Velocipede (e.g., Bicycle, Etc.) Patents (Class 188/24.11)
- Wheel rim configured to cooperate with components (Class 188/24.13)
- Having means to increase braking force (e.g., self-energizing brake, etc.) (Class 188/24.14)
- Actuation controlled by back-pedalling (Class 188/24.17)
- With means to lock brake in actuated position (Class 188/24.18)
- Having means to adjust spacing between brake component and wheel rim or tire (Class 188/24.19)
- Having center-pull, cable-type actuator for mechanism (Class 188/24.21)
- Specific actuator element structure (Class 188/24.22)
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Patent number: 6572131Abstract: A bicycle brake device is coupled to a bicycle frame section, which includes one or more bicycle brake mounting structures. The bicycle frame section can be either a portion of a front fork or rear fork of a bicycle. The brake device is preferably a caliper brake device such as a cantilever brake device, a side pull brake device, or a center pull brake device. The caliper brake device has a pair of brake arms, which are pivotally coupled to either the front fork or rear fork for selectively engaging the rim of the bicycle wheel. In certain embodiments, the bicycle brake mounting structures are U-shaped brackets, which are fixedly coupled to the frame member or members. In other embodiments, the bicycle brake mounting structures are formed by a pair of separate tubular frame members, which are fixedly coupled top the remainder of the bicycle frame section.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2001Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventor: Kazuhiro Fujii
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Publication number: 20030079946Abstract: A bicycle assembly includes a frame portion, a component and a shim. The frame portion has a component mounting section. The component has a frame mounting section. The frame mounting section is removably coupled to the component mounting section by a fastener. The shim is mounted between the component mounting section and the frame mounting section on the fastener to space the component a predetermined distance from the frame portion. The shim includes a shim portion and a handle portion. The shim portion includes two shim sections connected together. The shim sections have free ends spaced from each other to form an open ended fastener opening with the fastener selectively received therein. The shim portion has a predetermined thickness in an axial direction of the fastener opening to space the component a predetermined distance from the frame section. The handle portion extends outwardly from the shim portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2001Publication date: May 1, 2003Inventors: Shinichi Takizawa, Yuzuru Uchiyama
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Publication number: 20030057033Abstract: A foot-operated bicycle braking system comprises a fixation plate having a mounting arm and two retaining arms. The mounting arm is provided with a mounting hole for mounting the fixation plate on a support shaft of the braking system. The two retaining arms are provided with a retaining portion and a receiving hole. The bicycle rear fork is retained by the fixation plate such that the rear fork is retained securely between the mounting arm and the two retaining portions of the retaining arms, and that the rear fork is located by a locating bolt which is received in the receiving holes of the retaining arms.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2001Publication date: March 27, 2003Applicant: Chin Hsing An Thai Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Chien-Hsiang Lin, Chen-Chih Lin
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Publication number: 20030057032Abstract: Bicycle brake including a brake mechanism and several brake blocks disposed in the brake drum and the hub cover. The brake mechanism includes a power disc driven by the brake cord, a pressure adjustment ring, an equalizer and at least one linking member. The power disc drives at least one linking member to displace and outward push the brake block to contact with the brake drum for creating a first stage of braking effect. When the power disc further rotates and the rotational force is greater than the set resilient pressure value of the resilient member between the equalizer and the pressure adjustment ring, the resilient member is collapsed, whereby the linking member is rotated and displaced to strongly outward push the brake block and further create a second stage of braking effect.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2001Publication date: March 27, 2003Inventor: Jen-Chih Liu
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Patent number: 6527089Abstract: A caliper drive for a bicycle ball bearing mechanical disc brake caliper includes a first cam fixed against axial movement relative to an advancement axis during caliper actuation and a second cam moveably axially of the advancement axis relative to the fixed cam during caliper actuation. A plurality of ramped grooves reside between the first cam and the second cam and each ramped groove receives a ball bearing. The ramped grooves are configured to cause axial movement of the second cam relative to the first cam upon relative rotation of the cams about the advancement axis. Each ramped groove has a side wall defining a radially stable path for the ball bearing substantially preventing relative radial movement between the fixed and drive cams.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2000Date of Patent: March 4, 2003Assignee: Avid, L.L.C.Inventors: Wayne R. Lumpkin, Michael T. Mayberry
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Patent number: 6488130Abstract: An apparatus for the application of a braking force to a wheel of a wheelbarrow, hand cart or other type of a cargo portage device includes a twist grip mechanism with a latching type of a ratchet attached to the handlebar of the device. As the twist grip mechanism is rotated a progressive braking force is applied to the wheel by tightening a brake band that extends around a drum that is attached to the wheel. A cable is attached at one end to the twist grip mechanism and to the brake band at its remaining end. The ratchet maintains the braking force that is applied until a thumb release lever is depressed which disengages a ratchet dog from contact with any of a plurality of ratchet teeth.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2001Date of Patent: December 3, 2002Inventor: John Karl Bermel
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Publication number: 20020134625Abstract: A control apparatus for controlling a drive member rotatably supported on a bicycle includes a mounting member for mounting the apparatus to the bicycle, a braking mechanism coupled to the mounting member for applying a braking force to the drive member; and a coupling mechanism adapted to couple the braking mechanism to a shift control mechanism so that the braking mechanism applies the braking force to the drive member upon actuation of the shift control mechanism.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2002Publication date: September 26, 2002Applicant: SHIMANO, INC.Inventor: Akihiko Shoge
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Publication number: 20020121409Abstract: A wheel and brake system comprises an inner wheel, an outer wheel and a brake mechanism. The inner wheel is adapted to be rotatably mounted to a vehicle. The outer wheel is positioned generally concentric with the inner wheel. A plurality of resilient members connect the inner and outer wheel to one another in a manner to permit resilient movement of the outer wheel relative to the inner wheel. The brake mechanism comprises a mounting block, a lever arm and a cam follower. The mounting block is adapted to be mounted to the vehicle adjacent the inner wheel. The lever arm is pivotally connected to the mounting block in a manner to permit pivoting movement of the lever arm between a braking position and a non-braking position. The lever arm includes a cam surface. The cam follower is connected to the mounting block in a manner to permit reciprocating movement of the cam follower between a wheel-engaging position and a disengaged position.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2001Publication date: September 5, 2002Applicant: S.C. Wheel, LLCInventor: Edward L. Arnell
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Patent number: 6439077Abstract: A cable feed for a cable actuated bicycle includes a housing and an actuator residing within the housing operatively associated with the cable. The cable feed consists of a mount attached to the housing having a mount orifice along a guide axis. A cylindrical ferrule having an axial bore extending between first and second ferrule ends includes a barb at the first end and a stop near the second end. The ferrule is axially inserted within the first end leading into the mount orifice with the stop halting axial insertion of the ferrule into the mount orifice. A minor elastic boot having a first end with an inwardly extending angular flange mates with the attachment barb and has an outer diameter at the first end large enough to prevent axial withdraw of the ferrule from the mount orifice.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2000Date of Patent: August 27, 2002Assignee: Avid LLCInventors: Wayne R. Lumpkin, Michael T. Mayberry
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Patent number: 6431326Abstract: A braking power modulator is coupled to the brake lever of a brake operating device for easy adjustment and viewing. The braking power modulator is preferably adjustable to provide different braking powers for different riders or different road conditions. The braking power modulator basically includes a mounting member, a brake lever, a biasing member, a modulating member and an adjusting member. The mounting member is adapted to be coupled to a handlebar of a bicycle, and has a cable passageway with a first abutment and a second abutment. The brake lever is pivotally coupled to the mounting member, and has a cable attachment portion. The biasing member is disposed in the cable passageway, and has first and second portions with the first portion of the biasing member being operatively coupled to the first abutment.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2001Date of Patent: August 13, 2002Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventor: Shinichi Takizawa
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Patent number: 6422353Abstract: A brake device includes a brake lever, a brake shoe, a tube, a stem rotatably secured in the tube, two followers pivotally secured to the stem and the tube for supporting two brake cables, and a bearing coupling the followers together. The followers are rotatably secured to the stem and the tube and are sliding in concert with each other relative to the tube and the stem and are rotated relative to each other for allowing the cables to be operated and to be prevented from being twisted relative to each other when the stem is rotated relative to the tube.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2001Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Inventor: Chang Hui Lin
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Patent number: 6418368Abstract: An electrical operating device for a bicycle includes a brake control device adapted to be mounted to a handlebar of the bicycle and a switching device integrated with the brake control device. The brake control device includes a first operating member that moves along a first path for controlling the operation of a brake, and the switching device outputs electrical signals in response to movement of the switching device along a second path different from the first path.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2001Date of Patent: July 9, 2002Assignee: Shimano, Inc.Inventors: Masahiko Jinbo, Masahiko Fukuda, Takeo Abe
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Patent number: 6412605Abstract: In a bicycle brake, a lever of the brake is mounted articulated on a pivot. The pivot has an end head which is received in a blind hole made in the lever and opening out on to the rear wall of the latter. The head of the pivot is axially withheld against the bottom wall of the blind hole by a bushing surrounding the pivot and screwed to a threaded portion of the aforesaid blind hole. The head is therefore not visible on the front surface of the lever.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2001Date of Patent: July 2, 2002Assignee: Campagnolo SrlInventor: Valentino Campagnolo
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Publication number: 20020079171Abstract: A cable connecting apparatus for a control cable having an inner wire that slides within an outer casing includes a cable sleeve adapted to receive the outer casing of the control cable; a guide having a first end portion and a second end portion, wherein the guide supports the cable sleeve so that the cable sleeve moves toward the first end portion and the second end portion; and a biasing device for biasing the cable sleeve toward the second end portion of the guide.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 26, 2001Publication date: June 27, 2002Applicant: SHIMANO, INC.Inventor: Minoru Itou
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Patent number: 6408714Abstract: A rotary device for stunt bicycles includes a bearing set movably mounted to a steerer tube and having two upright lugs and two downward lugs. A first collar is pivotally connected to the upright lugs and a first lever member has one end thereof pivotally connected to the first collar, and the other end of the first lever member is connected to a first brake cable. A second collar is pivotally connected to the downward lugs. A second lever member has one end thereof pivotally connected to the second collar, and the other end of the second lever member is connected to a second brake cable.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2001Date of Patent: June 25, 2002Inventor: Yung-Pin Kuo
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Publication number: 20020070084Abstract: A bicycle brake assembly includes a caliper body and an anti-dead lock device. The caliper body has a vertical passage to permit extension of a brake disk of a wheel, a fluid reservoir replete with a hydraulic fluid, and two brake-pad mounting pieces. Two brake pads are mounted respectively on the brake-pad mounting pieces of the caliper body, and are operably associated with the fluid reservoir in such a manner that when a pressure is applied on the fluid reservoir, the brake pads clamp the brake disk. The anti-lock device includes a cylinder defining a chamber, and a piston member disposed sealingly and movably in the chamber to divide the same into first and second partitions. The first partition is replete with the hydraulic fluid, and is in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir. An urging member is disposed in the second partition and abuts against the piston member.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2001Publication date: June 13, 2002Inventor: Chin-Hwang Chou
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Publication number: 20020066624Abstract: A braking device for a hub with an axle for a running wheel of a bicycle includes a brake carrier plate and an extension arm arranged on the brake carrier plate. The hub is connectable with the braking device via the axle at a drop-out end of a frame part of the bicycle. The brake carrier plate is connectable to a fastening element for a caliper of a disk brake on the frame part for the transmission of brake reaction forces via the extension arm. An adaptor is arranged at the fastening element, the adaptor allowing itself to be pushed together with the extension arm as soon as the axle of the hub is pushed into the drop-out end of the frame part for the mounting of the running wheel.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2001Publication date: June 6, 2002Applicant: SRAM Deutschland GmbHInventor: Frank Schmidt
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Patent number: 6400564Abstract: A switch guide located between a pair of switches on a computerized bicycle control panel is disclosed for guiding a bicycle rider's thumb to a proper switch on a bicycle handle bar. The switch guide is preferably a protrusion dimensioned to be detected by the bicycle rider's thumb. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the height of the switch guide is greater than the height of the switch. In an alternative embodiment, the height of the switch guide is greater than the height of the switch, when the switch is activated. The switch guide is located in sufficient proximity to the switches to allow the rider's thumb to access one of the switches by moving the thumb to one side of the switch guide and the other switch by moving the thumb to the other side of the switch guide.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2000Date of Patent: June 4, 2002Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Naohiro Nishimoto, Takuji Masui
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Patent number: 6386328Abstract: A disk brake assembly includes a brake disk connected a wheel hub and a wheel shaft extends through a hole in the brake disk. A connection member is mounted to the wheel shaft and positions the brake disk is located between the connection member and the wheel hub. The connection member has two connection ports and a clamp device is connected to the two connection ports. A bicycle frame such as a front fork or a chain stay has a slot in which the wheel shaft is engaged. The connection member is securely positioned between the brake disk and the bicycle frame.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2001Date of Patent: May 14, 2002Inventor: Tse-Min Chen
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Publication number: 20020040832Abstract: A disk-braking device comprises a disk-braking piece, a brake, and a pair of friction pads installed in the brake and having a predetermined area. The two friction pads can clamp or release the disk-braking piece for rubbing the disk-braking piece to reduce the rotary speed or stop the rotation of the disk-braking piece. The disk-braking piece are piece-like bodies. The portion of the disk-braking piece passing through the two friction pads is formed with a plurality of openings having a predetermined shape and spaced with a predetermined distance. The arrangement of the openings is periodic. Openings at the same period have different areas. The area of each opening is smaller than that of the two friction pads. As the car brakes, a periodic variation of the friction torque generates to prevent the wheels from sliding. Therefore, a preferred braking effect is presented.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2001Publication date: April 11, 2002Inventor: Robert J. Seymour
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Publication number: 20020030344Abstract: A head pipe that supports a handle for a scooter type vehicle is covered with a front cover. Article container boxes are disposed in an upper portion of a rear side of the front cover, and a parking lever is disposed below the article container boxes. Accordingly, an opening of each article container box can be made larger and it is possible to increase the capacity of each container box. Large article container boxes can be disposed in the front cover and in the vicinity of the handle. A parking lever can be disposed in the front cover and in the vicinity of the handle at a position permitting a vehicle rider to easily reach and operate the lever without requiring any forced motion.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 7, 2001Publication date: March 14, 2002Inventors: Fuminori Kamemizu, Sadamichi Enjyo, Yoshinobu Honda, Katsuichi Yagisawa
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Publication number: 20020029940Abstract: A motorcycle includes a rear wheel supported by a swing arm, and a damper extends between the swing arm and the body. A swing arm extension portion extends in the rearward direction from a rear wheel shaft supporting portion of the swing arm. The damper is connected to a rear end connecting portion of the swing arm extension portion. A brake device includes a parking brake caliper and a rear brake caliper. The parking brake caliper and the rear brake caliper are arranged above and below the swing arm extension portion. The rear brake caliper and the parking brake caliper can be mounted without shifting the swing arm toward the outside in the body in the width direction more than necessary.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 7, 2001Publication date: March 14, 2002Inventors: Chikashi Iizuka, Yoshinobu Honda
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Publication number: 20020020588Abstract: A micro-spring brake adjuster is provided for a bicycle brake having a pair of bicycle brake lever arms mounted rotatably on the bicycle frame fork arms of a bicycle. Bicycle brakes of this type utilize elongated, linear spring rods that are resiliently deflected to apply biasing forces that tend to disengage the brake pads from contact with the bicycle wheel rim. The brake adjuster includes a body that fits onto a bicycle brake spring rod. The brake adjuster is also provided with structure having a cam surface that can be interposed between the brake spring rod and the spring pin against which the brake spring rod resiliently bears. Longitudinal movement of the adjuster along the length of the spring rod in one direction increases the amount of structure of the adjuster interposed between the spring rod and the spring pin, thereby increasing the resilient deflection of the linear spring rod, which in turn increases the outwardly biasing force that the spring rod exerts on the brake pad.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2001Publication date: February 21, 2002Inventor: Robert Valdez
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Patent number: 6343675Abstract: Adjustable disc brake bracket especially applicable to rally bicycle. The disc brake bracket includes an upper bracket, a lower bracket, an adjustment section, an insertion section, a retaining seat and a stop section. The adjustment section is positioned between the upper and lower brackets for adjusting the angle contained thereby. The insertion section is a notch formed on lower end of the lower bracket and fitted on the end of the wheel shaft. The retaining seat is mounted on the upper bracket for fixedly connecting with the disc brake apparatus of the bicycle. The stop section is disposed on the upper bracket for abutting against the frame body of the bicycle.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2001Date of Patent: February 5, 2002Inventor: Robert J. Seymour
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Patent number: 6336526Abstract: A bicycle disk brake comprises a frame, a braking clamp set, and a connection member for connecting the braking clamp set with the frame which is mounted on the front fork or rear fork of a bicycle. The connection member is formed of two bolts, two first protruded collars, two second protruded collars, and two recessed collars, which enable the braking clamp set to be adjusted in position and angle relative to the frame such that the two brake shoes of the braking clamp set are located at an optimal position to clamp a braking disk to slow down or stop the bicycle in motion.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2000Date of Patent: January 8, 2002Inventor: Tzu-Chieh Chou
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Patent number: 6328139Abstract: A bicycle cable connection device is designed to connect a tube lashing seat of the bicycle and an outer tube enclosing the bicycle brake cable. The connection device comprises a pliable tube, a tube sleeve, and an adjustable member. The pliable tube has a predetermined length and encloses the bicycle brake cable. The tube sleeve is connected with the adjustment member and the pliable tube. The adjustment member is connected with the outer tube. The connection device is mounted in such a manner that the adjustment member does not obstruct other component parts of the bicycle.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2000Date of Patent: December 11, 2001Assignee: DiaInventor: Kozo Yoshigai
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Patent number: 6328138Abstract: A braking power modulator is coupled to the brake lever of a brake operating device for easy adjustment and viewing. The braking power modulator is preferably adjustable to provide different braking powers for different riders or different road conditions. The braking power modulator basically includes a mounting member, a brake lever, a biasing member, a modulating member and an adjusting member. The mounting member is adapted to be coupled to a handlebar of a bicycle, and has a cable passageway with a first abutment and a second abutment. The brake lever is pivotally coupled to the mounting member, and has a cable attachment portion. The biasing member is disposed in the cable passageway, and has first and second portions with the first portion of the biasing member being operatively coupled to the first abutment.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 1999Date of Patent: December 11, 2001Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventor: Shinichi Takizawa
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Publication number: 20010047911Abstract: A cable feed for a cable actuated bicycle includes a housing and an actuator residing within the housing operatively associated with the cable. The cable feed consists of a mount attached to the housing having a mount orifice along a guide axis. A cylindrical ferrule having an axial bore extending between first and second ferrule ends includes a barb at the first end and a stop near the second end. The ferrule is axially inserted within the first end leading into the mount orifice with the stop halting axial insertion of the ferrule into the mount orifice. A minor elastic boot having a first end with an inwardly extending angular flange mates with the attachment barb and has an outer diameter at the first end large enough to prevent axial withdraw of the ferrule from the mount orifice.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2000Publication date: December 6, 2001Inventors: Wayne R. Lumpkin, Michael T. Mayberry
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Patent number: 6325401Abstract: A bicycle brake device is coupled to a bicycle frame section, which includes one or more bicycle brake mounting structures. The bicycle frame section can be either a portion of a front fork or rear fork of a bicycle. The brake device is preferably a caliper brake device such as a cantilever brake device, a side pull brake device, or a center pull brake device. The caliper brake device has a pair of brake arms, which are pivotally coupled to either the front fork or rear fork for selectively engaging the rim of the bicycle wheel. In certain embodiments, the bicycle brake mounting structures are U-shaped brackets, which are fixedly coupled to the frame member or members. In other embodiments, the bicycle brake mounting structures are formed by a pair of separate tubular frame members, which are fixedly coupled to the remainder of the bicycle frame section.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2000Date of Patent: December 4, 2001Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventor: Kazuhiro Fujii
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Patent number: 6321880Abstract: A bicycle disc brake caliper is provided with a detachable cooling system that transfers heat away from the actuating fluid. Basically, the bicycle disc brake caliper has a housing and a piston unit, with a coolant member of the cooling system attached to the housing. The housing has a frame mounting member sized to be coupled to a portion of a bicycle frame. The piston unit is movably coupled to the housing between a release position, in which the piston unit is spaced from a brake disc mounted to a wheel of a bicycle, and a braking position, in which the piston unit engages the brake disc of the bicycle wheel. The coolant member has a coolant area for receiving coolant to create a coolant heat sink that transfers heat from the housing. The housing has an actuating passage in fluid communication with the piston unit to move the piston unit via an actuating fluid. In one embodiment, the cooling system includes a pump and a reservoir.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2001Date of Patent: November 27, 2001Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventor: Yasushi Nakamura
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Patent number: 6321879Abstract: A bicycle disc brake caliper is provided with a cooling system that transfers heat away from the actuating fluid. Basically, the bicycle disc brake caliper has a housing and a piston unit, with a coolant member of the cooling system attached to the housing. The housing has a frame mounting member sized to be coupled to a portion of a bicycle frame. The piston unit is movably coupled to the housing between a release position, in which the piston unit is spaced from a brake disc mounted to a wheel of a bicycle, and a braking position, in which the piston unit engages the brake disc of the bicycle wheel. The coolant member has a coolant area for receiving coolant to create a coolant heat sink that transfers heat from the housing. The housing has an actuating passage in fluid communication with the piston unit to move the piston unit via an actuating fluid. In one embodiment, the cooling system includes a pump and a reservoir.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2001Date of Patent: November 27, 2001Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventor: Yasushi Nakamura
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Patent number: 6308806Abstract: A brake assembly for a cycle is provided which comprises a pair of caliper brake arms each having a pocket for receiving a portion of a brake pad, and a brake pad unit engaged with the brake arms, the brake pad unit comprising two brake pads carried by a spring which acts against the two brake arms so as to bias those brake arms in a direction to move the brake pads away from one another and the wheel which they are intended to engage. The brake assembly is installed in a fork crown which is adapted to be attached to a steerer tube in the case of a front wheel application or to a part of a cycle frame in the case of a rear wheel application, In a front wheel application, the fork crown accommodates part of a cable-driven mechanism for operating the brake arms, whereby to effect braking of the cycle.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 1999Date of Patent: October 30, 2001Inventor: Peter M. Nielsen
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Publication number: 20010030086Abstract: A caliper drive for a bicycle ball bearing mechanical disc brake caliper includes a first cam fixed against axial movement relative to an advancement axis during caliper actuation and a second cam moveably axially of the advancement axis relative to the fixed cam during caliper actuation. A plurality of ramped grooves reside between the first cam and the second cam and each ramped groove receives a ball bearing. The ramped grooves are configured to cause axial movement of the second cam relative to the first cam upon relative rotation of the cams about the advancement axis. Each ramped groove has a side wall defining a radially stable path for the ball bearing substantially preventing relative radial movement between the fixed and drive cams.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2000Publication date: October 18, 2001Inventors: Wayne R. Lumpkin, Michael T. Mayberry
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Publication number: 20010030088Abstract: A caliper for a disk brake consists of a housing having first and second brake pads mounted therein to receive a brake disk therebetween. At least one of the brake pads is advanced along an advancement axis towards the other brake pads by an actuator within the housing. During actuation the brake pads impart a compression force on a brake disk disposed therebetween which results in a tensile force in the housing parallel to the advancement axis. A reinforcing member operatively engages the housing to oppose the tensile force on the housing. A method of making a caliper housing as described above consists of forming the housing as a single piece of metal and preloading the housing with a compression force parallel to the advancement axis to oppose the tensile force. Preloading may be accomplished by forming a pair of bores in the housing radially space from the advancement axis with the bores having an internally threaded portion at one end.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2000Publication date: October 18, 2001Inventors: Wayne R. Lumpkin, Michael T. Mayberry
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Publication number: 20010027901Abstract: A brake apparatus for a bicycle capable of applying a higher braking force on the front wheel (3) and a lower braking force on the rear wheel (4) given the same force exerted on the levers (7, 8) controlling the front brake (5) and the rear brake (6) so to prevent early locking of the rear wheel of the bicycle during braking while leaving the cyclist the possibility to separately control the front brake (5) and the rear brake (6).Type: ApplicationFiled: March 21, 2001Publication date: October 11, 2001Inventor: Valentino Campagnolo
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Patent number: 6283257Abstract: A disc brake of a two-wheeled vehicle comprises two friction pads which press against either side of a disc rotating along with the wheel of the vehicle in motion. The friction pads are provided with a friction surface. The disc is provided in the surface of both sides thereof with a plurality of first arrest surfaces, second arrest surfaces, and recesses, which are all exerted on sequentially by a stress brought about by the friction surface of the friction pads at the time when the friction pads press on the disc.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2000Date of Patent: September 4, 2001Inventor: Min-Hsiang Lee
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Publication number: 20010017244Abstract: In a bicycle brake, a lever of the brake is mounted articulated on a pivot. The pivot has an end head which is received in a blind hole made in the lever and opening out on to the rear wall of the latter. The head of the pivot is axially withheld against the bottom wall of the blind hole by means of a bushing surrounding the pivot and screwed to a threaded portion of the aforesaid blind hole. The head is therefore not visible on the front surface of the lever.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2001Publication date: August 30, 2001Inventor: Valentino Campagnolo
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Patent number: 6273223Abstract: Improved disc brake, of the type comprising a disc in the shape of a flat circular crown having at a point of its periphery, two facing braking pads fitted to press the disc inserted between said pads. The brake is characterized in that at the disc inside perimeter there is a plurality of radially-arranged entrants, regularly distributed and preferably back-bent with respect to the rotation sense of the disc. Each of the brake pads facing the disc having on the face rubbing said disc, an arcuated recess in the sense associated with the previously cited entrant, from a mutual interference area to the pad external profile, an air communication is formed at the mutual interference area of the entrant and the recess which is cooling the brake unit.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2000Date of Patent: August 14, 2001Inventor: Jordi Nadal Aloy
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Patent number: 6244396Abstract: A brake pad block for a bicycle wheel rim brake which includes an elongate holder and a plurality of pad segments having a contact surface for abutting a wheel rim, with at least two of the plurality of pad segments having distinct contact surfaces within a contact surface plane providing a different frictional characteristic when abutting the wheel rim. The pad segments are removeably and slideably engaged with the elongate holder in a direction parallel to the contact surface plane with the contact surfaces extending from the holder in an operative orientation for abutment with the wheel rim. A stay is operatively associated with the elongate holder and the pad segments to selectively maintain the slideably engaged pad segments in a fixed position relative to the pad holder and permits slideable disengagement of the pad segments from the pad holder.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 1999Date of Patent: June 12, 2001Assignee: Avid, LLCInventor: Wayne R. Lumpkin
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Patent number: 6234926Abstract: A tool is provided for holding a cable fixing bolt of a bicycle component in a loose condition. This tool allows the cable fixing bolt to be shipped and stored in loose condition, while preventing the cable fixing bolt from falling out of a bicycle component. The tool can be used with the cable fixing bolt derailleurs or brake device. The tool basically has three portions. The first portion engages a head portion of the cable fixing bolt. The second portion is spaced from the first portion and is located adjacent a threaded shaft portion of the cable fixing bolt. The third portion is spaced from the second portion and engages a part of the bicycle component (e.g., a nut, a link or a brake arm). In each embodiment, the first, second and third portions are arranged relative one another to hold the cable fixing bolt in a loose condition, while preventing the cable fixing bolt from being disengaged from the part of the bicycle component.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 1999Date of Patent: May 22, 2001Assignees: Shimano Inc., Shimano (Singapore) Pte., Ltd.Inventors: Yeo Yong Soon, Kazuo Wada
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Patent number: 6220398Abstract: The brake cable positioning assembly in accordance with the present invention contains a mounting element for connecting the handlebar clamp with the fork shaft. The mounting element has a lug inserted into the slit extending between the inner periphery of the bore for clamping the fork shaft and the edge of the handlebar clamp. The mounting element further has a hollow sleeve to receive the brake cable fitting. With the assembly disclosed, the brake cable can travel to the inner swivel connector through the slit without penetrating the shank of the handlebar.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 1999Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Inventor: Chin-Chang Wu
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Patent number: 6216078Abstract: An electrical operating device for a bicycle includes a brake control device adapted to be mounted to a handlebar of the bicycle and a switching device integrated with the brake control device. The brake control device includes a first operating member that moves along a first path for controlling the operation of a brake, and the switching device outputs electrical signals in response to movement of the switching device along a second path different from the first path.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 1997Date of Patent: April 10, 2001Assignee: Shimano, Inc.Inventors: Masahiko Jinbo, Masahiko Fukuda, Takeo Abe
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Patent number: 6202802Abstract: A bicycle disc brake caliper is provided with a cooling system that transfers heat away from the actuating fluid. Basically, the bicycle disc brake caliper has a housing and a piston unit, with a coolant member of the cooling system attached to the housing. The housing has a frame mounting member sized to be coupled to a portion of a bicycle frame. The piston unit is movably coupled to the housing between a release position, in which the piston unit is spaced from a brake disc mounted to a wheel of a bicycle, and a braking position, in which the piston unit engages the brake disc of the bicycle wheel. The coolant member has a coolant area for receiving coolant to create a coolant heat sink that transfers heat from the housing. The housing has an actuating passage in fluid communication with the piston unit to move the piston unit via an actuating fluid. In one embodiment, the cooling system includes a pump and a reservoir.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 1998Date of Patent: March 20, 2001Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventor: Yasushi Nakamura
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Patent number: 6196358Abstract: A bicycle disc brake caliper is provided with a detachable cooling system that transfers heat away from the actuating fluid. Basically, the bicycle disc brake caliper has a housing and a piston unit, with a coolant member of the cooling system attached to the housing. The housing has a frame mounting member sized to be coupled to a portion of a bicycle frame. The piston unit is movably coupled to the housing between a release position, in which the piston unit is spaced from a brake disc mounted to a wheel of a bicycle, and a braking position, in which the piston unit engages the brake disc of the bicycle wheel. The coolant member has a coolant area for receiving coolant to create a coolant heat sink that transfers heat from the housing. The housing has an actuating passage in fluid communication with the piston unit to move the piston unit via an actuating fluid. In one embodiment, the cooling system includes a pump and a reservoir.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 1998Date of Patent: March 6, 2001Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventor: Yasushi Nakamura
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Patent number: 6178367Abstract: A brake system for a motor-driven vehicle includes a brake device driven by a brake cable to stop the motor-driven vehicle from moving, two electrically conductive friction means respectively fastened to the brake device and driven by the brake device to press on two opposite sides of a metal part of wheel means of the motor-driven vehicle in stopping the motor-driven vehicle from moving, a main processor, which controls the operation of the motor of the motor-driven vehicle, and two electric wires respectively connected between the electrically conductive friction means and two opposite terminals of the main processor; wherein when the electrically conductive friction means are forced by the brake device to press on the two opposite sides of the metal part of the wheel means of the motor-driven vehicle, the main processing unit is induced to cut off power supply from the motor of the motor-driven vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 1998Date of Patent: January 23, 2001Inventor: Shu-Shien Li