Patents Assigned to SRAM, LLC
  • Patent number: 12135064
    Abstract: Brake rotors for bicycles are described herein. An example brake rotor for a bicycle includes a carrier to be coupled to a hub of the bicycle. The brake rotor also includes a brake track having braking surfaces to be engaged by brake pads. The brake track is disposed radially outward of the carrier. The brake track has a first thickness and the carrier has a second thickness greater than the first thickness. The brake track is coupled to the carrier such that the brake track is axially movable relative to the carrier while being radially and circumferentially constrained relative to the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2024
    Assignee: SRAM, LLC
    Inventors: Henrik Braedt, Brian Jordan, Charles Dunlap, Sebastian Heyna
  • Patent number: 12134296
    Abstract: Example adjustable suspension components for bicycles are described herein. An example bicycle suspension component includes a damper operable in a low damping state, a high damping state, and an intermediate damping state between the low damping state and the high damping state, a motion controller operable to change the damper between the low damping state, the intermediate damping state, and the high damping state, and a processor to, based on sensor data, activate the motion controller to change the damper between the intermediate damping state and one of the low damping state or the high damping state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2024
    Assignee: SRAM, LLC
    Inventors: R. Joe Schoolcraft, Jr., Geoff Nichols, Warren Chambliss, Mark Santurbane, C. Michael Liberato, II
  • Patent number: 12128989
    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: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2024
    Assignee: SRAM, LLC
    Inventor: Sage Hahn
  • Patent number: 12128985
    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: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2023
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2024
    Assignee: SRAM, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Santurbane, Geoff Nichols, Christopher Shipman, Jeffrey John Baltes
  • Publication number: 20240351371
    Abstract: A wheel unit for a pedelec includes a hub and a rim connected via spokes which rotate about a rotational axis, a brake disc non-rotatably connected to the hub via a fastening device, and a sensor ring. The fastening device includes a mounting element non-rotatably arranged on the hub, and a clamping nut fastenable to the hub or to the mounting element via a screw connection. The brake disc is interlockingly connected to the mounting element in a direction of rotation. The brake disc is clampingly attached via the clamping nut in the direction of the rotational axis between the hub or the mounting element and the clamping nut. The sensor ring is connected rotationally fixed to the hub and is fixed to the clamping nut. The sensor ring is fastenable together with the clamping nut to the hub or to the mounting element via the screw connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2021
    Publication date: October 24, 2024
    Applicant: SRAM, LLC
    Inventors: KAI VENHOFF, CHRISTIAN WURMBAECK
  • Publication number: 20240343343
    Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides an electromechanical rear derailleur for a bicycle including a base member that is configured to be coupled to a frame member of a bicycle. The derailleur includes a movable member and a link mechanism that movably couples the movable member to the base member. A motor is positioned at the movable member to move the movable member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2024
    Publication date: October 17, 2024
    Applicant: SRAM, LLC
    Inventors: CHRISTOPHER SHIPMAN, BRIAN JORDAN
  • Patent number: 12116081
    Abstract: A bicycle control assembly may be provided for operating an electromechanical gear shifting device. The control assembly includes a graspable housing mountable to the bicycle, a power supply connected to the control assembly disposed in the housing, a first operating member movably connected to the housing, and electronic componentry disposed on the first operating member. The electronic componentry may include an electrical switch, a controller in communication with the electrical switch and configured to generate a signal to change a shift position of the gear shifting device responsive to an input from the electrical switch, and an antenna in communication with the controller and configured to send the signal. The control assembly may also include a cable extending from the housing to the first operating member connecting the power supply and the electronic componentry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2023
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2024
    Assignee: SRAM, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Shipman, Matthew C. Morris
  • Patent number: 12103640
    Abstract: A method for controlling electronic shifting of a bicycle includes identifying, by a processor, a torque at a crank arm of the bicycle. The processor compares the identified torque or a parameter based on the identified torque to a predetermined band. The predetermined band has an upper limit and a lower limit. The processor determines a target cadence based on the comparison. The processor determines a cadence band based on the determined target cadence. The method also includes controlling the electronic shifting of the bicycle based on the determined cadence band. The controlling of the electronic shifting of the bicycle includes actuating a motor of a derailleur of the bicycle for the electronic shifting of the bicycle when a cadence of the bicycle is outside of the determined cadence band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2024
    Assignee: SRAM, LLC
    Inventor: Sage Hahn
  • Patent number: 12103639
    Abstract: A method for controlling electronic shifting of a bicycle includes identifying, by a processor, sensor data. The sensor data identifies a state of the bicycle. The processor determines a rider engagement status based on the identified sensor data. The processor determines a target cadence based on the determined rider engagement status. The processor determines a cadence band based on the determined target cadence. The electronic shifting of the bicycle is controlled based on the determined cadence band. The controlling of the electronic shifting of the bicycle includes actuating a motor of the bicycle for electronic shifting of the bicycle when a cadence of the bicycle is outside of the determined cadence band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2024
    Assignee: SRAM, LLC
    Inventor: Sage Hahn
  • Patent number: 12097927
    Abstract: A control device for a hydraulic brake for a bicycle includes a reservoir for hydraulic fluid. The reservoir has a variable volume. The control device also includes a reservoir cover at least partially defining the reservoir, and a support that is attachable to a handlebar of the bicycle via an inner annular surface of the support. A handlebar proximity zone is radially outer relative to the inner annular surface of the support and is within two centimeters of the inner annular surface of the support. At least part of the reservoir cover is within the handlebar proximity zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2023
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2024
    Assignee: SRAM, LLC
    Inventors: Charles Dunlap, Brian Jordan, Braden Snead
  • Publication number: 20240300617
    Abstract: An electromechanical rear derailleur is provided for a bicycle, including a base member for attachment to the bicycle. A movable member has a cage assembly attached thereto. A linkage is provided that couples the movable member to the base member and operative to enable movement of the movable member relative to the base member in a direction substantially parallel to the mounting axis. A power source powers an motor module connected thereto to move the movable member and elements thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2024
    Publication date: September 12, 2024
    Applicant: SRAM, LLC
    Inventors: CHRISTOPHER SHIPMAN, BRIAN JORDAN
  • Publication number: 20240286698
    Abstract: A controller device usable with a bicycle includes a communication interface configured to receive component data from another controller device of the bicycle. The communication interface is configured to receive auxiliary data from outside the bicycle. The controller device includes a processor in communication with the communication interface. The processor being is configured to determine a location of the bicycle based on the auxiliary data, compare the received component data to a plurality of predetermined component datasets for a plurality of bicycles, respectively, and identify at least one bicycle of the plurality of bicycles based on the comparison and the determined location of the bicycle. The at least one bicycle includes the bicycle. The controller device includes a display in communication with the processor. The display is configured to display a representation for each bicycle of the at least one identified bicycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2023
    Publication date: August 29, 2024
    Applicant: SRAM, LLC
    Inventors: MARK SANTURBANE, ALEX HO, BRIAN OBERHOLTZER
  • Publication number: 20240286706
    Abstract: A brake caliper includes a caliper housing having a first cavity. A piston is reciprocally moveable in the cavity. The piston is configured with a non-circular outer periphery defining a cross-sectional area orthogonal to the first axis. A portion of the outer periphery may be defined by a linear portion. The outer periphery may be disposed within an outer periphery of a brake pad coupled to the piston when the outer periphery of the piston is superimposed on a cross-sectional area of the brake pad.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2024
    Publication date: August 29, 2024
    Applicant: SRAM, LLC
    Inventor: CHARLES DUNLAP
  • Publication number: 20240286709
    Abstract: A bicycle control system includes a housing, a brake lever moveably connected to the housing between an at-rest position and a brake engaging position, and a shift lever moveably connected to the brake lever between an at-rest position and a shift actuating position. An electrical switch is disposed on one of the brake lever or the shift lever. An adjustable shift actuator is moveably coupled to the other of the brake lever or the shift lever. The shift actuator is configured to actuate the electrical switch when the shift lever is moved to the shift actuating position. The shift actuator is adjustably moveable relative to the other of the brake lever or the shift lever so as to adjust the distance between the at-rest position and the shift actuating position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2023
    Publication date: August 29, 2024
    Applicant: SRAM, LLC
    Inventors: ANNELIESE WAREHAM, RACHEL CAHAN, THOMAS KEHRER
  • Publication number: 20240278646
    Abstract: A computer-based method is provided for monitoring bicycle range. The method includes retrieving powered bicycle range data and defining a remaining powered bicycle range at least partially based on the powered bicycle range data. The method then determines or acquires distance to destination data and defines a remaining distance to a destination at least partially based on the distance to destination data. The method then compares the powered bicycle range data or the remaining powered bicycle range to the distance to destination data or the remaining distance to the destination and generates a visualization comparing the powered bicycle range data to the distance to destination data. Also provided is a system for implementing the methods described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2024
    Publication date: August 22, 2024
    Applicant: SRAM, LLC
    Inventors: STEPHEN WINCHELL, COLE STOLTZFUS, BRENT DIMMIG, WILLIAM TRIBBLE, JESSICA BRAUN, SHELBY SESSIONS, MARK SANTURBANE
  • Patent number: 12060129
    Abstract: An electronic bicycle component includes a memory configured to store a first communication protocol and a second communication protocol, and a processor. The processor is configured, within a pairing session, to generate one or more first messages based on the first communication protocol, broadcast the one or more first messages, and identify whether a first response is received from another electronic bicycle component within a predetermined time period. The predetermined time period is after the broadcast of a first message of the one or more first messages. The response is a response to the broadcast one or more first messages. When, based on the identification, the response is not received within the predetermined time period, the processor is further configured to generate one or more second messages based on the second communication protocol, and broadcast the one or more second messages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2024
    Assignee: SRAM, LLC
    Inventor: Jaime Garnica
  • Publication number: 20240262454
    Abstract: Example bicycle suspension components are described herein. An example suspension component includes a first tube and a second tube configured in a telescopic arrangement and defining an interior space, and a damper in the interior space. The damper includes a damper body defining a chamber, a damper member in the chamber, and a shaft coupled to the damper member. The example suspension component also includes an isolator coupling the shaft to a bottom end of the second tube, the isolator including an elastomeric member to absorb vibrations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2024
    Publication date: August 8, 2024
    Applicant: SRAM, LLC
    Inventors: TIM LYNCH, SKYLER TEACHOUT
  • Patent number: 12054224
    Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides an electromechanical rear derailleur for a bicycle including a base member that is configured to be coupled to a frame member of a bicycle. The derailleur includes a movable member and a link mechanism that movably couples the movable member to the base member. A motor is positioned at the movable member to move the movable member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2023
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2024
    Assignee: SRAM, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Shipman, Brian Jordan
  • Publication number: 20240253736
    Abstract: A rear derailleur includes a base member mountable to a bicycle frame, a movable member movably coupled to the base member, and a pivot member rotatably coupled to the movable member. The rear derailleur also includes a chain guide assembly rotatably connected to the movable member via the pivot member. The rear derailleur includes a damper device disposed within the movable member. The damper device is operable to apply a damping force to the chain guide assembly when the chain guide assembly rotates. The damper device includes a friction member having a friction surface. A first portion of the friction surface is in frictional engagement with the pivot member, and a second portion of the friction surface is in frictional engagement with the movable member. The friction device is disposed within the movable member at a distance relative to the biasing device in an axial direction along the pivot member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2024
    Publication date: August 1, 2024
    Applicant: SRAM, LLC
    Inventor: JOSHUA BROWN
  • Publication number: 20240246636
    Abstract: A bicycle front shifting system includes operable to transmit a wireless signal, a crank assembly with two crank arms and a pedal on each of the two crank arms. The crank assembly is rotatable about a rotation axis. A front shift unit is coupled to the crank assembly and is rotatable about the rotation axis. The front shift unit includes a chain ring component with a big chain ring and a small chain ring. The small chain ring has a small diameter and the big chain ring has a big diameter that is larger than the small diameter. A shift mechanism is coupled to and rotatable with the chain ring component about the rotation axis. The shift mechanism is configured to receive the wireless signal from the shifter and to shift a chain between the big chain ring and the small chain ring according to the wireless signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2024
    Publication date: July 25, 2024
    Applicant: SRAM, LLC
    Inventors: CHRISTOPHER SHIPMAN, BRIAN JORDAN, SAGE HAHN