Patents Assigned to SRAM, LLC
  • Bicycle sprocket assembly
    Patent number: 11072203
    Abstract: Example bicycle sprocket assemblies are described herein. An example sprocket assembly includes a cassette formed by a plurality of sprockets arranged in increasing diameter order from a first end to a second end of the cassette opposite the first end. The cassette has a passageway extending between a first opening in the first end and a second opening in the second end to receive a driver hub. An outboard portion of the passageway is formed between a midpoint of the cassette and the first end of the cassette. The cassette further includes a torque transmitting profile located within the outboard portion of the passageway to interface with the driver hub. The sprocket assembly also includes a bushing to be disposed within the second opening to form a non-torque transmitting interface between the second end of the cassette and the driver hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: SRAM, LLC
    Inventors: Scott Bots, Kevin Wesling
  • CONTROL DEVICE FOR BICYCLE AND METHODS
    Publication number: 20210222770
    Abstract: A control device wearable by a bicycle rider, the control device including at least one control sensor generating input signals when actuated. A control processor is connected to the at least one control sensor generating control signals responsive to the input signals. A wireless transmitter is in communication with the processor transmitting the control signals and a power source is connected to the shift control processor and the wireless transmitter. The control device may one or more of a control gear changer, one or more suspension component, and other electronically-controllable components or systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2021
    Publication date: July 22, 2021
    Applicant: SRAM, LLC
    Inventor: KEVIN WESLING
  • Handlebar integrated master cylinder assembly
    Patent number: 11066121
    Abstract: A fluid cylinder assembly for a hydraulic actuation system for a bicycle is provided. The fluid cylinder assembly includes a fluid cylinder. The fluid cylinder includes a housing and a piston that is movable within the housing. The fluid cylinder assembly also includes a force applicator connected to the piston of the fluid cylinder, a support, and an actuator pivotably attached to the support. The actuator is operatively connected to the piston of the fluid cylinder via the force applicator, such that the actuator is configured to translate the piston from a first position to a second position when the actuator is actuated. The fluid cylinder is attachable to a handlebar of the bicycle, such that part of the fluid cylinder is positioned within the handlebar and at least part of the force applicator is radially outer relative to the handlebar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: SRAM, LLC
    Inventor: Braden Snead
  • BICYCLE SUSPENSION COMPONENTS
    Publication number: 20210214041
    Abstract: Example bicycle suspension components are described herein. An example damper for a bicycle suspension component includes a damper body and a damper member disposed in the damper body to control a flow of fluid between a first chamber and a second chamber in the damper body. The damper member includes a damper member body and a flow member movable relative to the damper member body along an axis of movement. The damper member body has a set of radial openings distributed circumferentially around the damper member body. The radial openings define flow paths that are transverse to the axis of movement. The flow member is movable between a first position in which the radial openings are unblocked and a second position in which the radial openings are blocked.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2021
    Publication date: July 15, 2021
    Applicant: SRAM, LLC
    Inventor: DEVON SULLIVAN
  • BICYCLE ELECTRONIC CONTROL DEVICE AND SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20210188393
    Abstract: An electronic control device may be configured to be integrated, or coupled, with a bicycle to control bicycle components. The electronic control device may wirelessly control bicycle components to trigger an action when actuated. The electronic control device may be dimensioned to have a mating surface contoured to matingly engage with a mounting surface of a bicycle, such as on a handlebar. The electronic control device may also be dimensioned to have a compact and/or concealed appearance aided by a low profile relative to the bicycle mounting surface selected for the control device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2019
    Publication date: June 24, 2021
    Applicant: SRAM, LLC
    Inventor: SAGE HAHN
  • Dampers for bicycle suspension components
    Patent number: 11040754
    Abstract: Example dampers for bicycle suspension components are described herein. An example damper includes a damper body defining a chamber, a shaft extending into the chamber of the damper body, and an adjustable piston system having a piston body coupled to the shaft. The adjustable piston system controls a flow of fluid between the first and second chambers. The adjustable piston system includes an adjustable rebound orifice forming part of a rebound flow path to control the flow of fluid from the first chamber to the second chamber across the piston body, an adjustable compression orifice forming part of a low flow compression flow path to control the flow of fluid from the second chamber to the first chamber across the piston body, an isolation member to separate the rebound flow path and the low flow compression flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: SRAM, LLC
    Inventor: Timothy Lynch
  • TIRE RETAINING FEATURE FOR A BICYCLE RIM
    Publication number: 20210178806
    Abstract: A rim assembly for a bicycle wheel includes a rim, a first protruding tire retaining feature attached to a first surface of the rim, and a second protruding tire retaining feature attached to a second surface of the rim. The first surface is a surface of a first tire retaining wall of a radially outer tire engaging portion of the rim, and the second surface is a surface of a second tire retaining wall of the radially outer tire engaging portion. The second surface faces the first surface. The first protruding tire retaining feature and the second protruding tire retaining feature are made of a first material, and the first tire retaining wall and the second tire retaining wall are made of a second material. The second material is different than the first material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2019
    Publication date: June 17, 2021
    Applicant: SRAM, LLC
    Inventors: PATRICK BRADY, MICHAEL HALL, DAVID MORSE, MIGUEL NAVARRO BAEZA
  • BICYCLE SUSPENSION COMPONENTS AND ELECTRONIC CONTROL DEVICES
    Publication number: 20210179226
    Abstract: Example bicycle suspension components and control devices are described herein. An example shock absorber includes a damper body defining a first chamber and a reservoir defining a second chamber. A flow path is defined between the first chamber and the second chamber. The example shock absorber also includes a flow control member disposed in the flow path and a motor to operate the flow control member to affect fluid flow between the first chamber and the second chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2019
    Publication date: June 17, 2021
    Applicant: SRAM, LLC
    Inventors: MARK SANTURBANE, GEOFF NICHOLS, CHRISTOPHER SHIPMAN, JEFFREY JOHN BALTES
  • BICYCLE SUSPENSION COMPONENTS AND ELECTRONIC MONITORING DEVICES
    Publication number: 20210179222
    Abstract: Example bicycle suspension components and electronic monitoring devices are described herein. An example electronic monitoring device includes a housing defining a chamber. The housing is to be coupled to a suspension component. The electronic monitoring device includes a circuit board disposed in the chamber and a sensor electrically coupled to the circuit board. The sensor is to measure a characteristic of the suspension component. The electronic monitoring device also includes a battery holder coupled to the circuit board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2019
    Publication date: June 17, 2021
    Applicant: SRAM, LLC
    Inventors: MARK SANTURBANE, BRIAN JORDAN, KEVIN WESLING
  • BICYCLE COMPONENT TUBE
    Publication number: 20210171149
    Abstract: A bicycle subassembly includes a bicycle component having a socket and a tube having a first tube portion received in the socket and a second tube portion extending outwardly from the socket. The tube includes a cold worked region spanning at least a portion of the first tube portion and at least a first portion of the second tube portion. The tube includes a non-cold worked region spanning at least a second portion of the second tube portion. Methods for making the tube and subassembly are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2019
    Publication date: June 10, 2021
    Applicant: SRAM, LLC
    Inventors: CHRISTOPHER THOMAS, JOSH LAU, SARAH BLAKESLEE
  • Bicycle control device and system
    Patent number: 11027792
    Abstract: A bicycle control system may be configured to automatically control a bicycle, or components thereof. The bicycle control system may include a system control device configured to provide a simplified shifting system wherein large changes in speed associated with starting and stopping do not require the full attention of the automatic shifting system. The shifting system, or a system control device configured for controlling the shifting system, may be configured to determine when to enter an automatic shifting control mode, establish parameters for the automatic shifting of the automatic shifting control mode, and/or compare detected activities and values of the bicycle to the established parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: SRAM, LLC
    Inventor: Kevin Wesling
  • Hydraulic bicycle system
    Patent number: 11027717
    Abstract: A normally closed port valve seals a hydraulic hose connection port of a hydraulic bicycle component. Connection of an end of a hydraulic hose assembly to the port opens the valve, placing the assembly's hydraulic fluid chamber in fluid communication with the interior of the hose assembly. A hydraulic cylinder of the assembly is in fluid communication with the chamber. A spring may be used to bias the valve to a closed condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: SRAM, LLC
    Inventors: Adam Bradley, Paul Gallagher
  • ELECTROMECHANICAL SHIFTING SYSTEMS AND METHODS
    Publication number: 20210163100
    Abstract: A wireless control system for a bicycle may include a base part attachable to a bicycle and a movable part. The control system may also include an electric motor disposed on the electromechanical component and a control unit disposed on the electromechanical component for operating the electric motor to operate the electromechanical component, the control unit including a wireless receiver. The control system includes a wake sensor connected to the control unit, the wake sensor configured to communicate a wake signal to the control unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2021
    Publication date: June 3, 2021
    Applicant: SRAM, LLC
    Inventors: BRIAN JORDAN, TODD SQUIRES
  • System for a bicycle
    Patent number: 11021214
    Abstract: A bicycle system includes controller devices. Each controller device includes at least one respective input element configured to receive input from a user. The system includes operation-enacting devices. Each operation-enacting device is configured to enact at least one respective operation on the bicycle. The system includes a network coordinator device configured to (i) establish a wireless network for communications between the network coordinator device, the controller devices, and the operation-enacting devices, and (ii) transmit to the operation-enacting devices, via the wireless network, a roster identifying the controller devices and the operation-enacting devices paired to the wireless network. The controller devices are configured to transmit to the operation-enacting devices, via the wireless network, signals indicating input received by the input elements of the controller devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: SRAM, LLC
    Inventor: Alexander Kon-I Ho
  • INTERFACE FOR ELECTRIC ASSIST BICYCLE
    Publication number: 20210155315
    Abstract: An e-bike interface is a hybrid wired/wireless e-bike control system that integrates wireless bicycle components into operation of an e-bike. The e-bike interface provides a frame-mounted control and display that is wired to, for example, an assist motor and a battery, and provides a wireless communication bridge between wireless bicycle components and corresponding wireless controls located on a handlebar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2020
    Publication date: May 27, 2021
    Applicant: SRAM, LLC
    Inventors: SAGE HAHN, SVEN BAUMANN, DOMINIQUE FUSS, JOCHEN BIERWERTH
  • Bicycle control system
    Patent number: 11015705
    Abstract: A bicycle control system may be provided to control a first gear changer with a control unit and a second gear changer with the first gear changer. The control unit may control both first and second gear changers. The system includes a predetermined shift path and may transition in and out of the predetermined shift path responsive to various controls. Shifts out of the predetermined shift path may be recovery shifts where both first and second gear changers are controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: SRAM, LLC
    Inventor: Alexander Kon-I Ho
  • Pedal detection devices for bicycles
    Patent number: 11001327
    Abstract: Example pedal detection devices for bicycles are described herein. An example a pedal detection device includes an electronics module to be disposed in a spindle of a crankset of the bicycle. The electronics module includes a sensor to detect angular velocity and/or position of the spindle, a driver, and an expander wedge movably coupled to the electronics module via the driver. Axial movement of the expander wedge relative to the electronics module causes the expander wedge to expand radially.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: SRAM, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Santurbane, Mason Pluimer, Geoff Nichols, Kevin Wesling, Brian Jordan
  • Bicycle control system
    Patent number: 10988209
    Abstract: A bicycle control system includes a housing having an upper mounting surface and housing a brake actuation system. A lever is pivotally coupled to the housing about an axis and is operably coupled to the brake actuation system. An electronic module includes a housing releasably coupled to the upper mounting surface. The housing sealingly encloses at least one electronic component. The lever may be pivotally coupled to the housing about both a shift axis and a brake axis, wherein the shift axis and the brake axis being non-orthogonal. A bicycle control kit includes different first and second electronic modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: SRAM, LLC
    Inventors: Nathan Luman, Christopher Shipman, Patrick Gruse
  • Control device for bicycle and methods
    Patent number: 10982751
    Abstract: A control device wearable by a bicycle rider, the control device including at least one control sensor generating input signals when actuated. A control processor is connected to the at least one control sensor generating control signals responsive to the input signals. A wireless transmitter is in communication with the processor transmitting the control signals and a power source is connected to the shift control processor and the wireless transmitter. The control device may one or more of a control gear changer, one or more suspension component, and other electronically-controllable components or systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: SRAM, LLC
    Inventor: Kevin Wesling
  • Bicycle rear derailleur
    Patent number: 10981625
    Abstract: A bicycle rear derailleur or gear changer may include a mounting portion mountable to a bicycle frame, an electrical portion attached to the mounting portion and including power supply alignment and attachment features, and an electrical cable electrically connected to the electrical portion and electrically connectable to a printed circuit board (PCB) of a movable member movably coupleable to the mounting portion. The mounting portion and the electrical portion may be formed of different materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: SRAM, LLC
    Inventors: Joshua Brown, Paul Feuerstein, David Reyes