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).

  • Publication number: 20150028660
    Abstract: A cycle wheel rim having an axis and a median plane perpendicular to the axis, the rim comprising an upper bridge and at least one left lateral flange extending from the upper bridge and extended by a hook projecting radially towards the axis and axially towards the median plane, the upper bridge including a stop positioned on the same side of the left lateral flange in relation to the median plane, so that the left lateral flange, the hook, and the stop demarcate a left channel open upward, the amplitude of the opening of the channel, defined by the distance between the hook and the stop being less than the greatest amplitude of the channel. The depth of the channel, measured between the top of the hook and the bottom of the gutter, is less than 6.0 mm, or less than 5.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre MERCAT
  • Patent number: 8905492
    Abstract: Quick-release skewer including a longitudinal rod with first and second clamping abutments at first and second ends of the rod, a lever pivotally mounted on the first end of the rod, the lever having a cam, a movable support member between the periphery of the cam and a first outer abutment surface, the movable support member including a locking surface capable of coming into contact with the cam and separated from the first outer abutment surface by a distance D1, the movable support member including an unlocking surface capable of coming into contact with the cam and separated from the first outer abutment surface by a distance D2 that is less than D1. The difference between D1 and D2 is between 2.0 and 4.0 mm. When the support member is in a locking position, the cam contacts the locking surface; in the unlocking position, the cam contacts the unlocking surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Mavic S.A.S.
    Inventors: Joseph Normand, Jean-Pierre Mercat
  • Patent number: 8820851
    Abstract: A tire for a cycle having a substantially toroidal shape, the tire including a tread adapted to be in contact with the ground, a base adapted to be fixed on the peripheral portion of a cycle rim, and two sides connecting the tread and the base, a lip having a height h greater than twice its thickness e and projecting from the upper portion of each of the two sides, in the vicinity of the tread. The height of the lip is greater than 15% of the width S of the tire in an inflated state. The lips can be constituted by the non-attached extension of the tread and, in particular, by a ply of material affixed to the top of the tire and whose edges are left free on a height greater than 15% of the width of the tire, or each lip can be arranged on an intermediate element adhered on the sides and/or the base of the tire, the intermediate element being capable of being a ring including an annular channel open towards its periphery and two lips projecting from each side of the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Mavic SAS
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Mercat, Olivier Mouzin
  • Publication number: 20140202262
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: MAVIC S.A.S.
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre MERCAT, Christophe NEYROUD
  • Patent number: 8733846
    Abstract: The invention relates to a spoke for a spoked wheel. The spoke has an elongated body and a separate attached end piece on at least one of its ends. The elongated body is tubular and its end is fitted in a recessed bore of the end piece. The end piece is assembled by gluing. In addition, a plug blocks each end of the tubular body to force the glue to creep back while the end piece is being fitted. The invention also relates to a wheel and to a method for manufacturing the spoke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Mavic SAS
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Mercat, Julien Michaud, Olivier Mouzin
  • Patent number: 8708424
    Abstract: A cycle wheel that includes a rim and a tire, having a width S, the rim including a rotational body whose cross section includes a main portion, having a width L greater than the width S, and a peripheral portion which is radially positioned outside of the main portion and which includes an annular cavity in which the tire is partially received. The outer surface of the wheel is comprised of the portions of the tire and of the rim facing outward of the wheel. The wheel further includes an interface fitting in contact with the rim and the tire, the interface fitting being positioned in a groove, one side wall of which is a portion of the outer surface of the tire and the other side wall of which is a portion of the outer surface of the rim. The interface fitting constitutes an intermediate portion of the outer surface of the wheel, the fitting being a deformable portion distinct from the tire and the rim, and at least 40% of the volume of the interface fitting being comprised of a hollow space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Mavic SAS
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Mercat, Olivier Mouzin, François-Xavier Huat
  • Patent number: 8677837
    Abstract: A hub for measuring the driving power of a cycle wheel including a central shaft defining an axis of rotation of the wheel, a hub body mounted to rotate freely about the shaft, a flange mounted to rotate freely about the hub body and axially aligned with the hub body, as well as a torque sensor including a test body which supports at least one strain gauge. The torque sensor is housed in a two-part housing which includes a cutout, arranged in an outer radial surface of the hub body, and a notch, arranged in an outer radial surface of the flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Mavic S.A.S.
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Mercat, Christophe Neyroud
  • Patent number: 8678205
    Abstract: Cycle storage and locking system for locking plural cycles in at least one storage station. The system includes plural locking and storage points each structured and arranged to lock one of the cycles at the at least one storage station. Each of the plural locking and storage points comprises two arms and a space arranged therebetween sized and configured to receive therein a front wheel of one of the cycles. A locking arrangement is structured and arranged to lock one of the cycles to one of the plural locking and storage points. The locking arrangement includes two laterally movable lateral locking projections arranged on the one of the cycles and two locking recesses arranged on the one of the plural locking and storage points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Smoove
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Mercat, Laurent Mercat, Denis Mercat
  • Patent number: 8414434
    Abstract: A transmission device for a cycle, such as a bicycle, which includes a bottom bracket fixed relative to the remainder of the cycle frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Mavic S.A.S.
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Mercat, Brieuc Cretoux
  • Publication number: 20120280469
    Abstract: Quick-release skewer including a longitudinal rod with first and second clamping abutments at first and second ends of the rod, a lever pivotally mounted on the first end of the rod, the lever having a cam, a movable support member between the periphery of the cam and a first outer abutment surface, the movable support member including a locking surface capable of coming into contact with the cam and separated from the first outer abutment surface by a distance D1, the movable support member including an unlocking surface capable of coming into contact with the cam and separated from the first outer abutment surface by a distance D2 that is less than D1. The difference between D1 and D2 is between 2.0 and 4.0 mm. When the support member is in a locking position, the cam contacts the locking surface; in the unlocking position, the cam contacts the unlocking surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2012
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: MAVIC S.A.S.
    Inventors: Joseph NORMAND, Jean-Pierre MERCAT
  • Publication number: 20120204658
    Abstract: A hub for measuring the driving power of a cycle wheel including a central shaft defining an axis of rotation of the wheel, a hub body mounted to rotate freely about the shaft, a flange mounted to rotate freely about the hub body and axially aligned with the hub body, as well as a torque sensor including a test body which supports at least one strain gauge. The torque sensor is housed in a two-part housing which includes a cutout, arranged in an outer radial surface of the hub body, and a notch, arranged in an outer radial surface of the flange.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: MAVIC S.A.S.
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre MERCAT, Christophe NEYROUD
  • Patent number: 8231135
    Abstract: The invention encompasses a device for adjusting the trail of a cycle front wheel assembly including a hub for a wheel, the hub being adapted to receive an arrangement for tightening the wheel on a fork of the cycle and an interposed mechanism for adjusting the position of the fork center distance with respect to the transverse axis of the hub. The adjustment mechanism axially extends the hub and is configured and arranged to engage with a portion of the cycle fork so as to provide fork support as well as a predetermined setting of the position of the hub transverse axis with respect to the fork center distance. The invention also encompasses a wheel having such adjustment device, as well as a method of adjusting the trail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Salomon S.A.S.
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Mercat
  • Patent number: 8215720
    Abstract: The invention relates to a spoke wheel that includes a peripheral rim, a central hub, and individual connecting spokes between the rim and the hub. In their free state, the spokes of the wheel are mounted without tension or compression between the rim and the hub, and each spoke can bear a compression load of at least 60 daN without bowing. Furthermore, the wheel includes a play-free connection or bilateral connection device for connecting at least one end of each spoke to the rim or the hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Salomon S.A.S.
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Mercat, Olivier Mouzin
  • Publication number: 20120103495
    Abstract: A tire for the wheel of a cycle, such as a bicycle, as well as a wheel equipped with such a tire, the tire having a substantially toroidal geometry and including a mounting base adapted to be fixed to a rim that is wider than the tire, when inflated, a tread adapted to be in contact with the ground, and two sidewalls connecting the mounting base to the tread. The tire is provided, between each sidewall and the tread, with a spoiler for retaining a closed loop air circulation, whereby aerodynamic resistance is reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: MAVIC S.A.S.
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre MERCAT, François-Xavier HUAT
  • Patent number: 8162407
    Abstract: The invention relates to a spoked wheel that includes a peripheral rim, a central hub, and individual connecting spokes between the rim and the hub, the spokes being taut. The wheel includes an arrangement for adjusting the tension of at least some of the spokes, and the spokes are taut with an initial tension Ti corresponding to a normal tension value Tn which is reduced by a value corresponding to a compression force R that can be supported by each spoke. For a rear wheel, the spokes supporting the compression forces are those arranged on the side opposite freewheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Salomon S.A.S.
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Mercat, Olivier Mouzin
  • Publication number: 20120013172
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: MAVIC S.A.S.
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre MERCAT, Benoît SAILLET
  • Patent number: 8075065
    Abstract: A quick-release system for a quick-release device, in particular for a cycle, such as a bicycle, the device being of the type including an axially extending skewer and an end support element mounted on a first end of the skewer adapted to be supported on a first tightening surface of the cycle. The quick-release system includes a tightening sub-assembly including a support surface and an actuation sub-assembly including a movable actuating mechanism, capable of axial rotation around the skewer and configured to transmit a tightening torque to the tightening sub-assembly when the device is being tightened. The system includes tightening torque limiting mechanism making it possible to limit the torque transmitted by the actuation sub-assembly to the tightening sub-assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Salomon S.A.S.
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Mercat, Jean-Luc Veux, Joseph Normand
  • Publication number: 20110226708
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cycle storage and locking system, which includes a plurality of cycles (1) and at least one storage station including a plurality of storage and locking points, while the system includes means for locking each one of the cycles to one of the storage and locking points, each one of the storage points being made up of two arms, forming between them a space in which the front wheel of the cycle is intended to be inserted when positioning the cycle, while the means for locking each one at the cycles are made up of two laterally mobile side projections (6a, 6b) engaging with two locking recesses (7a, 7b), characterised in that the cycle includes the two mobile locking projections and the storage point includes the two concave locking recesses (7a, 7b).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: SMOOVE
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Mercat, Laurent Mercat, Denis Mercat
  • Patent number: 7959236
    Abstract: A rim for a cycle wheel that includes an annular shaped element, as well as a bicycle that includes such rim and a method of making the rim. The annular shaped element has at least one groove, with the element being encircled by at least one binding of polymerizable resin-coated fiber housed in the groove. In the manufacturing method the fiber winding is wound on the annular shaped element or the fiber winding is first made and then, second, it is placed in a recess of the rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Salomon S.A.S.
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Mercat, Olivier Mouzin
  • Patent number: 7950747
    Abstract: A tension-spoke wheel including a rim, spokes, and a central hub, the exterior of the rim having a tire-receiving channel that defines a median plane, and an interior of the rim having spoke fastening zones that define a median plane for fastening the spokes, the hub having a median plane and two flanges for fastening the spokes, one of the flanges being closer to the median plane of the hub than the other, and at least the spokes fastened to the flange that is closer to the median plane of the hub lacking individual tensioning mechanisms. The spokes fastened to the flange that is closer to the hub median plane are fastened to the rim on the side of the median plane of the tire-receiving channel that is opposite the closer flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Salomon S.A.S.
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Mercat, Claude Righini, Benoît Saillet