Velocipede Patents (Class 188/344)
  • Patent number: 8943924
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an adjustable lever assembly with a lever having an adjustment section and a grip section, where the adjustment section includes a slide passage in communication with an adjuster passage, and an adjuster positioned at least partially inside the adjuster passage, the adjuster having a threaded inner passage extending therethrough. The adjustable lever assembly further includes a slide positioned substantially inside the slide passage, the slide including an outer wall surface that is keyed to the slide passage and a threaded outer portion for rotatably engaging the threaded inner passage of the adjuster, wherein rotation of the adjuster translates the slide about the adjuster passage, and wherein the slide includes a bottom portion configured for securing pivotally to a pushrod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: HB Performance Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: John Larry Thomas
  • Publication number: 20150001018
    Abstract: A bicycle hydraulic operating device comprises a bracket, a hydraulic cylinder, a piston, a lever, a fluid reservoir, and a lid. The bracket is configured to be mounted to a bicycle handlebar. The piston is movably disposed within the hydraulic cylinder. The lever is pivotally provided around a pivot axis relative to the bracket and is operatively coupled to the piston to move the piston within the hydraulic cylinder in response to pivotal movement of the lever. The fluid reservoir is disposed on the bracket and having an opening configured to face substantially in a downward direction in a state where the bracket is mounted to the bicycle handlebar. The lid is configured to cover the opening of the fluid reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Osamu KARIYAMA, Tatsuya MATSUSHITA, Keiji MATSUEDA, Takashi ITOU, Masahiro NAKAKURA
  • Patent number: 8910760
    Abstract: In a brake system for a vehicle, a first control mode and a second control mode are provided by which it is possible to cope with variations in the running environments such as changes between traveling on a public road and traveling on a circuit racecourse and variations in road conditions such as changes between a dry road surface and a wet road surface. A mode change-over switch is disposed between a kill switch on the upper side and a starter switch on the lower side, on the vehicle body center side relative to a right grip. Switching between the first control mode and the second control mode is carried out by use of the mode change-over switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuya Takenouchi, Shuichi Fukaya, Tetsuya Kudo, Fuyuki Hosokawa
  • Publication number: 20140360829
    Abstract: A hydraulic pump including 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). An actuation device (6) connected to the piston (5) move the piston (5) within the cylindrical cavity (3) to operate the hydraulic actuator. The pump also comprises structure (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: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Applicant: FORMULA S.R.L.
    Inventors: Giancarlo VEZZOLI, Gabriele DI PIETRO, Samuele LAGHI, Marco FIESOLI
  • Patent number: 8905205
    Abstract: A bicycle hydraulic component operating device has a main body, a hydraulic cylinder, a piston, an operating lever, a fluid reservoir tank, and a communication port. The main body includes a handlebar mounting portion and a gripping portion. The piston is movably disposed within the hydraulic cylinder. The operating lever is pivotally disposed around a pivot axis relative to the main body. The operating lever is operatively connected with one of the hydraulic cylinder and the piston to generate a hydraulic force in response to pivotal movement of the operating lever relative to the main body. The fluid reservoir tank is in fluid communication with the hydraulic cylinder. The communication port is in communication with the fluid reservoir tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Tatsuya Matsushita
  • 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: 8888066
    Abstract: An adjustable holder of a hydraulic brake device for a bicycle which is assembled on a steering tube and is located between a stem and a head part includes a holder, a first adjusting member and a second adjusting member. The holder has a fixing portion and a fastening portion defined at two ends thereof respectively. A hydraulic brake device is assembled to a bottom of the holder. The fastening portion has a fastening hole opened therethrough. The fastening hole sleeves onto the steering tube. One end of the first adjusting member and one end the second adjusting member are abutted against two ends of the fastening hole respectively. Therefore, an angle between the holder and the steering tube is adjustable, which corresponds to an elevation angle of the stein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Ashima Ltd.
    Inventor: Wayne-Ian Moore
  • Patent number: 8881878
    Abstract: A brake device for a vehicle includes a brake pedal rotatably supported on a support shaft and extending in a front ward direction from the support shaft in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. A master cylinder is located on the rear side of the support shaft in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle for generating a braking hydraulic pressure according to the rotational operation of the brake pedal. An operational amount detector is mechanically connected to the brake pedal for detecting the rotational amount of the brake pedal. The master cylinder includes an axis that is arranged vertically and is located above the support shaft with the operational amount detector being located on the rear side of the support shaft in the longitudinal direction of the motorcycle. Thus, the master cylinder and the operational amount detector can be densely arranged in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yutaka Nishikawa, Makoto Toda, Kazuhiko Tani
  • Patent number: 8875853
    Abstract: A hydraulic brake device includes a main body, a brake lever, a hydraulic rod, a connecting rod, a sleeve member and an elastic member. The elastic member has an assembling portion, a driving portion and a deformation portion. When a user actuates the brake lever suddenly and forcefully, the driving portion of the elastic member moves toward the hydraulic room; a pressure of hydraulic oil pushes the driving portion so as to indirectly force the deformation portion to deform and bend, so that the deformation portion and the driving portion slightly move toward the assembling portion; thereby, a volume of hydraulic oil is smoothly pushed into a brake caliper through a hydraulic pipeline, such that the user brakes a bicycle stably, smoothly and safely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Ashima Ltd.
    Inventor: Wayne-Ian Moore
  • 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: 20140231202
    Abstract: A hydraulic brake adjusting device is provided. The mechanical advantage may be automatically increased by pressed the handlebar by riders and then increased the angle lead by the leading plate(s). Thereby, it may simplify structure, be easy to operate, and be capable of automatically adjusting mechanical advantage while riding. Furthermore, the distance between the O-ring on the tube and the through hole of the piston may be adjusted by the screw barrel to make the convex portion push against the tube, the piston, and the push rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Inventor: Guan-Yu Shih
  • Publication number: 20140231203
    Abstract: A hydraulic brake master cylinder is provided. The end of the movable barrel away from the outer convex ring is spaced apart or against the first inner convex flange and to adjust the location of one of two flow-through holes to make the use of brake not be influenced by the oil and air inside the first cylinder while rotating the movable barrel through the disposed outer convex ring. Two elastic plates are plugged in the inner conical portion, the outer convex ring between two ends of the inner connecting member is against the third inner convex flange adjacent to the fifth inner threaded portion, and two elastic plates are pressed by the inner conical portion to be fastened and passed through the second end cap, the second piston, the first piston, and the end of the two elastic plates with a brake cable in series.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Inventor: Chao Kung Chen
  • 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: 20140202810
    Abstract: A hydraulic brake mechanism is described including a housing. A master cylinder assembly is disposed within the housing, and the master cylinder assembly includes a fluid chamber. The fluid chamber includes a first chamber portion having a first diameter and a second chamber portion having a second diameter, with the first diameter greater than the second diameter. The fluid chamber includes a transition region between the first and second chamber portions. The mechanism includes a piston assembly having a piston disposed within the fluid chamber. A first seal is configured to sealingly engage between the first chamber portion and the piston, and a second seal is configured to sealingly engage between the second chamber portion and the piston. The mechanism includes an outlet port extending from the fluid chamber from or adjacent the transition region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: SRAM, LLC
    Inventors: Charles E. Dunlap, Paul Feuerstein
  • 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: 8776966
    Abstract: A hydraulic brake lever apparatus is provided with a brake lever housing, a piston, a mounting structure, a brake lever and a fluid reservoir. 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 pivotally is mounted to the brake lever housing and moves the piston within the cylinder in response to pivotal movement of the brake lever relative to the brake lever housing. The fluid reservoir fluidly communicates with the cylinder via a port that communicates hydraulic fluid therebetween. The fluid reservoir has a cylindrical shape and lies in a side by side relationship with the cylinder to prevent gas bubbles that have moves from the cylinder to the fluid reservoir via the port from flowing back to the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Kazuyuki Hirose, Shinichi Takizawa
  • 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: 20140174866
    Abstract: A bicycle hydraulic component operating device has a main body, a hydraulic cylinder, a piston, an operating lever, a fluid reservoir tank, and a communication port. The main body includes a handlebar mounting portion and a gripping portion. The piston is movably disposed within the hydraulic cylinder. The operating lever is pivotally disposed around a pivot axis relative to the main body. The operating lever is operatively connected with one of the hydraulic cylinder and the piston to generate a hydraulic force in response to pivotal movement of the operating lever relative to the main body. The fluid reservoir tank is in fluid communication with the hydraulic cylinder. The communication port is in communication with the fluid reservoir tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2012
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Tatsuya MATSUSHITA
  • Publication number: 20140158487
    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: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventor: Wayne-Ian Moore
  • Patent number: 8739949
    Abstract: A brake master cylinder of the invention is to dispose a main oil cylinder and an oil storing space on a handlebar base. In addition, a sleeve engaged with the main oil cylinder is disposed in the oil storing space. The one end of the oil storing space has a fastening seat passed by a draw bar linked to the brake handlebar, and a positioning sheath of the fastening seat is utilized to engage with the sleeve. A leakage prevention component is disposed between the fastening seat and the handlebar base. A bushing integrally extended from the leakage prevention component is utilized to encapsulate the positioning sheath of the fastening seat and the sleeve. Accordingly, the brake master cylinder having convenient assembly and better sealing effect for hydraulic oil is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Heng Kuo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chun-Chin Wang
  • Patent number: 8714322
    Abstract: A hydraulic brake mechanism is described including a housing. A master cylinder assembly is disposed within the housing, and the master cylinder assembly includes a fluid chamber. The fluid chamber includes a first chamber portion having a first diameter and a second chamber portion having a second diameter, with the first diameter greater than the second diameter. The fluid chamber includes a transition region between the first and second chamber portions. The mechanism includes a piston assembly having a piston disposed within the fluid chamber. A first seal is configured to sealingly engage between the first chamber portion and the piston, and a second seal is configured to sealingly engage between the second chamber portion and the piston. The mechanism includes an outlet port extending from the fluid chamber from or adjacent the transition region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: SRAM, LLC
    Inventors: Charles E. Dunlap, Paul Feuerstein
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20140060987
    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: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: TIEN HSIN INDUSTRIES CO., LTD.
    Inventor: JASON MILES
  • Publication number: 20140060986
    Abstract: A hydraulic brake handle assembly, wherein the response time of the hydraulic brake caliper can be much improved, and the brake action can be carried out immediately. When the brake lever is pressed, the volume of the oil pushed by the piston is doubled due to the hydraulic brake handle assembly is provided with two piston portions inserted in two oil chambers. Since the response time of the hydraulic caliper of the present invention is improved, it allows the brake pads of the hydraulic caliper to be assembled at a relatively large distance from the brake disc, so that sand won't get struck between the brake pads and the brake disc, and the brake disc remains useful when they are bent out of plain rubbing after using.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: TIEN HSIN INDUSTRIES CO., LTD.
    Inventor: JASON MILES
  • 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: 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: 20140038757
    Abstract: A hydraulic bicycle component includes a first section and a first seal rupturing structure. The first section defines a first fluid path. The first seal rupturing structure is disposed in the vicinity of the first fluid path. The first seal rupturing structure is configured to physically rupture a first seal of a first hydraulic hose when the hydraulic bicycle component is coupled to the first hydraulic hose.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Osamu KARIYAMA, Masahiro NAKAKURA, Takahiro YAMASHITA
  • Publication number: 20140034429
    Abstract: A hydraulic bicycle component kit includes a first hydraulic component and a hydraulic hose. The first hydraulic component has a first fluid path. The hydraulic hose is filled with hydraulic fluid. The hydraulic hose has a first end with a first opening and a first seal that seals the first opening. The hydraulic hose and the first hydraulic component are configured such that the first seal of the hydraulic hose is physically ruptured by a first seal rupturing structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Osamu KARIYAMA, Masahiro NAKAKURA, Takahiro YAMASHITA
  • Publication number: 20140034428
    Abstract: A hydraulic bicycle component system includes a hydraulic component and a first seal. The hydraulic component has a fluid path filled with hydraulic fluid. The hydraulic component is configured to be coupled to a hydraulic hose. The first seal is arranged to seal an end of the fluid path of the hydraulic component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Osamu KARIYAMA, Masahiro NAKAKURA, Takahiro YAMASHITA
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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: 20130333994
    Abstract: A hydraulic brake control apparatus for attaching to an open ended handlebar of a vehicle, the handlebar having a longitudinal axis. A brake housing is attachable to the handlebar, the brake housing including a first section residing outside the handlebar and abutting the open end of the handlebar, and a second section sized and shaped to be received inside the handlebar. A master cylinder is disposed within the first section, the master cylinder having a bore with a bore axis that is oriented transverse to said axis of the handlebar and a master cylinder actuator is in operative association with the master cylinder. A micro-adjust mechanism, a macro-adjust mechanism, and a clamp mechanism is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: SRAM, LLC
    Inventors: Brian T. Jordan, Andreas Vonend, Andreas Guender
  • Publication number: 20130284552
    Abstract: A hydraulic brake device includes a main body, a brake lever, a hydraulic rod, a connecting rod, a sleeve member and an elastic member. The elastic member has an assembling portion, a driving portion and a deformation portion. When a user actuates the brake lever suddenly and forcefully, the driving portion of the elastic member moves toward the hydraulic room; a pressure of hydraulic oil pushes the driving portion so as to indirectly force the deformation portion to deform and bend, so that the deformation portion and the driving portion slightly move toward the assembling portion; thereby, a volume of hydraulic oil is smoothly pushed into a brake caliper through a hydraulic pipeline, such that the user brakes a bicycle stably, smoothly and safely.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventor: Wayne-Ian Moore
  • Publication number: 20130277162
    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: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2012
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Applicant: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Daisuke NAGO
  • Publication number: 20130240313
    Abstract: A hydraulic brake system is adapted to be assembled on a steering assembly. The hydraulic brake system includes a connecting member and hydraulic device. The connecting member has a receiving room and a receiving opening. The hydraulic device has a hydraulic cylinder and a fluid tank. The hydraulic cylinder is received in the receiving room. The fluid tank is inserted in the receiving opening and connected with the hydraulic cylinder. The hydraulic cylinder has a main body, two pistons and two springs. The main body has two hydraulic chambers. The two pistons are assembled in the two hydraulic chambers and two springs sleeve onto the two pistons. Two brake cables and two fluid pipes are connected with the hydraulic cylinder. When the brake cable pulls the piston to press a fluid in the hydraulic chamber, the fluid flows into the fluid pipe so as to control a brake device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Inventor: Wayne-Ian Moore
  • Publication number: 20130233659
    Abstract: An adjustment device for a hydraulic brake system includes a hollow casing and a retractable unit. The hollow casing has a rotatable ring to control the retractable unit. One end of the hollow casing is connected to a hydraulic hose, and another end is connected to a hydraulic cylinder. The adjustment device is assembled between a hydraulic hose and a hydraulic cylinder. When a user rotates the rotatable ring, the retractable unit is adjusted so as to control a sensitivity of a hydraulic brake system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Inventor: Wayne-Ian Moore
  • Publication number: 20130228407
    Abstract: A master device for a closed hydraulic system of handlebar-steered vehicles includes a basic body and a pressure chamber in which, in the event of actuation of the master device in order to actuate a slave device, hydraulic fluid is placed under pressure. The master device includes a hydraulic line connecting element having a connecting piece for connecting a hydraulic line and a thread section for screwing into the basic body. An air bleed opening bleeds the hydraulic system. The hydraulic line connecting element and the basic body form a valve that closes the connection between the pressure chamber and the air bleed opening when the hydraulic line connecting element is fully screwed in to the basic body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: Gustav Magenwirth GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Hubert Eberlein, Joachim Hujer
  • Publication number: 20130228405
    Abstract: A brake operating device of an electric bicycle is provided with a brake lever; a housing comprising a pivot portion pivotably secured to the brake lever, a hydraulic cylinder, a piston disposed in the hydraulic cylinder and having one end connected to the brake lever, a spring depressible magnet disposed in the hydraulic cylinder and having one end adhered to the other end of the piston, and a cylindrical socket adjacent to and parallel to the hydraulic cylinder; a spring depressible Hall-effect sensor disposed in the socket and including a Hall IC; a hollow fastener adjustably threadedly secured to an opening of the socket and engaging the Hall-effect sensor; and a control line inserted through the fastener to electrically connect to the Hall IC.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Inventor: Szu-Fang Tsai
  • Publication number: 20130228406
    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: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Inventor: SZU-FANG TSAI
  • Publication number: 20130199882
    Abstract: A bicycle brake operating device is provided with a housing on a handlebar and including a channel, first and second holes, a fluid reservoir, and a reservoir cover on the fluid reservoir; a brake transmission mechanism in the channel; a hydraulic brake lever including a stepped-diameter tunnel and a push member engaging the spring actuated mechanism; and a pivot assembly including a first retaining member including a sleeve disposed in the first hole and having one end engaging the reservoir cover, and an annular flange at the other end of the sleeve and engaging an inner surface of the tunnel; a second retaining member including a cup in the second hole and having a bottom through hole, and an annular flange around mouth of the cup, the flange engaging the inner surface of the tunnel; and a cylindrical pivot in the first and second retaining members and the tunnel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2012
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Inventor: Szu-Fang Tsai
  • Publication number: 20130192941
    Abstract: A hydraulic brake is used to a handle of a two wheel vehicle and contains a body including two first tabs, the handle including an axial hole and a through bore to receive an adjustable nut having a screw aperture to be screwed with first threads of a connecting post of a hydraulic piston, the body including a retaining sleeve and two second tabs, a hydraulic cylinder including an oil chamber and fitted to a holder, a positioning nut having an orifice screwed with second threads of the hydraulic cylinder, the holder including a receiving room to receive an oil cup, a pore, and a cover, an outer diameter of the pore of the holder being equal to that of the hydraulic cylinder, the hydraulic piston including the connecting post, and the connecting post including the first threads to screw the connecting post with the orifice of the positioning nut.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Inventor: Chang Hui LIN
  • Publication number: 20130180815
    Abstract: A hydraulic brake mechanism is described including a housing. A master cylinder assembly is disposed within the housing, and the master cylinder assembly includes a fluid chamber. The fluid chamber includes a first chamber portion having a first diameter and a second chamber portion having a second diameter, with the first diameter greater than the second diameter. The fluid chamber includes a transition region between the first and second chamber portions. The mechanism includes a piston assembly having a piston disposed within the fluid chamber. A first seal is configured to sealingly engage between the first chamber portion and the piston, and a second seal is configured to sealingly engage between the second chamber portion and the piston. The mechanism includes an outlet port extending from the fluid chamber from or adjacent the transition region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2012
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: SRAM, LLC
    Inventors: Charles E. Dunlap, Paul Feuerstein
  • Patent number: 8479897
    Abstract: A bolt for use with a hydraulic disc brake caliper. The bolt includes a head and a shaft extending outwardly from the head. The shaft includes a threaded portion having a diameter, at least one channel defined at least partially in the outer surface of the threaded portion, and a reduced diameter portion defined at least partially circumferentially around the shaft and located between the head and the threaded portion. When the bolt is threaded into an opening, the at least one channel and the reduced diameter portion are in fluid communication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Takahiro Yamashita, Shinichi Takizawa
  • Patent number: 8464845
    Abstract: A master cylinder for a bicycle hydraulic disc brake configured to be disposed on either a right or left portion of a bicycle handlebar without effecting operation of the master cylinder by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: SRAM, LLC
    Inventor: Wayne R. Lumpkin
  • Patent number: 8464844
    Abstract: A control assembly is mountable to a handlebar. The control assembly features a housing mountable to the handlebar and a brake actuation mechanism including a brake lever pivotally connected to a housing. The brake lever defines a fluid cavity inside the brake lever such that the fluid cavity pivots with the lever relative to the housing. A piston is provided in the fluid cavity and also pivots with the lever relative to the housing. Actuation of the lever causes the piston to move in the fluid cavity to provide compressive force to a fluid. The fluid cavity is in fluid communication with a hydraulic line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: SRAM, LLC
    Inventor: Brian Jordan
  • Patent number: 8459420
    Abstract: A brake lever assembly includes a body connected to an oil pipe and includes a first room and a second room. A first path communicates between the storage space and the first room. A second path communicates between the first room and the second room. The oil pipe is connected to a hydraulic oil storage space in the body. A lever is pivotably connected to the body and includes a push portion. A first cylinder unit is located in the first room and connected between the oil pipe and the push portion. The first cylinder unit is operated a first travel. A second cylinder unit is located in the second room and has a first end contacting inside of the body and a second end connected to the push portion. The second cylinder unit is operated a second travel which is longer than the first travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Inventor: Szu-Fang Tsai
  • Patent number: 8448752
    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: December 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Ashima Ltd.
    Inventor: Wayne-Ian Moore
  • 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