Chain ring protector

- Eko Sport, Inc.

A chain ring protector having a substantially planar mounting bracket operably secured to the bottom bracket sleeve of a vehicle with a durable semi-circumferential guard extending therefrom is disclosed. The durable guard has a substantially arcuate outer edge sized to approximate the outer diameter of a chain ring, and it is operably secured to the planar mounting bracket such that the outer edge extends slightly beyond the outer diameter of the portion of the chain ring extending below the bottom bracket sleeve.

Skip to: Description  ·  Claims  ·  References Cited  · Patent History  ·  Patent History
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation reissue application of reissue application Ser. No. 12/017,391, which is a reissue application of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/236,766, which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,066,856. More than one reissue application has been filed for the reissue of U.S. Pat. No. 7,066,856. The reissue applications include Ser. No. 12/017,425 and the present application, which is a continuation reissue application of Ser. No. 12/017,391.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a protector for chain rings on bicycles and the like. In particular, it includes a mounting bracket operably secured to the bottom bracket sleeve with a durable guard extending therefrom and detachably secured thereto.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Wheeled vehicles and especially in-line, two-wheeled vehicles such as bicycles, motorcycles, scooters, and the like, are popular forms of transportation, exercise, and sport. More recently, such vehicles are being used in particularly rugged environments including operating over unimproved roads and rough terrain, and for stunt riding over stairs and the like. For example, a form of bicycle commonly known as a mountain bike is specifically intended for off-road operation.

Most two-wheeled vehicles are propelled by a chain operably extending between two or more sprockets. One sprocket, commonly known as a chain ring, is driven by a power source such as a crank and pedal assembly. In bicycles, the chain ring is operably secured to a lower hub of the bicycle's frame which is commonly known as the lower bracket sleeve. The crank and pedal assembly usually have an axis of rotation centered along a centerline extending through the lower bracket sleeve.

Chain rings are usually planar disks with teeth along their outer diameter for engaging the chain. In order for the chain ring to operate effectively, it must remain substantially planar and the teeth must remain intact during operation of the vehicle. However, portions of most chain rings remain exposed and extend below the bicycle frame. Accordingly, chain rings are susceptible to bending and damage caused by inadvertent impact with objects.

This susceptibility is increased with off-road and stunt riding of the vehicle. For example, a rider of a mountain bicycle may frequently attempt to jump small objects such as rocks and fallen trees. If the rider executes a jump and in the process lands the bicycle such that a large rock straddles the front and rear wheels, the chain ring can impact the rock causing damage to the chain ring.

Attempts to protect the chain ring from inadvertent impacts have had limited success. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,320,583 to van Wingen born Looyen teaches securing a circular disk to the exterior planar surface of a chain ring such that the circular disk and chain ring are substantially parallel to each other and rotatable on the same axis or rotation. As a rider pedals, the chain ring and circular disk rotate about the axis of rotation. The circular disk contacts some objects approaching the chain ring first, thereby protecting the chain ring to a certain degree. However, since the circular disk is directly connected to the chain ring and drive shaft, any bending or damage of the circular disk caused by the impact will likely also bend the attached chain ring or drive shaft. Moreover, such circular disks offer negligible protection from impacts to the chain ring arising from contact with objects positioned toward the inside surface of the chain ring.

Inventors have also attempted to extend a chain ring protector directly from the bicycle's frame. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,067,930 to Morales teaches extending a trough-type protector from forward and aft struts mounted to the frame. The curved trough-type protector extends below the chain ring, thereby protecting it from inadvertent impact. A first clamp for securing the forward strut is positioned on a rail of the frame extending forward from the mounting bracket sleeve. A second clamp for securing the aft strut is positioned on rear wheel forks extending rearward from the mounting bracket sleeve. In an effort to allow the through-type protector to accommodate different bicycle designs, a swivel is provided between the first clamp and front strut.

Despite the benefits of the Morales design, it has several drawbacks. For example, a large amount of hardware, such as the first and second clamps, pivot structure, and struts, is required to support the protector, thereby increasing the expense of the structure and time required to mount and align it properly. Similarly, not all bicycles have the frame structure stemming from the mounting bracket sleeve as shown in Morales. Accordingly, the first and second clamps and orientation taught in Morales may not be operable when attempting to install the Morales protector on these different frame structures.

In addition, the length of the struts determines the size of the chain ring that may be used with it. Despite the limited adjustability provided by the swivel, if the struts are too short, a trough-type protector will not extend below the chain ring. Also, if the struts are too long, the trough-type protector can interfere with operation of the bicycle. In addition, under some impacts on the trough-type protector, the swivel structure can actually allow the trough-type protector to deflect into to the chain ring, thereby damaging it, or at least forcing the rider to stop to realign the protector.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, despite the benefits of the known chain ring protectors, there remains a need for a simple, cost effective, easy to install and adjust, chain ring protector that can be operably secured to a large number of vehicles independent of a particular frame design, and that can effectively protect any sized chain ring operably installed on a vehicle without interfering with operation of the vehicle. In addition to other benefits that will become apparent in the following disclosure, the present invention fulfills these needs.

The present invention is a substantially planar mounting bracket operably secured to the bottom bracket sleeve of a vehicle with a durable guard extending therefrom. The durable guard has a substantially arcuate outer edge sized to approximate the outer diameter of a chain ring, and it is operably secured to the planar mounting bracket such that the outer edge extends slightly beyond the outer diameter of the chain ring in which it is protecting.

Preferably, the durable guard is detachably secured to the mounting bracket, and the mounting bracket includes a plurality of mounting portions thereon, thereby allowing a large variety of possible mounting configurations for the durable guard. More preferably, the guard includes parallelly aligned slots extending therethrough for operably engaging the mounting portions, thereby allowing the outer edge of the durable guard to be adjusted simply by sliding the durable guard along the slots toward or away from the bottom bracket sleeve.

Since the durable guard is detachably secured to the mounting bracket, the durable guard may be replaced easily if it becomes damaged or worn, or if a different sized durable guard is desired.

In an alternative embodiment, a second chain ring protector can be installed on the opposite side of the bottom bracket sleeve, and the two chain ring protectors can be operably secured together with a stabilizing bracket extending therebetween.

Additional objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the detailed description of the preferred embodiment thereof, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric front, right view of a bicycle having a chain ring protector installed thereon in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged, fragmentary, exploded, isometric view of the chain ring protector shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the chain ring protector showing a possible orientation with respect to a chain ring.

FIG. 5A is a first sectional view of an alternative configuration showing a possible use of two chain ring protectors in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5B is a second sectional view of the alternative configuration of FIG. 5A.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A simple, cost effective, easy to install and adjust, chain ring protector 10 operably secured to the lower bracket sleeve 12 of a vehicle, such as a bicycle 14, is shown in FIGS. 1-5B.

Referring to FIG. 1, the bicycle 14 includes a frame 16 having a front wheel 18, back wheel 20, handle bars 22, seat 24, and the lower bracket sleeve 12 operably secured thereto. Preferably, the lower bracket sleeve 12 is reverse threaded to accept the threads of a conventional lower bracket spindle 26 (FIG. 2) therethrough. The lower bracket spindle 26 is a common, commercially available product, and includes a shaft 28 operably received within a housing 30. The shaft 28 rotates about a longitudinal centerline 32. Usually, bearings (not shown) are sealed within the housing 30 to facilitate rotation of the shaft 28.

Preferably, the housing 30 includes the reverse threads 34 toward one end 36 with a lip 38 adjacent to those threads 34. More preferably, the housing 30 also includes a recess 40 and spaced-apart notches 42 to allow a mating wrench portion (not shown) to be detachably secured thereto. According, the mating wrench portion may be used to tighten and loosen the lower bracket spindle 26 to the lower bracket sleeve 12.

Left and right cranks 44, 46, respectively, are operably secured to the ends 48a, 48b of the lower bracket spindle shaft 28 with a pivoting pedal 50 secured at the opposite ends of each crank 44, 46. At least one sprocket having teeth 52 extending radially therefrom is secured to the lower bracket spindle and positioned on one side of the lower bracket sleeve 12. This sprocket is also commonly known as a chain ring 54. Usually, the chain ring 54 is also secured to one of the cranks 44, 46.

A continuous loop chain (not shown) encircles the chain ring 54 and operably engages the teeth 52 of the chain ring 54. The chain also engages a second sprocket (not shown) operably secured to one of the front and rear wheels of the bicycle 14. Accordingly, when an operator pedals the bicycle by alternatingly urging the left and right cranks 44, 46, respectively, to spin the shaft 28, the chain ring 54 urges the chain to spin one of the wheels of the bicycle.

As best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the chain ring protector 10 is operably secured to the lower bracket sleeve 12. For example, the chain ring protector 10 can include a substantially planar mounting bracket 60 with an impact resistant and durable guard 62 extending therefrom. The mounting bracket 60 includes a central bracket mounting hole 64 for receiving the lower bracket spindle 26 therethrough. It can be appreciated that by tightening the lower bracket spindle 26 on the threads of the lower bracket sleeve 12, the mounting bracket 60 operates much like a conventional washer and is thereby secured in place when the lip 38 of the lower bracket spindle housing 30 tightens against the mounting bracket 60.

The mounting bracket 60 includes a plurality of guard mounting holes 70a-i thereon. Preferably, the mounting bracket 60 has two arms 72, 74 extending from the central bracket mounting hole 64 and a substantially circular outer edge 76 extending from the central bracket mounting hole 64 opposite the arms 72, 74 as best shown in FIG. 2. Each of the arms 72, 74 has a guard mounting hole 70a, 70b, respectively, thereon. Also, a plurality of guard mounting holes 70c-i are aligned along the circular outer edge 76.

The guard 62 has a substantially planar mounting portion 80 with an opening 82 to prevent it from interfering with the lower bracket spindle 26. A substantially arcuate outer edge 84 extends radially from the opening 82 as best shown in FIG. 2. The mounting portion 80 includes a plurality of mounting slots 86a-c, which are preferably parallelly aligned and spaced-apart from each other. Each slot 86a-c is positioned to align with one guard mounting hole 70a-c on the mounting bracket 60. For example, slot 86a aligns with mounting hole 70a, slot 86b aligns with mounting hole 70b, and slot 86c aligns with mounting hole 70c.

Connectors 90 extend through each aligned mounting hole and slot combination. Preferably, each connector includes a screw 92 being operably received into an internally threaded shaft 94 with a resilient washer 96 operably engaging the guard 62 and a lock washer 98 holding the screw 92 in place. More preferably, the internally threaded shaft 94 has a tapered head 100 and is recessed within the guard mounting hole (70a shown in FIG. 2) when the screw 92 is tightened.

Preferably, the mounting slots 86a-c are aligned to allow the substantially arcuate outer edge 84 to move toward or away from the lower bracket spindle 26 when the guard 62 is mounted to the mounting bracket 60. As shown in FIG. 4, the mounting slots 86a-c allow the position of the arcuate outer edge 84 of the guard 62 to extend past the outer radius 102 of the chain ring 54. Moreover, the mounting slots 86a-c allow the guard 62 to be individually adjusted for any particular chain ring 54 size, without necessarily requiring different guards 62 to protect different sized chain rings 54.

The guard 62 and mounting bracket 60 are constructed of durable, impact resistant materials. One known preferred guard material is Ultra-High Molecular Weight polyethylene or plastic, which is commonly known in the materials industry as “UHMW.” One known acceptable mounting bracket material is aluminum, and more preferably a type of aluminum known as “6061 Aluminum.”

As shown in FIG. 3, the chain ring protector 10 of the present invention can be used concurrently with a conventional chain ring-mounted protector 106. In such case, the chain ring protector 10 remains fixed to the lower bracket sleeve 12 to protect the chain ring 54 from impacts arising from contact with objects positioned toward the inside surface of the chain ring 54.

It can be appreciated that a plurality of chain rings 54a-c (FIG. 3) can be positioned on the lower bracket spindle shaft 28. In such case, the guard 62 is preferably positioned to extend beyond the outer radius 102 of the largest chain ring 54c (FIG. 3) on the shaft 28 as shown in FIG. 3.

Referring to FIG. 2, if desired, an anti-rotation mount 110 can be secured to the guard mounting holes 70d-i on the mounting bracket 60. The anti-rotation mount 110 extends from the mounting bracket 60 toward the frame 16 and is preferably wedged adjacent to one or two frame members 112 extending from the lower bracket sleeve 12. Preferably, the anti-rotation mount 110 includes a notched recess 114 sized to operably engage the frame members 112. The large number of guard mounting holes 70c-i along the substantially circular outer edge 76 allow the anti-rotation mount 110 to be effectively installed on a wide variety of frame styles and sizes. An installer mounts the anti-rotation mount 110 with bolts 111 extending through one or more of the mounting holes 70c-i on the mounting bracket 60. The installer simply selects the particular mounting holes 70c-i (FIG. 2 shows mounting holes 70f and 70g being used) that best fit that particular frame.

When the chain ring protector 10 is installed on the bicycle 14, the chain ring 54 is protected from inadvertent impacts with an object 11. The mounting bracket also assists with preventing the chain from inadvertently falling off the chain ring. Moreover, the chain ring protector 10 is operably secured directly to the lower bracket sleeve 12, one of the strongest elements of the frame 16. In addition, no portion of the chain ring protector 10 contacts or otherwise engages the chain ring 54 so it will not likely also damage the chain ring 54 in the process of protecting it. Accordingly, should the chain ring protector 10 become damaged during use, it can be easily replaced without removing the mounting bracket 60 from the lower bracket sleeve 12. Since the chain ring protector is secured primarily in place on the lower bracket sleeve using a conventional lower bracket spindle, which is already needed to enable operation of the bicycle, the need for additional mounting hardware beyond the mounting bracket is greatly reduced over the structure disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,067,930 to Morales.

In view of the wide variety of embodiments to which the principles of the invention can be applied, it should be apparent that the detailed embodiments are illustrative only and should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention. For example, and as best shown in FIGS. 5A & 5B, two chain rings protectors 10, 10′ can be installed on a lower bracket sleeve 12. One chain ring protector 10 is positioned between the lower bracket sleeve 12 and chain ring 54 as previously described. The other chain ring protector 10′ is operably secured to the opposite end of the lower bracket sleeve 12 as shown. Preferably, the opposite end of the lower bracket sleeve 12 includes a threaded portion 120 with a mating threaded mount (not shown) having a lip (not shown) for engaging the mounting bracket 60 of the second chain ring protector 10′. If desired and as shown in FIG. 5B, the anti-rotation mount 110 can extend between the two mounting brackets, thereby securing them in place on the bicycle 14.

Accordingly, the claimed invention includes all such modifications as may come within the scope of the following claims and equivalents thereto.

Claims

1. A chain ring protector for a vehicle having a frame with a lower bracket sleeve thereon and a lower bracket spindle operably secured thereto, the spindle pivotally securing a chain ring to the frame, the chain ring defining an outer radius with a portion of the chain ring extending below the lower bracket sleeve, said chain ring protector comprising:

a substantially planar mounting bracket portion secured to the lower bracket sleeve such that the substantially planar mounting bracket remains fixed with respect to the frame while the chain ring pivots; and,
a semi-circumferential guard portion extending from the substantially planar mount bracket portion adjacent to the chain ring and aligned with the portion of the chain ring extending below the lower bracket sleeve, an outer edge of said guard portion extending past the outer radius the chain ring so as to protect the portion of the chain ring extending below the lower bracket sleeve from inadvertent impacts.

2. The chain ring protector of claim 1, wherein the spindle includes a threaded end with a lip, and said lower bracket sleeve has mating threads for operably engaging the threaded end of the spindle, and wherein said substantially planar mounting bracket includes an opening for receiving the spindle therethrough such that tightening the spindle on said lower bracket urges the lip to engage the mounting bracket, thereby securing the mounting bracket to the lower bracket sleeve.

3. The chain ring protector of claim 1, wherein said guard portion is detachably secured to said substantially planar mounting bracket.

4. The chain ring protector of claim 3, wherein said guard includes a plurality of parallelly aligned slots thereon and said guard is secured to said mounting bracket through fasteners extending through said slots.

5. The chain ring protector of claim 4, wherein said guard has an substantially arcuate outer edge and the position of said arcuate outer edge with respect to an outer radius of said chain ring is adjustable by sliding said guard along said slots.

6. The chain right protector of claim 1, further including an anti-rotation mount extending from said chain ring protector to the frame.

7. The chain ring protector of claim 6, wherein said anti-rotation mount includes a recess for operably engaging a frame member of the frame.

8. The chain ring protector of claim 1, further including a second chain ring detector, said second chain ring detector operably secured to an opposite end of said lower bracket sleeve and aligned substantially parallel with said chain ring detector.

9. The chain ring protector of claim 1, further including a protective disk operably secured to said chain ring and having an outer radius larger than an outer radius of the chain ring.

10. A bicycle comprising:

a frame having a lower bracket sleeve thereon,
forward and aft wheels operably secured to said frame,
handle bars operably engaging said forward wheel and operably secured to said frame;
a lower bracket spindle having a pivoting shaft therein, said spindle detachably received though said lower bracket sleeve, said shaft having first and second ends;
a left crank secured to said first end of said shaft;
a right crank secured to said second end of said shaft;
a substantially planar sprocket operably secured to said shaft, for driving said aft wheel by rotation of said sprocket, a portion of said sprocket extending below said lower bracket sleeve by a defined distance;
a substantially planar mounting bracket portion secured to the lower bracket sleeve such that the substantially planar mounting bracket remains fixed with respect to the frame while the sprocket rotates about said shaft; and,
a semi-circumferential guard portion extending from the substantially planar mount bracket portion adjacent to the chain ring by a length greater than said defined distance, said semi-circumferential guard portion substantially aligned with said portion of said sprocket extending below said lower bracket sleeve.

11. The bicycle of claim 10, wherein the spindle includes a threaded end with a lip, and said lower bracket sleeve has mating threads for operably engaging the threaded end of the spindle, and wherein said substantially planar mounting bracket includes an opening for receiving the spindle therethrough such that tightening the spindle on said lower bracket urges the lip to engage the mounting bracket, thereby securing the mounting bracket to the lower bracket sleeve.

12. The bicycle of claim 10, wherein said guard portion is detachably secured to said substantially planar mounting bracket.

13. The bicycle of claim 12, wherein said guard includes a plurality of parallelly aligned slots thereon and said guard is secured to said mounting bracket through fasteners extending through said slots.

14. The bicycle of claim 13, wherein said guard has an substantially arcuate outer edge and the position of said arcuate outer edge with respect to an outer radius of said sprocket is adjustable by sliding said guard along said slots.

15. The bicycle of claim 10, further including an anti-rotation mount, extending from said mounting bracket to the frame.

16. The bicycle of claim 10, further including a protective disk operably secured to said sprocket and having an outer radius larger than an outer radius of the chain ring.

17. The bicycle of claim 10, further Including a plurality of sprockets operably secured to said shaft, with each sprocket of said plurality of sprockets having a different outer radius.

18. The chain ring protector of claim 1, further including adjustment means for adjusting the position of said semi-circumferential guard portion relative to said substantially planar mounting bracket portion so as to allow said outer edge of said guard portion to be adjusted without removing said substantially planar mounting bracket from said lower bracket sleeve.

19. The chain ring protector of claim 1, further including means for detachably securing said semi-circumferential guard portion to said substantially planer mounting bracket portion so as to allow said semi-circumferential guard portion to be replaced without removing said planar mounting bracket portion from said lower bracket sleeve.

20. The chain ring protector of claim 1, wherein said chain ring defines a plane, and said chain ring protector is aligned parallel to the plane without intersecting said plane.

21. A chain ring protector comprising:

a guard positioned in operable position entirely between a chain ring, having an outer radius, and a plane bisecting a bicycle frame into two lateral sides;
a mounting bracket positioned in operable position entirely between the chain ring and the plane bisecting the bicycle frame into two lateral sides, the mounting bracket adapted to be removably secured in operable position non-rotatably adjacent a lower bracket sleeve of a bicycle frame;
at least one connector detachably securing the guard to the mounting bracket adjacent the chain ring so as to allow the guard to be replaced without removing the mounting bracket from adjacent the lower bracket sleeve and without removing any drivetrain component; and
the guard having a semi-circumferential portion aligned with a portion of the chain ring that extends below the lower bracket sleeve, an outer edge of said guard portion extending past the outer radius of the chain ring so as to protect a portion of the chain ring extending below the lower bracket sleeve from inadvertent impacts.

22. A bicycle for off-road use having a plurality of tubes including a lower bracket sleeve, and at least one chain ring, an outermost chain ring defining an outer radius, the bicycle comprising:

a chain ring protector comprising a guard and a mounting bracket positioned in operable position entirely between the chain ring and a plane bisecting a bicycle frame into two lateral sides, the mounting bracket removably secured in operable position non-rotatably adjacent the lower bracket sleeve
at least one connector detachably securing the guard to the mounting bracket so as to allow the guard to be replaced without removing the mounting bracket from adjacent the lower bracket sleeve and without removing any drivetrain component; and
the guard having a semi-circumferential portion aligned with a portion of the chain ring that extends below the lower bracket sleeve, an outer edge of said guard portion extending past the outer radius of the chain ring so as to protect a portion of the chain ring extending below the lower bracket sleeve from inadvertent impacts.

23. The bicycle of claim 22, wherein the protector mounting bracket defines an aperture sized to pass at least a portion of a lower bracket spindle shaft therethrough, whereby the mounting bracket contacts no drive-train component.

24. The bicycle of claim 23, wherein the mounting bracket is mounted in operable position between the lower bracket sleeve and a spindle lip.

25. The bicycle of claim 22, wherein the protector mounting bracket defines a plurality of bolt mounting holes.

26. The bicycle of claim 25, wherein the protector further comprises a mount adapted to engage at least one bicycle frame tube.

27. The bicycle of claim 26, wherein the mount is notched to wedge between two frame tubes.

28. The bicycle of claim 22, wherein said mounting bracket has a substantially arcuate upper edge that is spaced from, and extends substantially to, an outer radius of an innermost chain ring in operable position, and wherein said substantially arcuate upper edge is inboard of the innermost chain ring in operable position.

29. A chain ring protector comprising:

a guard portion disposed in operative position adjacent a chain ring having an outer radius and positioned in operable position entirely between the chain ring and a plane bisecting a bicycle frame into two lateral sides; and a mounting bracket portion, the mounting bracket portion adapted to be secured in operable position non-rotatably adjacent a lower bracket sleeve of a bicycle frame;
at least one connector detachably securing the guard to the mounting bracket so as to allow the guard to be replaced without removing a drivetrain component from the bicycle;
wherein in the operable position said chain ring defines a plane, and said chain ring protector is aligned parallel to the plane without intersecting said plane; and
the guard having a semi-circumferential portion aligned with a portion of the chain ring that extends below the lower bracket sleeve, an outer edge of said guard portion extending past the outer radius of the chain ring so as to protect a portion of the chain ring extending below the lower bracket sleeve from inadvertent impacts.

30. A chain ring protector comprising:

a guard portion disposed in operable position adjacent at least one chain ring having an outer radius and positioned in operable position entirely between the chain ring and a plane bisecting a bicycle frame into two lateral sides;
a mounting bracket portion, the mounting bracket portion adapted to be secured in operable position non-rotatably adjacent a lower bracket sleeve of a bicycle frame without attaching to a bicycle frame tube;
at least one connector detachably securing the guard to the mounting bracket so as to allow the guard to be replaced without removing a drivetrain component from the bicycle; and
the guard having a semi-circumferential portion aligned with a portion of the chain ring that extends below the lower bracket sleeve, an outer edge of said guard portion extending past the outer radius of the chain ring so as to protect a portion of the chain ring extending below the lower bracket sleeve from inadvertent impacts.
Referenced Cited
U.S. Patent Documents
968304 August 1910 Winslow
1325206 December 1919 Raybon
1400131 December 1921 Adams
1636327 July 1927 Roe
2728244 December 1955 O'Shei
3184993 May 1965 Swenson
D208683 September 1967 Schreckengost
3402942 September 1968 Shimano et al.
3416385 December 1968 Schenk
3477303 November 1969 Brilando
3785219 January 1974 Anthamatten
3815439 June 1974 Tarutani
3835729 September 1974 Tarutani
3869138 March 1975 Allison
3910136 October 1975 Juy
3973447 August 10, 1976 Nagano
4044621 August 30, 1977 McGregor, Sr.
4078444 March 14, 1978 Huret
4106357 August 15, 1978 Segawa
4135727 January 23, 1979 Campagnolo
4178062 December 11, 1979 Abbo
4237743 December 9, 1980 Nagano
4240303 December 23, 1980 Mosley
4330137 May 18, 1982 Nagano
4337933 July 6, 1982 Egami
4380445 April 19, 1983 Shimano
4433963 February 28, 1984 Shimano
4439172 March 27, 1984 Segawa
4471851 September 18, 1984 Kamiya et al.
4475894 October 9, 1984 Sugino
4487424 December 11, 1984 Ellis
4498890 February 12, 1985 Sutherland
4507105 March 26, 1985 Stottmann
4515386 May 7, 1985 Tsujimura
4573950 March 4, 1986 Nagano
4632416 December 30, 1986 Zelenetz
4639240 January 27, 1987 Liu
4662862 May 5, 1987 Matson
D298613 November 22, 1988 McMurtrey
4832667 May 23, 1989 Wren
4854924 August 8, 1989 Nagano
4905541 March 6, 1990 Alan
4946426 August 7, 1990 Leonard
5002520 March 26, 1991 Greenlaw
5003840 April 2, 1991 Hinschlager
5018564 May 28, 1991 Anglin
5067930 November 26, 1991 Morales
D323309 January 21, 1992 Perry
5134901 August 4, 1992 Grady
5320582 June 14, 1994 Takeda
5320583 June 14, 1994 Van Wingen born Looyen
5326331 July 5, 1994 Hallock, III
D355872 February 28, 1995 Haney et al.
5460576 October 24, 1995 Barnett
5496222 March 5, 1996 Kojima et al.
5540118 July 30, 1996 Calendrille, Jr.
5620384 April 15, 1997 Kojima et al.
5676616 October 14, 1997 Hara
5679084 October 21, 1997 Daniels, III
5725450 March 10, 1998 Huskey
5728018 March 17, 1998 Terada et al.
5782714 July 21, 1998 Osgood
5846148 December 8, 1998 Fujii
6039665 March 21, 2000 Nakamura
6083132 July 4, 2000 Walker
6117032 September 12, 2000 Nankou
6165092 December 26, 2000 Bramham et al.
6190275 February 20, 2001 Ciancio et al.
6203459 March 20, 2001 Calendrille, Jr.
6332853 December 25, 2001 Bowman
6354973 March 12, 2002 Barnett
6416434 July 9, 2002 Calendrille, Jr.
6533690 March 18, 2003 Barnett
6988427 January 24, 2006 Yamanaka
7059983 June 13, 2006 Heim
7066856 June 27, 2006 Rogers
7066857 June 27, 2006 DeRosa
8235849 August 7, 2012 Cranston et al.
20020160869 October 31, 2002 Barnett
20040009835 January 15, 2004 Heim
20040254038 December 16, 2004 Chamberlain
20060199690 September 7, 2006 Gardner et al.
20070235986 October 11, 2007 Weagle
Foreign Patent Documents
2058799 November 1970 DE
3421210 December 1984 DE
3417336 November 1985 DE
3417336 November 1985 DE
3537615 April 1987 DE
4126156 March 1992 DE
4126156 March 1992 DE
96297 July 1939 DK
1288119 March 2003 EP
11020764 January 1999 JP
9300333 September 1994 NE
7800724 July 1979 NL
1199696 December 1985 SU
1199696 December 1985 SU
Other references
  • English translation of German Patent Application DE 41 26 156 to Martin Eder, filed Aug. 7, 1991.
  • Mountain Cycle Catalog 2000; www.MountainCycle.com; published as of Aug. 2000.
  • Mountain Bike Action Magazine; Oct. 2000; pp. 38-40; www.mbaction.com.
  • Mountain Cycle Shockware—Photos of products on sale in U.S. as of Aug. 2000.
  • Mountain Bike Action Magazine 2000, p. 138, www.mbaction.com, published as of Aug. 2000.
  • Mountain Cycle Universal Chainguide Instructions, www.mountaincycle.com, published as of Aug. 2000.
  • 2001 Gizmo Installation Instructions, web.archive.org/web/20011025172447/http://mrdirt.com/gizmo/page4.htm, Oct. 2001.
  • Mr. Dirt Gizmo Pictures of products on sale in U.S. as of Oct. 2001.
  • 2006 Race Face Interbike (Trade Show) Booth, www.bikemagic.com; photo of product on sale in U.S. as of Sep. 27, 2006.
  • Raceface Diabolus Chainguide Instructions, published as of Sep. 2006.
  • Decline Magazine, Jan.-Feb. 2006, Issue 20, Article “Its the New Style”.
  • Diabolus Chainguide actual Product Photos of product on sale in U.S. as of Sep. 2006.
Patent History
Patent number: RE45508
Type: Grant
Filed: Jun 6, 2011
Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
Assignee: Eko Sport, Inc. (Grand Junction, CO)
Inventor: James K. Rogers (Portland, OR)
Primary Examiner: Marcus Charles
Application Number: 13/153,967
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: Guard Or Housing For Belt Or Pulley (474/144)
International Classification: B62J 23/00 (20060101); B62K 19/44 (20060101); B62J 13/00 (20060101); B62J 15/02 (20060101);