And Including Belt-shifter Mechanism Patents (Class 474/80)
  • Publication number: 20130090195
    Abstract: A bicycle operating characteristic control apparatus includes a first bicycle component and a second bicycle component, wherein the second bicycle component is changeable from a first status to a second status. The first bicycle component includes a base member for coupling to a bicycle frame, a movable member coupled for movement relative to the base member, and a chain guide coupled to the movable member for guiding a chain among a plurality of sprockets in response to movement of the movable member. A biasing device provides a biasing force to the chain guide for tensioning the chain, and a rotation resistance changing device changes a rotational resistance of the chain guide relative to the movable member. The first bicycle component and the second bicycle component are operatively coupled so that rotational resistance of the chain guide changes in conjunction with a change of status of the second bicycle component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicant: SHIMANO, INC.
    Inventors: Sota Yamaguchi, Satoshi Shahana
  • Patent number: 8414434
    Abstract: A transmission device for a cycle, such as a bicycle, which includes a bottom bracket fixed relative to the remainder of the cycle frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Mavic S.A.S.
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Mercat, Brieuc Cretoux
  • Publication number: 20130085024
    Abstract: A bicycle front derailleur that includes a chain guide configured to engage a bicycle chain and a mounting member operatively coupled to the chain guide. The mounting member includes a frame support structure that includes a contact member that is configured to contact the frame of the bicycle, and a support member mounted to the mounting member. The contact member is supported by the support member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: SHIMANO, INC.
    Inventors: Kenkichi INOUE, Atsuhiro EMURA, Kazuya KUWAYAMA
  • Publication number: 20130085025
    Abstract: A bicycle front derailleur that includes a main body and a chain guide operatively coupled to the main body. The chain guide includes a first plate, a second plate, and a contact member affixed to the first plate. The contact member includes a flexible portion that is adapted to flex when contacted by a chain running through the chain guide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: SHIMANO, INC.
    Inventors: Kenkichi INOUE, Atsuhiro EMURA, Kazuya KUWAYAMA
  • Publication number: 20130085026
    Abstract: A front derailleur comprises a base member structured to be attached to a bicycle frame member, a chain guide operatively connected to the base member, and an actuation mechanism coupled to the base member and to the chain guide for moving the chain guide relative to the base member between a first position corresponding to a location for positioning a chain on a first sprocket and a second position corresponding to a location for positioning the chain on a second sprocket. The actuation mechanism is configured so that an actuation ratio of the derailleur when the chain guide is located in the first position is greater than or equal to 1.5 times the actuation ratio when the chain guide is located in the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: SHIMANO, INC.
    Inventors: Kazuya Kuwayama, Atsuhiro Emura, Kenkichi Inoue
  • Publication number: 20130079184
    Abstract: A bicycle rear derailleur is basically provided with a base member, a cable operated structure, a movable member and a biasing member. The movable member is movably supported to the base member by the cable operated structure to move between a plurality of shift stage positions with respect to the base member. The biasing member is interposed between the first and second link members such that the movable member is biased towards one of a top shift stage position and a low shift stage position. The cable operated structure and the biasing member configured balance an operation energy used for shifting between each of the shift stage positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2011
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Sota YAMAGUCHI, Shinya Oseto, Takeshi MURASAKA
  • Patent number: 8378673
    Abstract: A derailleur cable detecting assembly for an electric-auxiliary bicycle has a body and a detecting device. The body is mounted on a frame of the electric-auxiliary bicycle, is connected to a derailleur cable and has a casing and a cover. The casing has a chamber and a through hole. The cover is detachably mounted on the casing to mount a cable wire of the derailleur cable in the body. The detecting device is mounted in the body, is connected to the derailleur cable and has a circuit board and a magnetic element. The circuit board is mounted in the chamber of the casing, faces the cable wire and has an electric wire and multiple magnetic sensors. The magnetic sensors are mounted on the circuit board at intervals. The magnetic element is mounted on the cable wire between the casing and the cover, facing the magnetic sensors of the circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Techway Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: San-I Huang, Chia-Hsin Hsiao, Sen-Hsien Fang, Cheng-Yuan Lin, Fu-Hsiang Chung
  • Publication number: 20130029795
    Abstract: A front derailleur for use on devices such as bicycles includes a moveable chain guide for engaging a chain and able to cause the chain to be moved between two or more chainrings. The guide includes a first discrete alignment indicator and a second discrete alignment indicator for aligning the derailleur.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: SRAM, LLC
    Inventors: Brian Jordan, Mark V. Santurbane
  • Patent number: 8337343
    Abstract: A front derailleur of a bicycle comprises a retaining ring disposed on a bottom end of a seat post, the retaining ring including two coupling seats symmetrically fixed thereon to axially connect with a pushing mechanism comprised of a cable rack, a limiting stem, a connecting rod set, a guiding loop, an axial pillar, an assembling bracket, and a guide plate, the coupling seat including the connecting rod set having a first, a second, a third, and a fourth connecting rods, a shaft, and the guiding loop, wherein the coupling seat includes a first hole formed on a bottom end of a side thereof so that a first screw inserts through a first bore of the cable rack and a turning spring to screw with the first hole of the coupling seat, and includes two first tabs mounted on top ends thereof respectively to connected with the axial pillar axially.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Inventor: Chang Hui Lin
  • Publication number: 20120322591
    Abstract: A motorized rear derailleur is basically provided with a base member, a movable member, a pulley arrangement, a motor unit and a power limit circuit. The movable member is movably mounted to the base member between a plurality of gear positions. The pulley arrangement is supported by the movable member. The pulley arrangement includes a pulley having a dynamo that generates electrical energy in response to rotation of the pulley. The motor unit is operatively coupled between the base member and the movable member to selectively move the movable member relative to the base member between the gear positions. The motor unit is electrically coupled to the dynamo to selectively receive electrical energy generated by the dynamo. The power limit circuit is electrically coupled between the dynamo and the motor unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Satoshi KITAMURA, Shintaro MORI
  • Publication number: 20120295745
    Abstract: A bicycle front derailleur is basically provided with a base member and a movable member. The base member includes a bicycle mounting portion. The movable member is movably supported to the base member between a retracted position and an extended position relative to the base member. The movable member includes a first guide plate having a first inner surface and a second guide plate having a second inner surface. The first and second inner surfaces face each other to form a chain receiving slot therebetween. The second guide plate includes an adjustable guide member that is arranged at the chain receiving slot to move between at least two different positions relative to the second guide plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Atsuhiro EMURA, Kazuya KUWAYAMA, Kenkichi INOUE
  • Patent number: 8303443
    Abstract: A front derailleur for shifting a bicycle chain between chain rings of a bicycle crank set. The front derailleur may include an attachment mechanism for securing the derailleur to a bicycle frame member. The front derailleur may further include a chain guide for enclosing a bicycle chain and contacting the chain during shifting. The front derailleur may further include a six link movement mechanism adjustably affixed to the attachment mechanism and chain guide for selectively moving the chain guide and enclosed bicycle chain during shifting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Wick Werks, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher A. Wickliffe, Eldon L. Goates
  • Publication number: 20120258827
    Abstract: A bicycle derailleur apparatus comprises a base member for coupling to a bicycle frame, a movable member coupled for movement relative to the base member, a chain guide coupled to the movable member for moving a chain from an origin sprocket to a destination sprocket in response to movement of the movable member, a biasing device that provides a biasing force to the chain guide for tensioning the chain, and a movement resisting device with a control element for the application of a signal that causes the movement resisting device to selectively apply and remove resistance to movement of the chain guide. The movement resisting device is operable to remove resistance to movement of the chain guide when the chain guide moves the chain from the origin sprocket to the destination sprocket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicant: Shimano, Inc.
    Inventors: Noriyasu Ishikawa, Takeshi Takachi
  • Publication number: 20120258826
    Abstract: A multiple sprocket assembly includes a number of sprockets attached to a hub of a bicycle frame, and a rear chain transfer device having a sliding member slidably attached to a guiding device, and a carrier attached to the sliding member and movable relative to the sprockets for engaging with a chain and for carrying and moving the chain onto the teeth of the sprockets, the rear chain transfer device includes a support attached to the bicycle frame, and the guiding device is secured to the support, the guiding device includes one or more tracks or channels for slidably engaging with and for guiding the sliding member to move relative to the guiding device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2011
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Inventor: Chang Hui Lin
  • Patent number: 8267820
    Abstract: A bicycle chain tensioner is provided with a bracket, a tensioner arm, a securing position adjustment mechanism and a chain engaging member. The bracket has a bicycle axle mounting portion and an arm attachment portion. The tensioner arm is adjustably secured to the arm attachment portion of the bracket. The securing position adjustment mechanism selectively fixes the tensioner arm with respect to the bracket in one of a plurality of the securing positions. The chain engaging member is attached to the tensioner arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Takashi Yamamoto
  • Publication number: 20120214628
    Abstract: A transmission system for vehicles, including bicycles, is disclosed. The system aligns a chain or other drive means to a center of each of a plurality of provided sprockets, allows for a smaller, lighter and more durable shifter/controller, and reduces various complications associated with cable slack and shifting. A derailleur is provided with linear actuated features to directly translate drive means from one position to another along a desired path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: PAHA DESIGNS, LLC
    Inventors: Lee Johnson, Benjamin Meager
  • Patent number: 8241158
    Abstract: A bicycle derailleur apparatus comprises a derailleur including a mounting member adapted to be mounted to a bicycle frame and a chain guide coupled to the mounting member so that the chain guide moves relative to the mounting member. A power storing unit is supported by the derailleur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Shimano, Inc.
    Inventor: Noriyasu Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 8219292
    Abstract: A method is proposed for blocking inadmissible gearshift processes in a transmission with a plurality of shifting devices which, to carry out a shift process, are moved by actuating devices when a shift command is sent by a control unit (TCU) to the relevant actuating device. The actuating devices are connected for data exchange with one another and with the control unit (TCU) in such manner that the actuating device of the shifting device to be shifted is activated provided that clearance has been given by at least one other actuating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Andreas Fuessl, Matthias Reisch, Ralf Dreibholz
  • Publication number: 20120157250
    Abstract: A front derailleur for use on devices such as bicycles is movable about a yaw axis while it moves laterally. The front derailleur may include a linkage in between a mount and a cage, with the linkage pivoting about two non-parallel axes. The front derailleur may include a linkage in between the mount and the cage that has links of different effective lengths. The front derailleur may include a single link and a cam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: SRAM, LLC
    Inventor: Brian Jordan
  • Patent number: 8202182
    Abstract: A bicycle derailleur apparatus comprises a base member for coupling to a bicycle frame, a movable member coupled for movement relative to the base member, a chain guide coupled to the movable member for guiding a chain among a plurality of sprockets in response to movement of the movable member, and a biasing device that provides a biasing force to the chain guide for tensioning the chain. A movement resisting device has a control element for the application of a signal that causes the movement resisting device to change resistance to movement of the chain guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Shimano, Inc.
    Inventors: Noriyasu Ishikawa, Takeshi Takachi
  • Publication number: 20120149509
    Abstract: An actuator device for a bicycle gearshift, comprising an actuation kinematic mechanism adapted to be deformed in order to move a derailleur of the gearshift; a driving member adapted to control the deformation of the aforementioned kinematic mechanism, the driving member comprising a motor and a threaded drive shaft put in rotation by the motor; a nut associated with the aforementioned kinematic mechanism and with the drive shaft. The actuator device comprises a snap mechanism that, in a first operative configuration, holds the nut in an engaged condition with the drive shaft such that the rotation of the drive shaft causes the deformation of the actuation kinematic mechanism and that, when the actuator device is subjected to a force greater than a predetermined threshold force, defines a release configuration in the nut, such that the rotation of the drive shaft does not cause the deformation of the actuation kinematic mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: CAMPAGNOLO S.r.l.
    Inventor: Andrea Capogna
  • Publication number: 20120142466
    Abstract: A multiple sprocket assembly includes a number of sprockets attached to a hub of a bicycle frame, and a rear chain transfer device having a carrier slidably attached to the bicycle frame and movable relative to an image plane formed by addendum of the teeth of the sprockets for engaging with a chain and for carrying and moving the chain onto the teeth of the sprockets, the rear chain transfer device includes a support attached to the bicycle frame, and a sliding member slidably attached to the support, and the carrier is attached to the sliding member for engaging with the chain and for carrying and moving the chain onto the teeth of the sprockets, an actuating device moves the sliding member relative to the support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventor: Chang Hui Lin
  • Publication number: 20120088618
    Abstract: A derailleur 10, for moving a chain 60 to different sized sprockets arranged small to large in a sprocket nest 101 is disclosed. The derailleur 10 has a feed arm for directing the chain 60 onto one of multiple sprockets within the sprocket nest 101. The feed arm 11 is rotatably mounted at a pivot end on an angular pivot 12 and when the feed arm 11 rotates about the pivot 12 an opposite chain guide end of the feed arm 11 traces a path substantially parallel to a tangent to the outer periphery of the sprocket nest 101. The movement of the feed arm 11 is mechanically driven by a user command and is preferably moved by a connected rod or wire or cable 109. The guide end of the derailleur 10 has a chain guide, wherein the chain guide is a smooth surface or a roller or toothed roller. The derailleur 10 further has a chain slack take-up assembly having a pivotal take-up idler arm 20 for chain slack take-up, which is pivotably connected to the chain guide end of the feed arm 11.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: ZIKE LLC.
    Inventors: Nathan Anthony Scolari, George Robert Reiter
  • Publication number: 20120083372
    Abstract: A bicycle derailleur comprises a base member, a movable member movably coupled to the base member, and a chain guide coupled to the movable member for rotation around a rotational axis. A resistance applying element applies resistance to rotational movement of the chain guide, and a resistance control element moves between at least different first and second positions. The resistance control element is operatively coupled to the resistance applying element so that the resistance applying element applies different first and second resistances to rotational movement of the chain guide when the resistance control element is disposed in the respective first and second positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Applicant: SHIMANO, INC.
    Inventors: Sota Yamaguchi, Shingo Funai, Satoshi Shahana
  • Publication number: 20120083371
    Abstract: A bicycle derailleur comprises a base member, a movable member movably coupled to the base member, and a chain guide coupled to the movable member for rotation around a rotational axis. A resistance applying element applies resistance to rotational movement of the chain guide. A resistance control element moves between at least different first and second positions, wherein the resistance control element is disposed so that the resistance control element can be directly manipulated by a user without using a tool. The resistance control element is operatively coupled to the resistance applying element so that the resistance applying element applies different first and second resistances to rotational movement of the chain guide when the resistance control element is disposed in the respective first and second positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Applicant: SHIMANO, INC.
    Inventors: Sota Yamaguchi, Shingo Funai
  • Patent number: 8142312
    Abstract: A bicycle component (e.g., a rear derailleur) is basically provided with a base member and an axle. The axle includes a base supporting part supporting the base member for pivoting about a center axis of the axle and a base attaching part projecting outwardly of the base member for fixedly attachment to a bicycle frame. The base supporting part and the base attaching part overlap to define a coupling interface in which either a fixing element is disposed between the coupling interface of the base supporting part and the base attaching part or one of the base supporting part and the base attaching part is deformed with an interference fit. The base supporting part is formed of a first material with a first specific gravity. The base attaching part is formed of a second material with a second specific gravity that is higher than the first specific gravity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Etsuyoshi Watarai
  • Publication number: 20120071284
    Abstract: A bicycle gear assembly comprises first and second sets of cog wheels, each having at least three cog wheels of various sizes including a largest cog wheel and a smallest cog wheel. These two sets are oriented so that the largest cog wheel of the first set is aligned with the smallest cog wheel of the second set and vice versa, the first and the second sets of cog wheels define at least a first, second and third pair of substantially aligned cog wheels. Additionally, a chain is mounted about a first pair of the aligned cog wheels and a gear shift assembly is adapted to move the chain from the first pair of substantially aligned cogwheels to the second pair of substantially aligned cogwheels and from the second pair of substantially aligned cogwheels to the third pair of substantially aligned cogwheels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Inventor: Richard J. Kilshaw
  • Patent number: 8137223
    Abstract: A bicycle rear derailleur is provided with a base member, a movable member, a moving mechanism and an angular adjustment arrangement. The base member includes a first support portion and a first axle with the first support portion being pivotally mounted on the first axle. The movable member includes a second support portion, a chain guide and a second axle with the chain guide being pivotally mounted on the second support portion by the second axle. The moving mechanism is coupled between the first and second support portions. The angular adjustment arrangement is operatively coupled to either electrically pivot the first support portion relative to the first axle, or electrically pivot the chain guide relative to the second support portion when the moving mechanism is moved to move the second support portion of the movable member relative to the first support portion of the base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Etsuyoshi Watarai, Takeshi Takachi
  • Patent number: 8109848
    Abstract: A stable and play-free pivot connection of a bicycle derailleur between a parallelogram link and either a base member or a chain cage. The pivot points are formed with first and second bushings that are arranged as far from one another as possible. The parts are connected by pivot pins having a anti-rotation contour for preventing rotation of the pin within an inner pivot part. The axial displacement of the pivot pin is prevented by a securing element or by a deforming element engaging a holding contour on the pivot pin. One of the first and second bushings is protected and arranged in a blind hole and the other of the first and second bushings is covered on the outside by a pin head of the pivot pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: SRAM Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Robert Böhm, Thorsten Hamisch, Andreas Benz
  • Patent number: 8066596
    Abstract: A bicycle gear assembly comprises first and second sets of cog wheels, each having at least three cog wheels of various sizes including a largest cog wheel and a smallest cog wheel. These two sets are oriented so that the largest cog wheel of the first set is aligned with the smallest cog wheel of the second set and vice versa, the first and the second sets of cog wheels define at least a first, second and third pair of substantially aligned cog wheels. Additionally, a chain is mounted about a first pair of the aligned cog wheels and a gear shift assembly is adapted to move the chain from the first pair of substantially aligned cogwheels to the second pair of substantially aligned cogwheels and from the second pair of substantially aligned cogwheels to the third pair of substantially aligned cogwheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Inventor: Richard J. Kilshaw
  • Patent number: 8057332
    Abstract: A bicycle derailler is basically provided with a base member, a movable member, a coupling member and a cable actuation ratio control mechanism. The movable member supports a chain guide. The coupling member movably couples the movable member to the base member. The cable actuation ratio control mechanism includes first and second link members. The first link member has a pivoting portion, a cable connection portion and a second link coupling portion. The pivoting portion is pivotally mounted to one of the coupling member and the base member. The cable connection portion is located on one side of the pivoting portion, while the second link coupling portion is located on the other side of the pivoting portion. The second link member is coupled to the first link member at the second link coupling portion and pivotally mounted to one of the movable member and the coupling member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Takeshi Takachi, Michihiro Kodama
  • Patent number: 8056467
    Abstract: A fluid pressure apparatus for a bicycle comprises a piston, a housing with a chamber dimensioned to receive the piston therein so that the piston can move axially, and first and second fluid ports in fluid communication with the chamber. The first and second fluid ports are located so that the piston is disposed between the first and second fluid ports when the piston is disposed in a piston home position. A first positioning element moves from a first home position towards a first direction, and a first biasing element biases the first positioning element towards the first home position. A first coupling element couples the first positioning element to move with the piston in the first direction, but the first positioning element and the piston move relative to each other when the piston moves in an opposite second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Shimano, Inc.
    Inventor: Satoshi Shahana
  • Patent number: 8033937
    Abstract: An actuator device for a bicycle gearshift is provided. The actuator comprises an actuation mechanism, driven by a drive member and in turn to drives a derailleur of the gearshift. The mechanism comprising a member which—in the case of a knock to the mechanism—is subjected to a stress; the member is capable of elastically yielding when subjected to a stress above a predetermined stress threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Campagnolo S.r.l.
    Inventor: Mario Meggiolan
  • Patent number: 8029396
    Abstract: A derailleur including an articulated quadrilateral mechanism, having four parallel articulation axes is provided. At a first articulation axis, between a fixed member and a first connecting rod, the fixed member includes a first forked structure embracing the first connecting rod. The first forked structure includes two opposite flanges having respective holes aligned along the first articulation axis, and the first connecting rod includes a hole aligned with the first articulation axis. A pin is inserted through the two holes of the first forked structure and the first connecting rod. The use of the fixed member creates a more favorable distribution of the stresses induced in the first connecting rod and the pin by the traction of the derailleur control cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Campagnolo S.R.L.
    Inventors: Maurizio Valle, Leopoldo Lazzarin
  • Patent number: 8025597
    Abstract: A bicycle component position correcting device is basically provided with a first sensor, a second sensor, a comparison unit and a position adjuster. The first sensor detects a current absolute value of a positioning angle of a movable part of a bicycle component. The second sensor detects both a movement direction of the movable part and an amount of movement of the movable part. The comparison unit compares the current absolute value of the positioning angle of the movable part to a prestored reference value of the positioning angle of the movable part in response to a component operation command. The position adjuster selectively outputs an adjustment command to the movable part that adjusts the absolute value of the positioning angle of the movable part in accordance with both detected results of the first and second sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Ryuichiro Takamoto
  • Publication number: 20110230287
    Abstract: A lateral travel limiter for the chain of a chain drive assembly as commonly seen on multi-speed bicycles. The chain lateral travel limiter attached to a bicycle frame proximate to a front derailleur and the front chain rings, and is positioned with respect to the front derailleur and the front chain rings so that during a shifting event, and in the event that the front derailleur shifts the chain laterally from a first plane defined by an outer chain ring to second plane defined by an inner chain ring and the chain travels laterally beyond the second plane defined by the inner chain ring, the chain is caught against the chain lateral travel limiter and guided in a manner that redirects the chain to the plane of rotation defined by the chain when engaged and rotating on the inner chain ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Inventors: Joseph Savola, Eric L. Jensen, Albert Savola, Lawrence A. Rupe
  • Publication number: 20110224036
    Abstract: An axial fixing and closure member arrangement including an insert element for producing a rotatable, but axially fixed connection between the rotary axle of the chain guide of a rear gear change mechanism for bicycles and the related lower pivot head by means of a spring element, wherein additionally the insert element also has a sealing effect by providing an integrated closure member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: SRAM Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: ROBERT BÖHM
  • Publication number: 20110224035
    Abstract: A derailleur is cooperable with a bicycle including a plurality of cogs mounted thereto and is variable in positions in response to changing the speed of the bicycle and is in a position corresponding to one cog for one bicycle speed. The derailleur includes a first knuckle, a second knuckle, and a link member interconnecting and timing the first and second knuckles. The link member has an inner housing portion and an outer housing portion. The derailleur further includes two adjustment members for limiting it to the minimum and maximum range of motion and for connecting the inner and outer housing portion together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2010
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Inventor: Kristopher Wehage
  • Patent number: 8016705
    Abstract: A bicycle component positioning device is basically provided with a fixed structure, an input member and a positioning member. The input member is movably coupled relative to the fixed structure. The input member has a first moving direction and a second moving direction. The positioning member is operatively coupled to the input mechanism to selectively move between a plurality of predetermined positions. The input member and the positioning member are configured and arranged relative to each other such that the positioning member is initially moved by the input member in a direction different from the first and second moving directions in response to movement of the input member both in the first moving direction and in the second moving direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Takeshi Takachi
  • Patent number: 7998006
    Abstract: In a speed ratio control device for a belt continuously variable transmission according to this invention, when a speed ratio is subjected to feedback control on the basis of a difference between an actual speed ratio and a target speed ratio, pressure supplied to a primary pulley is corrected through feedforward (S17, S18) in order to suppress variation in the groove width of the primary pulley caused by a rapid variation in an input torque into the primary pulley (S17) while traveling in a fixed speed ratio mode (S14) in which the target speed ratio is held at a fixed value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Jatco Ltd
    Inventors: Hironori Nihei, Tetsuya Izumi, Seonjae Kim, Fumito Shinohara, Kiyotaka Sawano, Takuya Numata
  • Patent number: 7988574
    Abstract: A transmission for a bicycle includes a derailleur shaft supported by a case member. A derailleur arm is movably journaled by the derailleur shaft. A guide rotational body is rotatably supported by the derailleur arm and an endless power transmission belt is wound therearound. The endless power transmission belt is shifted among a plurality of rotational body elements which constitute a speed-change rotational body for changing the speed-change ratio. An operating pin is connected to a wire which moves in the fore-and-aft direction in accordance with the speed-change operation so that the derailleur arm is rotated with respect to the derailleur shaft and translated toward the center axis of the derailleur shaft by the operating pin being moved while being guided through the guide hole by the speed-change operation via the wire. A roller is rotatably journaled by the operating pin is rotatably fitted in the guide hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinya Matsumoto, Naoki Inoue
  • Publication number: 20110183795
    Abstract: A bicycle structure is provided with a crankset and a front derailleur. The crankset includes a plurality of chain rings, with a largest chain ring of the plurality of chain rings having a plurality of teeth with teeth bottoms interposed between adjacent ones of the teeth. The front derailleur includes a chain guide having a chain guide slot partially defined by a first chain engagement surface with a protruding part that protrudes outwardly from the first chain engagement surface into the chain guide slot. The protruding part is located away from the teeth bottoms of the largest chain ring in a radial outside direction of the largest chain ring by a prescribed distance in a range from eight millimeters to sixteen millimeters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2010
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicant: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Atsuhiro EMURA, Yoshiaki NANKOU
  • Patent number: 7980974
    Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a bicycle electrical component comprises a housing member structured to be mounted to a bicycle and an electronic circuit element mounted to a circuit mounting member, wherein the circuit mounting member is disposed in the housing. The circuit mounting member has a shape that varies away from a plane containing the electronic circuit element to conform to a shape of the housing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Shimano, Inc.
    Inventor: Masahiko Fukuda
  • Publication number: 20110160013
    Abstract: A rear derailleur is used in connection with a bicycle and is adapted to enable a chain to selectively engage with a plurality of sprocket wheels mounted to the bicycle. The rear derailleur includes an adjustment mechanism including fixed angular limits and a rotating member connected to the fixed angular limits and being rotatable relative to the fixed angular limits in a predetermined angular distance. A link member is constrained to a maximum or minimum angular limit defined by stops on the rotating member, and the angular position of the rotation member is adjusted by one user-input.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2009
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Inventor: Kristopher Wehage
  • Patent number: 7963870
    Abstract: A base member is provided for a bicycle rear derailleur that basically comprises a housing portion and a fixing bolt. The housing portion is provided with a blind bore. The fixing bolt has a first portion rotatably supported by the housing portion within the blind bore and a second portion projecting from the housing portion. The second portion has a thread formed thereon and a tool engagement structure to rotate the fixing bolt relative to the housing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Tomoya Deguchi, Yoshinori Irie
  • Patent number: 7955205
    Abstract: There is provided a chain tension applying device for a bicycle that can accommodate a change in an axial distance between a frame and a sprocket. A chain tensioner 40 is a device for applying tension to a chain 26, including: a bracket 56; a tension member 58; a securing position adjustment mechanism 60; and an urging member 62. The bracket is mountable to a frame (a mounting lug 24b) of the bicycle. The tension member is secured to the bracket immovably in a first direction and movably in a second direction different from the first direction, and can apply tension to the chain. The securing position adjustment mechanism can adjust a securing position of the tension member to the bracket in the first direction by sliding. The urging member urges the tension member in the second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Urabe
  • Patent number: 7951028
    Abstract: A front derailleur including a chain guide for engagement and disengagement of a bicycle chain with multiple chain rings of a crankset is disclosed. The chain guide may be positioned by linear guide rods. The chain guide may have an inner lifting surface and an outer pulling surface for engaging diametrically opposed corners of a chain when viewed in cross-section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Inventor: Christopher A. Wickliffe
  • Patent number: 7942767
    Abstract: A bicycle derailleur comprises a base member; a movable member that supports a chain guide, wherein the movable member is coupled to the base member so that the movable member moves relative to the base member for moving a chain among a plurality of sprockets; an intermediate member that mounts the base member to a bicycle frame; a first adjusting mechanism that adjustably sets a position of the intermediate member relative to the bicycle frame; and a second adjusting mechanism that adjustably sets a position of the base member relative to the intermediate member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Shimano, Inc.
    Inventors: Souta Yamaguchi, Hideki Ikemoto
  • Patent number: 7931553
    Abstract: A bicycle sprocket apparatus comprises a sprocket mounting member, a first sprocket, and a second sprocket. The sprocket mounting member includes a hub mounting portion and a sprocket mounting portion, wherein the hub mounting portion is structured to be mounted to a rotating hub that rotates around a rotational axis. The sprocket mounting portion includes a first sprocket mounting surface that faces in a first direction and a second sprocket mounting surface that faces in an opposite second direction. The first sprocket is disposed at the first sprocket mounting surface, and the second sprocket is disposed at the second sprocket mounting surface. A fastener fastens the first sprocket to the first sprocket mounting surface, and a chain supporting structure extends from the fastener in the first direction and projects in the first direction away from a side surface of the first sprocket that faces in the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Shimano, Inc.
    Inventor: Koji Tokuyama
  • Patent number: RE43562
    Abstract: A shift control apparatus is provided for a bicycle having a plurality of front sprockets and a plurality of rear sprockets, wherein a front derailleur shifts a chain among the plurality of front sprockets and a rear derailleur shifts the chain among the plurality of rear sprockets. The apparatus comprises a shift unit that provides signals for shifting the front derailleur and the rear derailleur; and a prohibiting unit operatively coupled to the shift unit and providing signals so that the chain is prohibited from engaging at least one of i) a laterally innermost front sprocket in combination with a laterally outermost rear sprocket, and ii) a laterally outermost front sprocket in combination with a laterally innermost rear sprocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Shimano, Inc.
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Takeda, Tadashi Ichida