And Including Belt-shifter Mechanism Patents (Class 474/80)
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Patent number: 12149035Abstract: An electrical connection assembly includes a first electrical connection module configured to be mounted on a fixed member and a second electrical connection module configured to be mounted on a moving member. The first electrical connection module has a first terminal and a second terminal. The first electrical connection module has a normally open switch. The second electrical connection module has a first contact pad and a second contact pad configured to be electrically connected with the first terminal and the second terminal, respectively. The second electrical connection module has a switch controller adapted to drive the normally open switch to a closed state when the first contact pad and the second contact pad are moved to a contact position in which the first contact pad and the second contact pad are in electrical contact with the first terminal and the second terminal, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2020Date of Patent: November 19, 2024Assignee: Tyco Electronics (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.Inventors: Weifeng Bian, Pai Rajendra, Tian Xia
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Patent number: 12037081Abstract: A bracket device is configured to mount a bicycle rear derailleur on a rear-wheel axis of a bicycle. The bracket device includes a frame attachment end for coupling to a bicycle frame and a derailleur attachment end for coupling to the bicycle rear derailleur. The frame attachment end has a first arm and a second arm, which are spaced apart in an axial direction with respect to the rear-wheel axis. The first arm has a first attachment opening through which the rear-wheel axis coaxially passes in a mounting state of the bracket device. The second arm has a second attachment opening through which the rear-wheel axis coaxially passes in the mounting state of the bracket device. The derailleur attachment end has a third attachment opening configured to receive a derailleur fastener for coupling to the base element of the bicycle rear derailleur.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2021Date of Patent: July 16, 2024Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventor: Satoshi Shahana
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Patent number: 11919594Abstract: An electrically powered bicycle equipment has an attachment/detachment seat for an electric power supply unit, and a latch assembly for holding the electric power supply unit in the seated state includes a slider having a head and a back. Either the electric power supply unit or the equipment has a sliding seat for the slider, the other one has a retaining seat for the head. The sliding seat accommodates the back of the slider, which has a peripheral groove and a ring gasket housed in the peripheral groove. The groove has two aligned sections and a deeper intermediate section between them. When the slider is in the fully advanced position, a gasket portion bridges the intermediate section between the two aligned sections, and when the slider moves back, the gasket portion can curve towards the bottom of the intermediate section of the peripheral groove.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2022Date of Patent: March 5, 2024Assignee: CAMPAGNOLO S.R.L.Inventor: Luca De Poli
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Patent number: 11897571Abstract: A system including: a seat post; a user interface operatively connected with the seat post, the user interface configured for receiving instructions associated with a height of the seat post and for communicating received instructions to at least one controller coupled with a motive source of the seat post; and a valve assembly in communication with the motive source, the valve assembly regulating fluid flow within a variable finite positioning seat post height mode in response to a translation of the received instructions by the motive source.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2021Date of Patent: February 13, 2024Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.Inventors: Sante Pelot, David M. Haugen, Wes Allinger, Mario Galasso, Andrew Laird
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Patent number: 11852471Abstract: A derailleur hanger alignment pre-checking device, for use on a bicycle having a cassette comprising multiple sprockets and a rear derailleur having a derailleur cage, includes an elongated body having a longitudinal axis and an elongated planar surface disposed substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, and including a handle portion and a hanger portion. The hanger portion includes a slot cavity having an arcuate rear wall, the slot cavity being configured to receive a portion of a sprocket of the cassette. The slot cavity and planar surface are configured so that when a sprocket is received in the slot cavity the planar surface will be positioned facing a planar surface of the derailleur cage.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2021Date of Patent: December 26, 2023Assignee: ABBEY BIKE TOOLSInventors: Jason C. Quade, Jeff Crombie
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Patent number: 11834131Abstract: A rear derailleur is provided, including: a base, configured to be mounted to a bicycle; a linkage assembly, connected to the base; a movable member, rotatably connected to the linkage assembly; a chain guide, rotatably connected to the movable member by an axle assembly; a biasing member, located between the movable member and the chain guide, positioned to the movable member and the chain guide; a resistance mechanism, connected to the movable member; and a cap member, covering the resistance mechanism and driving the resistance mechanism, rotatably positionable in either of a first position and a second position, wherein when the cap member is positioned in the first position, the resistance mechanism provides a first resistance, and when the cap member is positioned in the second position, the resistance mechanism provides a second resistance which is different from the first resistance.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2022Date of Patent: December 5, 2023Assignee: AD-II ENGINEERING INC.Inventors: Chien-Hao Su, Yu-Hsuan Cheng, Kai-Hung Hu
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Patent number: 11820462Abstract: A bicycle rear derailleur is configured to be mounted on a wheel shaft on a bicycle frame. The bicycle rear derailleur includes a base component, a movable component, a linkage assembly, a chain guide, and a mount assembly. The base component is configured to be mounted on the bicycle frame. Two opposite ends of the linkage assembly are pivotally disposed on the base component and the movable component respectively. The chain guide is pivotally disposed on the movable component. The mount assembly includes an adapter, a bushing, and a fastener. The adapter is configured to be fixed on the bicycle frame. The base component is stacked on the adapter. The bushing is configured to be disposed through the bicycle frame, the adapter and the base component and is configured for an insertion of the wheel shaft. The fastener is fastened on the bushing.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2022Date of Patent: November 21, 2023Assignee: TEKTRO TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: Bo-Yi Liao, Pei-Hsuan Hung
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Patent number: 11767081Abstract: The disclosure provides a bicycle front derailleur including a fixed component, a chain guide, a first link, a second link, and a driving assembly. Two opposite ends of the first link are respectively disposed on the fixed component and the chain guide. The two opposite ends of the second link are respectively disposed on the fixed component and the chain guide. The driving assembly includes a driving shaft, a push component, an output gear and a power source. The push component and the output gear are fixed on the driving shaft, the power source is disposed on the fixed component and connected to the output gear, the push component is in contact with the first link, and the power source is configured to drive the push component to pivot the first link with respect to the fixed component via the output gear and the driving shaft.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2022Date of Patent: September 26, 2023Assignee: TEKTRO TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: Tzung Ye Wu, Bo-Yi Liao
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Patent number: 11731732Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides an electromechanical rear derailleur for a bicycle including a base member that is configured to be coupled to a frame member of a bicycle. The derailleur includes a movable member and a link mechanism that movably couples the movable member to the base member. A motor is positioned at the movable member to move the movable member.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2020Date of Patent: August 22, 2023Assignee: SRAM, LLCInventors: Christopher Shipman, Brian Jordan
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Patent number: 11713096Abstract: A rear gearshift mechanism for installation on a bicycle frame coaxial with a rear-wheel axis has a base element, a pivot mechanism, a movable element and a chain guide. The base element includes an attachment end for installation on the bicycle frame. A first arm and a second arm of the attachment end are arranged spaced apart from one another in an axial direction and, by an associated adapter which has a thread, are configured for the installation of the gearshift mechanism on an associated bracket portion, in particular a dropout or frame hanger. The first arm is arranged on an inner side of the bracket portion, and the second arm is arranged on an outer side of the bracket portion. The base element is designed with a setting device by which the base element can be pivoted in a chain tensioning direction.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2020Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Assignee: SRAM DEUTSCHLAND GmbHInventor: Henrik Braedt
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Patent number: 11697473Abstract: A bicycle rear derailleur comprises a base member, a linkage structure, a movable member, a first pulley assembly, and a second pulley assembly. The first pulley assembly includes a first pulley support and a first toothed pulley. The first pulley support is pivotally coupled to the movable member about a first pivot axis. The first toothed pulley is rotatably coupled to the first pulley support about a first pulley axis spaced apart from the first pivot axis. The second pulley assembly includes a second pulley support, a second toothed pulley, and a third toothed pulley. The second pulley support is pivotally coupled to the movable member about a second pivot axis. The second toothed pulley is rotatably coupled to the second pulley support about a second pulley axis. The third toothed pulley is rotatably coupled to the second pulley support about a third pulley axis.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2021Date of Patent: July 11, 2023Assignee: SHIMANO INC.Inventor: Nobukatsu Hara
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Patent number: 11560201Abstract: A bicycle drivetrain having a rear derailleur, a chain tensioner, and a chain guiding element which can be an idler pulley. The chain tensioner is separate from the rear derailleur and can be placed near the pedal crank. The bicycle to which the drivetrain is mounted has a drive chain, and the position of the lower portion of the drive chain (i.e. the portion of the drive chain that is not tensioned from pedaling forces) is elevated relative to that of bicycles with drivetrains having conventional rear derailleurs.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2020Date of Patent: January 24, 2023Inventor: Cedric Eveleigh
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Patent number: 11535338Abstract: An electronic rear derailleur of the disclosure includes a movable portion including a main drive gear meshing with a first driven gear and a second driven gear, a support frame disposed on the movable portion and for the main drive gear, the first driven gear, and the second driven gear to perform positioning, a drive unit configured to drive, by using a transmission assembly, the main drive gear to rotate, and a positioning system including: a main board, a processing unit and a position sensor disposed on the main board, and a positioning shaft including a magnetic field generation unit facing the position sensor, and receiving, by using the processing unit, positioning information sent by the position sensor. The position sensor is configured to detect a change in an angular position to correct a parameter, thereby restoring a speed change function for normal speed change positioning.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2020Date of Patent: December 27, 2022Assignee: TIEN HSIN INDUSTRIES CO., LTD.Inventor: Alfredo Sala
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Patent number: 11498643Abstract: A bicycle electric rear derailleur 26 comprises a base member 41, a movable member 43, and a linkage structure 45. The linkage structure 45 is configured to operatively couple the base member 41 to the movable member 43. The linkage structure 45 includes at least one of a wireless communication unit receiving space S11, a charging-portion receiving space S12, a control-board receiving space S13, an operating-member receiving space S14, a display-unit receiving space S15, a connector receiving space S16 and a data-reader receiving space S17.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2019Date of Patent: November 15, 2022Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Yuta Mizutani, Takeshi Ueda, Yuma Yamamoto
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Patent number: 11414158Abstract: A stabilizer includes a receiving device, a guide plate element for connection with a chain, and a clutch device. The guide plate element is movably mounted on the receiving device and performing a rotation state through an elastic element. The clutch device is mounted on the receiving device and connected with the guide plate element and used for providing one-way resistance. When a vehicle body jounces, the guide plate element rotates upwardly under force, the chain is tensioned, and the clutch device is in a free rotation state. When the guide plate element moves towards an opposite direction under force, the clutch device provides one-way resistance, so that the guide plate element can maintain a tensioning state of the chain for a longer time, and the effect of stabilizing the chain is achieved.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2020Date of Patent: August 16, 2022Assignee: RUSH COMPONENTS LLCInventors: Deng-Gang Hu, Yun-Sheng Chen
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Patent number: 11401006Abstract: A bicycle derailleur mechanism is provided which accommodates larger radial spacing and/or smaller radial spacing having a non-uniform value over the respective winding region. The derailleur mechanism cable pull transmission device may provide over its rotational angular range about the rotational axis, which is effective during operation, a variable transmission ratio as a function of the rotational position of the cable pull transmission device relative to the base component.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2019Date of Patent: August 2, 2022Assignee: SRAM Deutschland GmbHInventor: Henrik Braedt
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Patent number: 11345440Abstract: A wireless control system for a bicycle may include a base part attachable to a bicycle and a movable part. The control system may also include an electric motor disposed on the electromechanical component and a control unit disposed on the electromechanical component for operating the electric motor to operate the electromechanical component, the control unit including a wireless receiver. The control system includes a wake sensor connected to the control unit, the wake sensor configured to communicate a wake signal to the control unit.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2020Date of Patent: May 31, 2022Assignee: SRAM, LLCInventors: Brian Jordan, Todd Squires
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Patent number: 11230349Abstract: The disclosure relates to a derailleur assembly including a base member, a movable member, a driving module and a power module he driving module includes a casing and a motor, wherein the casing is pivotably disposed on the base member via a first pivot shaft, the casing is pivotably disposed on the movable member via a second pivot shaft, and the motor is disposed in the casing. The power module includes a base body and a battery assembly, wherein the base body is pivotably disposed on the base member via a third pivot shaft, the base body is pivotably disposed on the movable member via a fourth pivot shaft, and the battery assembly is disposed on the base body and is electrically connected to the motor.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2019Date of Patent: January 25, 2022Assignee: TEKTRO TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: Bo-Yi Liao, Yu-Ming Huang
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Patent number: 11230350Abstract: A bracket element configured for installation on an axial inner side of an associated bracket portion of a bicycle frame for the purposes of installing a rear gearshift mechanism of a derailleur system on the bicycle frame is provided. The bracket element may include a first portion, which has an opening or aperture assigned to the axle and which, in the installed state, is subjected to a clamping force which acts between the rear bracket portion. The bracket element may also include a second portion having an installation opening which is radially offset in relation to the opening or aperture in the installed state with respect to the axis and to which an attachment end of a base element of the rear gearshift mechanism is fixable.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2019Date of Patent: January 25, 2022Assignee: SRAM Deutschland GmbHInventor: Henrik Braedt
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Patent number: 11199240Abstract: A bicycle rear derailleur has a base member mountable to a bicycle frame, a movable member movably coupled to the base member, a chain guide assembly rotatably connected to the movable member for rotation about a rotational axis, a biasing element configured and arranged to bias the chain guide assembly for rotation in a first rotational direction with respect to the movable member, and a fluid damper having a fluid cavity containing a volume of fluid. The fluid damper is operatively disposed between the chain guide assembly and the movable member to apply a damping force to the chain guide assembly when the chain guide assembly rotates in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction. The fluid damper has a guide wheel configured to route a chain and rotatable about the rotational axis.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2017Date of Patent: December 14, 2021Assignee: SRAM, LLCInventors: Joshua Brown, Brian Jordan, Christopher Shipman
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Patent number: 11167819Abstract: A bicycle derailleur comprises a base member, a movable member, a chain guide, and a resistance applying structure. The chain guide is rotatably coupled to the movable member about a pivot axis. The resistance applying structure includes a rotational one-way clutch and an elastic portion. The rotational one-way clutch includes a first engagement member and a second engagement member. The first engagement member has a first axially facing surface and a first engagement profile provided to the first axially facing surface. The second engagement member has a second axially facing surface and a second engagement profile provided to the second axially facing surface. The elastic portion is provided to at least one of the first axially facing surface of the first engagement member and the second axially facing surface of the second engagement member.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2018Date of Patent: November 9, 2021Assignee: SHIMANO (SINGAPORE) PTE. LTD.Inventor: Yun Ma
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Patent number: 11161569Abstract: A bicycle front derailleur is provided that can be easily coupled to a bicycle frame. The bicycle front derailleur includes a base member, a chain guide and a link mechanism. The base member is configured to be coupled to a bottom bracket hanger of the bicycle frame. The chain guide is configured to guide a chain. The link mechanism connects the chain guide to the base member to move the chain guide between a retracted position and an extended position. The base member includes a recess configured to accommodate a part of the chain guide in a state where the chain guide is located at the retracted position.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2018Date of Patent: November 2, 2021Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Kenkichi Inoue, Kohei Obuchi, Mineho Masuda
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Patent number: 11148754Abstract: A rear derailleur with rotation resistance application function includes a base member, a link assembly, a movable member, and a chain guide, wherein the base member is mounted on a frame; the link assembly is flexibly connected between the base member and the movable member; and the chain guide is connected to the movable member via a rotation-with-resistance structure. The rotation-with-resistance structure includes a rotary shaft, a one-way bearing and a resistance application spring, wherein the rotary shaft is disposed on the movable member or the chain guide; the one-way bearing matched with the rotary shaft is correspondingly disposed on the chain guide or the movable member; and the rotary shaft forms an interference fit with an inner hole of the one-way bearing. The rear derailleur can effectively prevent a chain from coming off during bumping.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2018Date of Patent: October 19, 2021Inventor: Ruizan Qin
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Patent number: 11148755Abstract: A bicycle derailleur comprises a base member, a movable member, and a chain guide. The chain guide comprises an inner guide plate, an outer guide plate, at least one pulley axle, and at least one pulley. The chain guide is configured to be movable between a plurality of shifting positions. The at least one pulley is configured to be movable between the inner guide plate and the outer guide plate within a maximum pulley movable amount in a pulley axial direction with respect to a rotational center axis of the at least one pulley. A single shifting distance is defined between adjacent shifting positions of the plurality of shifting positions. A ratio of the maximum pulley movable amount to the single shifting distance ranges from 0.21 to 0.35.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2018Date of Patent: October 19, 2021Assignee: SHIMANO INC.Inventor: Kenji Kamada
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Patent number: 11110993Abstract: A damping device includes an annular chamber rotatably coupled with the gear selection assembly; a rotating element rotatably coupled with the chamber and fixedly coupled with a gear guide pulley of the gear selection device; and a damping grease volume, the damping grease volume contained under pressure between the chamber and the rotating element and adapted to transfer force between the chamber and to the rotating element. The damping device may be adapted for integration within a gear selection device and for coupling with a linear actuator of the gear selection device. The damping device may be coupled with both a chain pulley of the gear selection device and the linear actuator, wherein the damping device positions the chain pulley within the gear selection device as driven by the linear actuator. The gear selection device may be attached to or comprised within a wheeled vehicle, such as a bicycle.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2019Date of Patent: September 7, 2021Inventors: Brandon Rodgers, Jasper Lewin
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Patent number: 11098787Abstract: A rear derailleur assembly for mounting to a bicycle, wherein the bicycle includes a frame, includes an upper body for operationally engaging the rear derailleur assembly to the frame. The rear derailleur assembly also include a chain cage for engaging a chain of the bicycle; a controller pivotally connected to the upper body; and a lower body operationally connected to the chain cage, pivotally connected to the controller, and pivotally connected to the chain cage. The lower body includes a damper assembly for providing rotational resistance as the chain cage rotates in a first direction about the pivot axis.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2018Date of Patent: August 24, 2021Assignee: The Cycle GroupInventors: Jonathan Ziegler, Casey Weiss, Ethan Fiamingo
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Patent number: 11077916Abstract: A bicycle chain guide includes a base and a chain guide. The base is configured to be mounted to a bicycle that includes a solitary sprocket having a rotational center axis. The chain guide is disposed above the solitary bicycle sprocket in a mounted state where the base is mounted to the bicycle. The chain guide includes a first guide plate, a second guide plate, and a bridge. The first guide plate has a first guiding surface. The second guide plate is closer to the base than the first guide plate and has a second guiding surface facing the first guiding surface to define a chain guiding slot between the first guiding surface and the second guiding surface. The bridge connects the first guide plate and the second guide plate.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2018Date of Patent: August 3, 2021Assignee: SHIMANO INC.Inventor: Naoki Fujimoto
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Patent number: 11059542Abstract: A bicycle derailleur includes a lower link member including a position-limiting structure, an external chain-guiding member, a damping shaft, a connection member and a C-shape spring. The external chain-guiding member, connected pivotally with the lower link member, controls a tension of a chain. The connection member is connected with the lower link member. The damping shaft, mounted at one side of the lower link member, is connected pivotally with the external chain-guiding member. The C-shape spring, sleeving the damping shaft, includes a C-clip portion and a first plate portion disposed between the connection member and the position-limiting structure. The first plate portion is extended outward from one end of the C-clip portion in a direction leaving the damping shaft. A friction force upon the external chain-guiding member in the direction to relax the chain is greater than that in the direction to relax the chain.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2018Date of Patent: July 13, 2021Assignee: SUN RACE STURMEY-ARCHER INC.Inventors: Chang-Yao Yang, Chien-Chih Chang
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Patent number: 10882587Abstract: A bicycle rear derailleur includes a movable member and a chain guide assembly rotatably connected to the movable member. The bicycle rear derailleur also includes a pivot member non-rotatably coupled to the chain guide assembly and having an outer annular surface, a biasing device configured to bias the chain guide assembly in a first rotational direction relative to the movable member, and a damper device disposed between the chain guide assembly and the movable member. The damper device is operable to apply a damping force to the chain guide assembly when the chain guide assembly rotates in a second rotational direction relative to the movable member. The damper device includes a friction device that is radially inner relative to the biasing device. The friction device includes a friction member having at least one friction surface biased against and in frictional engagement with the pivot member.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2017Date of Patent: January 5, 2021Assignee: SRAM, LLCInventor: Jih-Hung Chang
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Patent number: 10870464Abstract: A bicycle gearshift mechanism has a base element, a pivot mechanism, a movable element, and a chain guide arrangement. The pivot mechanism connects the base element to the movable element. The chain guide arrangement is connected, rotatably about a rotary axle, to the movable element. The base element comprises a first attachment end, which is coaxial with respect to the rear-wheel axle or axis, and a second attachment end for coupling to the pivot mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2018Date of Patent: December 22, 2020Assignee: SRAM DEUTSCHLAND, GMBHInventor: Henrik Braedt
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Patent number: 10822051Abstract: A derailleur comprising a chain guide, a fixed body adapted for being fixedly associated with a part of frame of the bicycle, and an actuation arm hinged to the fixed body. A cable-clamping washer constrained to the actuation arm locks a control cable on the actuation arm. A first fastening station and a second fastening station are defined on said actuation arm and configured to fasten the control cable in different positions on the actuation arm. An anti-rotation appendage projecting from the chain-clamping washer is adapted for being inserted in a holding seat of the actuation arm and holding the control cable in at least one of the first and the second fastening stations.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2018Date of Patent: November 3, 2020Assignee: Campagnolo S.r.l.Inventor: Marco Minto
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Patent number: 10814934Abstract: A rear derailleur of a bicycle is disclosed. The rear derailleur includes a four-bar linkage. A fixing pin is received in a blind inner cavity of a base body and a fixing screw is constrained to a frame. A spring loading insert is arranged in the blind inner cavity. The base body is rotatable with respect to the spring loading insert. Connection members are inserted in seats formed on the fixing screw and on the spring loading insert to axially constrain the fixing screw and the spring loading insert. A toothed sector is mounted coaxially to the spring loading insert and is active on a sprocket which is active on the base body. A torsion spring is active between the spring loading insert and the toothed sector and is configured to constrain the spring loading insert and the toothed sector in rotation during controlled movements of the chain guide.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2017Date of Patent: October 27, 2020Assignee: CAMPAGNOLO S.r.l.Inventor: Paolo Pasqua
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Patent number: 10780947Abstract: In an automatic return structure of a bicycle, a stopper block is mainly disposed on the other end of a crank different from a pedal, and a guide block is disposed on an inner surface of a middle portion of the crank. The stopper block may be formed with a groove on the other end of the crank. The guide block has an arced guide surface. Upon chain detachment, the stopper block blocks the chain, and then the pedal being pedaled makes the guide block lift up the chain to a location above the sprocket, so that the chain slides downward to teeth of the sprocket along the arced guide surface to perform automatic upshifting. The danger of chasing caused by the sudden slowdown or stop upon chain detachment can be avoided, the rider needs not to get off to perform manual upshifting, and riding convenience can be significantly enhanced.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2018Date of Patent: September 22, 2020Assignee: Hao Meng Bicycle (Shanghai) Co., LtdInventor: Yu-Sheng Kao
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Patent number: 10759494Abstract: A bicycle rear derailleur includes a base member mountable to a bicycle frame. A movable member is movably coupled to the base member. A chain guide assembly is rotatably connected to the movable member for rotation about a rotation axis. A biasing element is configured to bias the chain guide assembly for rotation in a first rotational direction with respect to the movable member. A damper assembly is operatively disposed between the chain guide assembly and the movable member to apply a damping force to the chain guide assembly when the chain guide assembly rotates in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2017Date of Patent: September 1, 2020Assignee: SRAM, LLCInventors: Christopher Shipman, Brian Jordan
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Patent number: 10745081Abstract: A bicycle rear derailleur comprises 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 which is adjacent to the current stop position without another stop position between the current stop position and the target-stop position. The controller is configured to change, based on a front shift position of a front derailleur, at least one of the target-stop position and a temporary position in which the chain guide temporarily is in a shifting operation in which the chain guide moves from the current stop position to the target-stop position.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2017Date of Patent: August 18, 2020Assignee: SHIMANO INC.Inventor: Takeshi Ueda
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Patent number: 10745079Abstract: A bicycle component control device includes a bracket, a hydraulic brake unit and either a mechanical shifting unit or electric control unit. The bracket has a gripping portion. The hydraulic brake unit is operatively mounted on the bracket and configured to operate a hydraulic brake device. The mechanical shifting unit or the electric control unit is operatively mounted on the bracket and configured to operate a bicycle device.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2015Date of Patent: August 18, 2020Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Yoshimitsu Miki, Kazutaka Fukao, Kentaro Kosaka
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Patent number: 10501147Abstract: A bicycle derailleur is basically provided with a base member, a movable member, a link structure and a cable interactive structure. The link structure is configured to movably connect the movable member relative to the base member. The cable interactive structure is provided on the link structure. The cable interactive structure includes a chain barrier portion. The chain barrier portion is configured to prevent a chain from contacting the link structure.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2017Date of Patent: December 10, 2019Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Shouta Suyama, Atsuhiro Emura, Kenta Nakamura
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Patent number: 10494055Abstract: A system is provided for shifting gears in a cycle. The shifter system includes a motor that delivers a torque to propel the cycle. A variable ratio transmission is coupled with the motor. A cable transmits movement to shift the variable ratio transmission. A cable pulley is connected with the cable and is rotated to move the cable. A lever is coupled with the cable pulley and imparts rotation to the cable pulley. A sensor is positioned to detect an initial input on the lever that does not rotate the cable pulley. A controller interrupts the torque from the motor in response to the initial input and prior to a shift in response to the transmission of movement by the cable.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2018Date of Patent: December 3, 2019Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Martin Juhas, Andje U. Lewkowicz-Lalonde
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Patent number: 10384744Abstract: A bicycle operating device is basically provided with a base member, a first operating member and an attachment. The base member has an interior space that is configured to receive an operating unit. The first operating member is configured to move along a first operating path from a rest position to an operated position to operate the operating unit when the operating unit is disposed in the interior space. The attachment blocks the first operating path to prevent movement of the first operating member from reaching the operated position.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2016Date of Patent: August 20, 2019Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Yoshimitsu Miki, Shun Kakehashi, Naoki Fujimoto, Shohei Yonehama, Tsuyoshi Nakamura
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Patent number: 10308317Abstract: A rear derailleur protector for a bicycle comprising a shield to protect the derailleur and mounting means on the shield for mounting the shield on the bicycle, the mounting means being adapted to engage the bicycle and a stand attachable to the derailleur protector to support a bicycle fitted with the derailleur protector in an upright position.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2014Date of Patent: June 4, 2019Assignee: BOPWORX LIMITEDInventors: Paul Gerard McGriskin, Ciara Anne McGriskin, Cian Desmond O'Sullivan
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Patent number: 10259531Abstract: A bicycle front derailleur basically includes a base member, a chain guide, a linkage assembly and a support structure. The base member is configured to be mounted to a bicycle frame. The linkage assembly movably couples the chain guide to the base member to move relative to the base member between a retracted position and an extended position. The support structure includes a support member and a contact member. The support member is configured to be mounted to the base member and to advance toward the bicycle frame in a first direction. The contact member includes a contact part and a coupling part extending from the contact part. The contact part is configured to contact the support member and the bicycle frame. The coupling part is configured to be movably coupled to the base member.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2016Date of Patent: April 16, 2019Assignee: SHIMANO (SINGAPORE) PTE. LTD.Inventor: Shir Ting Keong
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Patent number: 10196109Abstract: A bicycle gearshift comprising first and second moveable bodies, a rocker arm rotatably connected to the second body on a rotation axis, an elastic element that rotates the rocker arm about the rotation axis, and a unidirectional damping device operatively arranged between the rocker arm and the second body. The unidirectional damping device comprises a first ring nut arranged coaxially to the rotation axis and rotatable with the rocker arm and a second coaxially arranged positioned axially adjacent to the first ring nut. The first and second ring nuts have matching saw-toothings. An actuator for the unidirectional damping device acts on one of said ring nuts to axially push that ring nut towards the other ring nut so as to mutually engage the saw-toothings when the rocker arm is moved about the rotation axis in a second direction of rotation.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2017Date of Patent: February 5, 2019Assignee: Campagnolo S.r.l.Inventor: Davide Bernardele
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Patent number: 10131404Abstract: A bicycle front derailleur is basically provided with a base member, a chain guide, a link mechanism, and a biasing member. The base member is configured to be fixedly coupled to the bicycle. The chain guide is configured to guide a chain. The link mechanism couples the chain guide to the base member between retracted and extended positions in response to movement of an operation cable. The link mechanism includes a first link pivotally connected to the chain guide about a first pivot axis. The first link is configured such that the first pivot axis moves in a forward-rearward direction, while the chain guide moves between the retracted position and the extended position in a mounted state where the base member is mounted to a bicycle frame. The biasing member is operatively disposed between the base member and the chain guide to bias the chain guide towards the extended position.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2017Date of Patent: November 20, 2018Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventor: Nobukatsu Hara
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Patent number: 10124857Abstract: A clutch unit of a bicycle derailleur includes a main body, a cover for the main body, a positioning assembly, and a pressure-applying assembly. Both assemblies are received in a space between the main body and the cover. The main body has a top side with a receiving groove and is pivotally connected with a rotating shaft, which extends out of a bottom portion of the receiving groove. The positioning assembly includes a ratchet, a pawl, and an elastic member. The ratchet is pivotally connected in the receiving groove, can rotate with the rotating shaft, and has ratchet teeth annularly arranged at an equal spacing. The pawl is adjacent to and can move toward and away from the ratchet, has a meshing tooth for meshing with the corresponding ratchet tooth, and is elastically biased toward the ratchet by the elastic member. The pressure-applying assembly applies resistance to the ratchet.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2016Date of Patent: November 13, 2018Assignee: AD-II ENGINEERING INC.Inventor: Kuei-Jung Chan
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Patent number: 10086904Abstract: A bicycle rear derailleur has a mounting base, a moveable base, and a friction assembly. The moveable base has an axle. The friction assembly is mounted in the moveable base and has a driving disk, a driven disk, multiple rotating members, and a friction member. The driving disk is connected with the axle in a non-rotatable manner. The driven disk is rotatably and axially moveably mounted in the moveable base. Each disk has multiple curved rotating member guiding recesses. Each rotating member guiding recess of the driving disk has a depth decreased along a first rotating direction. Each rotating member guiding recess of the driven disk has a depth decreased along a second rotating direction. The rotating members are mounted respectively in the rotating member guiding recesses. The friction member is mounted in the moveable base in a non-rotatable manner and abuts the driven disk.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2016Date of Patent: October 2, 2018Assignees: LEE CHI ENTERPRISES CO., LTD., THE CYCLE GROUP INC.Inventors: Yen-Chi Lin, Shan-Lin Wu, Yu-Hung Pan
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Patent number: 10040511Abstract: An electronic rear derailleur for a bicycle, includes a base member for attachment to a frame member of the bicycle, and a movable member having a cage assembly attached thereto. The electronic rear derailleur may also include a linkage coupling the movable member to the base member and configured to permit movement of the movable member relative to the base member, and a motor positioned at the movable member, the motor configured to operate the linkage to move the movable member relative to the base member.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2016Date of Patent: August 7, 2018Assignee: SRAM, LLCInventors: Christopher Shipman, Brian Jordan
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Patent number: 10029754Abstract: A bicycle electrical system is provided with a first electric component, a second electric component, a first wireless communication unit, a first power source, and a second wireless communication unit. The first wireless communication unit and the first power source are electrically connected to at least the first electric component. The second wireless communication unit is electrically connected to at least the second electric component. The first electric component can communicate with the first wireless communication unit. The second electric component can communicate with the second wireless communication unit. At least the first wireless communication unit and the second wireless communication unit are attached to the bicycle without interposing the first electric component and the second electric component.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2016Date of Patent: July 24, 2018Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Etsuyoshi Watarai, Takashi Toyoshima, Tadaharu Kurotobi
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Patent number: 10005519Abstract: A bicycle derailleur includes movable member, chain guide member and resistance applying member. The movable member is connected to linkage assembly. The chain guide member is pivoted to the movable member. The resistance applying member is connected between the movable member and the chain guide member. The resistance applying member includes pivot base, first engagement member and second engagement member. The pivot base includes pivot part and pressing part. The pressing part extends radially outwardly from the pivot part. The first engagement member is pivoted to the pivot part and pressed by the pressing part. The second engagement member is engageable with the first engagement member so that the first engagement member is only rotatable with respect to the second engagement member in a rotatable direction.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2016Date of Patent: June 26, 2018Assignee: TEKTRO TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventor: John Calendrille, Jr.
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Patent number: 9944351Abstract: A shifting assembly for shifting a roller chain between a plurality of front chain wheels for a bicycle that includes a smaller chain wheel, a larger chain wheel and a chain derailleur having a channel on an inner guide plate. The channel has an elevation that comes into contact with a chain rise rivet on the larger chain wheel in the state of starting to shift the roller chain from the smaller chain wheel to the adjacent larger chain wheel, viewed in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the chain wheels.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2015Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: SRAM, LLCInventors: Michael Braun, Marcus Auer, Markus Engel
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Patent number: 9926039Abstract: A front derailleur includes a base member, a chain guide, a link mechanism and a cable guiding structure. The base member is fixedly coupled to a bicycle. The chain guide is configured to guide a chain. The link mechanism movably couples the chain guide to the base member between a retracted position and an extended position in response to movement of an operation cable. The cable guiding structure has one of bore, recess and groove formed on the link mechanism to guide the operation cable. The operation cable exits forwardly from the cable guiding structure within a sector having an angle of 150 degrees around the crank axis from an upper radius lying in a first plane that is perpendicular to a second plane containing a crank axis and a rear wheel axis.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2017Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Atsuhiro Emura, Kenkichi Inoue, Tomohiro Niimi