Patents by Inventor Jean-Pierre Mercat
Jean-Pierre Mercat has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Publication number: 20230192231Abstract: A gear motor of an electrical assistance device, in particular for a cycle, includes a gear reducer and an electric motor including a stator and a rotor integral in rotation with a shaft forming the input of the gear reducer. The gear reducer includes a toothed crown integral with the stator, a satellite-carrier fitted to pivot around the shaft, and forming the output of the gear reducer, at least two planet wheels fitted firstly on respective eccentric cams via a respective bearing. The ge ar motor also includes a rotor bearing to center a first end of the shaft on a fixed shaft of the gear motor, and a bearing device including deformable rolling elements. The bearing device is interposed between the satellite-carrier and a cylindrical receptacle which is integral with the stator, to center the shaft in the cylindrical receptacle at a second end.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2022Publication date: June 22, 2023Applicant: MAVIC GROUPInventor: Jean-Pierre MERCAT
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Publication number: 20230182857Abstract: A torque transmission device includes an input disc, an output disc, an intermediate disc positioned between the input disc and the output disc, a first pair of links coupled by a first side to the input disc and by a second side, opposite to the first side, to the intermediate disc, the links of the first pair being positioned diametrically opposite each other relative to the intermediate central axis, a second pair of links coupled by a first side to the intermediate disc and by a second side, opposite to the first side, to the output disc, the links of the second pair being positioned diametrically opposite each other relative to the intermediate central axis of the intermediate disc, the two pairs of links being aligned in two respective directions perpendicular to each other.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2022Publication date: June 15, 2023Applicant: MAVIC GROUPInventor: Jean-Pierre Mercat
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Publication number: 20230119459Abstract: A gear motor of an electrical assistance device for a cycle is provided, including a gear reducer and an electric motor, which are configured to be fitted coaxially on a central shaft, the gear reducer including at least one planet wheel, which is fitted firstly on an eccentric cam, the planet wheel also having passing therethrough at least three shafts of the satellite-carrier, the at least three shafts including a respective peripheral surface configured to come into contact with a hole of the planet wheel, which surface is made of polymer material, and/or the at least one planet wheel is made of polymer material.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2022Publication date: April 20, 2023Applicant: MAVIC GROUPInventors: Jean-Pierre MERCAT, Bérenger ALEXANDRE
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Publication number: 20220289333Abstract: An automatic method for controlling in current-mode a motor for assisting with pedaling on an electrically assisted pedal cycle equipped with a sensor that measures a resultant force on its pedal and gear mechanism is provided, including injecting a control current into the motor to generate an assistance torque and computing the value of the assistance torque; computing a value of the longitudinal resultant of the assistance torque by applying a second coefficient of proportionality to the torque value computed in the preceding step; measuring a value of the longitudinal resultant of the total torque; computing a value of the longitudinal resultant of the torque exerted by the cyclist; computing an average value of the torque exerted by the cyclist over a fraction of a crank rotation; computing the value of the assistance torque to be generated in the motor; and deducing the value of the current to be injected.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2020Publication date: September 15, 2022Applicant: MAVIC GROUPInventors: Jean-Pierre MERCAT, Bérenger ALEXANDRE
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Publication number: 20220219779Abstract: A crankset assembly to be mounted on a bicycle includes at least one right-hand bearing for mounting a crankset shaft and a force sensor positioned around the outer ring of the bearing. The force sensor includes a peripheral portion, a central portion, and a top frame connecting a top section of the peripheral portion to a top portion of the central portion. The frame is positioned at a diameter oriented along an axis (Y?). The axis (Y?) makes an angle (?) of between 10° and 30° with the vertical axis (Y) and the top frame is positioned behind the vertical axis (Y).Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2020Publication date: July 14, 2022Applicant: MAVIC SASInventors: Jean-Pierre MERCAT, Bérenger ALEXANDRE
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Publication number: 20220161666Abstract: A force measurement sensor includes a peripheral portion, a central portion, and a first frame connecting an upper section of the peripheral portion to an upper portion of the central portion. The central portion includes a seat intended to receive the outer ring of a bearing in order to mount a shaft in rotation about an axis Z. The frame includes a core enclosed by two arms which are substantially parallel to one another, such that the upper section of the peripheral portion, the upper portion of the central portion, and the two arms form a parallelogram.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2020Publication date: May 26, 2022Applicant: MAVIC SASInventors: Jean-Pierre MERCAT, Bérenger ALEXANDRE
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Publication number: 20220081063Abstract: An assist device for a bicycle includes a motor, a step-down gear, a free wheel, and a shaft which rotates as one with a right crank and a left crank. The motor transmits an assist torque to the shaft by m the free wheel. The device is designed to be received inside a pedal assembly casing. The shaft is rotatably mounted relative to the casing by two ball bearings. The free wheel includes a plurality of pieces which are placed between the motor and the shaft. The device also includes a torque transmission ring which allows one of the pieces of the free wheel to be secured to the shaft or to one of the cranks. The transmission ring is at least partially placed under one of the two ball bearings.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2020Publication date: March 17, 2022Applicant: MAVIC SASInventors: Jean-Pierre MERCAT, Bérenger ALEXANDRE, François-Xavier HUAT, Jérôme FANTIN
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Publication number: 20220001956Abstract: An electric assist device for a bicycle comprising a shaft coupled in rotation with a pair of cranks and being able to be rotated in a positive direction by an electric motor, a connection mechanism being placed between the motor and the shaft, which connection mechanism has at least three distinct states. The states includes State 1, termed assist state, in which the motor transmits a torque to the shaft via a drive part which rotates at the same speed as the shaft, State 2, termed freewheel state, in which the rotation of the shaft in the positive direction is greater than that of the drive part, and State 3, termed disconnection state, in which a rotation in the positive direction or in the negative direction of the shaft cannot cause the motor to rotate.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2019Publication date: January 6, 2022Applicant: MAVIC SASInventor: Jean-Pierre MERCAT
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Patent number: 10737741Abstract: A skewer for fixing a wheel to a cycle-type vehicle, comprising a rod extending along a longitudinal axis, a first end that includes structural elements that cooperate with the vehicle frame, and a second end that includes structural elements configured to cooperate with a device exerting a tightening torque, in which the rod includes a groove extending along the longitudinal axis over a first length, an element having a variable diameter and a second length, the second length being less than the first length, is received in the groove so as to be translationally movable along the longitudinal axis, and an elastic biaser longitudinally constrains the variable diameter element towards the second end. The variable diameter element is a split tubular ring whose diameter in the free state is greater than the maximum outer diameter of the rod; it is longitudinally constrained by a spiral spring, and a distribution ring is interposed between the spring and the variable diameter element.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2016Date of Patent: August 11, 2020Assignee: MAVIC S.A.S.Inventor: Jean-Pierre Mercat
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Patent number: 10730345Abstract: Skewer for tightening a cycle wheel to the cycle frame, such skewer including a first end having a threaded portion cooperable with a female thread of a first frame portion, and a second end having axial abutment mechanisms for contacting a second frame portion, as well as drive mechanisms to enable a user to alternately exert a tightening torque or a loosening torque. A torque limiting mechanism operational in the tightening direction is positioned between the drive mechanisms and the rod. The skewer further includes a braking device to increase the torque required to initiate the rotation of the drive mechanisms in the loosening direction. The braking device includes two mutually contacting friction surfaces when the axial abutment mechanisms are in contact with the second frame portion. When the torque limiting mechanism is operational, the braking device becomes non-operational because the friction surfaces are no longer in mutual contact.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2018Date of Patent: August 4, 2020Assignee: MAVIC S.A.S.Inventor: Jean-Pierre Mercat
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Publication number: 20180327048Abstract: Skewer for tightening a cycle wheel to the cycle frame, such skewer including a first end having a threaded portion cooperable with a female thread of a first frame portion, and a second end having axial abutment mechanisms for contacting a second frame portion, as well as drive mechanisms to enable a user to alternately exert a tightening torque or a loosening torque. A torque limiting mechanism operational in the tightening direction is positioned between the drive mechanisms and the rod. The skewer further includes a braking device to increase the torque required to initiate the rotation of the drive mechanisms in the loosening direction. The braking device includes two mutually contacting friction surfaces when the axial abutment mechanisms are in contact with the second frame portion. When the torque limiting mechanism is operational, the braking device becomes non-operational because the friction surfaces are no longer in mutual contact.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2018Publication date: November 15, 2018Applicant: MAVIC S.A.SInventor: Jean-Pierre MERCAT
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Patent number: 9599526Abstract: A hub for measuring the driving torque of a cycle wheel, the hub including a central shaft defining an axis of rotation of the wheel, and a hub body mounted to rotate freely about the shaft, the hub body including a central portion bordered on both sides by respective flanges, the flanges fastening at least one connecting element to connect the hub body to a rim of the wheel. The hub includes a system for measuring the driving torque of the wheel including strain gauges fixed on the hub body.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2014Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: MAVIC S.A.S.Inventors: Jean-Pierre Mercat, Christophe Neyroud
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Publication number: 20160375950Abstract: A skewer for fixing a wheel to a cycle-type vehicle, comprising a rod extending along a longitudinal axis, a first end that includes structural elements that cooperate with the vehicle frame, and a second end that includes structural elements configured to cooperate with a device exerting a tightening torque, in which the rod includes a groove extending along the longitudinal axis over a first length, an element having a variable diameter and a second length, the second length being less than the first length, is received in the groove so as to be translationally movable along the longitudinal axis, and an elastic biaser longitudinally constrains the variable diameter element towards the second end. The variable diameter element is a split tubular ring whose diameter in the free state is greater than the maximum outer diameter of the rod; it is longitudinally constrained by a spiral spring, and a distribution ring is interposed between the spring and the variable diameter element.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2016Publication date: December 29, 2016Applicant: MAVIC S.A.SInventor: Jean-Pierre MERCAT
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Patent number: 9511626Abstract: The invention includes a rim for a cycle wheel, having a U-shaped radial cross section, with two lateral sidewalls and a bridge connecting the sidewalls and located so as to be opposite an axis rotation of the wheel. The sidewalls each define a planar braking surface, adapted to cooperate with a brake pad. The height of at least one braking surface, measured radially, is not constant over the circumference of the rim and has at least one variation in height.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2013Date of Patent: December 6, 2016Assignee: MAVIC S.A.S.Inventors: Bérenger Alexandre, Jean-Pierre Mercat
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Patent number: 9493032Abstract: A cycle wheel having a U-shaped radial cross section, with two lateral sidewalls located on opposite sides of a median plane of the rim and each demarcated by an outer surface facing away from the median plane, on the one hand, and a bridge connecting the sidewalls and including an outer surface facing toward the axis of rotation of the wheel, on the other hand. At least one median zone of the outer surface of the bridge, which has a transverse width measured perpendicular to the median plane and greater than 4 mm, is machined over the entire circumference of the rim.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2013Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: MAVIC S.A.S.Inventors: Bérenger Alexandre, Jean-Pierre Mercat
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Publication number: 20160144660Abstract: A cycle wheel rim adapted to receive an open tire. The rim has a U-shaped radial cross section, with two sidewalls located on opposite sides of a median plane of the rim, and a lower bridge connecting the sidewalls. An upper bridge connects the sidewalls to form a closed contour. The upper bridge includes a median zone extending on opposite sides of the median plane. In the median zone and on a circumferential portion of the rim greater than or equal to 50% of its circumference, a reduced thickness of the upper bridge is less than 0.75 mm, or in an alternative embodiment, less than 0.65 mm.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 25, 2015Publication date: May 26, 2016Applicant: MAVIC S.A.S.Inventors: Jean-Pierre MERCAT, Christophe NEYROUD
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Patent number: 9186718Abstract: A method for manufacturing a cycle wheel rim having, in radial cross section, two lateral sidewalls and a bridge, the rim having an outer surface facing outward of the rim and defined by the bridge and by at least a portion of the sidewalls. The manufacturing method includes extruding a section; bending the section; assembling the ends of the hoop formed from the section by joining one to the another; drilling holes in the bridge for fastening the spokes; machining the entire outer surface in a radial plane and on at least a portion of the circumference of the rim.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2013Date of Patent: November 17, 2015Assignee: MAVIC S.A.S.Inventors: Bérenger Alexandre, Jean-Pierre Mercat
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Patent number: 9044998Abstract: A wheel rim having an axis of rotation, the rim including a first element in the form of a section of a solid of revolution about the axis, made in a single unitary piece from composite material and including a first end and a second end distinct from one another. The first element is made by pultrusion and constitutes, between the first end and the second end, a section of a solid of revolution having an angular arc greater than 350°, the composite material of the first element includes fibers embedded in a thermosetting matrix, the fibers constituting at least 50% of the weight of the first element.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2011Date of Patent: June 2, 2015Assignee: MAVIC S.A.S.Inventors: Jean-Pierre Mercat, Benoît Saillet
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Publication number: 20150027610Abstract: A pneumatic tire for a cycle wheel comprising a casing and two beads positioned on respective ones of lateral sides of the casing, the pneumatic tire having the shape of an open torus and defining an inner volume, at least one of the two beads having a shoulder projecting outward of the portion of the casing adjacent thereto, and a support positioned along a radial plane at a second end of the bead, the shoulder being positioned along a radial plane at a first end of the bead and comprising, on its outer surface, a first support surface and an edge, the first support surface being positioned between the edge and the casing, and the support surface being set back with respect to the edge. In a radial plane, the normal direction of the first support surface is substantially tangent to the casing, the support comprising a second support surface positioned on the inner side.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 25, 2014Publication date: January 29, 2015Inventor: Jean-Pierre MERCAT
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Publication number: 20150027611Abstract: A cycle wheel with an axis of rotation and having a median plane perpendicular to the axis, the wheel comprising a rim and a pneumatic tire, in which: the rim includes an upper bridge and at least one left lateral flange extending from the upper bridge and extending radially outward so as to move away from the axis, the upper bridge including a stop positioned on the same side as the left lateral flange in relation to the median plane, so that the left lateral flange and the stop demarcate a left channel, the left channel having, along a radial plane, an opening having an amplitude, a length greater than the opening, the pneumatic tire comprising a casing and at least one non-deformable left bead which, along a radial plane, has a length, a thickness less than the length of the bead, the length of the bead being greater than the amplitude of the opening, the thickness of the bead being less than or equal to the amplitude of the opening; the surface area of the bead cross section being less than the surface arType: ApplicationFiled: July 25, 2014Publication date: January 29, 2015Inventor: Jean-Pierre MERCAT