Shifter Mechanism Including Parallelogram Linkage Patents (Class 474/82)
  • Patent number: 11975801
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: SRAM DEUTSCHLAND GmbH
    Inventor: Henrik Braedt
  • Patent number: 11939029
    Abstract: A connection of a bicycle derailleur to a bicycle frame is presented. A mounting element with a retaining bolt is used. The mounting element may be configured with an insertion sheath. At least one element of the insertion sheath and the retaining bolt may be configured with at least one engagement formation adapted for this purpose, together with at least one counter-engaging element, which is separate from the insertion sheath and the retaining bolt, or a counter-engaging formation of the respective other element from the insertion sheath and the retaining bolt, to produce an elastic snap-in retaining connection or a bayonet-type retaining lock, which realizes a positive retaining engagement between the insertion sheath and the retaining bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: SRAM DEUTSCHLAND GmbH
    Inventors: Henrik Braedt, Sebastian Heyna
  • Patent number: 11919607
    Abstract: A bicycle rear derailleur includes a base element including a first attachment end for coaxial installation on a rear-wheel axis and a second attachment end, a movable element movable relative to the base element, a linkage mechanism connecting the movable element to the base element, and a chain guide arrangement rotatably connected to the movable element. The second attachment end is coupled to the linkage mechanism. The first attachment end includes a first arm and a second arm, which are spaced apart in an axial direction with respect to the rear-wheel axis. The base element includes an angular position adjustment structure that adjusts an angular position of the derailleur relative to a bicycle frame by rotating the first arm and the second arm about the rear-wheel axis. The angular position adjustment structure is disposed between the first and second attachment ends in a radial direction of the rear-wheel axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Satoshi Shahana, Sota Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 11897582
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: The Cycle Group
    Inventors: Jonathan Ziegler, Casey Weiss, Ethan Fiamingo
  • Patent number: 11891155
    Abstract: A bicycle front derailleur is provided, including: a base, configured to be mounted to a bicycle frame; a linkage mechanism, including a connection portion configured to be connected with a cable, the linkage mechanism being swingably connected to the base; a chain guide, swingably connected to the linkage mechanism; and an adjustment assembly, disposed on the base, including a holder movably disposed on the base and an adjustment member, the holder being configured to be connected with a sheath for driving the cable, the adjustment member being movably disposed on the base and adjustable to drive the holder to move relative to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: AD-II ENGINEERING INC.
    Inventors: Kai-Hung Hu, Yu-Hsuan Cheng
  • Patent number: 11884364
    Abstract: A rear derailleur assembly for mounting to a bicycle having a frame. The rear derailleur assembly includes an upper body portion configured to operationally engage the rear derailleur assembly to the frame, a controller portion pivotally connected to the upper body, a lower body portion pivotally connected to the upper body and pivotally connected to the controller portion, and a chain cage assembly. The chain cage assembly includes at least two pulleys configured to engage a chain of the bicycle, and a one-piece chain cage configured to retain each pulley at a particular fixed position. Each pulley is rotatable relative to the one-piece chain cage at the particular fixed position of the pulley. The lower body portion is operationally connected to the one-piece chain cage and configured to allow the one-piece chain cage to pivot relative to the lower body portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: The Cycle Group
    Inventors: Kenneth K. Anderson, Jonathan Ziegler
  • Patent number: 11866127
    Abstract: The disclosure describes an electromechanical rear derailleur for coaxial mounting on a rear wheel axis. The rear derailleur has a base member, a pivot mechanism, a movable member having a chain guiding arrangement, and an electromechanical drive for driving the pivot mechanism. The pivot mechanism connects the base member to the movable member. The chain guiding arrangement is connected to the movable member for rotation about an axis of rotation. The base member comprises a first connection end, which can be mounted coaxially with the rear wheel axis, and a second connection end for coupling with the pivot mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: SRAM DEUTSCHLAND GmbH
    Inventors: Robert Boehm, Sebastian Dueweling
  • Patent number: 11814138
    Abstract: A rear derailleur is provided, including: a base, configured to be mounted to a bicycle; a movable member, movably disposed on the base; a shaft, rotatably connected to the movable member; a chain guide, connected to the shaft; a biasing member, disposed between the chain guide and the movable member; a resistance mechanism, connected to the movable member to apply frictional resistance to the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: AD-II ENGINEERING INC.
    Inventors: Chien-Hao Su, Yu-Hsuan Cheng, Kai-Hung Hu
  • Patent number: 11780532
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to an electromechanical rear derailleur for coaxial assembling on a rear wheel axle. The derailleur has a base element, a pivot mechanism, and a movable element having a chain guide assembly. The chain guide assembly is connected to the movable element so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis. A blocking device permits the chain guide assembly to be established relative to the movable element. The blocking device is able to be inserted into the movable element in two different positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: SRAM DEUTSCHLAND, GmbH
    Inventors: Henrik Braedt, Heiko Redecker
  • Patent number: 11760438
    Abstract: A bicycle gearshift including a first body associated with a bicycle frame, a second body connected to, and moveable relative to, the first body, a rocker arm rotatably connected to the second body at a rotation axis, and a shaft extending coaxially to this axis and fixedly associated with the rocker arm. A unidirectional rotation device is arranged between the shaft and second body to allow rotation of the shaft relative to the second body only in a first rotation direction. An elastic element is associated with the second body and the rocker arm to push the rocker arm in rotation about the axis in the first rotation direction. A damping device is arranged between the shaft and unidirectional rotation device to generate a friction force when the rocker arm is rotated in a second, opposite rotation direction, and has a friction surface in contact with the unidirectional rotation device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: CAMPAGNOLO S.R.L.
    Inventors: Piero Peruzzo, Cesare Schiavi
  • Patent number: 11753109
    Abstract: A bicycle electric/electronic derailleur has a plurality of mutually movable components: a support body configured to be attached to a bicycle frame, a chain guide, and a pair of connecting arms, for connection between the support body and the chain guide at respective geometric articulation axes. A geared motor controls the motion of the plurality of mutually movable components. At least one first component has a case with a chamber containing the geared motor and/or one or more electric/electronic devices. The chamber crosses at least one articulation axis. The case comprises a blind hole that is coaxial with the one axis and open outwards of the case. A second component has a pivot pivotable in the blind hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: CAMPAGNOLO S.R.L
    Inventors: Paolo Pasqua, Luca De Poli
  • Patent number: 11667349
    Abstract: A bicycle rear derailleur includes a seat assembly, a movable component, a linkage assembly, and a chain guide. The seat assembly includes a first seat body, a second seat body, and a shaft. The shaft is disposed through the first seat body and the second seat body and configured to be mounted on the bicycle frame, and the second seat body is configured to connect the first seat body with the bicycle frame. The linkage assembly connects the movable component with the first seat body. The chain guide is pivotably disposed on the movable component. The first seat body is movable towards or away from the second seat body along a central line of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: TEKTRO TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Szu-Fang Tsai, Jr., Bo-Yi Liao
  • Patent number: 11667350
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: SRAM, LLC
    Inventor: Jih-Hung Chang
  • Patent number: 11661138
    Abstract: A drive train for a human-powered vehicle comprises a drive unit, a sprocket arrangement, and a total gear range quotient. The drive unit includes a motor configured to impart propulsion to the human-powered vehicle. The sprocket arrangement is operatively coupled to the drive unit. The sprocket arrangement comprises a plurality of rear sprockets and a plurality of gear ratios respectively corresponding to the plurality of rear sprockets. The plurality of gear ratios includes a largest gear ratio and a smallest gear ratio. The total gear range quotient is obtained by dividing the largest gear ratio by the smallest gear ratio. The total gear range quotient is larger than 5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventor: Satoshi Shahana
  • Patent number: 11661142
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: SRAM DEUTSCHLAND GmbH
    Inventor: Henrik Braedt
  • Patent number: 11661144
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a chain guide for a bicycle rear derailleur comprising a cage, a guide pulley rotatably mounted to the cage, a circular tension pulley rotatably mounted to the cage, and means for connecting the chain guide to a movable member of a rear derailleur so as to move the chain guide with respect to a bicycle cassette, wherein the guide pulley and the tension pulley are adapted to be engageable with a bicycle chain and wherein the tension pulley is rotatably mounted to the cage by mounting means and an interposed bearing, wherein the mounting means of the tension pulley are arranged so as to be spaced from the center of rotation of the tension pulley and wherein the mounting means are stationary in respect to the cage in the mounted state of the chain guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Inventor: Marcin Golec
  • Patent number: 11649875
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: SRAM, LLC
    Inventors: Joshua Brown, Brian Jordan, Christopher Shipman
  • Patent number: 11577804
    Abstract: A bicycle derailleur includes a base element, a movable element having a receptacle and movably coupled to the base element, a rotary shaft mounted in the movable element in the receptacle to be rotatable about an axis of rotation, and a chain guide assembly rotatable relative to the movable element about the axis of rotation and which is coupled rotationally conjointly to the rotary shaft. An elastic force store device exerts on the chain guide assembly a preload force which preloads said chain guide assembly in a direction of rotation relative to the movable element. A damping device acts directly or indirectly between the movable element and the chain guide assembly and has a coupling device arranged radially within the first elastic force store device by which the damping device is coupled to a support, which is static in relation to the movable element, and the rotary shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: SRAM Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Henrik Braedt, Tobias Harcke
  • Patent number: 11577805
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a bicycle front derailleur configured to be mounted on a bicycle frame. The bicycle front derailleur includes a fixed component, a chain guide, a linkage assembly, and an adjustment component. The fixed component is configured to be mounted on the bicycle frame. Two opposite ends of the linkage assembly are respectively and pivotably disposed on the fixed component and the chain guide. The adjustment component is pivotably disposed on the fixed component. The adjustment component is configured to press against the bicycle frame so as to adjust a position of the bicycle front derailleur with respect to the bicycle frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: TEKTRO TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Bo-Yi Liao, Szu-Fang Tsai
  • Patent number: 11577803
    Abstract: A derailleur comprises a base member configured to be attached to a human-powered vehicle frame, a movable member movable with respect to the base member, a pulley assembly pivotally attached to the movable member in a first pivotal direction and a second pivotal direction opposite to the first pivotal direction and including a first pulley having a first pulley axis and a second pulley having a second pulley axis, a pulley assembly biasing member configured to bias the pulley assembly with respect to the movable member in the first pivotal direction, a pulley distance (centimeter) being defined between the first pulley axis and the second pulley axis, a biasing return force (newton) being defined by rotational force of the pulley assembly relative to the movable member, and a return value defined by the biasing return force multiplied by the pulley distance. The return value is 136 or larger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Kenji Kamada
  • Patent number: 11572134
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a derailleur for a bicycle, comprising a B-knuckle assembly which is designed for mounting on the bicycle frame, a P-knuckle assembly, a parallelogram assembly via which the B-knuckle assembly and the P-knuckle assembly are movably connected to one another, a cage assembly in which a chain guide pulley and a chain tension pulley are rotatably held, where the cage assembly is mounted on the P-knuckle assembly so as to be rotatable about a P axis, and an rotation angle detection device which is designed to detect and/or display an angle of rotation between the P-knuckle assembly and the cage assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: SRAM Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Henrik Braedt, Sebastian Heyna
  • Patent number: 11560199
    Abstract: A gear shifting system derailleur having a derailleur integrable with devices having a positionable chain, belt and/or a plurality of sprockets. The derailleur includes, a frame, a linear actuator having a housing, two bracket links and a damping element. The linear actuator includes a linearly positionable arm. The bracket links and a damping element are positioned and adapted to apply a biased force against the linearly positionable arm. The damping element is coupled with both the chain pulley and the bracket links, wherein the damping element positions the chain pulley within the derailleur as driven by the bracket links. Wireless and/or wired communications and control modules and pathways are provided to enable user control of the linearly positionable arm. The derailleur may be attached to or comprised within a vehicle, such as a bicycle, a tricycle or a vehicle with more wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Inventors: Brandon Rodgers, Jasper Lewin
  • Patent number: 11479322
    Abstract: A chain damper for use with a bicycle may include a base having an attachment region that is configured to be attached to a bicycle and a chain receiving portion extending from the base in a first direction. The chain receiving portion can include a chain damping surface that includes a resiliently deformable damping material and at least partially bounds a chain receiving aperture. The chain receiving aperture may extend in an axial direction and may be configured so that when the chain damper is attached to the bicycle the axial direction is substantially aligned with the primary chain direction and the chain damping surface is spaced apart from the chain travel path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Inventors: Christopher Kovarik, Jaan Peter Aked-Hurditch
  • Patent number: 11440622
    Abstract: An actuator device for a bicycle gearshift includes an actuation linkage, a drive member configured to control the deformation of the actuation linkage and comprising a motion transmission element having a rotation axis (X), and a fastening/release mechanism operatively arranged between the motion transmission element and a connection rod of the actuation linkage. The fastening/release mechanism has a first member rotatable about the rotation axis (X) as a unit with said motion transmission element, a second member rotatable about the rotation axis (X) together with said connection rod, an elastic element operatively arranged between the first member and the second member and that exerts a predetermined pre-load stress on the first member and on the second member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: CAMPAGNOLO S.R.L.
    Inventors: Luca De Poli, Marco Minto
  • Patent number: 11433972
    Abstract: A bicycle gearshift is operated by imposing on the chain guide a primary displacement in the axial direction with respect to a cogset, to move the chain between the sprockets. Simultaneously with imposing on the primary displacement imposing on the chain guide a secondary displacement in the radial direction with respect to the cogset. The secondary displacement is of a greater size when the primary displacement takes place in the area of the cogset with the larger sprockets whereas it is of a smaller size when the primary displacement takes place in the area of the cogset with the smaller sprockets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: Campagnolo S.r.L.
    Inventor: Paolo Pasqua
  • Patent number: 11420710
    Abstract: An electromechanical rear derailleur is provided for a bicycle, including a base member for attachment to the bicycle. A movable member has a cage assembly attached thereto. A linkage is provided that couples the movable member to the base member and operative to enable movement of the movable member relative to the base member in a direction substantially parallel to the mounting axis. A power source powers an motor module connected thereto to move the movable member and elements thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: SRAM, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Shipman, Brian Jordan
  • Patent number: 11319021
    Abstract: A bicycle rear derailleur includes a base member, a chain guide, a movable member and a first link member. The base member is configured to be mounted to a bicycle frame at a frame mounting axis. The chain guide includes a first pulley rotatably arranged around a first pulley axis in a first pulley plane. The movable member pivotally supports the chain guide about a pivot axis. The first link member moves the chain guide between first and second lateral positions. The first lateral position is closer to a bicycle center plane. The first pulley plane intersects the first link member in a state where the chain guide is located at the second lateral position. The frame mounting axis is spaced from the pivot axis by a distance equal to or larger than eighty-nine millimeters when the chain guide is at the first lateral position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Shouta Suyama, Atsuhiro Emura, Kenta Nakamura
  • Patent number: 11161568
    Abstract: A rear derailleur includes a base member, a movable member, a link and a chain guide. The link is connected to the base member about a first link axis and to the movable member about a second link axis. The chain guide is mounted to the movable member about a tension pivot axis. The chain guide includes a first pulley having a first rotational axis and a second pulley having a second rotational axis. The tension pivot axis is substantially parallel to the first and second rotational axes. A first reference line defines a distance between the tension pivot axis and the first rotational axis with a range between 2 to 70 millimeters. The first link axis and a reference plane define an angle ranging from 3 to 35 degrees. The first reference line and a second reference line define an angle ranging from 20 to 170 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Kenta Nakamura
  • Patent number: 11124269
    Abstract: A bicycle derailleur apparatus for controlling bicycle speed includes a bicycle chain guide and a pair of moldable wires. The guide has opposite sides receiving a bicycle chain therebetween and is pivotally movable in a lateral direction toward and away from a bicycle frame portion mounting the guide. The moldable wires, disposed side-by-side and spaced apart, are mounted to the bicycle frame portion and have respective outer end portions attached to one guide side. By applying a predetermined electric current to the moldable wires at separate times their outer end portions deform from pliable states to respective acute and obtuse angular shapes relative to respective main portions thereof and thereby move the guide to shift the bicycle chain into engagement with one or the other of inner and outer derailleur sprocket gears of different diameter sizes to change the bicycle speed relative to the pedal cadence of a rider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Scott Sterbenz, Eric MacLean
  • Patent number: 11008068
    Abstract: A bicycle gear shift operating apparatus is provided which can easily stop a gear shift operating lever at a gear shift position without replacing all constituent parts of a component. A gear shift operating apparatus 100 is an apparatus that is coupled to a rear derailleur 70 of a bicycle via a shift cable 60. The gear shift operating apparatus 100 includes a gear shift operating lever unit 40, an operating shaft 1 that rotates by operation of the gear shift operating lever unit 40 and pulls and releases the shift cable 60, and a replaceable gear shift position notification unit 10. Rotation stop positions corresponding respectively to gear shift positions of the rear derailleur 70 that are switched in accordance with the rotation of the operating shaft 1 are set in the gear shift position notification unit 10.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: GROWTAC, INC.
    Inventor: Masayuki Kimura
  • Patent number: 11001339
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a bicycle rear derailleur including a linkage assembly, a chain guiding assembly, a first assembling component, a first elastic component and a locking mechanism. The linkage assembly is a four-link mechanism and includes a fixed component, a movable component, a first link and a second link. The chain guiding assembly is pivotably connected to the movable component. The first assembling component is pivotably connected to the movable component and disposed between the first assembling component and the chain guiding assembly. The opposite ends of the first elastic component are respectively fixed to the movable component and the first assembling component so as to provide a torque that allows the first assembling component to be pivotable with respect to the movable component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: TEKTRO TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Bo-Yi Liao, Yu-Ming Huang, Pei-Hsuan Hung
  • Patent number: 10981626
    Abstract: A drive arrangement for a bicycle includes a crank having a crank mounting portion, a front sprocket having a front sprocket mounting portion attached to the crank mounting portion and a front chain engaging portion, an axle assembly, a plurality of rear sprockets located about an axis of the axle assembly, a chain configured to engage with the front chain engaging portion of the front sprocket and the plurality of rear sprockets, a gear changer having a gear changer mounting unit located about the axis of the axle assembly and having a first mounting portion spaced apart from a second portion mounting portion. The gear changer is configured to move the chain between an axially innermost rear sprocket and an axially outermost rear sprocket and a control unit is configured to control movement of the gear changer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: SRAM DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
    Inventors: Henrik Braedt, Joachim Hanke
  • Patent number: 10900547
    Abstract: A drive arrangement for a bicycle may include a plurality of sprockets arranged at a rear wheel of the bicycle. The sprockets may be particularly arranged to have a spacing that facilitates the configuration of an increasing number of sprockets in the plurality of sprockets. A singular front sprocket or chainring may be used to drive the rear plurality of sprockets. A particularly configured tool may be used to configure the drive arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: SRAM DEUTSCHLAND GmbH
    Inventors: Henrik Braedt, Matthias Reinbold, Robert Boehm, Sebastian Reineke, Luis Miguel Mendes Figueiredo
  • Patent number: 10894575
    Abstract: A derailleur system is provided that moves the derailleur cage in a substantially rectilinear path. The derailleur is mounted to a frame having a gear cassette mounted thereon. The gear cassette includes an axis of rotation. The derailleur includes a drive member engaging the gear cassette. The derailleur is positioned on the frame adjacent the gear cassette, and including a spatial linkage having a stationary link, a floating link, and a cage assembly having two pulleys each defining an axis of rotation. The drive member engages each of the pulleys. The path of the floating link is substantially linear through substantially its entire range of motion and variously aligns at least one of the pulleys with the gear cassette.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Assignee: YETI DESIGN, LLC
    Inventor: Peter Zawistowski
  • Patent number: 10894576
    Abstract: A bicycle rear derailleur is provided, including a mounting portion; a linkage mechanism, pivoted to the mounting portion and having an extension portion having a cable fixing point and being located at an inner position relative to an outer side of the linkage mechanism; a guiding mechanism, pivoted to the linkage mechanism and being rotatable about an axis, the guiding mechanism including a first pulley defining a pulley plane and a second pulley, an extension line which is perpendicular to the axis and an axial extension line of the second pulley being defined as a first reference line; wherein when the bicycle rear derailleur is located on an initial position, the cable fixing point is between the first reference line and the mounting portion, and the cable fixing point dose not cross the pulley plane during gearshift of the bicycle rear derailleur relative to rear sprockets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Assignee: AD-II ENGINEERING INC.
    Inventors: Chien-Hao Su, Chung-Ren Chang
  • Patent number: 10858067
    Abstract: A rear derailleur with an articulated quadrilateral linkage movable body along respective parallel articulation axes perpendicular to a reference plane (REF), a base body on a bicycle frame along a drop-out axis (F), a chain guide being rotatable around a first rotation axis (R), an upper pulley rotatable around a second rotation axis (RS). The first rotation axis (R) and the second rotation axis (RS) are parallel and spaced by a distance of eccentricity (E). An angle of inclination (Q) of the articulated quadrilateral is defined by the angle that the drop-out axis (F) and the reference plane (REF) form on a plane passing through the drop-out axis (F) and perpendicular to the reference plane (REF). The angle of inclination (Q) being between 5° and 40°, including extreme values, and the distance of eccentricity (E) being between 18 mm and 50 mm, including extreme values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: Campagnolo S.r.l.
    Inventor: Davide Bernardele
  • Patent number: 10703442
    Abstract: A bicycle rear derailleur is basically provided with a chain guide and an indicator. The chain guide includes a guide pulley. The indicator is provided on the chain guide such that the indicator disposed on or in an outer periphery of the chain guide. The indicator is indicative of a setting position of an outer circumference of a sprocket of a bicycle rear sprocket assembly relative to the guide pulley.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Atsuhiro Emura, Shouta Suyama
  • Patent number: 10703443
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes a gearshift mechanism for adjusting a gear ratio between a traction means, such as a chain, and a multi-sprocket gear set which can be rotated around an axle. The gearshift mechanism is configured to move the traction means in relation to the sprockets, such that an adjustment element is moved into the rolling motion of the traction means, thereby causing movement off of one sprocket and movement onto another sprocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: Praxis Works LLC
    Inventor: Gregor Schuster
  • Patent number: 10676154
    Abstract: A bicycle front derailleur that is movable between shift positions in association with an indexer. The inner mechanical end stop is adjusted at the first indexing position so there is no loosening of the control cable in the last downward gearshifting operation, with the benefit of an immediate and rapid response in the first upward gearshifting operation. The outer end stop is adjusted to interrupt the rotation of the cable-winding bush before it reaches the last indexing position. This pair of mechanical end stops limits the excursion of the derailleur to prevent it being able to shift the chain too much towards the frame or too much away from the frame, which ensures that the chain is not shifted beyond the gears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: Campagnolo S.r.l.
    Inventor: Marco Minto
  • Patent number: 10668983
    Abstract: A bicycle derailleur for operating a chain guide. The derailleur has primary actuator that imparts a primary displacement on the chain guide that has at least a component in an axial direction with respect to an assembly of toothed wheels. The derailleur also has secondary actuator that imparts a secondary displacement on the chain guide that has at least a component in a radial direction with respect to the assembly of toothed wheels. The secondary actuator can operate independently of the primary actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: Campagnolo S.r.l.
    Inventors: Alberto Bortoli, Gianluca Bortolozzo, Paolo Pasqua
  • Patent number: 10618597
    Abstract: A bicycle sprocket assembly is basically provided that includes a sprocket support member. The sprocket support member includes a hub engagement portion, a first sprocket supporting member, and a second sprocket supporting member. The first sprocket supporting member extends from the hub engagement portion in a first axial direction parallel to a rotational center axis of the bicycle sprocket assembly. The second sprocket supporting member extends from the hub engagement portion in a second axial direction parallel to the rotational center axis. The second axial direction is opposite to the first axial direction. At least one of the first sprocket supporting member and the second sprocket supporting member includes a plurality of sprocket supporting arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Fujita, Sota Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 10604212
    Abstract: A bicycle derailleur comprises a base member adapted to be mounted to a bicycle; a movable member movably coupled to the base member; a chain guide coupled to the movable member through a pivot shaft for rotating around an axis (X); a spring mounted around the axis (X), wherein the spring is configured to bias the chain guide in a selected rotational direction; and a resistance applying unit disposed on the pivot shaft. The resistance applying unit includes a friction unit, a one-way transmission unit, and an adjusting unit. The friction unit includes a plurality of first engaging members and at least one second engaging member, wherein the plurality of first engaging members are axially slidable with respect to the pivot shaft. The adjusting unit adjusts an amount of friction between the plurality of first engaging members and the at least one second engaging member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Takeshi Takachi, Atsushi Iizuka, Nobukatsu Hara
  • Patent number: 10442498
    Abstract: A motorized bicycle gearshift that is movable between first and second operative configurations and includes a pre-loaded elastic element that is responsive to gearshift changes between the first and second operative conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: CAMPAGNOLO S.r.l.
    Inventor: Paolo Pasqua
  • Patent number: 10442497
    Abstract: An easy-adjustment bicycle gear-shifting system consisting of a microcontroller unit, a memory, a driver and a derailleur is disclosed. The memory has stored therein more than three position tables each containing the position information of the derailleur relative to the chainrings. The position information contained in one position table has a part or all different from the position information contained in every other position table. The position tables are arranged one after another in a proper order corresponding to one same chainring in such a manner that every two adjacent position tables are differed by a distance value corresponding to one same chainring. The microcontroller unit selects one position table, and drives the driver to shift the derailleur to the corresponding position according to the position information of the selected position table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: AD-II Engineering Inc.
    Inventor: Chi-Ming Chien
  • Patent number: 10252773
    Abstract: A bicycle front derailleur is basically provided with a base member, a chain guide and a chain restricting abutment. The base member is configured to be mounted on a bicycle frame. The chain guide is configured to be movably coupled to the base member between a retracted position and an extended position to move a bicycle chain. The chain restricting abutment is configured to restrict the bicycle chain from moving in a radially outward direction of a rotational center axis of a bicycle front sprocket when the base member is mounted on the bicycle frame and the chain guide moves from the extended position toward the retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Kenkichi Inoue, Akinobu Sugimoto
  • Patent number: 10207772
    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: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: PAHA DESIGNS, LLC
    Inventors: Lee Johnson, Benjamin Meager
  • Patent number: 10086905
    Abstract: A bicycle front derailleur including a chain guide; a linkage assembly; and a mounting bracket configured to mount the chain guide to a bicycle frame such that the chain guide is movable with respect to the mounting bracket. The mounting bracket includes at least one fixed portion adapted to receive a fastener to fix the fixed portion so that an axis of the fastener extends toward a bottom bracket hangar of the bicycle frame when the fixed portion is fixed to the bicycle frame via the fastener. The axis of the fastener is generally vertical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Atsuhiro Emura, Kenkichi Inoue, Kazuya Kuwayama, Kohei Obuchi, Mineho Masuda, Kento Mitsuyasu
  • Patent number: 9896157
    Abstract: A mounting device for mounting a front derailleur to a bicycle frame. The mounting device includes a mounting portion that is adapted to be adjustably mounted such that it is positioned around an axis that is defined by a bottom bracket of the bicycle frame, and an indicator configured to indicate an orientation of the mounting portion relative to a predetermined direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Atsuhiro Emura, Kazuya Kuwayama
  • Patent number: 9726283
    Abstract: An electric front derailleur includes a base member, a chain guide, a first link member, a second link member and an electric driving unit. The base member includes a mounting portion to be operatively mounted to a bicycle frame. The chain guide is movable with respect to the base member. The first link member movably connects the chain guide to the base member. The first link member is at least partially aligned with the chain guide in a lateral direction with the electric front derailleur in an installed position. The second link member movably connects the chain guide to the base member. The second link member is at least partially aligned with the chain guide in the lateral direction with the electric front derailleur in the installed position. The electric driving unit is operatively coupled to the chain guide to move the chain guide with respect to the base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Atsuhiro Emura, Kazuya Kuwayama
  • Patent number: 9676444
    Abstract: An electromechanical rear derailleur is provided for a bicycle, including a base member for attachment to the bicycle along a mounting axis. A movable member has a cage assembly attached thereto. A linkage is provided including pivot axes oriented substantially perpendicular to the mounting axis, the linkage coupling the movable member to the base member and operative to enable movement of the movable member relative to the base member in a direction substantially parallel to the mounting axis. A power source powers an electric motor connected thereto and a transmission is coupled to and actuated by the motor to move the movable member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: SRAM, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Shipman, Brian Jordan