Patents by Inventor Michael Van Zyl

Michael Van Zyl 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).

  • Patent number: 10689059
    Abstract: Example control devices for operating bicycle components are described herein. An example control device includes a housing having an opening to receive a handlebar of the bicycle and a rotating member rotatably coupled to the housing. The rotating member is rotatable about a first axis. The rotating member is configured to rotate between a first position and a second position to change an operating state of a component. The example control device includes a securing mechanism configured to lock the rotating member in the second position. The example control device also includes a release actuator coupled to the housing. The release actuator has an actuating surface to be engaged by a user and moved along a second axis that intersects the first axis. The release actuator is configured to, when actuated, unlock the securing mechanism to enable the rotating member to rotate back to the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: SRAM, LLC
    Inventors: Devon Sullivan, Michael Van Zyl
  • Publication number: 20190315428
    Abstract: Example control devices for operating bicycle components are described herein. An example control device includes a housing having an opening to receive a handlebar of the bicycle and a rotating member rotatably coupled to the housing. The rotating member is rotatable about a first axis. The rotating member is configured to rotate between a first position and a second position to change an operating state of a component. The example control device includes a securing mechanism configured to lock the rotating member in the second position. The example control device also includes a release actuator coupled to the housing. The release actuator has an actuating surface to be engaged by a user and moved along a second axis that intersects the first axis. The release actuator is configured to, when actuated, unlock the securing mechanism to enable the rotating member to rotate back to the first position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2018
    Publication date: October 17, 2019
    Applicant: SRAM, LLC
    Inventors: DEVON SULLIVAN, MICHAEL VAN ZYL
  • Patent number: 9156520
    Abstract: A control assembly for controlling a component, such as a bicycle shock absorber including a first actuator carried by the shock absorber. The first actuator has a fulcrum body supported in the shock absorber and a control arm displacing the fulcrum body. The first actuator pivots on the fulcrum body to operatively control a first characteristic of the shock absorber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: SRAM, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Van Zyl, Andrew Shawver
  • Publication number: 20150041267
    Abstract: A control assembly for controlling a component, such as a bicycle shock absorber including a first actuator carried by the shock absorber. The first actuator has a fulcrum body supported in the shock absorber and a control arm displacing the fulcrum body. The first actuator pivots on the fulcrum body to operatively control a first characteristic of the shock absorber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: SRAM, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Van Zyl, Andrew Shawver