Patents Assigned to SRAM, LLC
  • Bicycle disc brake rotors
    Patent number: 11643164
    Abstract: Example bicycle disc brake rotors are described herein. An example disc brake rotor described herein includes a core having a brake surface core portion and a single-piece brake track coupled to the brake surface core portion. The brake track is constructed of stainless steel. The brake track includes a first track on a first side of the brake surface core portion, a second track on a second side of the brake surface core portion, and a connecting portion extending over a peripheral edge of the brake surface core portion between the first and second tracks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: SRAM, LLC
    Inventors: Charles Dunlap, III, Brian Jordan
  • BICYCLE HANDLEBAR FOR A CONTROL DEVICE
    Publication number: 20230135779
    Abstract: A bicycle handlebar includes a handlebar body and a recessed structure. The handlebar body has an outer surface. The recessed structure is recessed from the outer surface of the handlebar body, and has a mounting surface that is indented from the outer surface of the handlebar body and that is adapted for a control device to be mounted thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2022
    Publication date: May 4, 2023
    Applicant: SRAM, LLC
    Inventors: Pierre KOMMER, Nathan SCHICKEL, Ming CHANG, En-Chieh CHEN
  • WIRELESS CONTROL MOUNT
    Publication number: 20230121029
    Abstract: A mount for a control device for a bicycle includes a securing portion disposable at least partially around an outer surface of a handlebar of the bicycle, a housing portion extending away from the securing portion, and a cavity within at least the housing portion, the control device being disposable within the cavity, wherein the housing portion includes a shoulder that defines an opening through the housing portion to the cavity, such that an opening size of the opening is smaller than an opening size of the cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2021
    Publication date: April 20, 2023
    Applicant: SRAM, LLC
    Inventors: SAGE HAHN, RENEE WESLING
  • Composite bicycle rim
    Patent number: 11628682
    Abstract: A rim for a bicycle wheel includes a radially inner portion disposed along an inner circumference of the rim, a first sidewall, and a second sidewall spaced apart form the first sidewall. The first sidewall and the second sidewall extend radially outward from the radially inner portion. The radially inner portion includes a stack of strips of material. The stack of strips includes a plurality of strips and a hole through the plurality of strips. The plurality of strips are nonparallel to each other. The plurality of strips are positioned about the hole through the plurality of strips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: SRAM, LLC
    Inventors: David Morse, Michael Hall, Ruan Trouw
  • NATURAL FIBER COMPOSITE BICYCLE COMPONENT
    Publication number: 20230114290
    Abstract: A rim for a bicycle wheel includes a radially inner portion disposed along an inner circumference of the rim. The rim also includes a first sidewall, a second sidewall spaced apart from the first sidewall, and a radially outer tire engaging portion disposed along an outer circumference of the rim. The first sidewall, the second sidewall, the radially outer tire engaging portion, the radially inner portion, or any combination thereof includes a composite laminate. The composite laminate includes a layer of a composite material. The composite material includes a matrix of a polymer-based material and natural fibers of a reinforcing material. A volume of a respective one of the natural fibers of the layer of the composite material is greater before lamination of the composite laminate compared to the volume of the respective one natural fiber after the lamination of the composite laminate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2022
    Publication date: April 13, 2023
    Applicant: SRAM, LLC
    Inventors: RUAN TROUW, DAVID MORSE
  • BICYCLE CRANK ARM
    Publication number: 20230111794
    Abstract: A bicycle crank may include a first lug, a second lug and a transition region. The first lug is for connecting a spindle. The second lug is for connecting a pedal. The transition region interconnects the first lug and the second lug, and is formed from a fiber reinforced thermoplastic material that includes a fiber component and a thermoplastic component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2022
    Publication date: April 13, 2023
    Applicant: SRAM, LLC
    Inventors: HONG-CHOU LEE, CHEN-HSIUNG CHEN, EN-CHIEH CHEN, JOACHIM STUERMER
  • MULTIPLE PROTOCOL COMPATIBLE BICYCLE COMPONENT PAIRING
    Publication number: 20230109945
    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: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2021
    Publication date: April 13, 2023
    Applicant: SRAM, LLC
    Inventor: Jaime Garnica
  • CONTROL ASSEMBLY FOR A WIRELESS ELECTROMECHANICAL BICYCLE SHIFTING SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20230113075
    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: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2022
    Publication date: April 13, 2023
    Applicant: SRAM, LLC
    Inventors: CHRISTOPHER SHIPMAN, MATTHEW C. MORRIS
  • BICYCLE CONTROL SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20230104630
    Abstract: A bicycle with an electric pedal assist motor capable of driving a chainring independent of cranks includes wheel speed sensors and crank cadence sensors. The wheel speed sensors and the crank cadence sensors measure wheel speed and crank cadence, respectively, and provide the measured wheel speed and crank cadence to controller of the bicycle. The controller activates motor overdrive based on the measured wheel speed and/or the measured crank cadence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2022
    Publication date: April 6, 2023
    Applicant: SRAM, LLC
    Inventors: SAGE HAHN, BRIAN JORDAN, KEVIN WESLING
  • SURFACE FEATURE TRANSFER MEDIA AND METHODS OF USE
    Publication number: 20230104963
    Abstract: Forming features in the surface of a bicycle component involves depositing a substance onto a substrate in a geometric pattern to form a transfer medium. Forming features may also involve positioning the transfer medium relative to an unformed bicycle component, and forming a negative of the geometric pattern in the bicycle component through the application of heat and/or pressure to the transfer medium and the unformed bicycle component. The transfer medium may be configured for use in the molding of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (“CFRP”) bicycle components and may include a substrate formed of a flexible material, and a geometric pattern formed of a hard material, the hard material different than the flexible material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2022
    Publication date: April 6, 2023
    Applicant: SRAM, LLC
    Inventors: PATRICK BRADY, MICHAEL HALL, RUAN TROUW
  • Electromechanical control device and methods for electromechanical control of a bicycle
    Patent number: 11618532
    Abstract: An electromechanical control system for a bicycle has a switch device, the switch device operating a switch between at least three positions. A control communication device transmits signals responsive to operation of the switch. The electromechanical control system includes an operation device configured to respond to signals transmitted by the control communication device. Signals transmitted by the control communication device include commands to listen and commands to operate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: SRAM, LLC
    Inventor: Brian Jordan
  • Electronic shift control device for a bicycle derailleur
    Patent number: 11613327
    Abstract: A control device for a bicycle has a housing configured to be mountable to the bicycle and sized and shaped to be grasped by a user's hand and a battery receptacle positioned on the housing. The housing has a base portion and an extension portion. The base portion includes first and second ends, a downward facing side, an upward facing side, an inward facing side, an outward facing side, and a handlebar clamp disposed at the first end. A battery receptacle is positioned on a first side, which can be the downward facing side, of the base portion of the housing. An accessory port can be positioned on a second side of the base portion of the housing, different from the first side, and which can be the inward or outward facing side of the base portion of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: SRAM, LLC
    Inventors: Rachel Cahan, Doug Mahoney
  • BICYCLE CONTROL SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20230092352
    Abstract: A bicycle with an electric pedal assist motor capable of driving a chainring independent of cranks includes wheel speed sensors and crank cadence sensors. The wheel speed sensors and the crank cadence sensors measure wheel speed and crank cadence, respectively, and provide the measured wheel speed and crank cadence to controller of the bicycle. The controller activates motor overdrive based on the measured wheel speed and/or the measured crank cadence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2022
    Publication date: March 23, 2023
    Applicant: SRAM, LLC
    Inventors: SAGE HAHN, BRIAN JORDAN, KEVIN WESLING
  • Integrated bicycle control device
    Patent number: 11610474
    Abstract: An integrated bicycle control device has a handlebar portion of a bicycle handlebar assembly. The handlebar portion has a body with a gripping portion adjacent a distal end of the body and a transition portion spaced from the gripping portion. A compartment may be formed in the transition portion and an opening in the body may permit access to the compartment. An actuator is disposed near the distal end of the gripping portion. A control element and/or other elements or circuitry may be disposed within the compartment. The control device may include integrated accessory attachment structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: SRAM, LLC
    Inventors: Jochen Bierwerth, Paul Feuerstein, Ming Hsun Wu
  • BICYCLE CONTROL SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20230078776
    Abstract: A bicycle with an electric pedal assist motor capable of driving a chainring independent of cranks includes wheel speed sensors and crank cadence sensors. The wheel speed sensors and the crank cadence sensors measure wheel speed and crank cadence, respectively, and provide the measured wheel speed and crank cadence to controller of the bicycle. The controller activates motor overdrive based on the measured wheel speed and/or the measured crank cadence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2022
    Publication date: March 16, 2023
    Applicant: SRAM, LLC
    Inventors: SAGE HAHN, BRIAN JORDAN, KEVIN WESLING
  • LOW POWER CONTROL FOR A CONTROL DEVICE FOR A BICYCLE
    Publication number: 20230060541
    Abstract: A control device of a bicycle includes an actuator and a first controller. The first controller is configured to generate and transmit, from the first controller to a second controller of the bicycle, messages for a predetermined time period at a first transmission rate in response to activation of the actuator. The first controller is further configured to, after the predetermined period of time, generate and transmit, from the first controller to the second controller, one or more messages at a second transmission rate until the actuator is deactivated. The first transmission rate is greater than the second transmission rate, and each of the messages includes data identifying the activation of the actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2021
    Publication date: March 2, 2023
    Applicant: SRAM, LLC
    Inventors: Sage Hahn, Kristi Lin, Alexander Kon-I Ho
  • ELECTRONIC SHIFT CONTROL SYSTEM FOR A BICYCLE
    Publication number: 20230067171
    Abstract: An electronic shift control system includes a first bicycle control device including a first housing, a first brake lever, and a first switch configured to generate a first signal when actuated. The electronic shift control system additionally includes a second bicycle control device including a second housing, a second brake lever, and a second switch configured to generate a second signal when actuated. The first bicycle control device is configured to wirelessly transmit both the first signal and the second signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2021
    Publication date: March 2, 2023
    Applicant: SRAM, LLC
    Inventor: JOSHUA BROWN
  • BICYCLE AXLE ASSEMBLY INCLUDING A POWER METER
    Publication number: 20230055332
    Abstract: An axle assembly for a bicycle includes an axle having an inner wall extending along a length of the axle between a first end and a second end of the axle. The inner wall at least partially defines a first volume and a second volume within the axle. The first volume has a first diameter, and the second volume has a second diameter that is greater than the first diameter. The first volume is closer than the second volume to the first end of the axle. The axle assembly also includes a sensor attached to the inner wall of the axle within the second volume of the axle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2022
    Publication date: February 23, 2023
    Applicant: SRAM, LLC
    Inventor: GEOFF NICHOLS
  • Composite bicycle rim
    Patent number: 11584155
    Abstract: A rim for a bicycle wheel includes a radially inner portion disposed along an inner circumference of the rim. The rim also includes a first sidewall and a second sidewall spaced apart from the first sidewall. The first sidewall and the second sidewall extend radially outward from the radially inner portion. The first sidewall includes a layer of a composite material. The layer of the composite material includes fabric plies of the composite material that are shaped as strips. The composite material includes a matrix of a polymer-based material and fibers of a reinforcing material. The strips include a first strip and a second strip. The second strip is adjacent to the first strip within the layer of the composite material. The second strip is nonparallel to the first strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: SRAM, LLC
    Inventors: David Morse, Michael Hall, Ruan Trouw
  • Surface feature transfer media and methods of use
    Patent number: 11571862
    Abstract: Forming features in the surface of a bicycle component involves depositing a substance onto a substrate in a geometric pattern to form a transfer medium. Forming features may also involve positioning the transfer medium relative to an unformed bicycle component, and forming a negative of the geometric pattern in the bicycle component through the application of heat and/or pressure to the transfer medium and the unformed bicycle component. The transfer medium may be configured for use in the molding of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (“CFRP”) bicycle components and may include a substrate formed of a flexible material, and a geometric pattern formed of a hard material, the hard material different than the flexible material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: SRAM, LLC
    Inventors: Patrick Brady, Michael Hall, Ruan Trouw