Shiftable Clutch Or Gearing Patents (Class 280/238)
  • Patent number: 12145474
    Abstract: A recliner assembly for a vehicle seat may include a pair of recliner hearts and a cross rod. Each of the recliner hearts includes a first plate and a second plate that is selectively rotatable relative to the first plate to recline a seatback relative to a seat bottom of the vehicle seat. The cross rod extends between the recliner hearts and is received in hubs of the recliner hearts. The cross rod transmits torque between the hubs. The cross rod includes ridges that are angularly spaced apart from each other. Each of the ridges includes a first sidewall, a second sidewall, and an end wall extending between the first and second sidewalls. The first and second sidewalls are defined by first and second axes that extend radially outward. The first and second axes are angled such that they do not converge with each other as they extend radially outward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2024
    Assignee: Fisher & Company, Incorporated
    Inventors: Ralph L. Schmitz, Sapan M. Poptani, Christopher J. Ryan
  • Patent number: 12103641
    Abstract: Bicycle belt or chain drive tensioning systems and IGH-thru-axle conversion systems are described that includes first and second anti-rotation keys, a bushing, and first and second fasteners configured to center the IGH laterally within first and second dropouts of the bicycle. The belt or chain tensioning device includes a mounting clamp, a swing arm assembly with a stepped pivot shaft, a swing arm, a first pulley rotatably supported by the pivoted shaft, and a second pulley rotatably attached to the swing arm, the first pulley and the swing arm rotating about a longitudinal axis of the stepped pivot shaft. Methods for assembly and operation of such systems are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2024
    Inventor: Perrin Stacy Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 12043345
    Abstract: A bicycle derailleur comprises a base member, a movable member, a motor unit, and a controller. The controller is configured to control the motor unit to rotate an output shaft of the motor unit at a first maximum voltage during a first shifting operation of the chain in a first shifting direction. The controller is configured to control the motor unit to rotate the output shaft of the motor unit at a second maximum voltage during a second shifting operation of the chain in a second shifting direction. The first maximum voltage is different from the second maximum voltage. The bicycle derailleur is configured to receive electricity from an electric power source configured to supply electricity to an assist driving unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2024
    Assignee: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Naoki Fujimoto, Katsuhiro Tachibana, Yutaro Yamada
  • Patent number: 11926394
    Abstract: A bicycle derailleur comprises a derailleur body, a charging port, a charging-port cover, and a cover connector. The charging port is configured to be detachably connected to a charging cable to charge an electric power source. The charging-port cover is configured to be detachably attached to the charging port. The charging-port cover has a detachment state in which the charging-port cover is detached from the derailleur body to allow connection between the charging port and the charging cable. The cover connector is configured to couple the charging-port cover to the derailleur body in the detachment state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventor: Akihiro Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 11891154
    Abstract: A rear derailleur of a bicycle includes a fixing portion connected to a frame of the bicycle, a linkage assembly pivotally connected to the fixing portion, a moving portion pivotally connected to the linkage assembly, a chain guide assembly connected to the moving portion, a driving assembly, a rechargeable battery for providing an electrical energy required for the motor, a coil, and a wireless charging circuit for receiving an electric power of the coil for charging the rechargeable battery. The driving assembly includes a motor including and a driving gear assembly connected to the linkage assembly. The motor includes an output shaft for driving the driving gear assembly and for driving the linkage assembly to pivot via the driving gear assembly, thereby to drive the moving portion and the chain guide assembly to move. The coil receives an external charging power and is disposed on the fixing portion, the moving portion, or the linkage assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: TIEN HSIN INDUSTRIES CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Alfredo Sala
  • Patent number: 11873059
    Abstract: A rear derailleur of a bicycle includes a fixing portion connected to a frame of the bicycle, a linkage assembly pivotally connected to the fixing portion, a moving portion pivotally connected to the linkage assembly, a chain guide assembly connected to the moving portion, a driving assembly, a rechargeable battery for providing an electrical energy required for the motor, a coil, and a wireless charging circuit for receiving an electric power of the coil for charging the rechargeable battery. The driving assembly includes a motor including and a driving gear assembly connected to the linkage assembly. The motor includes an output shaft for driving the driving gear assembly and for driving the linkage assembly to pivot via the driving gear assembly, thereby to drive the moving portion and the chain guide assembly to move. The coil receives an external charging power and is disposed on the fixing portion, the moving portion, or the linkage assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: TIEN HSIN INDUSTRIES CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Alfredo Sala
  • Patent number: 11772746
    Abstract: A bicycle including a frame with a fork, the fork having dropouts between which a wheel axle is mounted. The wheel axle includes a sensor and/or an electric component arranged to be connected to a control element. A detachable electric connection is provided between the sensor and/or electric component and the control element. The detachable electric connection is positioned between the wheel axle and the thru-axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: ADVANCING TECHNOLOGIES B.V.
    Inventors: Roëll Marie Van Druten, Johannes Gijsbertus Antonius Van Den Brand
  • Patent number: 11560200
    Abstract: A rear derailleur of a bicycle includes a fixing portion connected to a frame of the bicycle, a linkage assembly pivotally connected to the fixing portion, a moving portion pivotally connected to the linkage assembly, a chain guide assembly connected to the moving portion, a driving assembly, a rechargeable battery for providing an electrical energy required for the motor, a coil, and a wireless charging circuit for receiving an electric power of the coil for charging the rechargeable battery. The driving assembly includes a motor including and a driving gear assembly connected to the linkage assembly. The motor includes an output shaft for driving the driving gear assembly and for driving the linkage assembly to pivot via the driving gear assembly, thereby to drive the moving portion and the chain guide assembly to move. The coil receives an external charging power and is disposed on the fixing portion, the moving portion, or the linkage assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: TIEN HSIN INDUSTRIES CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Alfredo Sala
  • Patent number: 11554832
    Abstract: A bicycle derailleur comprises a base member, a movable member, a motor unit, and a controller. The controller is configured to control the motor unit to rotate an output shaft of the motor unit at a first maximum voltage during a first shifting operation of the chain in a first shifting direction. The controller is configured to control the motor unit to rotate the output shaft of the motor unit at a second maximum voltage during a second shifting operation of the chain in a second shifting direction. The first maximum voltage is different from the second maximum voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Naoki Fujimoto, Katsuhiro Tachibana, Yutaro Yamada
  • Patent number: 11535337
    Abstract: A bicycle includes a transmission having two switchable drives between a driver body on which rear sprockets are positioned and a wheel hub of a rear wheel. The bicycle has actuation elements for switching between drives and operating elements for operating the actuation elements. The bicycle includes only a single front sprocket. The actuation elements are embodied in an electrical version and the operating elements are electrically coupled to the actuation elements. By advantageously selecting the drives of the driver between the cassette housing and wheel hub, a front derailleur may be omitted. The driver allows operation with only little energy, since the chain need not be shifted. consequently, the actuation elements require little energy for changing the drive between the crank axle and the wheel hub of the bicycle, so that it is pre-eminently suitable for these actuation elements and their operation to be executed as an electrical version.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: ADVANCING TECHNOLOGIES B.V.
    Inventors: Roëll Marie Van Druten, Johannes Gijsbertus Antonius Van Den Brand
  • Patent number: 11498644
    Abstract: A rear derailleur of a bicycle includes a fixing portion having a first pivot portion and a second pivot portion, a linkage assembly including a first connecting shaft and a second connecting shaft, a moving portion, a chain guide assembly connected to the moving portion, and a driving assembly. An end of the first connecting shaft is pivotally connected to the first pivot portion via a first pivot. An end of the second connecting shaft is pivotally connected to the second pivot portion via a second pivot. The moving portion has a third pivot portion pivotally connected to the first connecting shaft via a third pivot and a fourth pivot portion pivotally connected to the second connecting shaft via a fourth pivot. The driving assembly is disposed on either the first connecting shaft or the second connecting shaft and drives one of the first to fourth pivots to drive the linkage assembly to pivot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: TIEN HSIN INDUSTRIES CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Alfredo Sala
  • Patent number: 11364972
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a fixing assembly for a bicycle rear derailleur including a mount seat, a fastener, a resistance applying component and a resistance controlling component. The mount seat has a through hole and an annular inner surface forming the through hole. The fastener is disposed through the through hole. The fastener has a threaded portion and a recess. The threaded portion is configured to be screwed into a bicycle frame to fix the mount seat. The resistance applying component is disposed on the fastener and located between the annular inner surface and the recess. The resistance controlling component is disposed on the recess of the fastener, and the resistance controlling component is movable towards the threaded portion along an axial direction of the fastener so as to force the resistance applying component to radially move outwards to press against the annular inner surface of the mount seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Assignee: TEKTRO TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yen Hui Chiang, John L. Calendrille, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11279436
    Abstract: A control system for a human-powered vehicle includes an input device, an additional input device, and a controller. The input device is configured to receive manual input from a rider. The additional input device is configured to receive manual input from the rider. The controller is configured to control a shifting device of the human-powered vehicle based on one of an output signal from the input device and an output signal from the additional input device. The controller is configured to output one of a first control signal for a single shifting operation and a second control signal for a multiple shifting operation in response to the manual input received by one of the input device and the additional input device. The controller is further configured to output one of a first control signal and a second control signal based on a state of the human-powered vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Masahiro Honda, Hideaki Yao, Satoshi Shahana, Katsuhiro Tachibana
  • Patent number: 11148756
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a bicycle front derailleur including a fixing component, a chain guiding component, a linkage assembly, a battery assembly, two terminals, a circuit board assembly and a driving module. Two opposite ends of the linkage assembly are respectively and pivotally disposed on the fixing component and the chain guiding component. The battery assembly includes a battery holder and a battery. The battery holder is disposed on the fixing component, and the battery holder has a battery slot. One terminal is disposed in the battery slot, and the battery is removably inserted into the battery slot and is electrically connected to the terminal. The circuit board assembly is disposed on the fixing component and electrically connected to the other terminal. The terminals are electrically connected to each other. The driving module is disposed on the fixing component and electrically connected to the circuit board assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: TEKTRO TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Bo-Yi Liao, Yu-Ming Huang, Tzung Ye Wu
  • Patent number: 11091224
    Abstract: A bicycle derailleur is provided with a front gear plate and a rear gear plate. A small gear of the front gear plate corresponds to a big gear of the rear gear plate to form a low-speed gear, and a big gear of the front gear plate corresponds to a small gear of the rear gear plate to form a high-speed gear. A transmission box is arranged between the front gear plate and the rear gear plate, and a clutch lever can be controlled to enable the front gear plate to move forwards to be separated from the transmission box or to move backwards to be engaged with the transmission box. A gear case fixed to an edge of a triangular bracket is disposed around a middle of the transmission box. A top of the transmission box penetrates through the gear case to be movably connected to a gear shift lever. The clutch lever and the gear shift lever can be controlled to enable the transmission box to move forwards, backwards, leftwards, or rightwards in the gear case to reach a desired gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Inventor: Zhaotian Guo
  • Patent number: 11046392
    Abstract: A human-powered vehicle control device includes an electronic controller for controlling a transmission that changes a ratio of a rotational speed of a drive wheel to a rotational speed of a crank of the human-powered vehicle. The electronic controller switches the transmission from a first control state to a second control state in accordance with at least one of a human drive force, a rider's posture, a vehicle body attitude, a handle force, and a human-powered vehicle travel state, In the first control state, the electronic controller controls the transmission to change the ratio in accordance with an operation of a shift operating unit. In the second control state, irrespective of the operation of the shift operating unit, the electronic controller controls the transmission such that the ratio increases in accordance with the travel state of the human-powered vehicle and/or a travel environment of the human-powered vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Satoshi Shahana, Kenji Kamada
  • Patent number: 11014630
    Abstract: A human-powered vehicle control device controls the transmission that changes the transmission ratio of a human-powered vehicle. The control device includes an electronic controller that switches between a first control state for controlling the transmission to change the transmission ratio in accordance with a first prescribed set of conditions, and a second control state for controlling the transmission to suppress the change of the transmission ratio as compared with if the electronic controller is in the first control state, in accordance with at least one of the motion state of the body of the human-powered vehicle, the steering state of the human-powered vehicle, the surface conditions of a travel path on which the human-powered vehicle travels, and a pedaling preparation state related to the pedals of the human-powered vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Satoshi Shahana, Nobukatsu Hara, Hitoshi Takayama
  • Patent number: 11014629
    Abstract: A bicycle rear derailleur including a base member, a chain guide, an actuator, and a controller. The chain guide is movably coupled to the base member. The actuator is operatively coupled to the chain guide to move the chain guide relative to the base member. The controller is electrically connected to the actuator to move the chain guide relative to the base member from a current stop position to a target-stop position. The controller is configured to change a current rear shift position corresponding to the current stop position based on a front shift position of a front derailleur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventor: Takeshi Ueda
  • Patent number: 10994802
    Abstract: A bicycle transmission device basically includes an input rotational shaft, an output part, a transmission mechanism and a switching mechanism. The transmission mechanism includes a first rotating body configured to transmit rotation of the input rotational shaft and a fourth rotating body configured to transmit the rotation of the input rotational shaft. The switching mechanism is configured to selectively switch between a first state in which a ratio of a rotational speed of the output part to a rotational speed of the input rotational shaft is a first ratio and a second state in which the ratio is a second ratio that is different from the first ratio. The switching mechanism includes a one-way clutch and a switching unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Takashi Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 10940915
    Abstract: A bicycle transmission is provided that includes a transmission, a connecting portion, a cable and a detection device. The connecting portion is connected to the transmission. The cable is coupled to the connecting portion to operate the transmission. The detection device is arranged to detect movement of the connecting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Tadashi Ichida, Noriaki Takahashi
  • Patent number: 10889350
    Abstract: The invention relates to a bicycle gearing, comprising: a cylindrical-gear gearing (10), which has a stationary sun gear (11) having a central bearing axis (y1) extending centrally therein and a planet gear (12), which travels on the sun gear (11) and rotates about a planet-gear bearing axis (y2); a four-bar linkage (20), which interacts with the cylindrical-gear gearing (10) and which comprises a crank (21), which is fixedly connected to the planet gear (12) and is rotatably connected to a pedal crank (22); and a toothed wheel (30), by means of which a traction means (31) can be driven. The problem addressed by the invention is that of improving a bicycle gearing of the type in question in such a way that a rounder pedaling feel is perceived by the bicycle rider. The problem is solved according to the invention in that the toothed wheel (30) has an oval shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: Move Bikes GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Schubert, Tobias Sprote, Marcus Rochlitzer
  • Patent number: 10850803
    Abstract: An electric bicycle having a control unit, a drive unit, a battery unit, a display unit and a remote control unit for display unit, remote control unit being situated in the region of a handlebar grip remote from display unit. According to the present disclosure, electronic control unit is situated in seat tube of bicycle frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: BIKETEC AG
    Inventors: Ivica Durdevic, Lukas Beat Studer, Philipp Walter Suter, Simon Lanz, Robin Woodtli, Timo Woelk, Omar Afzal
  • Patent number: 10829179
    Abstract: A control system for a human-powered vehicle includes an input device, an additional input device, and a controller. The input device is configured to receive manual input from a rider. The additional input device is configured to receive manual input from the rider. The controller is configured to control a shifting device of the human-powered vehicle based on one of an output signal from the input device and an output signal from the additional input device. The controller is configured to output one of a first control signal for a single shifting operation and a second control signal for a multiple shifting operation in response to the manual input received by one of the input device and the additional input device. The controller is further configured to output one of a first control signal and a second control signal based on a state of the human-powered vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Masahiro Honda, Hideaki Yao, Satoshi Shahana, Katsuhiro Tachibana
  • Patent number: 10647381
    Abstract: A display unit for an electric bicycle, the display unit being fastenable to a handlebar of bicycle with the aid of a holding assembly. A display unit is mountable with the aid of holding assembly optionally in a first mounting position closer to the rider or in a second mounting position further away from the rider. Furthermore disclosed is an electric bicycle having such a display unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: BIKETEC AG
    Inventors: Ivica Durdevic, Lukas Beat Studer, Philipp Walter Suter, Simon Lanz, Robin Woodtli, Timo Woelk, Omar Afzal
  • Patent number: 10569836
    Abstract: An automatic bicycle drivetrain shifting apparatus comprising a bicycle drive chain derailleur apparatus powered by a servo gearmotor and controlled through a highly adaptable user interface serving to automatically alternate drive chain position between available bicycle drive sprockets based on user preset and in real time modifiable criteria and additionally making use of critical chain driver apparatus serving to ensure chain motion is always available to satisfy derailleur operation requirements often prevalent during coasting and stopping where the bicycle speed changes while pedaling motion has ceased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Inventor: Hazem Nihad Hamed
  • Patent number: 10457350
    Abstract: A bicycle control system is basically provided with a power supply, a first bicycle electric component and a controller. The first bicycle electric component is electrically connected to the power supply to receive electrical power from the power supply. The controller is programmed to monitor an electrical communication of the first bicycle electric component. The controller is further programmed to stop electrical power from the power supply to the first bicycle electric component upon determining no electrical communication to or from the first bicycle electric component for a first predetermined inactivity period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Yoshiyuki Kasai
  • Patent number: 10295026
    Abstract: A belt drive system for a vehicle, such as a combine harvester. The belt drive system uses a driven pulley which is selectively engageable with a driven shaft to supply rotation to the shaft. The pulley is mounted on a fixed, i.e. non-rotating, housing using suitable bearings, such that the bearings of the pulley continue to rotate and are dynamically loaded for all rotation conditions of the driven pulley, i.e. whether the pulley is engaged with the shaft or not. This prevents damage to the bearings due to false brinelling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: AGCO Corporation
    Inventors: Nicholas H. Williams, Andrew Mark Veer
  • Patent number: 10184849
    Abstract: A power meter for a bicycle includes a body having a torque input section and a torque output section, the body configured to transmit power between the torque input section and the torque output section. The power meter also includes a printed circuit board (“PCB”) having a substrate and at least one strain measurement device which may be attached to the PCB.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: SRAM, LLC
    Inventors: Ryan Jennings, John Eppen, Owen Anders Britton, Jesse Parker
  • Patent number: 10106223
    Abstract: A bicycle control system is provided that is configured to control a bicycle component using a threshold value that is appropriate for the rider. The bicycle control system includes a controller for controlling a bicycle component based on a threshold value and a parameter related to a running state of a bicycle. The controller changes the threshold value when an operating unit is operated, and the change amount of the threshold value when the operating unit is operated is determined based on an operating state of the operating unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Makoto Usui, Takashi Komemushi, Taihei Nishihara
  • Patent number: 9932091
    Abstract: A bicycle operating device basically includes an operating member and a click mechanism. The click mechanism includes an input part, an output part and an intermediate part. The intermediate part is movable between the input and output parts to transmit movement from the input part to the output part in accordance with movement of the operating member. The intermediate part contacts the input part at a first contact point, and contacts the output part at a second contact point. The intermediate part and the output part define a first angle that decreases as the operating member moves from the first position toward the second position. The first angle has an apex at the second contact point, a first leg extending from the second contact point to a center of the pivot of the output part and a second leg extending from the second contact point to the first contact point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Tatsuya Kawakami
  • Patent number: 9919757
    Abstract: A bicycle includes a frame, a front and rear wheel and a crank assembly. The frame includes chainstays and a bottom bracket having a center and which rotationally receives the crank assembly. The crank assembly includes a chain ring having a radius between the bottom bracket center and a circumferential edge. The chainstays are connected to the bottom bracket at a first end and rotationally receive the rear wheel at a second end. The chainstay defines a cutout sized to receive a portion of a circumferential edge of the chain ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: SPECIALIZED BICYCLE COMPONENTS, INC.
    Inventors: Douglas Graham Russell, Todd Cannatelli, Jamie Stafford, Jason McDonald
  • Patent number: 9802673
    Abstract: A number of variations may include an electric cycle powertrain having a first planetary gear set and a second planetary gear set, wherein the second planetary gear set is constructed and arranged to selectively overdrive a pedal cadence and wherein the first planetary gear set is constructed and arranged to selectively provide additional gear ratio for a motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Steven L. Hayslett, Shawn H. Swales, Richard J. Lannen, Jussi A. Timonen
  • Patent number: 9714067
    Abstract: A bicycle chain device that includes a mounting bracket configured to be affixed to a bicycle. The bicycle has a solitary bicycle front sprocket. A cage is movably mounted to the mounting bracket so that the cage is positioned adjacent to the front sprocket. The cage has a chain-receiving slot, through which a bicycle chain passes. The cage is configured to move in accordance with a shifting operation of a bicycle rear derailleur to maintain alignment with a chain to prevent the chain from falling off the sprocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Nobukatsu Hara
  • Patent number: 9669896
    Abstract: The present invention provides a sensor arrangement. The signal from the sensor is used to control an auxiliary motor of a vehicle propelled by muscular strength. The auxiliary motor is there integrated into a wheel hub unit of the vehicle. The wheel hub unit comprises a stationary axle and a hub rotatably mounted to the axle. According to the invention, the assembly comprises the sensor and a freewheel of the drive train, which is propelled by muscular strength, mounted rotatable relative to the axle, where the sensor is arranged such that it detects a rotational motion of the freewheel relative to the axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: MAXON MOTOR AG
    Inventors: Chen Zhao, Franz-Xaver Folmli, Max Erick Busse-Grawitz, Mathis Trachsel
  • Patent number: 9586649
    Abstract: In the present invention, one or both of an active wheel or a passive wheel is composed of an eccentric transmission wheel and is combined with a synchronous transmission belt for forming an eccentric wheel transmission wheel series, so that when the feet input forces at different angles from the treadle shafts of the treadles to an active wheel shaft combined on the active wheel through cranks, the active wheel forms different transmission speed ratios relative to the passive wheel according to the treadle angle, and random inward packing is performed to the transmission belt (100) of the engage end of the eccentric passive wheel (413) during the transmission for stabling the operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Inventor: Tai-Her Yang
  • Patent number: 9556938
    Abstract: A speed select shift mechanism for a belt drive assembly to be installed on a shaft capable of shifting between high, low and neutral speeds is disclosed. The shift mechanism includes a shift collar that is enclosed within an enclosure to prevent debris from contacting the inner operations of the shift mechanism and thereby reduce wear and tear of the shift mechanism along with down time for maintenance of the device. The shift mechanism includes a shaft, a first pulley, a shift collar, a second pulley and a shifter. The shift collar further includes dowels that cooperatively engage corresponding apertures on the pulleys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Craig Elwyn Murray, Nicholas Laufenberg, Scott Hogan, Orlin Wayne Johnson
  • Patent number: 9469377
    Abstract: A bicycle gear changing apparatus is basically provided with a controller that includes memory with a plurality of pre-stored shift tables. The controller is configured to control a shifting operation of at least one of a first gear changing device and a second gear changing device based on a selected one of the pre-stored shift tables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Mao Kuroda
  • Patent number: 9334015
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a derailleur that can include: a base plate disposed between a perimeter of a drive sprocket nest and a pedal sprocket; a chain guide attached to said base plate for moving a chain laterally causing said chain to move from sprocket to sprocket in a sprocket nest; a chain guide surface included in said chain guide for causing said chain to contact over ½ a perimeter of said pedal sprocket decreasing the likelihood of the chain slipping off said sprocket; and, a tension member attached to said base plate for removing slack in a chain as the chain moves from a larger sprocket to a smaller sprocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: Zike, LLC
    Inventors: Nathan A. Scolari, George Reiter
  • Patent number: 9020694
    Abstract: A bicycle-use measuring apparatus includes a sensor and a controller. The sensor is configured to be installed on a bicycle having a rotating part. The controller is operatively connected to the sensor. The controller adjusts a detection frequency of the sensor in accordance with changes in a rotational state of the rotating part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Satoshi Kitamura
  • Publication number: 20150102579
    Abstract: The present invention provides a two wheel vehicle structure, including: a vehicle frame and a multi-ratio transmission system. The vehicle frame has two wheels and an input tubular member. A crank is attached at each end of the input tubular member. The multi-ratio transmission system includes: a multi-ratio transmission device, a first sprocket, a second sprocket and a chain. The multi-ratio transmission device is installed inside the input tubular member and located at a rotation center of the cranks. The second sprocket is coaxially installed on a wheel axle of a driving wheel and is provided with a ratchet wheel. When the cranks rotate, the rotation motion of the cranks are transmitted to the first sprocket through the multi-ratio transmission device, subsequently, the motion is transmitted to the second sprocket from the first sprocket through the chain, thereby propelling the driving wheel to rotate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventor: Cheng Ho Chen
  • Publication number: 20150102578
    Abstract: The present invention provides a two wheel vehicle structure, including: a vehicle frame and a multi-ratio transmission system. The vehicle frame has two wheels and an input tubular member. A crank is attached at each end of the input tubular member. The multi-ratio transmission system includes: a multi-ratio transmission device, a first sprocket, a second sprocket and a chain. The multi-ratio transmission device is installed inside the input tubular member and located at a rotation center of the cranks. The second sprocket is coaxially installed on a wheel axle of a driving wheel. The chain is engaged with the first sprocket and the second sprocket. When the cranks rotate, the rotation motion of the cranks are transmitted to the first sprocket through the multi-ratio transmission device, subsequently, the motion is transmitted to the second sprocket from the first sprocket through the chain, thereby propelling the driving wheel to rotate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventor: Cheng-Ho Chen
  • Publication number: 20140346752
    Abstract: A recumbent cycle includes a toothed belt drive system and rear suspension. It also includes a double A-arm suspension assembly and at least one transmission having a planetary gear arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventor: C. Martin Rasmussen
  • Publication number: 20130277940
    Abstract: A propulsion system for a manually-operated mobility device includes a hand rim configured to receive a propulsion force from a user of the manually-operated mobility device, a wheel hub fixedly attached to a wheel for the manually-operated mobility device, and a planetary gear system including a sun gear, a ring gear, and one or more planetary gears disposed between the sun gear and the ring gear. The one or more planetary gears are supported by a planet carrier. One of the sun gear and the ring gear is fixedly coupled to the hand rim and the other of the sun gear and the ring gear is fixedly coupled to the wheel hub.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Applicant: Madcelerator LLC
    Inventors: Salim Nasser, Kevin Kerwin, John Grosz, Ryan Bollig
  • Patent number: 8317213
    Abstract: A model vehicle slipper clutch is provided, comprising a spur gear for receiving torque from an actuator, a clutch driver plate secured to the spur gear for receiving torque from the spur gear, a transmission input shaft for transmitting torque from the slipper clutch to a model vehicle transmission, a spring for applying a load to the driver plate in the axial direction of the transmission input shaft, a bearing positioned between the spring and driver plate for supporting the spur gear for rotation about the transmission input shaft and for applying a load from the spring to the drive plate in the axial direction of the transmission input shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Traxxas LP
    Inventor: Brent Whitfield Byers
  • Patent number: 8272655
    Abstract: A mini bike for strengthening a leg muscle, and for enjoying amusement and a leisure time is provided. The mini bike having a pedal as a power generator includes: a driver having a first bevel gear in order to transmit rotation power generated by a rolling motion of a pedal; a second bevel gear installed to transmit rotation power generated in the driver; a first power transmission gear coaxially installed in the second bevel gear to transmit rotation power to a spline shaft; a clutch positioned at the spline shaft to selectively connect rotation power of the first power transmission gear to a first gearshift and a second gearshift and for controlling a low speed and a high speed; a first driving gear and a second driving gear for rotating by selection of the clutch; and a driving controller including a gearshift in which the clutch is connected to the cable in order to select the first gearshift and the second gearshift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Inventor: Mi Nar Kim
  • Patent number: 8201839
    Abstract: The present invention is applied to pedal vehicles, or mixture of electric and pedal vehicles, or combination of electric and pedal vehicles, especially to a bicycle capable of being pedaled bidirectionally and driven to move in unidirectional.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Inventor: Tai-Her Yang
  • Publication number: 20120024613
    Abstract: A bicycle device with an internal drivetrain that eliminates any external mechanical drivetrain components. An internal drive gear is driven by user pedal input, which provides torque and rotation to a plurality of gear rods, connecting rods and disk gears. Gear ratio and speed choice is controlled by the drive gear and a first disk gear, which incorporate a variable gear pitch moving radially outward for which to mate with the gear rods. The drivetrain terminates at a hubless rear wheel, which rotates a tire tread around a stationary hub. Controls for the bicycle are provided in a handle bar stem device that manipulate the position of the gear rods and brake calipers. The front and rear wheel are separable from the central frame of the device for storage and transport. Overall, the present invention provides a sleek, modern upgrade to the traditional bicycle device, and incorporates several features that improve its design.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Inventor: Nanh Souvanny
  • Publication number: 20110115189
    Abstract: An enclosed bicycle drivetrain is provided that produces a range of drive ratios suitable for any riding purpose. The enclosure of substantially the entire drivetrain is made practical by the synergistic cooperation of a planetary drive system using a single chain ring and a streamlined rear derailleur system that separates the tensioning and chain guiding functions of a conventional rear derailleur, allowing the rear derailleur components to remain substantially within the shadow of the outer perimeter of the bicycle frame. The planetary drive system is provided with a unique compound pawl that may be easily disengaged from a planetary ratchet member under full riding loads by the application of a small force to destabilize the pawl. A unique shift buffer mechanism cooperates with the rear derailleur system to buffer and store up to the full range of available shift commands.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2011
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicant: PATTERSON BICYCLE TRANSMISSION LLC
    Inventor: Sam Harwell Patterson
  • Patent number: 7922612
    Abstract: A power supply structure for a bicycle basically includes a battery configured to be supported on a frame of the bicycle, a junction attachable to the frame of the bicycle and first, second, third and fourth cable portions. The first cable portion extends between the junction and the battery providing an electrical connection therebetween. The second cable portion extends between the junction and a bicycle shifter mechanism connecting end providing an electrical connection therebetween. The third cable portion extends between the junction and a bicycle front derailleur connecting end providing an electrical connection therebetween. The fourth cable portion extends between the junction and a bicycle rear derailleur connecting end providing an electrical connection therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Fumiaki Yoshida, Kazuhiro Fujii
  • Patent number: 7900946
    Abstract: A bicycle shifting control apparatus is provided with a gear selection signal receiving section, a gearshift determination section and a gearshift output section. The gear selection signal receiving section selectively receives a first gear selection signal and a first/second gear selection signal. The gearshift determination section determines a first rider shift intention for first gear shifting when the first gear selection signal is received, which meets a first signal criteria, and determines a second rider shift intention for performing second gear shifting in addition to the first shifting when the first/second gear selection signal is received by, which meets a second (different) signal criteria. The gearshift output section outputs a first gearshift signal upon determining the first rider shift intention or the second rider shift intention exists and outputs a second gearshift signal upon determining that the second rider shift intention exists.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Nobukatsu Hara, Toshikuni Suzuki, Kazuhiro Takeda