Reversing And Power Ratio Change Patents (Class 280/236)
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Patent number: 12258090Abstract: A chain separator for separating a chain of a bicycle from a sprocket of the bicycle. The chain separator includes a body defining an outer surface and at least one projection extending from the body to define a sprocket channel. The chain is disengaged from the sprocket and positioned on the outer surface and the chain separator is positioned on the bicycle such that the sprocket is positioned within the sprocket channel.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2022Date of Patent: March 25, 2025Assignee: TILT INDUSTRIES LLCInventors: Bradley Scott Maxfield, Mitchel Richard Murdock, Travis James Mittanck, Grant Reuben Fawson
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Patent number: 12103484Abstract: An airbag retainer to stably support a filter while minimizing a welding spot, and an airbag retainer assembly are provided, where the airbag retainer assembly includes an airbag retainer coupled to a filter, the airbag retainer including an accommodation hole to accommodate an inflator is formed in a base, and a cage extending from an edge of the accommodation hole, the cage being configured to cover the accommodation hole, one or more discharge hole formed in the cage to transmit gas discharged from the inflator, and a support formed in the cage along a circumference of the discharge hole to support the filter, wherein the filter is configured to block residue generated by gas discharged from the inflator.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2023Date of Patent: October 1, 2024Assignee: HYUNDAI MOBIS CO., LTD.Inventor: Oh Koang Kwon
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Patent number: 11884363Abstract: An individual chain wheel for a bicycle front crank arrangement for engaging in a drive chain includes a plurality of teeth formed on a circumference of the chain wheel and having a first and a second group of teeth. The teeth of the second group of teeth are arranged in an alternating manner between the teeth of the first group of teeth. Each tooth has a load flank via which force is transmitted between an adjacent roller of the drive chain and the respective tooth. Each tooth of the first group may also have at least one profile with an opening in the vicinity of the flank, in which a portion of an inner link plate of the drive chain, which portion protrudes beyond the roller, engages.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2021Date of Patent: January 30, 2024Assignee: SRAM DEUTSCHLAND GmbHInventors: Markus Reiter, Joachim Hanke, Bryn Johnson, Andreas Vonend, Martin Kehrer, Henrik Braedt, Pedro Miguel Nunes Dos Santos, Luis Figueiredo, Rodrigo Antunes
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Patent number: 11827309Abstract: A ride-along vehicle may include both handles and foot rests each capable of providing power to the pump arm. An improved pumper arm and steering mechanism may include a pivot joint that is provided by rods, pins, or bolts attached to opposite sides of the pumper arm. The universal joint between the steering arm and the pumper arm can be aligned with the center of the pivot point to prevent rocking of the steering arm as the pumper arm is actuated.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2020Date of Patent: November 28, 2023Assignee: Columbia-Inland CorporationInventor: Micheal D. Jones
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Patent number: 11192609Abstract: A shifting control device comprises a controller configured to control an actuator of a gear shifting device to arrange a chain guide of the gear shifting device on a plurality of gear positions. The controller is configured to control the actuator to temporarily arrange the chain guide on a first temporary position in a multistage gear shift operation before stopping the chain guide at the first target gear position. The controller is configured to temporarily arrange the chain guide on a second temporary position in a single gear shift operation before stopping the chain guide at the second target gear position. The first temporary position is offset from the second temporary position in the gear shift direction if the first target gear position is the first target gear position and the second target gear position correspond to the same gear position of the plurality of gear positions.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2018Date of Patent: December 7, 2021Assignee: SHIMANO INC.Inventors: Yuta Mizutani, Takeshi Ueda
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Patent number: 11124267Abstract: A human-powered vehicle control device includes an electronic controller operatively coupled to a motor that assists in propulsion of a human-powered vehicle. The controller is configured to control the motor in accordance with a human driving force that is input to the human-powered vehicle and is configured to change responsivity of an output torque of the motor to a change in the human driving force in accordance with a rider's pedaling posture of a rider of the human-powered vehicle. The human-powered vehicle control device is configured to change an output performance of the motor without operation of a switch.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2018Date of Patent: September 21, 2021Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventor: Satoshi Shahana
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Patent number: 11052965Abstract: A bicycle according to the present invention includes: a body configured such that a saddle and handlebars are disposed on a frame; a front wheel and a rear wheel disposed on the front and rear sides of the body, respectively; a pair of first driven units disposed on one side and remaining side of the rear wheel, respectively, and mounted around a rotating shaft; a pair of power generation units disposed on the one side and remaining side of the rear wheel, respectively, and mounted around the rotating shaft to be rotatable in upward and downward directions; and power transfer units disposed on the one side and remaining side of the rear wheel, respectively, connected to the first driven units and the power generation units, and configured to, when the power generation units are rotated, be rotated and transfer rotating power to the first driven units.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2017Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Inventor: Seok Su Hong
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Patent number: 11046387Abstract: The present invention relates to a bicycle driving device having increased torque, the device moving, to the front thereof, the center of a rotational track in a state in which an overall pedaling track (distance) does not increase, thereby removing the top dead center and enabling force to be strongly transmitted to a crankshaft during pedaling. According to the present invention, a rotational track of a pedal is moved to the front thereof such that when the pedal is in a forward position, the pedal is separated far away from the crankshaft so as to enable a strong force to be transmitted to the crankshaft by using the principle of the lever, and thus rotational torque can be increased.Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 2019Date of Patent: June 29, 2021Inventor: Kyung Taek Kang
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Patent number: 10981625Abstract: A bicycle rear derailleur or gear changer may include a mounting portion mountable to a bicycle frame, an electrical portion attached to the mounting portion and including power supply alignment and attachment features, and an electrical cable electrically connected to the electrical portion and electrically connectable to a printed circuit board (PCB) of a movable member movably coupleable to the mounting portion. The mounting portion and the electrical portion may be formed of different materials.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2018Date of Patent: April 20, 2021Assignee: SRAM, LLCInventors: Joshua Brown, Paul Feuerstein, David Reyes
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Patent number: 10940914Abstract: The present invention relates to a bicycle driving apparatus with a novel structure which allows a bicycle to move forward by alternately pushing each of both pedals in one direction. Since a user repeatedly presses down a left pedal (113) and a right pedal (114) to move a bicycle forward, the bicycle driving apparatus according to the present invention has an advantage of more convenience of use than a conventional bicycle driving apparatus in which the left pedal (113) and the right pedal (114) should rotate.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2019Date of Patent: March 9, 2021Inventor: Sung Koo Baek
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Leverage plates for transforming bicycle pedal arms into first-class levers for propelling a bicycle
Patent number: 10919598Abstract: Each plate (10) includes a plate throughbore (64) secured to an end of a drive axle (52) of a bicycle (16). A pedal arm (72) is secured to an attachment post (68) that extends from the leverage plate (10) between the drive axle (52) and a perimeter edge (70) of the plate (10). Moving a pedal (82) on the pedal arm (72) downward to move the bicycle (16) in a forward, desired direction of motion (56), causes the pedal arm (72) to contact the drive axle (52). An inner end (74) of the pedal arm (72) moves the pedal arm attachment post (68) and leverage plate (10) around the plate throughbore (64). The drive axle (52) therefore becomes a fulcrum (52) of a first-class lever (88) as the pedal arm (72) is moved downward. The leverage plates (10) may retro-fit to any bicycle (16).Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2018Date of Patent: February 16, 2021Inventor: Norman Beamon -
Patent number: 10894574Abstract: A bicycle rear derailleur includes a base member having a first portion and a second portion. The first portion of the base member is mountable to a bicycle frame, and the second portion of the base member is attached to the first portion of the base member and includes at least a portion of a power supply attachment. The bicycle rear derailleur also includes a movable member movably coupled to the first portion of the base member and electrically connected to the second portion of the base member. The bicycle rear derailleur includes a chain guide assembly rotatably connected to the movable member.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2017Date of Patent: January 19, 2021Assignee: SRAM, LLCInventors: Joshua Brown, Paul Feuerstein
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Patent number: 10875601Abstract: An apparatus for a bicycle includes an intermediate power connector configured for transmitting power between a bicycle component and a power source positioned remote from the bicycle component. The intermediate power connector has a coupling portion configured for removable attachment to a connecting portion of the bicycle component. The bicycle component can also include a battery having a battery coupling portion configured for removable attachment to the connecting portion of the bicycle component. The battery and the intermediate power connector can be selectively attachable to the bicycle component to provide power thereto.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2018Date of Patent: December 29, 2020Assignee: SRAM, LLCInventor: Kevin Wesling
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Patent number: 10843768Abstract: A ride-along vehicle may include a guard that attaches to a bottom portion of a molded plastic body and covers a spring and chain assembly. The guard may also provide an attachment point for the spring through a hole in the guard. The guard may have a narrow portion that covers and helps retain the chain on a sprocket as well as a wider portion that covers the spring. An improved pumper arm and steering mechanism may include a pivot joint that is provided by rods, pins, or bolts attached to opposite sides of the pumper arm. The universal joint between the steering arm and the pumper arm can be aligned with the center of the pivot point to prevent rocking of the steering arm as the pumper arm is actuated.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2019Date of Patent: November 24, 2020Inventor: Micheal D. Jones
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Patent number: 10773773Abstract: An electrical bicycle derailleur is basically provided with a base member, a movable member, at least one link member, a motor unit and a wireless unit. The base member is configured to be mounted to a bicycle frame. The movable member is movably arranged relative to the base member. The at least one link member movably connects the base member and the movable member. The motor unit is disposed on one of the base member, the movable member, and the at least one link member. The motor unit includes a motor configured to move the at least one link member. The wireless unit includes a wireless receiver configured to receive a wireless signal, the wireless unit being disposed on the at least one link member.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2017Date of Patent: September 15, 2020Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Atsushi Komatsu, Shingo Sakurai
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Patent number: 10711869Abstract: Traction planets and traction rings can be operationally coupled to a planetary gearset to provide a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The CVT can be used in a bicycle. In one embodiment, the CVT is mounted on the frame of the bicycle at a location forward of the rear wheel hub of the bicycle. In one embodiment, the CVT is mounted on and supported by members of the bicycle frame such that the CVT is coaxial with the crankshaft of the bicycle. The crankshaft is configured to drive elements of the planetary gearset, which are configured to operationally drive the traction rings and the traction planets. Inventive component and subassemblies for such a CVT are disclosed. A shifting mechanism includes a plurality of pivot arms arranged to pivot about the centers of the traction planets as a shift pin hub moves axially.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2017Date of Patent: July 14, 2020Assignee: Fallbrook Intellectual Property Company LLCInventors: Donald C. Miller, Robert A. Smithson, Brad P. Pohl, Charles B. Lohr, Jon M. Nichols
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Patent number: 10696357Abstract: A rocker for a bicycle gear that has an inner plate, an outer plate, a pair of pins integral with said inner and outer plates and a pair of toothed wheels arranged between them. Each toothed wheels is rotatably mounted on a respective pin. At least one pin is inserted in non-threaded through holes formed in the inner and outer plates and is defined by a screw with an outer threading and a female screw with an inner threading engaged with the outer threading.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2017Date of Patent: June 30, 2020Assignee: Campagnolo S.r.l.Inventors: Leopoldo Lazzarin, Paolo Pasqua, Alessandro Sorio
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Patent number: 10640171Abstract: An automatic bicycle drivetrain shifting apparatus comprising a bicycle drive chain derailleur powered by a servo gearmotor slaved to an electronic control system and controlled through a highly adaptable user interface serving to automatically alternate drive chain position between available bicycle drive sprockets under user defined shifting criteria adaptable in real time to rider conditioning, comfort level and road conditions thereby alleviating manual shifting tasks and achieving optimal pedal rate and effort settings for the rider.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2019Date of Patent: May 5, 2020Inventor: Hazem Nihad Hamed
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Patent number: 10633056Abstract: Provided is a bicycle with an automatic transmission, and more particularly, a bicycle with an automatic transmission for enabling rapid and smooth gearshifting from a low speed to a high speed or from a high speed to a low speed.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2018Date of Patent: April 28, 2020Inventors: Min Soo Ha, Jinsu Ha, Tae Hong Ha
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Patent number: 10569835Abstract: An internal transmission is basically arranged with a hub shaft which is attachable to a bicycle frame, a first shaft which is separate from the hub shaft and which is non-rotatable around the hub shaft, and a second shaft which is separate from the hub shaft and from the first shaft and which is non-rotatable around the hub shaft. The internal transmission has a plurality of first rotating bodies which are coaxially rotatable around the first shaft, and a plurality of second rotating bodies which are coupled to each of the first rotating bodies, and which are coaxially rotatable around the axis of the second shaft. The internal transmission has a clutch mechanism which controls at least one of the rotation state of the first rotating body and the rotation state of the second rotating body, and a hub shell which is rotated around the hub shaft.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2016Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventor: Kazutaka Niki
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Patent number: 10526041Abstract: A bicycle crank assembly comprises a sprocket, a crank axle, a movable member, a torque transmitting member, and a bearing structure. The sprocket has a rotational center axis. The crank axle extends along the rotational center axis. The crank axle includes an internal space. The movable member is movably provided in the internal space to move the sprocket in an axial direction of the rotational center axis. The torque transmitting member is to transmit a pedaling torque from the crank axle to the sprocket. The bearing structure is disposed between the movable member and the crank axle to slidably support the movable member in the axial direction. The bearing structure is disposed at a location different from a location of the torque transmitting member in the axial direction.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2017Date of Patent: January 7, 2020Assignee: SHIMANO INC.Inventor: Nobukatsu Hara
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Patent number: 10479439Abstract: A ride-along vehicle may include a spring/chain guard that covers a spring and chain assembly and provides an attachment point for the spring. The guard may have a narrow portion that covers and helps retain the chain on a sprocket as well as a wider portion that covers the spring. In another embodiment, the spring can be connected to a fulcrum that has a chain retention pulley, gear, guide, or wheel that keeps the chain tight in loop to improve the pump-action operation of the vehicle. An improved pumper arm and steering mechanism may include a pivot joint that is provided by rods, pins, or bolts attached to opposite sides of the pumper arm. The universal joint between the steering arm and the pumper arm can be aligned with the center of the pivot point to prevent rocking of the steering arm as the pumper arm is actuated.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2017Date of Patent: November 19, 2019Inventor: Micheal D. Jones
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Patent number: 10479447Abstract: Powertrain for a pedal vehicle Powertrain for a pedal vehicle comprising a first (20) and a second (4) motor as well as an planetary gearing (3) having a planet carrier (14, 114), a ring gear (12, 112) and a sun gear (13), which first motor (20) is connected to the planetary gearing (3), which powertrain also comprises a crank axle (11) to which the ring gear (12, 112) is connected to create a first input to the planetary gearing (3), the second motor (4) is geared to the crank axle (11), a control unit (6) being designed to regulate the first motor (20) according to an angular position setpoint, and the second motor (4) according to a current or torque setpoint.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2015Date of Patent: November 19, 2019Assignee: E2 DRIVES SAInventor: Arthur Deleval
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Patent number: 10451165Abstract: A chainring includes a first chainring segment and a second chainring segment for a chainring arrangement of a bicycle. Further provided is a chainring arrangement and a drive arrangement for a bicycle with at least one chainring. The segmented chainring arrangement is particularly suitable for bicycles with only one front chainring.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2016Date of Patent: October 22, 2019Assignee: SRAM DEUTSCHLAND, GMBHInventor: Henrik Braedt
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Patent number: 10308318Abstract: A bicycle derailleur is basically provided with a base member, a movable member and an electric actuator. The base member is configured to rotate together with a bicycle sprocket apparatus about a rotational axis of the bicycle sprocket apparatus. The movable member is movable relative to the base member to displace a bicycle chain. The electric actuator is configured to electrically actuate the movable member.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2017Date of Patent: June 4, 2019Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Kazutaka Niki, Takeshi Fujiwara
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Patent number: 10239577Abstract: The transmission is for transmitting a reciprocating pedal movement into a rotational movement and comprises a pair of pedals suspended for reciprocating movement, two rotating cam members (29) rotating around respective cam axes (33), each rotating cam member (29) having a peripheral cam surface (31), the rotating cam members (29) being coupled to a rotating member (35) through a respective one-way clutch. Flexible tension members (63) are connecting either pedal to a respective one of the rotating cam members (29), which are eccentric to provide for a gearing ratio between angular movement of the rotating cam member (29) and translational movement of the respective pedal to vary, such that the gearing ratio has a minimum value when the pedal is in an intermediate position between its extended position and its retracted position, and major values when the pedal is in its retracted or extended position.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2013Date of Patent: March 26, 2019Assignee: J.M.J. Holdings APSInventor: Jørgen Mosbaek Johannessen
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Patent number: 10106224Abstract: A front derailleur device for a bicycle chain shift includes a frame fixing part for attachment to a bicycle frame, a hinge arrangement which is pivotable relative to the frame fixing part, and a chain cage which is pivotable relative to the frame fixing part via the pivotable hinge arrangement for guiding and pivoting of the bicycle chain. The hinge arrangement includes at least two hinged struts which can be mounted rotatably relative to the frame fixing part and relative to the chain cage about pivot axes. The pivot axes run substantially parallel to each other and, in a mounted state of the derailleur device on a bicycle, may be oriented substantially vertically.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2016Date of Patent: October 23, 2018Assignee: SRAM DEUTSCHLAND, GMBHInventors: Sebastian Düweling, Markus Engel
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Patent number: 10094452Abstract: A transmission for a bicycle having a driver assembly with a torque band, the driver assembly being pivotable about a first axis. A driven assembly rotatable about a second axis, the second axis spaced a distance from the first axis. The torque band is rotatable about the second axis. An input source engaged with the driver assembly such that the input source causes the torque band to rotate about the second axis. The driver assembly principally engages said driven assembly along an engagement path at a first distance from the first axis and at a second distance from the second axis whereby the driven assembly is caused to rotate about the second axis, the second distance being infinitely adjustable throughout a gear ratio range. A rotatable output member is engaged with the driven member wherein rotation of the driven member causes the output member to rotate.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2016Date of Patent: October 9, 2018Inventor: Mark B. Sullivan
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Patent number: 10017225Abstract: A bicycle transmission control device is basically provided with a transmission controller that is programmed to switch between a first control state and a second control state. The bicycle transmission control device operates in accordance with the first control state for controlling a transmission based on a first signal that is input from a first detector, which detects a rotation of a crank. The bicycle transmission control device operates in accordance with the second control state for controlling the transmission based on a second signal that is input from a second detector, which detects a value reflecting a bicycle speed.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2015Date of Patent: July 10, 2018Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Makoto Usui, Jun Gao, Yasuhiro Tsuchizawa, Yuki Kataoka, Akinori Hashimoto, Masako Itsukashi
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Patent number: 9862455Abstract: A transmission assembly for a human- and/or motor-powered vehicle, including a hollow transfer shaft, first and second inner one-way needle bearings, the first inner one-way needle bearing disposed within a first hollow end of the transfer shaft, and the second inner one-way needle bearing disposed within a second hollow end of the transfer shaft; and a first and a second outer two-way needle bearings, each having an inner diameter and an outer diameter, the first outer two-way needle bearing disposed about the outer diameter of the transfer shaft near the first hollow end of the transfer shaft, and the second outer two-way needle bearing disposed about the outer diameter of the transfer shaft near the second end of the transfer shaft, such that the inner diameter of each of the first and second outer two-way needle bearings contacts the outer diameter of the transfer shaft.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2015Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Inventor: Jeffery Curtis Adams
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Patent number: 9657825Abstract: A drive device for a vehicle includes a first drive shaft, a second drive shaft, a differential mechanism, a speed reduction mechanism, and a case. The second speed reduction pinion gear of the speed reduction mechanism, and the first pinion gear and the second pinion gear of the differential mechanism are arranged out of phase in a rotation direction, and are arranged at a position in an axial direction so that at least any one of the first pinion gear and the second pinion gear of the differential mechanism overlaps with the second speed reduction pinion gear of the speed reduction mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2013Date of Patent: May 23, 2017Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Jun Ohmura, Shigeru Nakayama
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Patent number: 9643680Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a folding structure for two-wheeled vehicle, comprising: a front wheel; a rear wheel; a first connection rod connected to the front wheel; a second connection rod connected to the rear wheel; a first rotary shaft for rotating the first connection rod relative to the second connection rod; and a second rotary shaft for rotating the front wheel relative to the first connection rod, wherein a space is formed by means of the rotation of the first connection rod relative to the first rotary shaft and the rotation of the front wheel relative to the second rotary shaft so as to allow the first connection rod and the second connection rod to be placed between the front wheel and the rear wheel.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2012Date of Patent: May 9, 2017Assignee: ADVANCED INSTITUTES OF CONVERGENCE TECHNOLOGYInventor: Young Bong Bang
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Patent number: 9555854Abstract: A vehicle is provided which is operable to motor power and/or pedal power, in particular an electric bicycle, which includes a crankshaft drive having a bottom bracket spindle, a chain ring, which outputs a drive torque for the vehicle to a chain, an electric drive, and a cone ring transmission for the continuous variation of a gear step ratio, the cone ring transmission and the electric drive being situated at the crankshaft drive, and the cone ring transmission being connected to the crankshaft drive and set up in such a way that a torque generated by the rider is transmitted to the chain ring.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2014Date of Patent: January 31, 2017Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Karl Bendel, Hans-Peter Dommsch, Katrin Martini, Gerd Dornhoefer
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Patent number: 9514576Abstract: A method for detecting wear on at least one component of an electric bicycle includes: monitoring the operating condition of the at least one component with the aid of at least one sensor; detecting the stress on the component over the duration of operation; and displaying the need for service on a display unit as soon as a long-term load threshold defined for this component is reached, to inform the cyclist promptly of the need for service.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2012Date of Patent: December 6, 2016Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Oliver Gerundt, Gregor Dasbach, Ingo Immendoerfer, Ralf Diekmann
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Patent number: 9499232Abstract: A front derailleur is provided for mounting to a bicycle having a crank axis. The front derailleur is provided with a base member, a chain guide and a link mechanism. The base member is mounted on the bicycle for positioning in a predetermined adjustment direction. The chain guide guides the chain. The link mechanism movably couples the chain guide to the base member. The link mechanism includes a first link member pivotally arranged in relation to the base member about a first link axis and pivotally arranged in relation to the chain guide about a second link axis. The first link axis and the second link axis are arranged non-parallel and non-orthogonal to the predetermined adjustment direction when viewed from the axial direction of the crank axis in a state where the base member is mounted to the bicycle.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2014Date of Patent: November 22, 2016Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Atsuhiro Emura, Kenkichi Inoue, Tomomi Sugimoto
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Patent number: 9447852Abstract: Embodiments include a gear shifting system that eliminates the use of a derailleur and is capable of integrating with existing controls on the bike.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2014Date of Patent: September 20, 2016Inventor: Paul Thomas Williams
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Patent number: 9429214Abstract: An automatic transmission includes an input shaft; a hub housing; a first clutch; a planetary gear portion; and a second clutch. A locking gap of the first clutch is formed to be greater than a locking gap of the second clutch. When the hub housing is rotated in the reverse direction, the sun gear is rotated in the forward direction, the second clutch is first released before the first clutch is locked, so that the hub housing is rotated in the reverse direction and is capable of moving backward.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2013Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: CM PARTNER INC.Inventor: Geon Joon Kim
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Patent number: 9400037Abstract: A bicycle chain tensioner includes a bicycle mounting bracket, and a chain tensioning element. The bicycle mounting bracket is configured to be mounted to a bicycle. The chain tensioning element is movably coupled to the bicycle mounting bracket by a first coupling structure to move in a lateral direction and by a second coupling structure to move in a direction different from the lateral direction, during operation of the bicycle chain tensioner.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2013Date of Patent: July 26, 2016Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventor: Nobukatsu Hara
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Patent number: 9370454Abstract: A compact drive assembly for a wheeled transporter, illustrated as a wheelchair, and method convert reciprocating input forces applied by oppositely-directed essentially linear strokes to a drive shaft journaled for rotation in opposite directions of rotation about a central axis of rotation within the drive assembly, into rotation of a drive wheel of the transporter in a given single direction of rotation. Oppositely oriented clutches couple the drive shaft with respective sun gears. Sets of planet gears are engaged with corresponding ones of the sun gears and are overlapped for engagement with one-another. One of the sun gears is coupled to the drive wheel such that upon rotation of the drive shaft alternately in the first direction and the second direction in response to the oppositely-directed strokes, the drive wheel is rotated in the same given single direction of rotation during each direction of rotation of the drive shaft.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2014Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: Avant Mobility, LLCInventor: David E. Parker
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Patent number: 9259609Abstract: An exercise bike includes a frame, a driving member, two sun gears, two swing arms, two planet gears, and two cranks. The driving member is assembled to the frame and has a shaft extending from two sides of the frame. The two sun gears, the two swing arms, the two planet gears, and the two cranks are respectively assembled to the two sides of the frame. For each set, the crank drives the planet gear to rotate so as to drive the swing arm to rotate the shaft, and the planet gear is rotated around the sun gear. Accordingly, a pedal connected to each of the cranks moves around the axis of the corresponding planet gear.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2015Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: Ventek Fitness CorporationInventor: Wen Chang Yang
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Patent number: 9103392Abstract: A control mechanism for decoupling a drive ratchet on a bicycle hub makes it possible to push the bicycle backwards while the foot pedals of the pedal crank drive remain still. These functions can be applied to folding bicycles, in which pedal movements are harmful when in their folded up state. The control mechanism includes a controlling sleeve coupled to the drive ratchet, which is indirectly connected by means of a frictional device to the unmoving hub axle.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2011Date of Patent: August 11, 2015Assignee: SRAM DEUTSCHLAND GMBHInventors: Werner Steuer, Gunter Pehse, Karl-Joachim Kühne
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Patent number: 9090303Abstract: A bicycle control device is provided with a mounting bracket, a first lever and an adjustment arrangement. The first lever is pivotally arranged relative to the mounting bracket about a first-axis and about a second axis being non-parallel to the first axis. The first lever is configured relative to the mounting bracket such that a free end of the first lever moves closer to the mounting bracket as the first lever pivots about the first axis from a rest position to an operated position. The adjustment arrangement adjusts the rest position of the first lever relative to the mounting bracket around the second operating axis.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2012Date of Patent: July 28, 2015Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Kazutaka Fukao, Tatsuya Matsushita, Makoto Yoshikawa
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Patent number: 8886417Abstract: Electronic shifting systems, mechanisms and methods of using the systems to operate a bicycle that allows front and rear gear changer mechanisms to be controlled with only two switches. The switches can be arranged so that each hand is only required to operate one switch to shift the bicycle.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2011Date of Patent: November 11, 2014Assignee: SRAM, LLCInventor: Brian Jordan
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Publication number: 20140265210Abstract: This invention is directed to a variable speed drive system comprising: a frame having front and rear wheels; reciprocating pedals rotatably attached to the frame for supporting the rider; a pedal cam attached to one of the pedals at a hub where a distance between the hub and a first sprocket of the pedal cam is less than a distance between the hub and a second sprocket of the pedal cam; a coupling cam attached at a front axle and operably connected to the pedal cam so that when the pedal cam rotates when force is exerted downward on the pedal, the coupling cam rotates in an opposite direction from the pedal cam; and a drive sprocket carried by the coupling cam and linked to a wheel sprocket by a drive chain so that when the coupling cam rotates, the drive sprocket rotates causing the rear wheel to rotate.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2014Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: Zike, LLCInventors: Nathan A. Scolari, George Reiter
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Publication number: 20140225346Abstract: The invention relates to a compact, foldable bike with small wheels and a bicycle drive for driving the rear wheel, comprising a traction mechanism or a spur-gear transmission, driven by a crank, the distance of the bottom-bracket axle to the rear-wheel axle being larger than half the outer diameter of the rear wheel. The bicycle exhibits a front frame part and a rear frame part that are rotatably connected to each other by a folding hinge that is aligned at right angles to the ground plane, whereby the front frame part, the rear frame part, and a front-wheel fork, in the folded state, seen laterally, form the sides of a triangle having the following characteristic combination of features: The bicycle is ridden while standing up, the driving wheel and the output wheel of the bicycle drive are arranged on the same side of the bicycle frame and the steering tube exhibits a lower and an upper steering tube, that in the folded state of the bicycle are folded-in laterally beside the front wheel.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2012Publication date: August 14, 2014Inventor: Karsten Bettin
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Publication number: 20130075995Abstract: A tricycle includes a frame and a front wheel. The tricycle includes a first rear wheel coupled to the frame. The tricycle includes a second rear wheel coupled to the frame. The tricycle includes a front suspension system and a rear suspension system functionally coupled to the frame. The tricycle includes a drive system coupled to the frame and a wheel hub fixedly coupled to the first drive shaft. The drive system includes a transmission system coupling a first drive train to a second drive train. The tricycle includes a locking device configured to lock the relative position of the wheel hub and the rear axle, wherein the locking device is selectably adjustably between a first mode and a second mode. The first mode includes the wheel hub and the rear axle locked together, and the second mode includes the wheel hub and the rear axle shaft independently rotatable.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 1, 2012Publication date: March 28, 2013Inventor: Mark E. Gunderson
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Publication number: 20100264620Abstract: A system for providing an automated axial force to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) in a wheelchair. An electronic transmission control receives one or more input signals generated by throttle position or other variables. The microprocessor generates an output signal that adjusts the axial force applied to a CVT thereby automatically adjusting the input to output ratio. The invention also provides a manually controlled variator is designed for use on a wheelchair. The manual shifter hydraulically adjusts an axial force imparted on a variator in communication with a wheelchair wheel and a hand rim. Application of the axial force causes the hand rim input and wheelchair wheel output ratio to change, permitting a wheelchair operator to manually adjust the input to output ratio to more easily operate the wheelchair.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2010Publication date: October 21, 2010Applicant: Fallbrook Technologies Inc.Inventors: David Michael Miles, Todd Russell Peters
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Patent number: 7497793Abstract: Disclosed herein is a derailleur for a chain bicycle designed to move forward with either forward or reverse rotation of the bicycle's pedals. The chain bicycle comprises a single endless chain, first and second rear wheel sprocket assemblies, first and second one-way clutches to transmit power to a rear wheel hub in only a forward direction, and an idler roller. Any one sprocket of the second rear wheel sprocket assembly engages with the endless chain by using a pantograph linkage, and at the same time, any one sprocket of the first rear wheel sprocket assembly engages with the endless chain by using a chain hook member. The idler roller is coupled to a second base member via a plurality of joint shafts, so as to permit not only rotating, tilting and sliding motions thereof relative to any one joint shaft, but also elastic pivotal rotation in either clockwise or counterclockwise direction relative to another joint shaft parallel to a pedal shaft.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2005Date of Patent: March 3, 2009Inventor: Min Young Hee
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Patent number: 7464951Abstract: A powered vehicle and method of operating is described for on and off-road use. The powered vehicle comprises a chassis and a first and second axle coupled to the chassis having at least one wheel coupled to the first axle and at least two wheels coupled to the second axle. The powered vehicle further comprises a movable seat configured to support a rider sitting down on the seat, and configured to move relative to the chassis in order to provide a steering mechanism for the powered vehicle. For example, the movable seat provides a mechanism for the rider to shift his or her weight relative to the chassis to cause the steering mechanism for the powered vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2005Date of Patent: December 16, 2008Inventor: Stephen R. Coray
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Patent number: 7434489Abstract: A bicycle drive system includes a front gear face, a rear gear face, a front guide assembly, a rear guide assembly, and a drive shaft coupled to a rear-suspension frame via a rear hub and a crank spindle. The bicycle drive system operates independently of the frame. Shifting from one gear to another is controlled by a shift controller. Each shift of the shift controller shifts both the front and rear guide assemblies at the same time. The shift controller is preferably coupled to the front and rear guide assemblies via a cable system.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2004Date of Patent: October 14, 2008Inventor: Peter Scranton