Guard Or Housing For Belt Or Pulley Patents (Class 474/144)
  • Patent number: 11953150
    Abstract: Belt traps for belt drive systems function to arrest a failed drive belt or otherwise absorb energy of the failed drive belt to avoid or reduce damage to components of the belt drive system or objects adjacent to the belt drive system. Belt traps may include a channel configured to receive a portion of a drive belt and one or more protrusions to pierce, grip, or otherwise engage the failed drive belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Dharmendra Nagar
  • Patent number: 11919593
    Abstract: A cover member configured to cover a drive-power transmission member is fixed to a swing arm with a simple structure. A saddle-ride type vehicle includes a swing arm swingable up and down, a rear wheel supported at a rear end portion of the swing arm, an endless drive-power transmission member extending along the swing arm in a front-rear direction and configured to transmit drive power of a power unit to the rear wheel, a cover member fixed to the swing arm and covering the drive-power transmission member, and a slider provided on an upper face of the swing arm and configured to receive the drive-power transmission member. The cover member includes a fastening portion that is fastened to the swing arm by a fastener and an engagement portion that engages with the slider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kei Mayuzumi, Keita Mikura, Masaomi Yamada, Kunihiro Notsu, Masayuki Hiramaru
  • Patent number: 11919592
    Abstract: A device for retaining a bicycle chain on a sprocket includes a base plate defining a plurality of fastener openings centered on an origin. A center of each of the plurality of fastener openings is disposed at a first radial distance from the origin. The origin defines an axis extending substantially orthogonally from a plane defined by two lines extending from the origin and at least two centers of the centers of the plurality of fastener openings. A first guard is secured to the base plate and includes a first guard retaining surface including a first curved surface defined by a second radial distance from the axis that is greater than the first radial distance and a first guard guiding surface having a first end adjacent the first guard retaining surface and a second end distal from the first end. The first end is disposed at the second radial distance from the axis. The second end is disposed at a third radial distance from the axis. The third radial distance is greater than the second radial distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: Dive Xtras Inc.
    Inventors: James Alexander Davis, Benjamin McGeever, David P. Heiss
  • Patent number: 11906108
    Abstract: Belt traps for a belt drive system include a bracket configured to receive at least a portion of a pulley to capture a failed drive belt between the bracket and a pulley. The pulley may be a tensioner pulley and may be biased in a direction towards the bracket. The bracket may include a relief portion configured to receive at least a portion of the pulley. The relief portion may include an opening or a recess that is sized and shaped to receive at least a portion of the pulley.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Dharmendra Nagar, Abhilash Sahoo
  • Patent number: 11827311
    Abstract: An assembly for minimizing the disengagement of a chain from a chain ring is disclosed. The assembly includes a bracket and a chain guide assembly. The chain guide assembly includes an inboard leg, an outboard leg, and a lock. The lock may be configured to allow a rider to remove the outboard leg of the chain guide assembly without tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: Eko Sport, Inc.
    Inventors: Darek C. Barefoot, Scott Winans, Timothy A. Fry, Sean Gregory Mailen
  • Patent number: 11745826
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an integrated flywheel with shared cylinders and a manufacturing method therefor, comprising gear rings and support portions comprising a plurality of bridge portions with a spoke and a cylinder. Between adjacent bridge portions, the first spoke overlaps one end of a cylinder on a next-stage support portion to form a first overlap joint, one end of the first cylinder overlaps an inner side of the first spoke, and the other end of the first cylinder overlaps and is fixed with an outer side of the second spoke to form a second overlap joint. A first gear ring with a greater diameter is fixed at the first overlap joints, and a third gear ring with a less diameter is fixed at the second overlap joints. The integrated flywheel has advantages of low mass, good manufacturability and high production efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: HUNAN SROAD TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tao Xie, Xiaoran Zheng, Jizhou Ou, Hui Xue, Lang Wang, Yaoyao Huang
  • Patent number: 11613326
    Abstract: An assembly for minimizing the disengagement of a chain from a chain ring is disclosed. The assembly includes a bracket and a chain guide assembly. The chain guide assembly includes an inboard leg, an outboard leg, and a lock. The lock may be configured to allow a rider to remove the outboard leg of the chain guide assembly without tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: Eko Sport, Inc.
    Inventors: Darek C. Barefoot, Scott Winans, Timothy A. Fry, Sean Gregory Mailen
  • Patent number: 11351815
    Abstract: A bicycle cassette comprises a clampstyle connection for connecting the bicycle cassette to a bicycle hub driver body. The bicycle cassette is attached to a bicycle hub driver body by incorporating a clamp structure into one portion of the cassette, which then rigidly clamps onto the driver body of the bicycle hub. In addition, when combined with a bayonet style attachment structure between two parts of the cassette, it allows for the use of a smaller sprocket on one segment of the cassette. Specifically, it allows a small 9 or 10 tooth sprocket to overhang the cassette driver body on a bicycle hub, by attaching the small cog assembly to a larger cog assembly using a bayonet style attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: The Hive Global, Inc.
    Inventor: Greg Thrash
  • Patent number: 11332214
    Abstract: Cassette (1) for a bicycle transmission system, which comprises a first sprocket (P1) and a second sprocket (P2) smaller than the first sprocket (P1) and a support structure (S) the sprockets (P1, P2), being the inner edges (CI1, CI2) of the sprockets (P1, P2) configured by grooved surfaces (P11, P21), being the support structure (S) provided with two engagement surfaces (S1, S2) complementary of the grooved surfaces (P11, P21) of the grooved sprockets (P1, P2), such that tangential forces (T) can be transmitted between the sprockets and the support structure (S), comprising the cassette at least a spacer (E1-2, E2-3, E3-4 . . .
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: ZUMA INNOVATION, S.L.
    Inventor: Mikel Zubieta Andueza
  • Patent number: 11260937
    Abstract: A multi sprocket arrangement is configured for mounting on a driver of a bicycle wheel. The multi sprocket arrangement includes a plurality of adjacent sprockets each of the plurality of sprockets having a different number of teeth. The plurality of adjacent sprockets include a first sprocket having a first inner diameter which is larger than an outer diameter of a profile base of a carrier profile of the driver, and a second sprocket having a second inner diameter which is smaller than the outer diameter of the profile base of the carrier profile of the driver. The first sprocket and the second sprocket are connected together by welding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: SRAM Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Matthias Reinbold, Hong-Chou Lee
  • Patent number: 11192608
    Abstract: A bicycle derailleur comprising a chain guide movable between intermediate positions. An actuation arm associated with the derailleur has a cable seat formed it. A cable-clamping washer includes with a cable-bending appendage that is insertable in the seat of the actuation arm. The actuation arm cooperates with the cable-bending appendage to lock an actuation cable in the desired position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: Campagnolo S.r.l.
    Inventors: Marco Minto, Nicola Feo
  • Patent number: 11148753
    Abstract: A sprocket assembly for a bicycle includes at least one alignment member configured to align components of the sprocket assembly about a rotation axis. The alignment member interacts with an engagement member to axially engage components of the sprocket assembly. The engagement member may be configured with features to stop rotation relative to components of the sprocket assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: SRAM, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew Bush, Jorge Latimer, Daniel Humes
  • Patent number: 11052969
    Abstract: A cassette adapted for mounting on a bicycle rear wheel hub and a by a mounting body for positioning the assembly on a bicycle rear wheel hub. The cassette has a plurality of adjacent sprockets fixedly connected to one another along an axis of the cassette. The cassette has an axial centering opening for centering on the mounting body without transmission of torque, and a plurality of attachment areas positioned a greater radial distance from the axis of the cassette than the radius of the centering opening for attachment to the mounting body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: Campagnolo S.r.l.
    Inventor: Mirco Civiero
  • Patent number: 10787227
    Abstract: A chain guide for a bicycle having may include a base frame and a height adjustment member connected to the base frame and slidable relative to the base frame and lockable in a first position by engaging a first locking member. A retaining member may be pivotally connected to the height adjustment member and may be pivotable about a pivot axis a retaining position, in which the retaining member is positioned to obstruct lateral movement of the chain away from the chainring thereby preventing lateral misalignment between the chain and the chainring, and a removal position, in which the retaining member does not obstruct lateral movement of the chain away from the base frame while the height adjustment member is locked in the first position. The pivot axis may be spaced apart from the first locking member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: D3 Innovation Inc.
    Inventor: Jonathan Staples
  • Patent number: 10710676
    Abstract: A sprocket wheel for a bicycle includes a first main surface, which is flat in one or more sections, and a second main surface, which is situated opposite the first main surface. The second main surface is flat in one or more sections and extends parallel to the first main surface in one or more sections. The sprocket wheel also has an outer circumferential surface, which connects the first and the second main surface to one another and on which toothing is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: SRAM DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
    Inventors: Philipp Hölle, Sebastian Reineke, Andreas Vonend
  • Patent number: 10618588
    Abstract: A sprocket guard assembly comprising a sprocket having sprocket radial spokes, and having teeth on an outer perimeter, the teeth disposed in a plane CL1, each sprocket radial spoke communicating with a first cylindrical surface, a circular member having circular member radial spokes, and each circular member radial spoke communicating with a second cylindrical surface, a collar having an outer cylindrical surface, a fastener engaging the collar, the first cylindrical surface and the second cylindrical surface engaging the outer cylindrical surface, all coplanar in a plane CL2, and plane CL1 is offset from plane CL2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: Gates Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Cody, Chris Vasiliotis
  • Patent number: 10309517
    Abstract: An off-axis transmission pump is driven via an idler gear. To reduce the transmission of gear noise, the idler gear is supported by a plastic cover. The plastic cover includes a molded-in metal insert to harden the cover in the vicinity of the idler gear. The metal insert may include inner and outer sleeves which may be connected by radially extending arms. The plastic cover is located relative to a front cover by at least two locating features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth Leon Nowaczyk, Brian J. Deurloo, Brian Robert Black, Tammy Miller
  • Patent number: 10124849
    Abstract: A cover for the sprocket (5) of a bicycle or electric bicycle consists of a cover plate (9) which is arranged between the chain wheel (5) and the equilateral crank (2) and fastened without screws on the inside of the crank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: MIRANDA & IRMAO, LDA.
    Inventors: Joao Carlos Ribeiro Miranda, Joao Carlos Nunes Lourenco
  • Patent number: 10053188
    Abstract: A chain guide for a bicycle having may include a base frame and a height adjustment member connected to the base frame and slidable relative to the base frame and lockable in a first position by engaging a first locking member. A retaining member may be pivotally connected to the height adjustment member and may be pivotable about a pivot axis a retaining position, in which the retaining member is positioned to obstruct lateral movement of the chain away from the chainring thereby preventing lateral misalignment between the chain and the chainring, and a removal position, in which the retaining member does not obstruct lateral movement of the chain away from the base frame while the height adjustment member is locked in the first position. The pivot axis may be spaced apart from the first locking member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: D3 Innovation Inc.
    Inventor: Jonathan Staples
  • Patent number: 10047839
    Abstract: A linear motion mechanism includes a base, a driving module, a driven module, and a pulling member fixed to the base. The driven module includes a sliding plate slidably mounted on the base and connected to the driving module, a transmission assembly, and a moving stage. The sliding plate has a guide hole, and the moving stage is slidably mounted on the sliding plate and connected to the transmission assembly. An end of the pulling member is fixed to the base, and an other end of the pulling member extends through the guide hole and is connected to the transmission assembly. The sliding plate, when driven by the driving module, is configured for telescopic movement relative to the base, and the pulling member is configured to pull the moving stage along the guide hole by the transmission assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignees: SHENZHENSHI YUZHAN PRECISION TECHNOLOGY, Cloud Network Technology Singapore Pte. Ltd.
    Inventor: Tai-Long Gao
  • Patent number: 9863523
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission housing is provided that includes an inner cover and an outer cover connectable to the inner cover to define an interior chamber. The interior chamber is structured and operable to enclose a continuously variable transmission primary pulley, secondary pulley and pulley belt. The housing includes a duct panel mounted to the inner cover such that when the primary pulley is disposed within the interior chamber, the duct panel is disposed between an outer face of the primary pulley and the inner cover. Moreover, an air duct is defined between the inner cover and the duct panel, wherein the air duct is fluidly connected to ambient air from an ambient environment external to the housing. The duct panel includes a center opening that structured and operable to allow the ambient air to be drawn through the air duct and into the housing interior chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: John Stocks, Scott Allen Wohlgamuth, Landon Ball, Timothy Kolody, Christopher Furman
  • Patent number: 9771128
    Abstract: A bicycle crank assembly is provided with a first sprocket, a second sprocket, a crank arm, a sprocket fixing structure and an alignment tube. The first sprocket includes a plurality of first teeth and at least one first mounting portion having a first mounting opening. The second sprocket includes a plurality of second teeth and at least one second mounting portion having a second mounting opening. The crank arm includes at least one sprocket attachment portion having a third mounting opening. The sprocket fixing structure secures the first and second sprockets to the crank arm via the first, second and third mounting openings. The alignment tube extends through at least two of the first, second and third mounting openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Akinobu Sugimoto, Eigo Kuroiwa, Toshio Tetsuka, Yusuke Nishimoto
  • Patent number: 9718351
    Abstract: A utility vehicle includes a plurality of ground-engaging members, a frame supported by the ground-engaging members, and a powertrain assembly. The powertrain assembly includes an engine, a shiftable transmission, a continuously variable transmission, and a charger. Additionally, the utility vehicle may include a cooling assembly fluidly coupled to at least the engine and the charger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony J. Ripley, Stephen L. Nelson
  • Patent number: 9616970
    Abstract: A bicycle derailleur is basically provided with a base member, a chain guide, a linkage assembly and a first adjusting member. The chain guide is pivotally supported with respect to the base member between a retracted and an extended position. The linkage assembly includes a first link coupled to the base member about a first pivot axis and coupled to the chain guide about a second pivot axis. The linkage assembly includes a second link coupling the base member to the chain guide. The second link is farther from the bicycle frame than the first link when the base member is mounted to the bicycle frame. The first adjusting member is movably attached to the first link. The first adjusting member is configured to contact one of the base member and the chain guide to restrict movement of the chain guide at one of the retracted and extended positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Kazuya Kuwayama, Atsuhiro Emura
  • Patent number: 9415834
    Abstract: The invention relates to a multiple sprocket assembly with a plurality of sprockets with different numbers of teeth for assembly on a rear axle of a bicycle, comprising a base body, on which at least a part of the plurality of sprockets is provided, as well as a support ring that is connected to or can be connected to the base body in a torque-transmitting manner. It is further provided thereby that the base body and the support ring are configured on their radially inner region respectively with a radial inner bearing section for rotatable bearing on a rear axle of the bicycle and that the support ring has at least one torque transmission section configured separately from the bearing section for transmitting a torque from the multiple sprocket assembly to a hub body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: SRAM Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Henrik Braedt
  • Patent number: 9334014
    Abstract: A bicycle sprocket has a rotational center axis. The bicycle sprocket comprises a sprocket body and a chain engagement structure. The sprocket body has an axial width defined in an axial direction parallel to the rotational center axis. The chain engagement structure is arranged on a radially outer periphery of the sprocket body. The chain engagement structure includes at least one shifting facilitation area and a plurality of chain-engaging teeth. The at least one shifting facilitation area is configured to facilitate changing gears. The plurality of chain-engaging teeth include at least two neighboring chain-engaging teeth each including a chain-engaging portion configured to engage with a bicycle chain. The chain-engaging portion has an axial chain-engaging width defined in the axial direction. The axial chain-engaging width is larger than the axial width of the sprocket body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventor: Yasufumi Fukunaga
  • Patent number: 9327786
    Abstract: A guard for a chain and chain ring of a bicycle includes a bracket and a bracket extension. The bracket extension has a first end and a second end, and at least the second end is integrally formed. The second end includes a U-shaped configuration configured to house a chain retainer. The bracket and the bracket extension may be secured to one another using two fasteners. The bracket and the bracket extension may rotate relative to one another when only one of the fasteners is attached and may be fixed relative to one another when both of the fasteners are attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Eko Sport, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan K. Cranston, Paul J. Aieta, Scott S. Winans
  • Patent number: 9315365
    Abstract: A pull chain moving assembly is designed to impart directional force on an endless-loop pull chain of a chain hoist. The assembly has a housing retaining a chain moving mechanism, which includes a chain pocket wheel and a pair of idler pulley assemblies mounted on opposite sides of the chain pocket wheel and adjacent thereto. Segments of the pull chain are received between the chain pocket wheel and the adjacent idler pulley guide, causing the pull chain to train through the chain moving mechanism. An electric motor rotates the chain pocket guide to facilitate movement of the pull chain and ease of lifting and lowering a load with the chain hoist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Inventor: Robin Sargent
  • Patent number: 9260158
    Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-sprocket cassette mountable to a bicycle rear wheel for engaging a drive chain. The cassette includes a conical body formed as a single piece having a center axis that includes a plurality of sprocket portions, each of the plurality of sprocket portions including a plurality of teeth formed thereabout for engaging the drive chain and a plurality of connecting portions supporting each of the plurality of sprocket portions. One or more of the plurality of connecting portions includes a first wall thickness and one or more of the plurality of connecting portions includes a second wall thickness. The second wall thickness is less than the first wall thickness. A plurality of openings is formed through each of the plurality of connecting portions having the first wall thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: SRAM, LLC
    Inventor: Henrik Braedt
  • Patent number: 9156512
    Abstract: A sprocket cover in a straddle vehicle, which is attached to a side wall of a case of the straddle vehicle to cover a sprocket fastened to an end portion of an output shaft protruding in a vehicle width direction from the case, from outside in the vehicle width direction, comprises an outer cover member attached to the side wall of the case such that the outer cover member is exposed to outside of a vehicle body; and an inner cover member attached to an inner side of the outer cover member to cover the sprocket in a state in which the inner cover member is covered with the outer cover member; wherein the outer cover member and the inner cover member are molded using different resin materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takahiro Ono
  • Patent number: 9150280
    Abstract: A bicycle multi-gear cassette mountable to a wheel hub driver mechanism that includes truncated conical shell having a first opening proximate a small shell base and a second opening proximate a large shell base. The openings are coaxial with an axis of the shell. A plurality of toothed sprockets having different numbers of teeth are disposed on the shell and extend radially of the central axis. A torque load transmitting profile is configured on the shell proximate one of the small and large shell bases. A radial load transmitting profile is configured on the shell proximate one of the small and large shell bases. The shell, sprockets, and the load transmitting profiles embody a single piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: SRAM, LLC
    Inventor: Henrik Braedt
  • Patent number: 8979685
    Abstract: The current invention relates to impact protector mountings and methods of using such mountings for parts or structures that are susceptible to impact or the forces of an impact. Protectors of the invention are useful to protect any parts or structures in vehicles, including bicycles, motorcycles, cars, trucks, off-road vehicles, utility vehicles, and other vehicles. Impact protector mountings of the invention can be used to protect any parts and structures, including sprockets, disc brake rotors, engine parts, bottom brackets, drivetrain components, and other components susceptible to impact damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: The Hive Global, Inc.
    Inventor: David Weagle
  • Patent number: 8979686
    Abstract: An insert moldable cap retainer for securing a bearing cap to a pulley assembly is disclosed. The cap retainer includes a hollow neck configured to receive a bearing cap, a plate that extends outward from the neck with the neck protruding upward from the plate, and a continuous or discontinuous flange extending downward from the outer periphery of the plate. The plate is configured to be juxtaposed with an upper surface of an outer race of a bearing and the flange is configured to be juxtaposed with an outer surface of the outer race of the bearing when the cap retainer is positioned on the bearing. The cap retainer and bearing are insert moldable together to have an integral pulley body connected thereto. A pulley assembly is also disclosed that includes the insert moldable cap retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Dayco IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Swane
  • Patent number: 8961342
    Abstract: A bicycle chain guide assembly that includes a mounting bracket adapted to be affixed to a bicycle, and a movable member movably mounted to the mounting bracket. The movable member includes a chain guide portion adapted to be positioned adjacent a chain ring of the bicycle and below a bottom bracket of the bicycle. When the assembly is mounted on a bicycle with a chain-ring, the movable member can move in a first direction such that the chain guide portion moves toward an outer circumference of the chain-ring and the movable member can move in a second direction such that the chain guide portion moves away from the outer circumference of the chain ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Atsuhiro Emura, Yoshikazu Sugiyama, Hideki Ikemoto
  • Publication number: 20150024890
    Abstract: A cover for a transmission having improved airflow path is disclosed. The interior of the cover has a progressively narrowing airflow path to reduce pressure drop through the cover, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the airflow through the cover. The cover includes a diverter sheltering the air inlet to the cover to prevent air in the cover from exerting outward pressure on the incoming air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2013
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventor: Ryan Eberhardt
  • Patent number: 8888629
    Abstract: A bicycle sprocket assembly includes a sprocket element and a chain protector. The sprocket element has a plurality of teeth disposed on an outer periphery about a center rotation axis and at least one first attachment element. The chain protector includes a protecting portion and an attachment portion disposed radially inwardly of the protecting portion. The attachment portion has at least one second attachment element that mates with the first attachment element in response to relative rotational movement between the sprocket element and the chain protector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Hongfei Ji
  • Patent number: 8840496
    Abstract: Disclosed is a cooling air intake structure for a V-belt drive continuously variable transmission, which is disposed beside the rear wheel of a small vehicle and which does not permit muddy water and dust to enter therein. A cooling air inlet through which cooling air is taken in is formed at a position beside a transmission case and above a cooling fan side opening formed in the transmission case opposite to a drive pulley. A cooling air passage extending from the cooling air inlet to the side opening is formed so as to surround the side opening. Cooling air taken in through the cooling air inlet is guided so as to flow upward first and then flows downward along a U-shaped cooling air passage to the side opening of the transmission case beside the cooling fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Teruhide Yamanishi, Hirokazu Komuro, Ryuji Tsuchiya, Nobutaka Horii, Hideo Kashima
  • Patent number: 8753239
    Abstract: A power transmission device includes an electromagnetic wave-shielding wall partitioning a first space and a second space adjacent to the first space and blocking propagation of an electromagnetic wave between the first space and the second space. The power transmission device also includes a first pulley arranged within the first space and a second pulley arranged within the second space. The power transmission device also includes a belt placed on the first pulley and the second pulley and extending through the electromagnetic wave-shielding wall to transmit rotational driving force between the first space and the second space. From the electromagnetic wave-shielding wall a hollow tubular member is protruded and allows the first space and the second space to communicate with each other. The belt extends through the inside of the tubular member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Toshiba Mitsubishi-Electric Industrial Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuhiko Nishimiya, Hideki Miura
  • Publication number: 20140135158
    Abstract: A power transmission system for a vehicle includes a bowl-shaped peripheral wall for housing a power transmission member and a structure is provided to inhibit a circular standing wave mode that is generated in the bowl-shaped peripheral wall during power transmission. A resonance frequency [f] is increased in a surface of a bowl-shaped peripheral wall that is provided with a rib while the resonance frequency [f] is reduced in a surface of the bowl-shaped peripheral wall that is provided with a mass. It is possible to inhibit excitation of the circular standing wave mode generated in the bowl-shaped peripheral wall by changing the resonance frequency [f] between a peripheral wall surface of the housing that is provided with the rib and a peripheral wall surface thereof that is provided with the mass.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Naoki Tamura, Takashi Shimizu
  • Publication number: 20140106916
    Abstract: A safety apparatus has a sheave with a surface extending circumferentially therearound, a first housing interconnected to the sheave, a second housing interconnected to the sheave and pivotally connected to the first housing, and a line extending over the surface of the sheave and through, an inferior of each of the first housing and the second housing. Each of the first and second housings has a hole formed at an end opposite the sheave. The line has a first portion extending through the hole of the first housing and a second portion extending through the hole of the second housing. Bushings are respectively received within the holes of the housings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: ALEXANDER/RYAN MARINE & SAFETY CO.
    Inventors: Joseph D. COCCA, John RYAN, III
  • Publication number: 20140051535
    Abstract: A guard for a chain and chain ring of a bicycle includes a bracket and a bracket extension. The bracket extension has a first end and a second end, and at least the second end is integrally formed. The second end includes a U-shaped configuration configured to house a chain retainer. The bracket and the bracket extension may be secured to one another using two fasteners. The bracket and the bracket extension may rotate relative to one another when only one of the fasteners is attached and may be fixed relative to one another when both of the fasteners are attached.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: Eko Sport, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan K. Cranston, Paul J. Aieta, Scott S. Winans
  • Publication number: 20130337955
    Abstract: A sprocket cover in a straddle vehicle, which is attached to a side wall of a case of the straddle vehicle to cover a sprocket fastened to an end portion of an output shaft protruding in a vehicle width direction from the case, from outside in the vehicle width direction, comprises an outer cover member attached to the side wall of the case such that the outer cover member is exposed to outside of a vehicle body; and an inner cover member attached to an inner side of the outer cover member to cover the sprocket in a state in which the inner cover member is covered with the outer cover member; wherein the outer cover member and the inner cover member are molded using different resin materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventor: Takahiro Ono
  • Patent number: 8561750
    Abstract: A chain guide device wherein it is unnecessary to make a chain guide body a thick and heavy member to enhance the productivity of the chain guide body. The chain guide body is split into a left guide half having a left-side upper split surface and a left-side lower split surface which are formed along a longitudinal direction of a chain and a right guide half having a right-side upper split surface and a right-side lower split surface. The guide bodies, which are roughly U-shaped, can be easily demolded after injection molding to enhance productivity. The contact of the chain with the split surfaces is lessened, as compared with the case where split surfaces are inclined at an angle relative to the longitudinal direction of the chain. Accordingly, wearing of the split surfaces is restrained, and it is unnecessary to make the chain guide body greater in thickness and weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takaya Kakimoto, Mikio Uchiyama
  • Publication number: 20130190119
    Abstract: A chain guard housing for a blind, the housing including a body portion and a chain cover portion hingedly coupled to the body portion, whereby the chain cover portion is capable of being rotated about the hinge out of alignment with a chain sprocket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: LOUVER-LITE LIMITED
    Inventors: Antony Barnes, Andrew Greening
  • Patent number: 8491429
    Abstract: A combined chain guide and chain ring protector for a bicycle for off-road use having a lower bracket sleeve, a chain ring around which a drive chain extends and a chain ring outer radius. The protector includes a mounting bracket secured at the lower bracket sleeve and a guard mounted thereto. An outer edge of the guard extends beyond the outer radius of the chain ring, thereby protecting a portion of the chain ring from inadvertent impacts. The chain guide extends from the mounting bracket along a path of the drive chain, and preferably includes an upper guide having an inner barrier positioned inboard of the bicycle chain an outer barrier positioned outboard of the inner barrier and an upper barrier positioned above the bicycle chain for preventing the chain from derailing from the chain ring in an upward direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Eko Sport, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan K. Cranston, James K. Rogers
  • Patent number: 8425356
    Abstract: A retainer for keeping an endless drive member of a drive system in a desired position. In one embodiment, the endless drive member is configured as a belt, wherein the retainer keeps the belt in position for engagement with an associated sheave even when the belt is slackened. The retainer may be configured as an elongate member having a first end fixed to a structure and a second unsupported end opposite the first end. The retainer may be positioned near the sheave and may be elastically deflected to permit removal of the belt when desired. In one embodiment, the retainer is configured as a coiled compression spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Exmark Manufacturing Company, Incorporated
    Inventor: Tommy Joe Vachal
  • Publication number: 20130053198
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide for a derailleur cover with a housing and a mounting mechanism (for respectively covering and holding the housing in place around at least a portion of a chain-guide for the derailleur). Such derailleur cover not only provides for a shield or protection for the derailleur components, but another example embodiment also considers an airfoil shape of the housing for promoting non-turbulent airflow around the chain-guide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Inventor: Simon Smart
  • Patent number: 8382620
    Abstract: A V-belt type continuously variable transmission includes a drive pulley assembly provided on a drive shaft, a driven pulley assembly provided on a driven shaft, a V-belt looped over both the pulley assemblies, and a transmission case assembly housing both the pulley assemblies and the V-belt. One end of the drive shaft in the shaft direction is coupled to an output side rotation member of a centrifugal clutch, and the other end of the drive shaft is rotatably supported on a boss portion formed in the transmission case assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Taisuke Morita
  • Patent number: RE44379
    Abstract: A chain ring protector having a substantially planar mounting bracket operably secured to the bottom bracket sleeve of a vehicle with a durable semi-circumferential guard extending therefrom is disclosed. The durable guard has a substantially arcuate outer edge sized to approximate the outer diameter of a chain ring, and it is operably secured to the planar mounting bracket such that the outer edge extends slightly beyond the outer diameter of the portion of the chain ring extending below the bottom bracket sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Eko Sport, Inc.
    Inventor: James K. Rogers
  • Patent number: RE45508
    Abstract: A chain ring protector having a substantially planar mounting bracket operably secured to the bottom bracket sleeve of a vehicle with a durable semi-circumferential guard extending therefrom is disclosed. The durable guard has a substantially arcuate outer edge sized to approximate the outer diameter of a chain ring, and it is operably secured to the planar mounting bracket such that the outer edge extends slightly beyond the outer diameter of the portion of the chain ring extending below the bottom bracket sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Eko Sport, Inc.
    Inventor: James K. Rogers