Patents by Inventor Szu-Fang Tsai

Szu-Fang Tsai 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: 20110127119
    Abstract: A caliper brake of a bicycle includes a first arm; a cable housing disposed at one end of the first arm; a second arm pivotably secured to the first arm and comprising a yoke at one end, the yoke including two opposite yoke arms; a brake cable retaining member for retaining a brake cable passing the cable housing; a pawl pivotably disposed between the yoke arms and secured to the brake cable retaining member, the pawl including a tooth; and a spring depressible ratchet including a hook at one end, the ratchet being pivotably disposed between the yoke arms to have the hook to engage with the tooth so that the ratchet is held against rotation to hold the brake cable tight. Counterclockwise rotating the ratchet to disengage the hook from the tooth and clockwise rotating the pawl will loosen the brake cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Inventor: Szu-Fang Tsai
  • Patent number: 7946395
    Abstract: A front brake of a racing bicycle includes a first half part threadedly secured to a fork and comprising an upper first bifurcated member adapted to lockingly secure to a brake cable, an intermediate first through hole, a first brake pad mount releasably secured to the first through hole, and a first brake pad secured to the first brake pad mount; and a second half part threadedly secured to the fork and comprising an upper second bifurcated member adapted to lockingly secure to the brake cable, an intermediate second through hole, a second brake pad mount releasably secured to the second through hole, and a second brake pad secured to the second brake pad mount. The front brake is disposed behind the fork with no projecting lateral portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Tektro Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Szu-Fang Tsai
  • Publication number: 20110079998
    Abstract: A coupling for bicycle hydraulic disc brake includes, in combination a housing comprising a stepped-diameter channel having a threaded opening, and a hollow, staged cylindrical member having an inner end disposed at an innermost shoulder of the channel; a hollow cylindrical element formed of metal and comprising an annular groove on an outer surface, and two annular shoulders with the groove formed therebetween wherein the cylindrical element has an inner end disposed at a shoulder adjacent to the innermost shoulder of the channel; a hollow adjustment screw adapted to secure to the threaded opening; and a brake fluid tube slidably disposed through the adjustment screw and the cylindrical element. Driving the adjustment screw will compress the cylindrical element with the groove being completely compressed by the shoulders, the channel being not compressed by the cylindrical element, and the tube being in contact with the cylindrical element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Inventor: Szu-Fang Tsai
  • Publication number: 20100270111
    Abstract: A caliper brake of bicycle includes a yoke at one end of a second arm, the yoke comprising two yoke arms having a hole, and a spring depressible detent at one end; and a mechanism comprising a manipulation member disposed between the yoke arms and comprising a C-shaped element including outer teeth and an inner protrusion, and a handle; a brake cable retaining member; a cylinder secured to the brake cable retaining member and comprising outer recesses and an eccentric tunnel. The protrusion is engaged with one recess. The cylindrical member is fitted in the tunnel. The detent is urged against one tooth. A brake cable is held tight. In response to counterclockwise rotating the handle the tunnel moves upward and both the detent moves to another tooth and the protrusion moves to another recess so as to loosen the brake cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2009
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Inventor: Szu-Fang Tsai
  • Patent number: 7806071
    Abstract: A bicycle bell includes a housing mounted on a handlebar and comprising a channel and an upward extending flange partially surrounding a top of the channel; a guide member secured to the housing; a drum secured to and covered the guide member; and a spring biased striking device mounted on the channel and comprising a bell lever and an opposite clapper extending through the flange to contact the guide member. Pivoting the bell lever about the channel will pivotably move the clapper to strike a first position on the drum after passing the guide member. Releasing the bell lever will return the clapper to its inoperative position after passing the guide member and striking an opposite second position on the drum. The bell is easy to manipulate with the same hand squeezing the brake lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Tektro Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Szu-Fang Tsai
  • Patent number: 7802660
    Abstract: A quick-release device of a bicycle brake cable includes a brake arm mounted on a frame of the bicycle, a guider selectively slidably mounted on a free end of the brake arm and a safe lever pivotally mounted in the brake arm. The brake arm includes a groove defined along an axis thereof. The guider is hollow to allow the brake cable extending therethrough. The safe lever includes a pivot point that divides the safe lever into a press portion and a stop portion extending toward the guider to prevent the guider from an accidental operation due to an improper force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Tektro Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Szu-Fang Tsai
  • Publication number: 20100236874
    Abstract: A bicycle caliper brake includes a cable housing at an upper end of a first arm; a pivotal second arm comprising a coupling member at one end and a stepped groove on a bottom edge of the coupling member; a brake cable loosening and tightening device comprising a first unit, a second unit for pivotably securing the device to the coupling member, and a hole; a cable fastener secured to the first unit; a brake cable passing the cable housing to be fastened at the cable fastener; and a spring depressible trigger pin comprising a C-ring at one end, the trigger pin being driven through the groove and the hole to releasably secure the C-ring to the hole. Pressing the trigger pin will unfasten the C-ring and pivoting the device about the second unit will loosen the brake cable and increase a distance between brake pads at arms' ends.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Inventor: Szu-Fang Tsai
  • Publication number: 20100236469
    Abstract: A bicycle bell includes a housing mounted on a handlebar and comprising a channel and an upward extending flange partially surrounding a top of the channel; a guide member secured to the housing; a drum secured to and covered the guide member; and a spring biased striking device mounted on the channel and comprising a bell lever and an opposite clapper extending through the flange to contact the guide member. Pivoting the bell lever about the channel will pivotably move the clapper to strike a first position on the drum after passing the guide member. Releasing the bell lever will return the clapper to its inoperative position after passing the guide member and striking an opposite second position on the drum. The bell is easy to manipulate with the same hand squeezing the brake lever.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Inventor: Szu-Fang Tsai
  • Publication number: 20100236350
    Abstract: A brake operating device for bicycles includes a hydraulic fluid cylinder secured to a housing, a parallel cylindrical member on the cylinder and comprising a hollow threaded fastener at one end, a rod in a right portion of the cylinder and having one end connected to a brake lever; a spring biased magnet in the right portion of the cylinder; a plunger interconnecting the magnet and the rod; a spring biased conductor in the cylindrical member and urged by the fastener; and an electric wire interconnecting the conductor and a connector which is connected to a brake lamp. For decreasing a turn-on time of the brake lamp a loosening of the fastener will push the conductor away from the brake lever to decrease a current generated on the conductor due to a movement of the conductor relative to the magnet. Tightening of the fastener can increase the turn-on time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Inventor: Szu-Fang Tsai
  • Publication number: 20100051394
    Abstract: In on embodiment, a brake system of bicycle including left and right brake levers, front and rear wheels, a front disc brake, and a rear disc brake having a first unit and an independent second unit, the brake system includes a hydraulic line interconnected the right brake lever and the first unit; and a Y-shaped hydraulic line having a first branch connected to the left brake lever, a second branch connected to the front disc brake, and a third branch connected to the second unit. Pressing the right brake lever will actuate the first unit via the hydraulic line to brake the rear wheel, and pressing the left brake lever will actuate the front disc brake via the first and second branches to brake the front wheel and actuate the second unit via the first and third branches to brake the rear wheel respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2008
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Inventor: Szu-Fang Tsai
  • Publication number: 20090250299
    Abstract: A bicycle brake pad holder includes a hollow fastening rod comprising a head, a concave surface on the head, and an annular flange on the concave surface; a brake pad mount including a slotted channel, a convex receptor opposite the channel, a hole through the convex receptor, and a nut disposed in the hole, the nut having a projection projecting out of the hole; a brake pad removably mounted on the channel; and a bolt driven into the fastening rod to secure to the nut with the receptor urged against the concave surface and the flange put on the projection. Loosening the bolt will disengage the receptor from the concave surface to allow the receptor to move vertically and transversely relative to the flange. Hence, a fine adjustment of a distance between the brake pad and a wheel rim is effected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2008
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Inventor: Szu-Fang Tsai
  • Publication number: 20090200119
    Abstract: A quick-release device of a bicycle brake cable includes a main frame mounted to a handlebar of the bicycle, a lever pivotally mounted to the main frame and a push device mounted in the main frame to normally push the lever for selective changing the position between the lever and the push device and the tension of the brake cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2008
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Inventor: Szu-Fang Tsai
  • Publication number: 20090193927
    Abstract: A locking device of a bicycle brake cable includes a locking portion including a through hole defined therein. The locking portion has a hole and a threaded hole defined therein and communicating with the through hole, wherein the threaded hole extends to an outer periphery of the locking portion. A clamping device is mounted in the locking portion. The clamping device includes a first clamping block, a second clamping block and a drive piece. The first clamping block is partially and securely received in the hole and extending into the through hole. The second clamping block is and pivotally mounted to the drive piece and faces the first clamping block, the drive piece having a threaded outer periphery and screwed into the threaded hole with the second clamping block, the drive piece drives the second clamping block moved toward the first clamping block for securely clamping the brake cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Inventor: Szu-Fang Tsai
  • Publication number: 20090194374
    Abstract: A quick-release device of a bicycle brake cable includes a brake arm mounted on a frame of the bicycle, a guider selectively slidably mounted on a free end of the brake arm and a safe lever pivotally mounted in the brake arm. The brake arm includes a groove defined along an axis thereof. The guider is hollow to allow the brake cable extending therethrough. The safe lever includes a pivot point that divides the safe lever into a press portion and a stop portion extending toward the guider to prevent the guider from an accidental operation due to an improper force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Inventor: Szu-Fang Tsai
  • Publication number: 20090152061
    Abstract: An adjustable pumping device for a hydraulic brake device of a bicycle includes a body mounted to a handlebar of the bicycle and having a first tunnel defined therein for containing oil. A main cylinder is disposed in the body and pumps oil to the hydraulic brake device of the bicycle. A lever is pivotally mounted to the body and has an adjuster mounted in the lever for adjusting an ineffective stroke of the main cylinder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventor: Szu-fang Tsai
  • Publication number: 20090152062
    Abstract: A position seat for a hydraulic brake device of a bicycle includes a position member mounted to a handlebar of the bicycle and a pumping member partially received in the position member. The pumping member is selectively rotatable relative to the position member. A semi-annular groove is defined in an outer periphery of the pumping member and a locking pin extends through the position member and partially received in the semi-annular groove to prevent the pumping member from detaching from the position portion before being positioned and limit a rotate range of the pumping member relative to the position member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventor: Szu-fang Tsai
  • Publication number: 20090152063
    Abstract: A pumping device for a brake device of a bicycle includes a tunnel and a main cylinder directly and respectively disposed in a distal portion of a handlebar of the bicycle. The tunnel is provided to contain oil and the main cylinder is connected to the brake device. The tunnel and the main cylinder communicate with each other via a first hole and a second hole that are respectively defined in the distal portion of the handlebar of the bicycle. A pair of ears extends from a distal end of the handlebar and a lever pivotally connected to the pair of the ears for operating the main cylinder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventor: Szu-fang Tsai
  • Publication number: 20080250893
    Abstract: A coupling for a bicycle hydraulic disc brake including a brake cable having a hollow end section having a tapered, ridged inner surface is disclosed. The coupling includes a hollow cylinder including a lower member, a tapered, staged upper member, an intermediate annular flange, and a sealing ring put on the lower member to urge against the flange wherein the end section lockingly receives the upper member by engaging the ridges thereof with the stages of the upper member and engaging a bottom end thereof with the flange; and a sleeve rotatably put on a brake lever and including a cylindrical receptacle on the sleeve, the receptacle including inner annular grooves and a bottom tunnel communicating with the channel. The cylinder and the brake cable are secured to the sleeve by inserting the flange and the end section into the receptacle with the lower member disposed in the tunnel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2007
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventor: Szu-fang Tsai
  • Patent number: 7424863
    Abstract: A bell mounted in one of at least one brake lever of a bicycle is disclosed. The brake lever includes two brake levers each including an opening section. In one embodiment, the bell includes a sounding section in the opening section and including a hollow cylinder, an annular flange having one open end in communication with inside of the cylinder, a first spring biased between an inner wall of the brake lever and the cylinder with the flange disposed therein, a second spring in the cylinder and having one end engaged with the end of the cylinder, and a bolt driven through the second spring, the flange, and the first spring to have one end threadedly secured in the brake lever and a head urging against the second spring; and a spring biased striking section pivotably secured onto the brake lever and including a lever and a clapper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Assignee: Tektro Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Szu-Fang Tsai
  • Publication number: 20080173231
    Abstract: A bell mounted in one of at least one brake lever of a bicycle is disclosed. The brake lever includes two brake levers each including an opening section. In one embodiment, the bell includes a sounding section in the opening section and including a hollow cylinder, an annular flange having one open end in communication with inside of the cylinder, a first spring biased between an inner wall of the brake lever and the cylinder with the flange disposed therein, a second spring in the cylinder and having one end engaged with the end of the cylinder, and a bolt driven through the second spring, the flange, and the first spring to have one end threadedly secured in the brake lever and a head urging against the second spring; and a spring biased striking section pivotably secured onto the brake lever and including a lever and a clapper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventor: Szu-Fang Tsai