumb throttle control used on all A.T.V.'s. This invention allows the operator a choice of two types of throttle control. The purpose of this invention is to give the operator an alternate throttle control when hand fatigue is caused by the original thumb throttle control during long distance travel. The new twist handle throttle control is much easier to use for long distance travel and does not cause hand fatigue. A locking device is provided for the new twist handle throttle control when safety concerns are required and the original thumb throttle control should be used solely.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2002Publication date: December 11, 2003Inventor: Arnold Howe
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Publication number: 20030221507Abstract: A bicycle shifter having a housing mountable to a handlebar, a takeup mechanism for pulling a shift cable and a release mechanism for releasing the shift cable. The takeup mechanism includes a takeup tooth segment, a takeup pawl and an actuation element. The release mechanism includes retaining and locking tooth segments, retaining and locking pawls and a release element. The takeup, retaining and locking tooth segments are arranged on one disk element.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2003Publication date: December 4, 2003Inventors: Robert Wessel, Martin Weiss
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Patent number: 6651523Abstract: An automatic tension device of a brake includes a fixing base, a brake lever, a worm, a worm wheel, a gap adjusting screw, a pull hook, a cable guide seat, and a cable. The brake lever is pivotally mounted on the fixing base. The worm has one end having a periphery provided with one-direction ratchet teeth. The gap adjusting screw has a through hole for passage of the cable and has an outer thread screwed into the inner thread of the worm wheel. The pull hook is provided with an one-direction ratchet tooth that may be locked with one of the one-direction ratchet teeth of the worm. Thus, the automatic tension device may be used to adjust and shorten the braking gap between the brake pad and the tire automatically.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2002Date of Patent: November 25, 2003Inventor: Feng-Yao Chou
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Patent number: 6647824Abstract: A gear indicator for use on a bicycle is provided remotely from the shift operating device. The gear indicator is coupled to a shift operating device via an indicator cable. The gear indicator basically includes a housing with an indicator member slidably coupled to the indicator cable with in the housing. The location of the indicator member relative to the housing indicates a gear currently engaged by the chain. In the most preferred embodiments, an indicator member is frictionally mounted on the inner wire of the indicator cable for automatically adjusting of the indicator member in the event that the cable becomes elongated or the indicator member becomes misaligned. The housing has a biasing member coupled between one wall of an interior cavity and the first end of the inner wire of the cable indicator for biasing the indicator member to one of its end positions.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2002Date of Patent: November 18, 2003Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventor: Etsuyoshi Watarai
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Patent number: 6647825Abstract: A hand brake device for a wheeled cart includes a pivot pin, and a brake lever including a lever portion, a front lower portion with a rounded integral projection, and a curved slot unit for receiving the pin slidably. Upward movement of the lever portion about the pin can result in braking of the cart, which will be freed upon release of the lever portion. Downward movement of the lever portion about the projection can also result in the braking of the cart, which will be maintained unless an external force is applied to the lever portion.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2003Date of Patent: November 18, 2003Inventor: Ching-Hsu Lin
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Patent number: 6647823Abstract: A bicycle control device is disclosed having a control lever that is operable in a first direction to operate the brake control mechanism, a second direction to operate the shift control mechanism in the pulling direction and a third direction to operate the shift control mechanism in the release direction. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, when viewed from the perspective of a rider on the bicycle, the first direction is the direction of movement of the lever toward the handlebar. The second direction is the direction of movement of the control lever downward and the third direction is the direction of movement of the control lever upward. In a more preferred embodiment, the second and third directions are perpendicular to the first direction.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2001Date of Patent: November 18, 2003Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Akira Tsumiyama, Nobukatsu Hara
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Patent number: 6644144Abstract: A throttle assembly for a tracked vehicle comprises a tube rotatably mounted on a steering member of the vehicle. A throttle housing is mounted on the tube. A throttle lever has a proximal end and a distal end and is pivotally mounted on the throttle housing. The throttle lever is pivotable about the distal end of the throttle lever on the throttle housing. A biasing element provides a biasing force to the tube. The biasing element is connected to the steering member.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2001Date of Patent: November 11, 2003Assignee: Bombardier Inc.Inventor: Yvon Bédard
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Patent number: 6644143Abstract: A grip gear-shifter for being used in actuating a derailleur of a bicycle is provided. The grip gear-shifter includes a return spring, a resilient steel plate having a polyhedron-formed controlling pawl, a guiding ring having a guiding notch for guiding a cable, a first module for lodging and positioning said controlling pawl when the bicycle are in the state of shifting gears, and a second module having a projection and a positioning unit for operating in coordination with the return spring and the resilient steel plate, thereby forming a relative motion of the resilient steel plate and the first module to correctly shift gears when the bicycle are in the state of shifting gears.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2001Date of Patent: November 11, 2003Assignee: National Science CouncilInventors: Chan-Hua Feng, Jen-Ji Wang, I-Chao Yan, Te-Sheng Tseng
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Publication number: 20030205102Abstract: A control lever mount assembly suitable for use in connection with an off-road motorcycle. The lever mount assembly includes a lever-supporting portion, or perch, which is configured to rotatably support a control lever. A sleeve is secured to the handlebar and supports the perch for rotation about an axis of the handlebar. A detent assembly secures the perch in a desired angular orientation relative to the sleeve and the handlebar. The detent assembly is configured to permit rotation of the perch in response to a force being imparted to the lever and/or perch during a crash or fall to protect the perch and lever from damage. Preferably, one or more clamp members are configured to apply a clamping force to the sleeve over a relatively large surface area to prevent damage to the handlebar. A slot may be provided in the sleeve to permit the sleeve to be compressed around the handlebar for a secure fit.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2002Publication date: November 6, 2003Inventor: Robert L. Barnett
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Patent number: 6631655Abstract: The invention relates to a shifter for actuating at least one gear mechanism of a bicycle including a housing, a gripping element for actuating the shifter, and a movable element for exerting tension on and/or for releasing a gear transfer means. The movable element has a pawl which engages in a set of latching teeth in the housing. The gripping element has a lifter which disengages the pawl from the latching teeth during a shifting operation in the release direction. A driver on the gripping part preloads a spring on the movable element during a shifting operation in the release direction which urges the movable element in the release direction. The advantage of a shifter for bicycle gear mechanisms according to the present invention is to be found in that, by simple means, it becomes possible to shift gears, especially in the release direction, quickly and independently of the preload being exerted on the movable element by the gear mechanism via the transfer element.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2001Date of Patent: October 14, 2003Assignee: SRAM Deutschland GmbHInventors: Georg Blaschke, Marcus Auer
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Patent number: 6631654Abstract: A driving position selector for selecting at least the driving steps of the automatic transmission, “D”, “N”, “R”, “P”, which are selected by the driver over a control device and engaged by electro-hydraulic setting elements is provided. It is possible to disengage a parking position by a release device in the automatic transmission housing. An operating device is connected by a Bowden cable with a release lever of the release device. The swiveling motion of the release lever is not transferred to the Bowden traction cord, since the release lever can move along a Bowden traction cord suspended in the release lever.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2000Date of Patent: October 14, 2003Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftInventors: Rudolf Ehrmaier, Norbert Woeste, Josef Neuner
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Publication number: 20030177855Abstract: A bicycle control device is disclosed having a control lever that is operable in a first direction to operate the brake control mechanism, a second direction to operate the shift control mechanism in the pulling direction and a third direction to operate the shift control mechanism in the release direction. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, when viewed from the perspective of a rider on the bicycle, the first direction is the direction of movement of the lever toward the handlebar. The second direction is the direction of movement of the control lever downward and the third direction is the direction of movement of the control lever upward. In a more preferred embodiment, the second and third directions are perpendicular to the first direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2003Publication date: September 25, 2003Applicant: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Akira Tsumiyama, Nobukatsu Hara
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Patent number: 6622587Abstract: A wheeled walker brake lever mounting arrangement is constructed to include a mounting base frame fixedly fastened to one handlebar of a wheeled walker, a brake cable inserted through the mounting base frame and connected to a brake assembly at rear wheels of the wheeled walker, and a brake lever coupled to the mounting base frame by a slip joint and connected to the brake lever and turned relative to the mounting base frame between a first position where the brake lever is firmly secured in position to pull up the brake cable and to hold the brake cable in the braking position, a second (the neutral) position where the brake lever is loosened, and a third position where the brake lever holds the brake cable temporarily in the braking position.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2002Date of Patent: September 23, 2003Inventor: David Wu
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Patent number: 6619154Abstract: 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 a bicycle; a brake lever is mounted on the supporting body so that it can oscillate. A pair of electrical switches, for controlling gear change, are carried by the supporting body on a supporting plate which is mounted on the supporting body. Preferable the switches are pre-assembled on supporting plate before it is mounted on the supporting body.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2001Date of Patent: September 16, 2003Assignee: Campagnolo Srl.Inventor: Valentino Campagnolo
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Publication number: 20030167871Abstract: An adjusting apparatus for a bicycle brake control device comprises a brake control member bracket adapted to be mounted to a handlebar and a brake control member movably mounted to the brake control member bracket such that it can move from a brake release position toward a brake operating position. An adjustment member is disposed between the brake control member bracket and the brake control member to adjust an orientation of the brake control member relative to the brake control member bracket when the brake control member is in the brake release position.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2003Publication date: September 11, 2003Applicant: SHIMANO, INC.Inventors: Yoshinori Irie, Hiroaki Shiraishi, Satoshi Shahana
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Patent number: 6615688Abstract: A twist-grip switch for the actuation of bicycle gears is arranged in the grip region of a handlebar is fixed thereto by a clamping clip. The switch components, such as the grip end piece, twist-grip part, winding reel and switch housing, are arranged around the central bearing tube and form a complete grip unit. The bearing tube fits tautly on the handlebar and on one side is rigidly connected to the grip end piece by an overmolding connection and on the other side is fixed to the switch housing by means of a snap connection. The clamping clip prevents the snap connection from being opened in the mounted state. Furthermore, the grip end piece reliably assumes the intended position on the handlebar tube in relation to the switch housing, and it cannot be removed from this position by forces acting on it.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2001Date of Patent: September 9, 2003Assignee: SRAM Deutschland GmbHInventor: Robert Wessel
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Patent number: 6609586Abstract: An emergency brake lever system for a recreational vehicle with a lever-actuated braking mechanism for precluding movement of the recreational vehicle upon the actuation thereof. Also included is a tether for wearing by a rider of the recreational vehicle. A release mechanism is coupled to the braking mechanism and the tether for actuating the braking mechanism upon the rider inadvertently falling off of the recreational vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2002Date of Patent: August 26, 2003Inventor: Steven L. Caple
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Patent number: 6607056Abstract: A brake apparatus for a bicycle capable of applying a higher braking force on the front wheel (3) and a lower braking force on the rear wheel (4) given the same force exerted on the levers (7, 8) controlling the front brake (5) and the rear brake (6) so to prevent early locking of the rear wheel of the bicycle during braking while leaving the cyclist the possibility to separately control the front brake (5) and the rear brake (6).Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2001Date of Patent: August 19, 2003Assignee: Campagnolo SrlInventor: Valentino Campagnolo
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Patent number: 6604440Abstract: A switch for actuating a gear on a bicycle includes a housing with an inner toothing formation, a grip part and a rotary part with a cable drum for a fraction cable. The grip part having an integrally formed section for actuating an elastic element on the rotary part so that when the grip part is rotated in a switching direction which releases the traction cable the elastic element is pretensioned until a disengagement member on the grip part disengages a pawl on the rotary part which interacts with the inner tooting formation in the housing. Both the pawl and the elastic element are connected integrally to the rotary part resulting in advantage in terms of the production and assembly of the switch.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2001Date of Patent: August 12, 2003Assignee: SRAM Deutschland GmbHInventors: Robert Wessel, Georg Blaschke
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Publication number: 20030140725Abstract: The manual shift mechanism of a bicycle, which is mounted on a handle of the bicycle. The shift mechanism includes a front cord-guiding casing and a rear rotary sleeve mated with the front casing. A shift member is disposed between the front casing and the rear rotary sleeve and is driven by the rear rotary sleeve. The shift member is displaceable to selectively directly mesh with a ring gear for pulling and releasing a transmission pull cord or mesh with a planet gear which is drivingly engaged with the ring gear for pulling and releasing the transmission pull cord. When the ring gear is engaged with and driven by the shift member, the gears are one by one shifted and when the ring gear is engaged with and driven by the planet gear of the planet gear frame, the gear is several times shifted by way of jumping.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2003Publication date: July 31, 2003Inventor: Jen-Chih Liu
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Patent number: 6595894Abstract: A shift control device for a bicycle is disclosed having a planetary gear assembly for varying the relative angular position between an actuating member and a control member. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the shift control device includes a control member engageable with a ring gear to drive a plurality of planetary gears about a fixed base member. The fixed base member preferably includes a sun gear integrally attached thereto. The planetary gears are preferably carried by an actuating member configured to pull and release a bicycle shift cable. Rotation of the planetary gears results in the tension or release of the bicycle shift cable. The shift control device can include a positioning mechanism for controlling the position of the actuating member relative the base member.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2001Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Assignee: Shimano (Singapore) Private LimitedInventor: Masahiro Hanatani
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Publication number: 20030126940Abstract: A bicycle shift operating device basically includes first operating member operatively coupled to a winding mechanism by a follower link and an operating link. A second operating member is also preferably operatively coupled to the winding mechanism. The cable winding mechanism is mounted on a first pivot axle and is configured to be selectively retained in a plurality of shift positions. In one shift operating device, the operating link is pivotally mounted on the first pivot axle. In an alternate shift operating device, the operating link is pivotally mounted on a second pivot axle that is spaced from the first pivot axle and parallel to the first pivot axle. The first operating member is preferably arranged to reciprocate in a first direction. The second operating member is preferably arranged to move in a second direction that is substantially parallel to the first direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 10, 2002Publication date: July 10, 2003Applicant: SHIMANO INC.Inventor: Tatsuya Kawakami
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Patent number: 6588296Abstract: The invention relates to a twist grip shift which is arranged preferably in the grip region of a handle bar, is secured with a clip and has the purpose of activating bicycle transmissions. The shift components such as the grip end part, the twist grip part, the take-up reel and the shift housing are arranged about a central bearing tube and form one complete grip unit. The clip prevents a releasable connection between the bearing tube and the shift housing from opening in the mounted state. The advantage of this shift design lies in the increase in protection against undesired release of the releasable connection. The components which are joined in the premounted state are securely lined up on the bearing tube.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2001Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Assignee: SRAM Deutschland GmbHInventor: Robert Wessel
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Patent number: 6578445Abstract: A collapsible control lever suitable for use on a motorcycle includes a handlebar mount, an intermediate section and a lever section. The intermediate section and lever section are capable of rotation with respect to the handlebar mount between a relaxed position and an actuated position in order to provide control lever functions, such as disengaging a manual clutch. The lever section is capable of rotation with respect to the intermediate section between a normal position and a fully deflected position in order to avoid damage in the event of the motorcycle overturning. The lever section may be biased to its normal position.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2002Date of Patent: June 17, 2003Inventor: Robert L. Barnett
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Publication number: 20030094064Abstract: A gear change control device for a bicycle having a handlebar with straight end portions, comprises a first control lever with a control portion arranged behind the end portion of the handlebar, with reference to the longitudinal direction of the bicycle, and extending at least partially at a position lying substantially at the same level of the handlebar, with respect to a vertical direction in the condition of use of the handlebar and a second control lever with a control portion arranged at the same level, below or upper the control portion of the first control lever.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 15, 2002Publication date: May 22, 2003Applicant: Campagnolo SrlInventor: Giuseppe Dal Pra'
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Patent number: 6564670Abstract: A bicycle speed control apparatus for controlling a gear transmission mechanism via a drive cable connected to a bicycle is disclosed. The bicycle speed control apparatus includes a first seat connected to a bicycle handlebar and a second seat having a shaft used to connect to the first seat. A cylindrical sleeve member is used to connect to the drive cable and provided with first teeth, second teeth and third teeth in parallel. A first shifting lever and a second shifting lever are provided to pivot on the shaft. A first pawl and a second pawl are provided to movably mount on the first shifting lever and the second shifting lever, respectively. A resilient member is used to position on the shaft so as to engage the third teeth and disengage the first pawl from the first teeth and disengage the second pawl from the second teeth.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2001Date of Patent: May 20, 2003Assignee: National Science CouncilInventors: Chan-Hua Feng, Jen-Ji Wang
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Patent number: 6564671Abstract: A bicycle shift control device includes a takeup element for pulling and releasing a shift control element, a first finger contact member, a second finger contact member, and an interconnecting member that rotates around a rotational axis. The interconnecting member interconnects the first finger contact member and the second finger contacting member so that the first finger contact member and the second finger contact member move in a same direction relative to the rotational axis. The first finger contact member has a first finger contact surface disposed on a first side of a plane, wherein the first finger contact member moves toward the plane when the takeup element moves in a pulling direction. Conversely, the first finger contact member moves away from the plane when the takeup element moves in a releasing direction.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2001Date of Patent: May 20, 2003Assignee: Shimano, Inc.Inventor: Kenji Ose
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Patent number: 6565466Abstract: A bicycle derailleur gearshift position indicator includes a housing holding a gearshift position indication member, the gearshift position indication member having indication plates corresponding to the gearshift positions of the derailleur system of the bicycle and a view window through which the bicycle rider views the indication of the gearshift position indication member, and a cable take-up wheel suspended below the housing and rotated with the shifters of the derailleur system to move the indication plates of the gearshift position indication member.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2001Date of Patent: May 20, 2003Assignee: Falcon Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Wen-Ching Liu, Yu-Chen Chen
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Publication number: 20030084743Abstract: A parking brake assembly for a vehicle has a mounting bracket, a handle assembly and a clutching mechanism. The mounting bracket has a stop. The handle assembly is pivotally mounted on the mounting bracket for rotation about a first axis. The handle is moveable between a brake applied position and a brake release position. The handle has an actuator. A cam is pivotally mounted on the handle about a second axis offset from the first axis. The cam has a cam surface which varies radially from the second axis. The cam is biased to engage the stop. A clutch spring frictionally engages the cam and is operably connected to the actuator. Movement of the actuator in response to manual manipulation responsively moves the clutch spring to decrease the frictional engagement, thereby enabling the cam to engage with the stop.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2002Publication date: May 8, 2003Inventor: Nebojsa Djordjevic
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Patent number: 6557435Abstract: A shift operating device for a bicycle is provided to change gears of the bicycle. The shift operating device is coupled to the front or rear derailleur via a shift cable. The shift operating device is also coupled to a gear indicator device via an indicator cable. The shift operating device has an attachment portion, a hand operating portion, and a take up member. The attachment portion is adapted to be coupled to a portion of a handlebar of the bicycle. The hand operating portion is coupled to the attachment portion to move between a plurality of shifting positions. The take up member is operatively coupled to the hand operating portion to move in response to movement of the hand operating portion. The take up member has a peripheral winding surface, a first cable attachment point and a second cable attachment point.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2002Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventor: Kenji Ose
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Patent number: 6553861Abstract: A bicycle shift control device includes a takeup element for pulling and releasing a shift control element, a first finger contact member, a second finger contact member, and an interconnecting member that rotates around a rotational axis. The interconnecting member interconnects the first finger contact member and the second finger contacting member so that the first finger contact member and the second finger contact member move in a same direction relative to the rotational axis. The first finger contact member has a first finger contact surface disposed on a first side of a plane, wherein the first finger contact member moves toward the plane when the takeup element moves in a pulling direction. Conversely, the first finger contact member moves away from the plane when the takeup element moves in a releasing direction.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2001Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: Shimano, Inc.Inventor: Kenji Ose
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Patent number: 6553860Abstract: A switch for actuating at least one gear mechanism on a bicycle includes a housing and a movement element movably arranged relative to the housing and including a transmission means for controlling the gear mechanism in a tensioning direction and in a release direction. A first pawl interacts with a first latching toothing arrangement in the housing. The individual gear stages in the switch are produced with a form fit via one or more controllable pawls. The switch is designed as a trigger switch for shifting through a plurality of gear stages in the tensioning direction and in the release direction by a single switching movement.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2001Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: SRAM Deutschland GmbHInventor: Georg Blaschke