Specific Actuator Element Structure Patents (Class 188/24.22)
  • Patent number: 11067143
    Abstract: An adjustment structure of a hydraulic brake system is provided, which includes a main body, a piston and an adjusting device. The main body includes at least one fluid reservoir, an inner chamber and at least one fluid passage. The inner chamber includes a cylinder channel and an opening part, and the cylinder channel is communicated with the fluid reservoir by at least one fluid port. The piston is driven by the brake cable to be limitedly moved in the cylinder channel. The piston includes a cable hole for receiving the brake cable, and the piston has a normal operated position relative to the fluid port. The adjusting device is disposed in the opening part and is abutted against the piston. The adjusting device is operated to be moved relative to the brake cable such that the piston is adjusted to be returned to the normal operated position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: GIANT MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: I-Teh Chen, Che-Wei Hsu
  • Patent number: 10913505
    Abstract: A notification system notifies brake-related information related to braking of a rotation body of a human-powered vehicle. The notification system includes a notification unit that includes a notification device configured to notify a user of the brake-related information. The notification device is provided on at least one of a brake device braking the rotation body, an operation device operating the brake device, and a display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Takafumi Nishino
  • Patent number: 10859594
    Abstract: A detector for a bicycle that includes a magnet, which generates a generated magnetic field, and a magnetic field sensor. The mutual position of the magnet and of the sensor is fixed, and the sensor is immersed in the generated magnetic field. A length of a path intended for a non-diamagnetic movable element is immersed in the generated magnetic field; if in said path length there is at least one actual portion of the movable element, the sensor detects the magnetic field perturbed by the actual portion of the movable element. Bicycle equipment and a bicycle derailleur are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: Campagnolo S.r.l.
    Inventor: Federico Miglioranza
  • Patent number: 10730580
    Abstract: A bicycle control device is basically provided with a base member, a first operating member, an electric unit and a hydraulic unit. The base member is configured to be fixed to a bicycle part. The first operating member is coupled to the base member. The first operating member is configured to move along a first path from a rest position to a first position as a first movement. The first operating member is configured to move along the first path from the rest position to a second position via the first position as a second movement. The electric unit is configured to output a first signal causing a first operation of an electric device in response to the first movement. The electric unit is configured to output a second signal causing a second operation of the electric device in response to the second movement. The hydraulic unit is coupled to the base member to operate a hydraulic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Takafumi Nishino
  • Patent number: 10668907
    Abstract: A bicycle hydraulic operating device is basically provided with a base member, a piston, an operating member and a hydraulic reservoir. The base member includes a cylinder bore. The piston is movably disposed in the cylinder bore. The operating member is coupled to the piston to move the piston within the cylinder bore. The hydraulic reservoir includes a hydraulic reservoir tank and a reservoir lid. The hydraulic reservoir is provided on the base member and is fluidly connected to the cylinder bore by a fluid passage. At least part of one of the base member and the hydraulic reservoir includes a fluid inspection portion making visually perceptible therethrough at least a portion of a hydraulic fluid flow path that includes the hydraulic reservoir, the cylinder bore and the fluid passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Yoshimitsu Miki, Kentaro Kosaka, Keji Matsueda
  • Patent number: 10597113
    Abstract: A brake assembly has a lever configured to press a knee against a pushrod of a piston of a master cylinder assembly. The knee is configured to receive removable inserts that allow a user to modify the angle at which the lever activates the master cylinder assembly. The master cylinder assembly can include protrusions on the outer surface of the cylinder to protect the cylinder from impact damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Inventor: Robert L. Barnett
  • Patent number: 10392074
    Abstract: A manual control device having a support body extending longitudinally from a first part configured for fixing to bicycle handlebars to a second part generally opposite the first part; there being generally defined on the support body a rear surface on the first part for fixing to the handlebars, a front surface on the second part, an upper surface, a bottom surface, a proximal side surface and a distal side surface. The support body has a protuberance and a seat for a hydraulic assembly comprising a hydraulic cylinder defining a cylinder axis. An angle (ALFA), defined, in a section through a substantially middle longitudinal plane of the manual control device, between (i) a tangent to the upper surface of the support body in a region not involved in the protuberance and (ii) the axis (C) of the hydraulic cylinder of the hydraulic assembly is between 70° and 118°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: CAMPAGNOLO S.R.L.
    Inventors: Mario Meggiolan, Davide Zenere
  • Patent number: 10343744
    Abstract: A bicycle operating device comprises a base member, an operating member, and a hydraulic unit. The operating member is pivotally coupled to the base member about a pivot axis. The hydraulic unit is provided on the base member and comprises a hydraulic cylinder, a piston, and a hydraulic reservoir. The hydraulic cylinder includes a cylinder bore being at least partly provided above the pivot axis in a mounting state where the bicycle operating device is mounted to a bicycle. The piston is movably provided in the cylinder bore. The cylinder bore and the piston define a hydraulic chamber. The hydraulic reservoir includes a reservoir chamber connected to the hydraulic chamber. The reservoir chamber is provided above the cylinder bore without overlapping with the cylinder bore in a transverse direction parallel to the pivot axis in the mounting state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Keiji Matsueda, Kentaro Kosaka
  • Patent number: 9725129
    Abstract: A bicycle handlebar includes a midsection attached to a front mounting post of a bicycle and extending outward from the front mounting post in a substantially horizontal plane. A pair of pad-support sections are respectively disposed on opposite lateral sides of the midsection. A pair of arm support pads are each attached to a respective one of the pad-support sections such that each pad-support section and attached arm support pad conjunctively have an airfoil-shaped cross section. Each arm support pad supports a respective arm of a bicycle rider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Inventors: David L. Poole, Daniel W. Hiller
  • Patent number: 9365259
    Abstract: A disc brake caliper comprises a caliper main body and an insert member. The caliper main body comprises a first portion, a second portion, a connecting portion, a first hole and a second hole. The connecting portion, the first portion and the second portion are formed as a single unitary member. A banjo fixing member is to be attached to the first hole. The second hole is provided apart from the first hole and extending from the first portion to the connecting portion so as to at least partially overlap the slit in the connecting portion. The insert member is configured to be inserted into the second hole. The insert member extends from the first portion to the connecting portion so as to at least partially overlap the slit in the second hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Shinya Hirotomi, Takefumi Terada, Takaaki Fujiwara, Takahiro Yamashita
  • Patent number: 9365260
    Abstract: A bicycle hydraulic operating device is basically provided with a main body, a hydraulic unit, a handlebar mounting structure and a lever. The main body includes a gripping portion. The hydraulic unit is mounted to the main body. The handlebar mounting structure is disposed on one of the main body and the hydraulic unit. The lever is pivotally mounted to one of the main body and the hydraulic unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Daisuke Nago
  • Patent number: 9145186
    Abstract: A quick-release device for a bicycle brake including a first brake arm, a second brake arm, and a brake cable terminated at the second brake arm, the quick-release device is provided with a lever including a long part and a short part pivotably secured to a top of the second brake arm; and an attachment assembly for securing the brake cable to a joining portion of the long part and the short part. A rotation of the lever in a first direction loosens the brake cable and increases a distance between the first brake arm and the second brake arm. A rotation of the lever in a second direction contrary to the first direction tightens the brake cable and decreases the distance between the first brake arm and the second brake arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: Tektro Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Da Hao Wu
  • Patent number: 9120522
    Abstract: A bicycle hydraulic operating device comprises a bracket and a hydraulic unit. The bracket is configured to be mounted to a bicycle handlebar and includes a mounting surface contactable with the bicycle handlebar. The hydraulic unit is provided at the bracket to at least partially protrude from the mounting surface toward the bicycle handlebar in a state where the bracket is mounted to the bicycle handlebar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventor: Takafumi Nishino
  • Patent number: 9010789
    Abstract: A head parts assembly for a bicycle includes two bowls, a plurality of inserting members, two bead nests, and two end caps. The two bowls each are a circular structure and include a pipe-inserting hole, and a plurality of cable-inserting holes around the pipe-inserting hole. Each of the bowls further includes a receiving cavity in communication with the pipe-inserting holes, and the two bowls are disposed at two ends of the front frame pipe. The inserting members each are a hollow tubular structure with a cable hole for insertion of cables of the bicycle, and are screwed in the cable-inserting holes. The bead nests are rotatably disposed in the receiving cavities and abutted against the close ends, respectively. The two end caps are disposed in the open ends of the receiving cavities, and capable of rotating by abutting against the balls of the bead nests.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Neco Technology Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yu-Hsin Wang
  • 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
  • Patent number: 9004234
    Abstract: Provided is a brake distribution structure including a first sliding block, a second sliding block, and a tube. The first sliding block connects to a rear brake line of a bicycle. The second sliding block connects to a front brake line of the bicycle. The first sliding block moves to brake a rear wheel of the bicycle, and then the first sliding block drives the second sliding block to move and thereby brake the front wheel of the bicycle. The brake distribution structure ensures that the rear wheel is always braked first, prevents brake lockup, reduces hazards otherwise arising from manmade false action, and maximizes rider safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Paul Hsu Senior High School
    Inventors: Chen-Hua Chang, Wen-Yi Huang, Chih-Po Wu, Fu-Yu You, Wen-Hsien Lin
  • Patent number: 8997943
    Abstract: A bicycle brake apparatus includes first and second brake arms. The first brake arm includes a first brake arm mounting portion for mounting the first brake arm to a bicycle frame member, a first brake pad mounting portion, and a first control interface portion. The second brake arm includes a second brake arm mounting portion for mounting the second brake arm to the bicycle frame member and a second brake pad mounting portion. A synchronizing link communicates a synchronizing force that arises from one of the first brake arm or the second brake arm to the other one of the first brake arm or the second brake arm so that the first brake arm and the second brake arm move in synchronization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Shimano, Inc.
    Inventors: Daisuke Nago, Osamu Kariyama, Tatsuya Matsushita, Masahiro Nakakura, Takefumi Terada
  • 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: 8931366
    Abstract: A lockable braking device comprises a controlling set having a cover fixed to a frame, a braking grip pivoted to the cover and partially protruded out of the cover, a connecting member pivoted to the cover and one end thereof being propelled by the braking grip, and a crank pivoted to the cover and being motivated by the braking grip. Whereby, the braking grip adjustably controls a braking state of a braking unit to attain a common stopping performance and a constant stopping effect. Accordingly, the structure of the braking device is simplified and the operation thereof is more easy and handy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Inventor: Ching-Tsang Wu
  • Patent number: 8899384
    Abstract: An electronic brake device for use with a wheel of a bicycle provides, among other features, wireless, remote disengagement of a wheel brake. A brake coupled to a housing is movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The housing includes a receiver configured to receive a command signal, and a processor operative to identify the received command signal. If the command signal is identified as a first command signal, the processor outputs a first control signal. An electric motor is operatively coupled to the brake to selectively move the brake from the engaged position in which the wheel of the bicycle is being braked to the disengaged position in which the wheel of the bicycle is free of any brake contact in response to the first control signal. Measured movement of the brakes between fully braked or fully disengaged positions are possible in the disclosed arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Turtle Brake, Inc.
    Inventors: Ursi Castro, Christopher Miller, Paul Dowd
  • Publication number: 20140345981
    Abstract: A bicycle brake assembly comprises brake arms, axles, a force application linkage structure, and a movement control linkage member. The brake arms are each pivotably mounted at the central portion thereof on a respective one of the axles. The force application linkage structure has a first force transmitting member connected to the first brake arm and a second force transmitting member thereof connected to the second brake arm. The movement control linkage member is coupled between the first one of the force transmitting members of the force application linkage structure and the second one of the axles for controlling movement the brake arms relative to each other for a given displacement of the force application linkage structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventor: Craig Hawley Edwards
  • Patent number: 8893859
    Abstract: A hydraulic brake controller does not only dispose a first oil-return hole, which is connected to an oil storing space, at a stroke place of allowing a piston to reciprocate in a main oil cylinder, but also disposes a regulating screw, which stretches the first oil-return hole, on a controller main body. The speed of returning hydraulic oil to the oil storing space can be controlled by simply changing the degree of the regulating screw stretching the oil-return hole so that time of allowing the piston passing through the oil-return hole to completely impose the braking force on the brake pad can be extended or reduced, thereby achieving a goal of conveniently regulating the braking sensitivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Heng Tong Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chun-Chin Wang
  • Patent number: 8869949
    Abstract: A rim brake with a synchronous link mechanism for synchronizing the movement of a pair of brake arms. The rim brake may be a hydraulic rim brake. The hydraulic rim brake may include a slave cylinder formed in one of the pair of brake arms including a piston, wherein the piston contacts the other of the pair of brake arms to impart movement thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: SRAM, LLC
    Inventors: Brian T. Jordan, Andreas Vonend, Andreas Guender
  • Patent number: 8863912
    Abstract: A control lever including a body portion, a mounting portion, at least one mounting screw, and a lever portion. The body portion has a first section configured to fit within an interior of a bar opening, where the first section is configured to house at least a portion of a control mechanism and has an inclined surface on an outer surface thereof. The mounting portion is configured to slide on the inclined surface, and the mounting screw connects the mounting portion to the body portion. The lever portion is connected to the body portion and is configured to actuate the control mechanism. The mounting screw is configured to slide the mounting portion along the inclined surface so as to push the mounting portion and a side of the first section against an inner surface of the bar opening in order to mount the body portion to the bar opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Tatsuya Matsushita
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20140265221
    Abstract: Various bicycle brake assemblies are described. In some embodiments, a bicycle brake assembly for applying a braking force to a wheel comprises a brake arm comprising a frame pivot joint and a brake pad pivot joint, the frame pivot joint configured to pivotally connect the brake arm to a bicycle frame to enable pivoting of the brake arm about a first axis of rotation; and a brake pad pivotally coupled to the brake arm at the brake pad pivot joint to enable pivoting of the brake pad about a second axis of rotation, the brake pad comprising a braking surface for engaging a wheel rim to apply a frictional force to the wheel rim, the frictional force having a frictional direction, wherein the first axis of rotation is not parallel to the frictional direction of the frictional force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher P. D'Aluisio, David Tyson Buckenberger
  • Patent number: 8813920
    Abstract: A bicycle brake arm basically has a first branch and a second branch. The first branch includes a cable attachment structure. The second branch extends from the first branch. The second branch includes a brake shoe attachment structure. At least one of the first and second branches includes an interior cavity. The at least one of the first and second branches has a transverse cross-section in which the interior cavity is completely and continuously surrounded by an exterior surface of the bicycle brake arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Takefumi Terada, Shinya Hirotomi, Tatsuya Matsushita, Kazuhito Minami, Tetsuya Kakimoto
  • Publication number: 20140231187
    Abstract: A quick-release device for a bicycle brake including a first brake arm, a second brake arm, and a brake cable terminated at the second brake arm, the quick-release device is provided with a lever including a long part and a short part pivotably secured to a top of the second brake arm; and an attachment assembly for securing the brake cable to a joining portion of the long part and the short part. A rotation of the lever in a first direction loosens the brake cable and increases a distance between the first brake arm and the second brake arm. A rotation of the lever in a second direction contrary to the first direction tightens the brake cable and decreases the distance between the first brake arm and the second brake arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Inventor: Da Hao Wu
  • Patent number: 8783429
    Abstract: A hydraulic brake device for a bicycle includes a holder, a chamber member and two side oil tubes, the holder assembled with the bicycle, the chamber member assembled to the holder and having two oil tanks, each oil tank having an operating bar movably received therein, the brake cable connected with the operating bar, each oil tank having a brake oil drain and a side oil hole, a distance being defined between each brake oil drain and each corresponding side oil hole, each brake oil drain and each side oil hole communicating with the chamber member, each brake oil drain assembled to a brake hose and communicating with a brake system of the bicycle, the chamber member having two assembling grooves, two ends of each side oil tube assembled to each corresponding side oil hole and each corresponding assembling groove respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Ashima Ltd.
    Inventor: Wayne-Ian Moore
  • Patent number: 8764125
    Abstract: A hydraulic pump comprising a containment body (2) having inside a cylindrical cavity (3) provided with a conduit (4) communicating with a hydraulic actuator and capable of holding a fluid. A piston (5) is movable in the cylindrical cavity (3) and a reservoir (12) of the fluid is in fluid communication with the cylindrical cavity (3). Actuation means (6) connected to the piston (5) move the piston (5) within the cylindrical cavity (3) to operate the hydraulic actuator. The pump also comprises means (13) for closing or opening the connection between the reservoir (12) and the cylindrical cavity (3). The reservoir (12) is substantially lined up with the cylindrical cavity (3) along an axis of longitudinal development (X) of same cylindrical cavity (3), so as to reduce the overall dimensions and the weight of the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Formula S.R.L.
    Inventors: Giancarlo Vezzoli, Gabriele Di Pietro, Samuele Laghi, Marco Fiesoli
  • Publication number: 20140166411
    Abstract: A braking system includes a brake pad that is coupled to a slider assembly that moves linearly within a guide. The slider assembly and guide are coupled to a first brake. A second brake actuator is coupled to the slider assembly, the guide and a second brake. When the first brake is actuated, the slider assembly is pressed against a rotating braking surface and the friction of the brake pad against the rotating braking surface can cause the slider assembly to move within the guide which actuates the second brake actuator. The second brake actuator then actuates the second brake. When the first brake is released, the slider assembly is removed from the rotating braking surface and the second brake actuator is released which releases the second brake.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2014
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: SLIDEPAD TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Brian Michael Riley, Andrew Ouellet, Peter Reimer
  • Patent number: 8739940
    Abstract: An interface member is provided for a bicycle brake having a brake arm and another brake arm, wherein the brake arm pivots around a pivot axis, and wherein the other brake arm pivots around another pivot axis. The interface member comprises a mounting portion, a first operating portion and a second operating portion. The mounting portion is structured to be mounted in close proximity to the pivot axis. The first operating portion extends from the mounting portion for interfacing with the brake arm, and the second operating portion extends from the mounting portion and is structured to extend towards the other brake arm. The second operating portion is axially thick.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Shimano, Inc.
    Inventor: Daisuke Nago
  • Patent number: 8720651
    Abstract: A bicycle hydraulic caliper brake apparatus includes a first brake arm with a first bearing surface, a second brake arm with a second bearing surface, and a hydraulic control device that includes a housing and a piston unit. The first bearing surface non-lockingly engages the piston unit, and the second bearing surface non-lockingly engages the housing. At least one of the piston unit or the housing engages a corresponding first or second bearing surface so that the piston unit or the housing rotates at least in part around an axis that is substantially parallel to at least one of the rotational axes of the brake arms. The housing is carried by the first brake arm and the second brake arm so that the housing moves together with the first brake arm and the second brake arm relative to a bicycle frame member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Shimano, Inc.
    Inventor: Daisuke Nago
  • Patent number: 8678144
    Abstract: An apparatus for a bicycle brake comprises a housing with a first piston bore and a second piston bore, a first piston disposed in the first piston bore, a first piston rod attached to the first piston and extending from the first piston toward the outside of the housing for coupling to a first brake arm, and a second piston disposed in the second piston bore. The first piston moves along a first piston axis, and the second piston moves along a second piston axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Shimano, Inc.
    Inventors: Toshio Tetsuka, Kenji Nakahara
  • Patent number: 8662258
    Abstract: A bicycle is provided with a frame, a drive member and a bicycle brake. The drive member is movably mounted to the frame for driving the bicycle. The bicycle brake is mounted to the frame. The bicycle brake includes a quick release mechanism that has an operating part and a contact part. The operating part is operatively arranged to be toggled between a closed position and a released position that is separated from the closed position. The contact part is provided on the operating part and configured such that the operating part contacts the drive member while the operating part is positioned at the released position. The contact part is configured such that after the contact part contacts the drive member due to operation of the drive member, the operating part is then moved from the released position to the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Etsuyoshi Watarai, Osamu Kariyama, Masahiro Nakakura
  • Patent number: 8657077
    Abstract: A cantilever brake of bicycle is provided with a triangular cable stop including first, second and third corner attachments and a wheel between the first and second corner attachments; a first pivot member including a first trough; a first cable passing through the first corner attachment, the wheel, and the second corner attachment to be fastened at the first pivot; a second pivot member including a second trough; a second cable having one end fastened in the third corner attachment and the other end fastened in the second pivot member; a first brake arm releasably pivotably secured to the first trough and including two opposite first projections and a spring actuated first adjustment knob distal the first projections; and a second brake arm releasably pivotably secured to the second trough and including two opposite second projections and a spring actuated second adjustment knob distal the second projections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Tektro Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Szu-Fang Tsai
  • Patent number: 8651245
    Abstract: A bicycle brake unit includes a first arm, a second arm and a connector, when the brake cable is pulled, the first and second cable connectors on the two arms are moved toward each other to pivot the first and second arms. The first rail on the first arm and the second rail on the second arm are moved relative to each other via the rotation of the pivot. The pivot is movable in the elongate slot in the connector which is pivotably connected to the first and second arms. The first and second arms are pivoted toward each other to brake the wheel by the brake pads on the two arms. The first and second arms apply even forces to the two brake pads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Tektro Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Szu-Fang Tsai
  • Patent number: 8651244
    Abstract: A hydraulic brake device includes a carrier body. The carrier body is integrally molded. The carrier body has at least one assembling portion disposed thereon for assembling purpose. The carrier body has at least one connecting portion respectively extending from the at least one assembling portion. At least one hydraulic brake assembly movably is mounted on the at least one connecting portion of the carrier body. The carrier body with the at least one brake assembly are adapted to assemble with a bicycle for providing a stable assembling effect, a high structural strength, and lightweight effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Ashima Ltd.
    Inventor: Wayne-Ian Moore
  • Publication number: 20140041969
    Abstract: A bicycle brake unit includes a first arm, a second arm and a connector, when the brake cable is pulled, the first and second cable connectors on the two arms are moved toward each other to pivot the first and second arms. The first rail on the first arm and the second rail on the second arm are moved relative to each other via the rotation of the pivot. The pivot is movable in the elongate slot in the connector which is pivotably connected to the first and second arms. The first and second arms are pivoted toward each other to brake the wheel by the brake pads on the two arms. The first and second arms apply even forces to the two brake pads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Inventor: Szu-Fang Tsai
  • Patent number: 8622181
    Abstract: A brake operating device of an electric bicycle is provided with a brake lever including a projecting plate at one end, and a bifurcated cable anchoring member pivotably secured to the projecting plate; a magnetic member adhered to one side of the cable anchoring member; a housing pivotably secured to the brake lever and including a hydraulic cylinder and a cylindrical socket including an opening distal the brake lever, and internal threads proximate the opening; a spring depressible sensor including a sensing member disposed in the socket, and an electric wire extending from the sensing member; a hollow threaded fastener adjustably threadedly secured to the internal threads of the socket to engage the sensing member; and a cylindrical member releasably mounted proximate to the opening and secured to the fastener. The electric wire passes the fastener and leaves the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Tektro Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Szu-Fang Tsai
  • Publication number: 20130341129
    Abstract: A bicycle brake arm includes a sleeve, a brake arm body, first and second abutments and a first bearing member. The brake arm body has a mounting portion. The brake arm body is rotatably arranged with respect to the sleeve. The first and second abutments are axially arranged with respect to each other on the sleeve. At least a part of the brake arm body is disposed between the first and second abutments. The first bearing member is disposed axially on a first outside of the mounting portion of the brake arm body about the sleeve. The first bearing member is axially disposed between the first and second abutments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Osamu KARIYAMA, Daisuke NAGO, Takefumi TERADA, Masahiro NAKAKURA
  • Publication number: 20130341128
    Abstract: A rim brake with a synchronous link mechanism for synchronizing the movement of a pair of brake arms. The rim brake may be a hydraulic rim brake. The hydraulic rim brake may include a slave cylinder formed in one of the pair of brake arms including a piston, wherein the piston contacts the other of the pair of brake arms to impart movement thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: SRAM, LLC
    Inventors: Brian T. Jordan, Andreas Vonend, Andreas Guender
  • Patent number: 8613346
    Abstract: A device for adjusting the free stroke for hydraulic brakes of bicycles or motorcycles of the type including a pump assembly (4) for operating an actuator element (16), and a communication line (17) for a working fluid, set between a pump assembly and an actuator element, the device including an expansion chamber (25) set along the communication line between the pump assembly and the actuator element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Formula S.r.l.
    Inventor: Giancarlo Vezzoli
  • Publication number: 20130333985
    Abstract: A bicycle brake assembly includes a brake unit, a fixing structure and an alignment structure. The brake unit includes first and second brake arms. The fixing structure is configured to operatively couple the brake unit to a brake supporting portion of a bicycle frame. The alignment structure is disposed in the vicinity of the fixing structure. The alignment structure is configured to align the brake unit to the brake supporting portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Takeshi TAKACHI, Tsutomu MURAOKA
  • Patent number: 8534428
    Abstract: A hydraulic disc brake caliper that includes a housing that has first and second side portions and first and second end portions that cooperate to define a braking opening. The housing also includes first and second piston receiving openings and first and second fluid openings. The caliper also includes a bolt received in the second fluid opening that includes a shaft having a portion of a fluid path defined in the outer surface thereof that includes at least one channel and at least one reduced diameter portion. The fluid path extends from the first fluid opening to the second fluid opening. The at least one channel and the at least one reduced diameter portion are part of the fluid path and are in fluid communication between the first and second piston receiving openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Takahiro Yamashita, Shinichi Takizawa
  • Patent number: 8522929
    Abstract: A bicycle rim brake assembly includes a support bracket, first and second brake arms, a fixing member and a biasing member. The first brake arm is pivotally supported to the support bracket. The second brake arm is pivotally supported to the support bracket. The fixing member has a support bracket section and a bicycle frame attachment section. The biasing member is disposed on the fixing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Daisuke Nago
  • Patent number: 8517151
    Abstract: A dual-pivot brake includes first and second caliper arms linked together and disposed symmetrically with respect to each other. The dual-pivot brake further includes an exoskeleton bridge including a two-piece bridge member consisting of first and second bridge members. The first and second bridge members are interconnected together by first and second axles, respectively. The first and second caliper arms are pivotally mounted on the first and second axles respectively and selectively move toward or away from each other in the operation of the dual-pivot brake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Tien Hsin Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kristopher Wehage
  • Patent number: 8505694
    Abstract: A brake system for bicycles includes two pivotably connected first and second arms and two brake pads are respectively connected to the first and second arms. A cable unit is connected to the second arm and includes a brake cable. A link unit includes a first link which is connected between the second arm and the brake cable. A second link has a first end connected to the first arm and a second end of the second link is pivotably connected to a mediate portion of the first link. The distance between the two ends of the first link is longer than the distance between the second end of the first link to the second end of the second link. The brake cable is lifted with less force, the first link lifts the second link which moves the first arm to pivot to stop the wheel rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Inventor: Nicholas R. Ginster
  • Patent number: 8485321
    Abstract: An electronic brake device for use with a wheel of a bicycle provides, among other features, wireless, remote disengagement of a wheel brake. A brake coupled to a housing is movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The housing includes a receiver configured to receive a command signal, and a processor operative to identify the received command signal. If the command signal is identified as a first command signal, the processor outputs a first control signal. An electric motor is operatively coupled to the brake to selectively move the brake from the engaged position in which the wheel of the bicycle is being braked to the disengaged position in which the wheel of the bicycle is free of any brake contact in response to the first control signal. Measured movement of the brakes between fully braked or fully disengaged positions are possible in the disclosed arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Inventor: Ursi Castro
  • Patent number: 8474577
    Abstract: A device for adjusting the release position of an operation element of a brake includes an articulated rod hinged and rotationally connected to the operation element. The articulated rod has an adjustment end provided with a pin having a threaded adjustment hole at least partly threaded and engaged with a threaded portion of a push rod, operatively connected to the operation element of the brake. The device comprises an anti-rotation device for preventing rotation of the push rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Freni Brembo S.p.A.
    Inventors: Mariusz Bozynski, Fabiano Carminati