Velocipede (e.g., Bicycle, Etc.) Patents (Class 188/24.11)
  • Patent number: 11859682
    Abstract: A brake disc includes an outer circumferential portion including a waveform portion having recessed portions and projecting portions repeatedly formed over an outer circumference, and for the outer circumferential portion to have substantially uniform heat capacity distribution in a circumferential direction and in a radial direction, the outer circumferential portion is formed such that a ratio of a difference in heat capacities among a plurality of circumferential sections in the outer circumferential portion, which are sectioned at an equal angle in the circumferential direction, relative to a heat capacity of each circumferential section is equal to or less than a first predetermined ratio. A ratio of a difference in heat capacities among radial sections in the outer circumferential portion, which are sectioned to have an equal length in the radial direction, relative to a heat capacity of each radial section is equal to or less than a second predetermined ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: SUNSTAR ENGINEERING INC.
    Inventor: Satoshi Kubota
  • Patent number: 11702169
    Abstract: A hydraulic operating device is provided for a human-powered vehicle. The hydraulic operating device basically includes a base, an operating member and a handlebar mounting structure. The base includes a cylinder bore defining a cylinder axis. The operating member is pivotally coupled to the base about a pivot axis between a rest position and an operated position. The handlebar mounting structure is coupled to the base. The handlebar mounting structure defines a handlebar mounting axis that extends linearly along a handlebar in a mounted state. The cylinder axis is inclined towards the handlebar mounting axis as the cylinder bore extends away from the pivot axis as viewed in a pivot axis direction parallel to the pivot axis. The pivot axis is located in an area between the cylinder axis and the handlebar mounting axis as viewed in the pivot axis direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Kentaro Kosaka, Yusuke Nishikawa
  • Patent number: 11648170
    Abstract: Provided are mechanisms and processes for a brake system for an assistive mobility device. Systems include a frame configured to provide support for a user, a plurality of wheels coupled to the frame and configured to enable motion of the frame, a plurality of brakes coupled to the plurality of wheels and configured to provide resistance to a rotation of the plurality of wheels when engaged. Systems also include a first handle coupled to the frame and configured to be grasped by the user. The first handle includes a first rotatable grip and a first rotational torque generator coupled to the plurality of brakes. Systems also include a second handle coupled to the frame and configured to be grasped by the user. The second handle includes a second rotatable grip a second rotational torque generator coupled to the plurality of brakes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: Wheelie LLC
    Inventors: Donna Abrahamson, Marie-Helene Gotcher, Elizabeth Fannon
  • Patent number: 11613916
    Abstract: A mechanism for use with multiple latches that are to be released by a single handle and by a single pull. A method for actuating multiple latches with a single handle and by a single pull. A release mechanism for use with multiple latches that are to be released by a single handle and by a single pull, including: a first member slidably received within a housing; a second member rotatably secured to the first member for movement about an axis within the housing and with respect to the first member; a first cable secured to the first member and slidably received within the housing; a second cable secured to the second member and slidably received within the housing; and a third cable secured to the second member and slidably received within the housing, wherein the second cable is shorter than the first cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: INTEVA PRODUCTS, LLC
    Inventor: Alfredo Martinez Alonzo
  • Patent number: 11338884
    Abstract: A discoidal brake for a bicycle comprises a pair of discoids, each of which is mounted on a bicycle member laterally of a wheel rim, one on either side of the wheel. The discoid is pivotally mounted in levered relation on each pivot mount below adjacent and biased away from the wheel rim. A brake shoe is affixed to each discoid to allow camming of the brake shoe into the wheel rim facilitating braking. A control cable is affixed to a control member above the wheel with the control member being connected to the center of a yoke cable. The yoke cable is affixed to each discoid with yoke cable passed partway around the annular component on each discoid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Inventor: John McIntyre
  • Patent number: 11198419
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for producing a brake force device for a vehicle brake system, in which a housing is produced, wherein a recess is formed in the housing, wherein a piston device is arranged in the recess, wherein the piston device is movably guided in the axial direction of a longitudinal axis of the recess and along a specified maximum stroke path, and the length of the maximum stroke path of the piston device is modified for different embodiments of the brake force device. In order to improve and/or to simplify the implementation of different embodiments of the brake force device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: ZF Active Safety GmbH
    Inventors: Marcus Janson, Nicholas Alford
  • Patent number: 11180219
    Abstract: A bicycle control assembly may be provided for operating an electromechanical gear shifting device. The control assembly includes a graspable housing mountable to the bicycle, a power supply connected to the control assembly disposed in the housing, a first operating member movably connected to the housing, and electronic componentry disposed on the first operating member. The electronic componentry may include an electrical switch, a controller in communication with the electrical switch and configured to generate a signal to change a shift position of the gear shifting device responsive to an input from the electrical switch, and an antenna in communication with the controller and configured to send the signal. The control assembly may also include a cable extending from the housing to the first operating member connecting the power supply and the electronic componentry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: SRAM, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Shipman, Matthew C. Morris
  • Patent number: 11114800
    Abstract: The present disclosure disclosed a release with tab and a connector. The release with tab is disposed on a connector head. The release with tab comprises an elastic clip and a tab assembly. The elastic clip comprises a first chuck part, a second chuck part and an elastic part disposed on the connector head. The first chuck part is pivotally connected to the second chuck part. The elastic part is disposed between the first chuck part and the second chuck part. One end of the tab assembly is disposed on the elastic clip. The tab assembly moves in a direction away from the elastic clip to compress the elastic part and the tab assembly drives one end of the first chuck part to approach one end of the second chuck part. When the tab assembly is no longer subjected to external force, the tab assembly restores to the initial position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: DONGGUAN LUXSHARE TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD
    Inventor: Tao Song
  • Patent number: 11077917
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a brake and shift control assembly configured to be mounted on a bicycle handlebar. The bicycle handlebar includes two handlebar parts and a middle part connected to and located between the two handlebar parts. The brake and shift control assembly includes a brake module and a shift control module. The brake module is configured to be mounted on one of the handlebar parts. The shift control module includes an assembly seat, a circuit board assembly, a battery, and an antenna. The assembly seat is configured to be disposed on an end of one of the handlebar parts away from the middle part. The circuit board assembly is disposed in the assembly seat, and the battery and the antenna are disposed on the circuit board assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: TEKTRO TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: I-Chun Liao
  • Patent number: 10981622
    Abstract: The invention obtains a hydraulic pressure controller whose control of a braking force is suppressed from becoming unstable. The invention also obtains a hydraulic brake system that includes such a hydraulic pressure controller, and a bicycle. A hydraulic pressure controller 110 controls hydraulic pressure of a brake fluid that is at least supplied to a front-wheel braking section 17 of a bicycle 200, and includes: a base section that is formed with a channel, through which the brake fluid flows, therein; a valve that is attached to the base section and opens and closes the channel; and a coupling section that couples the base section to the bicycle 200. The coupling section is coupled to a turning section 10 of the bicycle 200, the turning section 10 turning about an axis of a head tube 1A.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Shigeki Ikeda
  • Patent number: 10899405
    Abstract: A bicycle brake lock device and a bicycle brake assembly comprising the same. The device comprises a separate lock means that can restrain a first and a second rotation link of a bicycle brake in a brake operating state to prevent the rotation thereof. Therefore, even without a separate lock device such as a lock, the lock means can simply operate in a lock mode to make the riding of a bicycle impossible, and thus can prevent the bicycle from being stolen. Also, a user can safely fix and restrain a bicycle through a lock means by carrying only a lock key without carrying a separate big and heavy lock device, and thus more conveniently use the bicycle. In particular, a bicycle can be prevented from being stolen even by use of a tool such as a cutter, and thus achieves an enhanced safety from the bicycle theft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: RAPORTER
    Inventor: Seok Yeong Hong
  • Patent number: 10711808
    Abstract: A bar-end type bicycle hydraulic operating device is basically provided with a base member and a hydraulic unit. The base member is configured to be mounted on a handlebar. The base member has an abutment that is configured to contact an end of the handlebar. The hydraulic unit is provided on the base member. The hydraulic unit includes a hydraulic cylinder that has a cylinder bore, a piston movably disposed in the cylinder bore, and a reservoir fluidly communicating with the cylinder bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Takaaki Fujiwara, Kazutaka Fukao
  • Patent number: 10703436
    Abstract: A remote control unit for a display unit of an electric bicycle, the remote control unit being situated in the region of a handlebar grip remote from display unit and having assistance selection keys for the selection of the assistance level and having at least one input device for the menu navigation and selection of menu items shown on display unit. Input unit and assistance selection keys together are situated along a common line. Furthermore disclosed is an electric bicycle including such a remote control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: BIKETEC AG
    Inventors: Ivica Durdevic, Lukas Beat Studer, Philipp Walter Suter, Simon Lanz, Robin Woodtli, Timo Woelk, Omar Afzal
  • Patent number: 10384741
    Abstract: A bicycle hydraulic operating device is basically provided with a first base part, a second base part and a piston. The first base part includes a cylinder bore, a first end surface having a first opening, and a first passage extending from the first opening in the first end surface to the cylinder bore. The second base part includes a reservoir tank, a second end surface having a second opening, and a second passage extending from the second opening in the second end surface to the reservoir tank. The first end surface faces the second end surface. The first and second passages are fluidly connected via the first and second openings. The piston is movably disposed in the cylinder bore of the first base part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Yasuyuki Komada
  • Patent number: 10112672
    Abstract: A frame mechanism for a vehicle with at least three wheels includes wheel frame assemblies to support a vehicle frame assembly. By a shock absorbing assembly, a swing arm, two synchronizing levers and two linking shafts, when any kind of loading carried and external forces are applied to the vehicle, the wheels can constantly remain on the ground surface with the same traction so as to minimize the risk of yaw, drift and unbalance upon a turn or braking of the vehicle. Also, a variety of uneven movements of the wheels can be balanced and converted into a movement of the vehicle frame assembly in an up-and-down direction. In case of the wheels running off the ground, the wheels can be kept in a proper position for retouching down with safety and comfort.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Inventor: Fu-Long Chang
  • Patent number: 9932059
    Abstract: An accessory plate accommodates a caliper brake disc system in either a retrofit kit or in the original construction of wheelbarrows, hand carts and other wheeled, slow speed vehicles. The accessory plate or extension plate is secured to an axle or hub providing attachment to a caliper system. The accessory plate may be modified to accept other accessories, including but not limited to electric motors, drum brake arms and accessories, lights, battery packs or other accessories pertinent to the vehicle's enhanced operation. A hub system may be optionally used and may help to accommodate the installation of an accessory plate and/or rotor disc and/or drum brake or drum brake actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Inventor: Richard J Kruppa
  • Patent number: 9855990
    Abstract: The present invention provides an integrated control device of hydraulic brake for a handlebar of bicycle. The integrated control device includes a brake actuator of hydraulic type mounted on a housing body. The housing body comprises a handgrip portion and an attachment portion to the bicycle handlebar. The brake actuator includes a brake lever hinged on the housing body through a pin. A hydraulic cylinder is provided wherein a slidable piston is slidable that is kinematically connected to the brake lever through kinematic connection elements. A tank for hydraulic fluid is in fluid communication with the hydraulic cylinder. The control device includes an autonomous cartridge that comprises the hydraulic cylinder and the tank, and is removably inserted into a corresponding seat of the housing body. The seat is formed in a head portion of the housing body that is substantially opposite the attachment portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: CAMPAGNOLO S.R.L.
    Inventors: Mario Meggiolan, Davide Zenere, Jürgen Beier
  • Patent number: 9637198
    Abstract: The power assisting device includes driver with a rotary axis, a main gear, a first transmission rod, a first bevel gear, a second bevel gear, a first rotating rod, a third bevel gear, and a first driving wheel. The main gear is driven by the driver to rotate about the rotary axis. The first transmission rod extends along a direction perpendicular to the rotary axis. The first bevel gear and the second bevel gear are separately sleeved on the transmission rod. The first bevel gear is engaged with the main gear. The first rotating rod extends along a direction parallel to the rotary axis. The third bevel gear is sleeved on the first rotating rod and is engaged with the second bevel gear. The first driving wheel is coupled to the first rotating rod for assisting a wheel of a vehicle to move forward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yen-Chi Chen, Chang-Yuan Shih, Shih-Hsin Hsu
  • Patent number: 9580136
    Abstract: A bicycle disc brake rotor, having a rotational center axis, comprises a base portion including iron and a surface portion including iron, aluminum, and chrome. The surface portion is formed on an external surface of the base portion. A concentration gradient of chrome of the surface portion is formed in an axial direction parallel to the rotational center axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Bungo Sasaki, Makoto Souwa, Toru Iwai
  • Patent number: 9469381
    Abstract: A bicycle control device includes a housing member, a control lever member, a shift-operating mechanism and a hydraulic fluid pressure generator. The housing member has an attachment part for attachment to a handlebar, and a grip part extending longitudinally between first and second ends of the grip part. The control lever member pivots respect to the housing member. The shift-operating mechanism is coupled to a shifting device by a control cable. The hydraulic fluid pressure generator has a cylinder, a reservoir, and a piston movably disposed within the cylinder to generate fluid pressure for controlling a braking device. The cylinder is disposed in the housing member at a position closer toward the second end of the grip part than is the shift-operating mechanism to the second end of the grip part. The reservoir is disposed next to the cylinder in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Etsuyoshi Watarai, Osamu Kariyama, Tatsuya Matsushita, Masahiro Nakakura
  • Patent number: 9469380
    Abstract: A bicycle control device includes a housing member, a control lever member, a shift-operating mechanism and a hydraulic fluid pressure generator. The housing member has an attachment part for attachment to a handlebar, and a grip part extending longitudinally between first and second ends of the grip part. The shift-operating mechanism includes a cable take-up member rotatably mounted around a cable take-up axis. The cable take-up member has a control cable attachment part that is configured to be coupled to a shifting device by a control cable. The hydraulic fluid pressure generator has a cylinder and a piston movably that is disposed within the cylinder by movement of the control lever member to generate fluid pressure for controlling a braking device. The cylinder defines a cylinder axis that forms an angle of greater than or equal to 20° and less than or equal to 50° with the cable take-up axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Etsuyoshi Watarai, Osamu Kariyama, Tatsuya Matsushita, Masahiro Nakakura
  • Patent number: 9414976
    Abstract: A brake structure for a wheelchair having a pair of wheels includes: a braking device for braking one of the pair of wheels; a grip to be held by an operator for a moving operation of the wheelchair, the grip including a base fixed to the wheelchair at any position around one axis along a travel direction A of the wheelchair, extending in such a manner as to protrude from the one axis in a radial direction when viewed from the travel direction of the wheelchair, and being mounted rotatably in one direction; and a braking operation section (a brake wire coupling member and a brake wire) for operating the braking device in accordance with the rotation of the grip. Consequently, the load of a braking operation can be reduced, and the ease of a moving operation during the braking operation can be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Inventor: Hiroyasu Iwata
  • Patent number: 9377101
    Abstract: A device (42, 50, 70, 75, 80, 85) for manually inputting commands for an electronically servo-assisted bicycle gearshift (8) comprises a lever (54, 86) configured to actuate a first switch (60) when it is rotated by a first predetermined angle, and to actuate the first switch (60) and a second switch (61) when it is rotated by a second predetermined angle after the rotation by the first predetermined angle. A command input requesting gearshifting in a first direction is considered to be valid when only the first switch (60) is actuated, and a command input requesting gearshifting in a second direction is considered to be valid only when both of the switches (60, 61) are actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: Campagnolo S.r.l.
    Inventors: Flavio Cracco, Andrea De Pretto
  • Patent number: 9175506
    Abstract: A lock system for casement or awning windows. The lock system includes a keeper and a tie bar with a rivet assembly rotatably attached thereto. The rivet assembly includes a rivet and a sleeve rotationally fixed to the rivet, the rivet and the sleeve having longitudinal axes parallel to but offset from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: Truth Hardware Corporation
    Inventor: Leonard P. Bauman
  • Patent number: 9096287
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a bicycle in which at least a portion of a control cable is routed internally. In particular, a bicycle according to the invention comprises a frame, the frame including a head tube; a fork assembly carried by the frame; and a cable guide positioned at least partially within the head tube and connected to the fork assembly, the cable guide adapted for receiving the portion of the control cable. The invention extends to a method of routing the control cables through a bicycle frame to minimize aerodynamic losses that are caused by control cables. More particularly, the method includes the steps of providing a bicycle frame comprising a head tube, providing a fork steerer including a groove formed in the fork steerer at least partially within the head tube, and positioning a portion of the cable within the groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Inventor: Douglas Gregg Shadwell
  • Patent number: 9010500
    Abstract: A hydraulic brake hose structure is basically provided with a hydraulic brake hose and a first sealing material. The hydraulic brake hose has a first end with a first opening and a second end with a second opening. The first sealing material overlies the first opening of the first end to form a first seal that seals the first opening of the first end. The first sealing material ruptures at a prescribed hydraulic fluid pressure threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Shinpei Uchida, Shinya Hirotomi
  • Publication number: 20150101892
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a braking system for a recreational riding-board. The braking system includes a braking mechanism and an activating means. The braking mechanism is adapted to slow down or stop, the motion of the riding-board. The activating means is adapted to control the braking mechanism. The activating means in use is located between the middle and rear end of the riding-board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: Streetboardz Holdings Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Anthony Haddleton, Ivor Ackermann
  • Publication number: 20150075920
    Abstract: The present invention is a brake release system that prevents an over the handlebar accident caused by applying too much brake force to the front brake of a bicycle. By the retention and release of the brake cable housing or brake cable to partially release the front brake to prevent an over the handlebar accident. The present invention works by extending the length of the brake cable connected between the brake lever and the brake caliper on the front brake of a bicycle. The brake release system comprises a brake cable housing held by a piston. A hardened steel ball is used to keep the piston from moving and releasing the brake cable. A spring is used to push the ball against the piston. The amount of engagement of the ball with the piston and the spring force determine the release force. When the brakes are released, a spring automatically resets the brake release system when the rider releases the brake lever. The present invention is cost efficient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: Gregory Alan Ward, Wen C. Hsieh
  • Patent number: 8960379
    Abstract: The present invention describes a supplemental mechanism for actuating the brake of a bicycle either independently or as an addition to normal hand operation of the brake by a brake lever on the handlebars. The actuating mechanism can be adapted to operate a variety of manufactured rim, disc or hub brakes and brake operating mechanisms, including but not limited to Bowden cables and hydraulic actuators and to a variety of different bicycle configurations including but not limited to tandems, (which here is used to describe any kind of multi-seat bicycle), recumbent bicycles and tricycles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Inventor: Roger Walter Coombes
  • Patent number: 8851249
    Abstract: A hydraulic brake master cylinder includes a cylinder unit having first and second spaces, a channel communicating the spaces and an adjuster exposed outside; a piston slidably disposed in the first space; a first spring applying an elastic force to the piston; a rod moving relative to the piston; a second spring applying an elastic force to the rod; a seal attached to the rod and moving controllably to seal the channel; and a nut threaded onto the rod. The adjuster is rotatable to make the nut and the rod rotate with respect to each other so as to change the distance between the seal and the end of the channel to adjust the free stroke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Tien Hsin Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jason Miles
  • Patent number: 8833199
    Abstract: The invention relates to a bicycle brake control device, comprising a support body to be fixed to a handle bar and suitable to receive an end length of a traction cable according to a line, and a brake lever pivoted on the support body for actuating the brake through the traction cable when it is pulled towards the handle bar, the brake lever having a first actuation area at one end, wherein the pivot of the brake lever is arranged at a position which is not intermediate between the intersection of the line with the brake lever, and the first actuation area of the brake lever. Through such a configuration, the length of the brake lever on the side of the first actuation area, i.e. on the useful side of the brake lever, increases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Campagnolo S.r.l.
    Inventor: Giuseppe Dal Pra'
  • Publication number: 20140216861
    Abstract: A brake auxiliary device includes a first connecting module, a brake cable unit connected with the first connecting module, a second connecting module connected with the brake cable unit, a first brake cable connected with the second connecting module, and a second brake cable connected with the second connecting module. The brake cable unit is connected to a front brake of a bicycle. The second brake cable is connected to a rear brake of the bicycle. Thus, when one of the two brake levers of the bicycle is driven, the rear wheel is initially braked, and the front wheel is then braked after the rear wheel is braked. In addition, when the other one of the two brake levers is driven, the rear wheel is braked.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: AP Machinery Corp.
    Inventor: Chih-Hsiang Chiang
  • Patent number: 8794369
    Abstract: A standard foot-operated rear brake system on a motorcycle is converted to a hand-operated brake assist system by mounting a pneumatic cylinder in close proximity to the rear brake foot pedal such that, when pressurized, the piston of the pneumatic cylinder extends to depress the rear brake foot pedal. The pneumatic cylinder is controlled by a switch on the handlebar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Ride-Able, Inc.
    Inventor: Tyler D. Cruit
  • Publication number: 20140182979
    Abstract: A device for limiting rotation of a wheel, such as a wheel on a skateboard, comprising a physical stop secured against one wheel of the skateboard. Multiple physical locks may be used, each secured against single wheel. The physical stop may comprise a block of resilient material placed in a semi-compressed state into the gap between the skateboard deck and the wheel such that the block exerts pressure on the wheel sufficient to prevent the wheel from freely rotating. Alternately, the physical stop may comprise a holder at least partially surrounding the wheel and at least one protrusion from the holder adjacent a rolling surface of the wheel, where the protrusion is capable of functioning as a chock and substantially preventing the wheel from rolling against a surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2013
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Inventor: Roger Hansen
  • Patent number: 8661934
    Abstract: An actuator unit for a hydraulic brake mechanism on two-wheelers, comprising a housing fastened to the handlebar, a brake cylinder being arranged substantially perpendicular to the handlebar in the housing, a piston movable in it and a brake lever acting on the piston at an intermediate portion remote from either end of the lever, the lever being mounted at one end thereof to rotate relative to the housing, wherein the brake lever is mounted adjustably movable with respect to an axis substantially at an end of the lever, the axis being unchangeable in position but rotatably mounted to the housing, the adjustment option being provided for by the adjustment mechanism, wherein the lever, the adjustment mechanism and the axis rotate together relatively to the housing upon operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Shinichi Takizawa, Tatsuya Matsuchita
  • Patent number: 8646353
    Abstract: A bicycle brake operating device is provided with a handlebar bracket, a brake lever, an operation unit and a detection device. Rotation of the operation unit is detected by the detection device. The operation unit is arranged so that it does not readily hinder a braking operation. The operation unit also arranged so that it us not readily damaged when the bicycle falls over.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Kouji Uno
  • Patent number: 8631721
    Abstract: An actuator mounting, in particular, a clutch or brake mounting for a vehicle, includes a mounting housing (3) with an attachment shell (2) for attaching the mounting to a handlebar or a similar steering element, a hand lever (8) supported to rotate on the mounting housing (3), and a mechanical or hydraulic force transmission device arranged on the mounting housing (3). The actuator mounting includes a carrier plate (9) supported on the rotational bearing (7) in common with the hand lever (8) as an intermediate transmission element with multiple functions. The carrier plate (9) has contact points (16, 32, 34) for applying force to or tensioning the hand lever (8), the force transmission device, and the mounting housing stop (35).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Gustav Magenwirth GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Franz Weiher
  • Publication number: 20130292213
    Abstract: The present invention describes a supplemental mechanism for actuating the brake of a bicycle either independently or as an addition to normal hand operation of the brake by a brake lever on the handlebars. The actuating mechanism can be adapted to operate a variety of manufactured rim, disc or hub brakes and brake operating mechanisms, including but not limited to Bowden cables and hydraulic actuators and to a variety of different bicycle configurations including but not limited to tandems, (which here is used to describe any kind of multi-seat bicycle), recumbent bicycles and tricycles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventor: Roger Walter Coombes
  • Patent number: 8448762
    Abstract: A hydraulic brake lever apparatus is provided with a brake lever housing, a piston, a mounting structure, a brake lever, a fluid reservoir and a diaphragm. The brake lever housing includes a cylinder having the piston movably disposed within the cylinder. The mounting structure mounts the brake lever housing to a bicycle handlebar. The brake lever pivots relative to the brake lever housing to move the piston within the cylinder. The fluid reservoir fluidly communicates hydraulic fluid with the cylinder via a port. The fluid reservoir has a cylindrical shape and lies in a side by side relationship with the cylinder. The diaphragm is disposed within the fluid reservoir, and includes a substantial arrowhead shaped portion that allows the volume of the diaphragm to change smoothly while ensuring the volume of the hydraulic fluid chamber within the fluid reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Kazuyuki Hirose, Shinichi Takizawa
  • Patent number: 8408090
    Abstract: An actuator mounting, in particular, a clutch or brake mounting for a vehicle, includes a mounting housing (3) with an attachment shell (2) for attaching the mounting to a handlebar or a similar steering element, a hand lever (8) supported to rotate on the mounting housing (3), and a mechanical or hydraulic force transmission device arranged on the mounting housing (3). The actuator mounting includes a carrier plate (9) supported on the rotational bearing (7) in common with the hand lever (8) as an intermediate transmission element with multiple functions. The carrier plate (9) has contact points (16, 32, 34) for applying force to or tensioning the hand lever (8), the force transmission device, and the mounting housing stop (35).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Gustav Magenwirth GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Franz Weiher
  • Publication number: 20120318619
    Abstract: In an embodiment of the invention, an apparatus includes: a remote safety brake including a transmitter configured to transmit a control signal, a receiver configured to receive the control signal, and a brake control stage coupled to the receiver. The brake control stage is responsive to the control signal, and the transmitter is remotely disposed away from the receiver and is remotely disposed away from the brake control stage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2011
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Inventors: Charles L. Cooper, II, Joshua TN Lambert
  • Patent number: 8328217
    Abstract: Conventional linkages between bicycle handlebar-mounted controls and rear brakes and gears are unable to accommodate unlimited rotation of the handlebars as is required on some so-called “freestyle” bicycles. A prior attempt to solve the problem employs a linkage comprising a bearing having two parts that are relatively rotatable about an axis. However this proposal is unable to handle situations where there are two or more mechanisms to be controlled e.g. a rear brake and a gear. The problem is solved by using multiple bearings (15, 16, 17) that share a common axis (X-X) of rotation but are located at different radial positions with respect to the axis. This avoids interference between the different linkages and makes it possible to locate the linkages around a stem on which the front wheel fork of the bicycle is mounted. A possible suitable location may be within a head tube of the bicycle frame. The invention is not limited to use with bicycles and can be employed in robotic and other machines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Inventor: Graham Corbin
  • Patent number: 8322248
    Abstract: An adjusting screw (15) for a control lever device (1) for vehicles, wherein said adjusting screw (15) comprises a screw body (18) with a threaded shank (19) that can be screwed in a corresponding threaded hole (16) of the lever device (1) and a locking body (26) pivotally connected to the screw body (18). The locking body (26) comprises contact means (27) interacting with the screw body (28, 18) such as to counteract the rotation of the locking body (26) relative to the screw body (18) to a certain extent and anchoring means (29) engaging an anchoring seat (17) of the lever device (1) such as to prevent that the locking body (26) may rotate relative to the threaded hole (16) of the lever device (1). There are also provided means (25) for preventing that the locking body (26) may be displaced along the shank (19) of the screw body (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Freni Brembo S.p.A.
    Inventors: Alessandro Esposito, Gianangelo Pezzotta, Marcello Colombo
  • Patent number: 8307954
    Abstract: There is provided a caliper brake attachment tool which comprises: a supporting rod; a fixed part provided to one end side of the supporting rod capable of fixing an existing caliper brake; an applying part provided to the other end side of the supporting rod and applicable to a seat tube of the bicycle; and an engaging recess provided between the fixed part and the applying part in the supporting rod engageable with a bridge to connect a right-and-left pair of seat stays of the bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Kimori Limited
    Inventor: Toshiyuki Kimori
  • Patent number: 8297414
    Abstract: A wire quick release device of the present invention is mounted on a bicycle in association with a brake device and a brake wire of the bicycle. The wire quick release device includes a quick release having a handle to operate in order to press the brake wire onto the brake device and loosen the brake wire in order to simplify the work of fastening and releasing the brake wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Yongmart Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chih-Chen Juan
  • Patent number: 8281903
    Abstract: A braking device for vehicles comprises a body (12), a lever (13) hinged to said body that can be operated by a user of the vehicle, a hydraulic cylinder (17) having a cylinder-shaped chamber integral with the body (12) for connecting to a hydraulic braking circuit of the vehicle, the cylinder (17) comprising a piston (25) sliding in the chamber (24) and moving as a result of the action of said lever (13) to control vehicle braking. The lever (13) acts on the piston to cause the braking action by means of a cam mechanism (20, 21).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Sunstar Engineering Pte. Ltd.
    Inventor: Cesare Brioschi
  • Patent number: 8261888
    Abstract: A brake apparatus for a racing bicycle includes a housing mounted on either handlebar and comprising an internal recess; a brake lever pivotably secured to the housing and having one end pivotably disposed in the recess; a spring depressible detent rod slidably disposed in the brake lever and comprising a head on an outer surface of the brake lever, an annular flange, and an annular groove between the flange and the head; a brake cable having one end attached to the brake lever and the other end attached to a brake; and a locking member having one end urged against the flange. Pushing the head to cause one end of the locking member to fall into the groove and cause one end of the brake lever to fall into the recess will loosen the brake cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Tektro Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Szu-Fang Tsai
  • Publication number: 20120175197
    Abstract: A safety braking system of to a bike, motorcycle or any other linear two-wheel vehicle, or any vehicle with a right brake lever and a left brake lever to respectively control respective braking actions to the front wheel and the rear wheel of the vehicle. Whenever either of the right brake lever or the left brake lever is pulled, the safety braking system controls the rear wheel brake to be activated before the front wheel brake to be activated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Inventor: Ton-Rong Tseng
  • Publication number: 20110233994
    Abstract: A braking system for an electric vehicle has a first wheel having a first friction brake and an electric motor and a second having a second friction brake. A first user-actuated brake lever is coupled to the first friction brake. The first brake lever has a first sensor indicating actuation of the first brake lever. A second user-actuated brake lever is coupled to the second friction brake. The second brake lever has a second sensor indicating actuation of the second brake lever. An electronic control unit electronically coupled to the first and second sensors and the electric motor commands the electric motor to operate as a generator when at least one of the brake levers is actuated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: Electric Vehicle Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventors: John Harding, Erik Kauppi
  • Publication number: 20110187072
    Abstract: The present invention relates a bicycle that can be connected to each other such that it may be used as a one seat bicycle as well as the bicycle built for two or more people, wherein a top tube forming a frame is positioned to be separated from a fixed tube attached to a head tube, a clutch means is converted from an un-clutch state to a clutch state between the fixed tube and top tube, and a synchronizer is positioned between a front fork and the clutch means, which is separated at the clutch state and attached at the un-clutch state so that in case of the one seat bicycle, the head tube is integrally connected to the top tube while in case of a rear one of the bicycle built for two or more people, the head tube is pivotally converted to the top tube thereby the rear one not toppling over during steered as well as converting the one seat bicycle to the bicycle built for two or more people when two or more bicycle are connected to each other in tandem.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Inventor: Min-Sik Park