Shifter Mechanism Including Parallelogram Linkage Patents (Class 474/82)
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Patent number: 8574105Abstract: A front derailleur that includes a variable attachment to a mounting socket of a bicycle frame. The front derailleur includes a base member, a chain cage, a parallelogram and an attachment member. The base member includes first and second pivot points and at least two attachment points. The parallelogram includes two parallelogram arms, each having first and second ends. The first ends are pivotable about the first and second pivot points of the base member and the second ends support the chain cage. The attachment member connects the base member to the mounting socket of the bicycle frame through one of the at least two attachment positions. The base member also includes a contact surface for mating with the mounting socket. The different attachment positions allow the position of the front derailleur to be adapted to a standard or compact set of chainrings.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2006Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: SRAM Deutschland GmbHInventor: Marcus Auer
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Patent number: 8534691Abstract: Derailleur mounts for use in bicycles. The derailleur mount comprises an elastic element having a functional state and a collapsed state. The elastic element is configured for reducing at least some of an impact force of at least 300 Newton (N) applied on the bicycle by switching from the functional state to the collapsed state. The elastic element is configured for reverting from the collapsed state to the functional state after the impact force is removed.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2008Date of Patent: September 17, 2013Inventor: Alon Schaffer
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Publication number: 20130203532Abstract: A bicycle rear derailleur including a base member and a movable member movably coupled to the base member. A chain guide assembly is rotatably connected to the movable member and a damper assembly is operatively disposed between the chain guide assembly and the movable member. The damper assembly includes a damper disposed in the movable member, and a one-way clutch disposed between the damper and the chain guide assembly. The one-way clutch is configured to permit damping when the chain guide assembly rotates in a first direction. The damper is disposed exteriorly of the one-way clutch.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2012Publication date: August 8, 2013Applicant: SRAM, LLCInventor: Brian Jordan
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Patent number: 8485924Abstract: A bicycle chain guide includes a first guide plate, a second guide plate, a first connection part and a second connection part. The first guide plate has a first chain engagement surface and the second guide plate has a second chain engagement to form a chain receiving area. The first and second connection parts extend between the first and second guide plates to connect the first and second guide plates together at first and second spaced locations, respectively. The first connection part is fixed to the first guide plate by a fastener. The first guide plate has a first abutment and the first connection part has a second abutment. The first and second abutments are arranged at a rear end of the chain guide to limit relative movement of the first and second guide plates.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2007Date of Patent: July 16, 2013Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Nobuyoshi Fujii, Yoshiaki Nanko
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Patent number: 8444514Abstract: A front derailleur chain detachment prevention member is provided that can be easily removed from a front derailleur. The front derailleur chain detachment prevention member is removably mounted on a front derailleur, and has elasticity. The front derailleur chain detachment prevention member is provided with a mounting part, a connecting part, and a regulating part. The mounting part is removably attached to an inner plate of a chain guide. The connecting part extends forward from the mounting part along the inner plate. The regulating part is disposed at a tip of the connecting part, and projects from the inner plate toward an outer plate of the front derailleur.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2006Date of Patent: May 21, 2013Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventor: Yoshiaki Nankou
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Patent number: 8439779Abstract: A front derailleur that includes a derailleur housing having a tubular clamp and a chain guide coupled to parallelogram arms. A pivotal transfer element transfers the shifting motion through a pull cable to the chain guide. The shifting momentum is supported by a derailleur housing having a support extension extending in a support direction along the bicycle frame beyond the hinge of the tubular clamp. The transfer element is pivotally mounted to the derailleur housing by a pivot pin. The return spring is disposed around the pivot pin and is supported on a spring stop of the derailleur housing. The return spring is partially surrounded by a spring cover, which is integrated into the derailleur housing, all of which is protected from dirt by a second covering. The bores for accepting the adjustment screws, which are inclined relative to the frame tube in order to improve accessibility, are located in the spring cover.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2006Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: SRAM Deutschland GmbHInventor: Raymond Florczyk
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Patent number: 8439778Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 14, 2011Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: SRAM Deutschland GmbHInventor: Robert Bohm
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Patent number: 8419573Abstract: A bicycle rear derailleur includes a stationary member, a base member, a linkage mechanism, a movable member, a chain guide and an inner cable fixing portion. The stationary member non-movably attached to a bicycle frame and includes an outer cable receiving portion configured to receive an outer sheath of a control cable assembly. The base member is pivotally coupled to the stationary member about an axis spaced apart from a hub axis of a rear wheel. A movable member at one end of the linkage mechanism is movable relative to the base member in response to an inner cable that is attached to a portion of the linkage mechanism. The base member can move in response to tension applied by the inner cable without moving the chain guide which is coupled to the movable member.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2005Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventor: Souta Yamaguchi
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Publication number: 20130072333Abstract: A bicycle front derailleur is basically provided with a base member, a movable member and a biasing arrangement. The biasing arrangement is operatively disposed between the base member and the movable member such that a biasing force of the biasing arrangement is smaller during an early range of a movement range of the movable member as the movable member moves from a first position to a second position. The biasing arrangement includes a first biasing member, a second biasing member and a pre-load body. The first and second biasing members selectively bias the movable member. The pre-load body maintains the second biasing member in a loaded state such that the second biasing member applies the second biasing force only after the movable member has partially moved from the first position towards the second position.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2011Publication date: March 21, 2013Applicant: SHIMANO INC.Inventors: Kazuya KUWAYAMA, Kenkichi INOUE, Atsuhiro EMURA
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Patent number: 8378673Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 9, 2010Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignee: Techway Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: San-I Huang, Chia-Hsin Hsiao, Sen-Hsien Fang, Cheng-Yuan Lin, Fu-Hsiang Chung
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Patent number: 8337343Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 6, 2010Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Inventor: Chang Hui Lin
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Patent number: 8303443Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 18, 2009Date of Patent: November 6, 2012Assignee: Wick Werks, LLCInventors: Christopher A. Wickliffe, Eldon L. Goates
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Patent number: 8282519Abstract: An electric derailleur motor unit is provided for a motorized derailleur assembly. The electric derailleur motor unit has a derailleur motor support, a derailleur motor, a drive train and an output shaft. The derailleur motor is mounted to the derailleur motor support and has a driving shaft. The drive train has at least one intermediate gear operatively coupled to the driving shaft of the derailleur motor and a worm gear operatively coupled to the intermediate gear such that rotation of the driving shaft of the derailleur motor rotates the intermediate gear which in turn rotates the worm gear. The output shaft is operatively coupled to the derailleur motor and rotatably supported on the derailleur motor support. The output shaft has an output gear engaged with the worm gear of the drive train.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2008Date of Patent: October 9, 2012Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Tadashi Ichida, Kazuhiro Fujii
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Patent number: 8277346Abstract: A bicycle rear derailleur comprises a base member; a movable member that supports a chain guide including a first pulley that rotates around a first pulley axis, wherein the pulley has a pulley plane; and a first linking member coupled between the base member and the movable member so that the chain guide moves laterally relative to the base member between a first lateral position and a second lateral position. The pulley plane intersects the first linking member when the chain guide is located at a first position between the first lateral position and the second lateral position.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2006Date of Patent: October 2, 2012Assignee: Shimano, Inc.Inventors: Etsuyoshi Watarai, Satoshi Shahana, Sota Yamaguchi
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Patent number: 8241158Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 12, 2006Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Shimano, Inc.Inventor: Noriyasu Ishikawa
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Patent number: 8202182Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 26, 2008Date of Patent: June 19, 2012Assignee: Shimano, Inc.Inventors: Noriyasu Ishikawa, Takeshi Takachi
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Patent number: 8137223Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 20, 2008Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Etsuyoshi Watarai, Takeshi Takachi
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Patent number: 8109848Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 19, 2006Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: SRAM Deutschland GmbHInventors: Robert Böhm, Thorsten Hamisch, Andreas Benz
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Patent number: 8105193Abstract: A bicycle rear derailleur is basically provided with a base member, a movable member and a moving mechanism. The movable member pivotally supports a chain guide. The moving mechanism is coupled between the base member and the movable member so that the movable member is movable relative to the base member. The chain guide includes a first guide plate, a second guide plate, a guide pulley rotatably disposed between the first and second guide plates and a tension pulley rotatably disposed between the first and second guide plates. The first and second guide plates are releasably coupled together by a tool-less connection.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2008Date of Patent: January 31, 2012Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Shinya Oseto, Hajime Nagasawa, Satoru Kunisawa
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Patent number: 8066597Abstract: A derailleur comprises a base member, a movable member; a linkage mechanism including a link member coupled to the base member and to the movable member so that the movable member moves relative to the base member, a motor including a drive member, and a driven member driven by the drive member. The driven member is coupled to the link member so that the link member moves relative to the base member to move the movable member relative to the base member. A clutch is disposed in a power transmission path between the motor and the link member.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2007Date of Patent: November 29, 2011Assignee: Shimano, Inc.Inventor: Tadashi Sakaue
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Patent number: 8057332Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 22, 2009Date of Patent: November 15, 2011Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Takeshi Takachi, Michihiro Kodama
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Patent number: 8033937Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 4, 2004Date of Patent: October 11, 2011Assignee: Campagnolo S.r.l.Inventor: Mario Meggiolan
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Patent number: 8029396Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 1, 2008Date of Patent: October 4, 2011Assignee: Campagnolo S.R.L.Inventors: Maurizio Valle, Leopoldo Lazzarin
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Patent number: 8025598Abstract: A bicycle rear derailleur comprises a base member; a movable member that supports a chain guide including a pulley that rotates around a pulley axis, wherein the pulley has a pulley plane; and a linking member coupled between the base member and the movable member so that the chain guide moves laterally relative to the base member between a first lateral position and a second lateral position. The base member has a chain receiving space therein.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2006Date of Patent: September 27, 2011Assignee: Shimano, Inc.Inventors: Etsuyoshi Watarai, Shinya Oseto, Souta Yamaguchi
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Patent number: 8025597Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 20, 2008Date of Patent: September 27, 2011Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventor: Ryuichiro Takamoto
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Publication number: 20110224037Abstract: A device for guiding and supporting the cable for actuating a front derailleur for bicycles. The device provides the cable guide parts with alternative cable routing paths, wherein the cable guide parts are securely connected to the connecting arm. The cable clamping screw for clamping the control cable is housed in a space saving manner in an opening in the cable guide part, wherein a direct transfer of the actuating forces to the connecting arm is possible with small frictional losses.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2011Publication date: September 15, 2011Applicant: SRAM Deutschland GmbHInventors: Marcus AUER, Thorsten HAMISCH
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Patent number: 8016705Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 19, 2007Date of Patent: September 13, 2011Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventor: Takeshi Takachi
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Patent number: 8012052Abstract: A bicycle rear derailleur comprises a base member; a movable member that supports a chain guide including a first pulley that rotates around a first pulley axis, wherein the pulley has a pulley plane; a first linking member coupled between the base member and the movable member so that the chain guide moves laterally relative to the base member between a first lateral position and a second lateral position, and a cable guide supported to the base member to guide a shift control cable. The pulley plane intersects the first linking member when the chain guide is located at a first position between the first lateral position and the second lateral position.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2007Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: Shimano, Inc.Inventor: Satoshi Shahana
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Patent number: 8007383Abstract: A bicycle rear derailleur comprises a base member, a movable member that supports a chain guide including a pulley that rotates around a pulley axis, and a linking member coupled between the base member and the movable member so that the chain guide moves laterally relative to the base member between a first lateral position and a second lateral position. Examples of features include the linking member being coupled to the base member through separate pivot pins, the linking member straddling the base member, and the base member having link coupling projections with different thicknesses.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2007Date of Patent: August 30, 2011Assignee: Shimano, Inc.Inventors: Etsuyoshi Watarai, Shinya Oseto, Souta Yamaguchi
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Patent number: 8002655Abstract: An actuator device for a bicycle gearshift is provided. The actuator device having an articulated quadrilateral mechanism intended to be integrally fixed to a bicycle frame and to a derailleur of the gearshift, a motor member that acts on the articulated quadrilateral mechanism to deform the articulated quadrilateral, and displaces the derailleur and a support element for the motor member associated with the articulated quadrilateral. According to the invention, one of the motor member and the support element comprises at least one jutting element and the other of the motor member and the support element comprises at least one seat adapted to receive said jutting element. Thus, the motor member is associated with the support element so as to prevent mutual translations in the axial direction in any operating or climatic condition.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2005Date of Patent: August 23, 2011Assignee: Campagnolo, S.R.L.Inventor: Mario Meggiolan
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Patent number: 7980974Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 13, 2005Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Assignee: Shimano, Inc.Inventor: Masahiko Fukuda
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Patent number: 7963871Abstract: A bicycle front derailleur includes a base member, a movable member, and a chain guide with an angle adjustable plate member. The base member is configured to be coupled to a portion of a bicycle. The movable member has a first support side coupled to the base member and a second support side spaced from the first support side. The movable member is configured to move the second support side between a retracted position and an extended position relative to the base member. The angle adjustable plate member is coupled to the second support side for movement therewith. The chain guide includes a chain cage with the angle adjustable plate member operatively coupled to selectively adjust an angular orientation of the chain cage relative to the angle adjustable plate member.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2005Date of Patent: June 21, 2011Assignee: Shimano Singapore Pte., Ltd.Inventors: Peter Peh, Ken Eu
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Patent number: 7963870Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 1, 2008Date of Patent: June 21, 2011Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Tomoya Deguchi, Yoshinori Irie
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Patent number: 7942767Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 19, 2007Date of Patent: May 17, 2011Assignee: Shimano, Inc.Inventors: Souta Yamaguchi, Hideki Ikemoto
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Patent number: 7942768Abstract: A derailleur includes a motor that drives a drive member, a driven member driven by the drive member, and a clutch having a first element that disengages from a second element when substantial resistance exists in a power transmission path between the drive member and the driven member. An apparatus for controlling the derailleur comprises a re-engage command receiving circuit and a re-engagement circuit, wherein the re-engage command receiving circuit receives a re-engage command signal to re-engage the first element with the second element when the first element is disengaged from the second element, and the re-engagement circuit re-engages the first element with the second element in response to the re-engage command signal.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2008Date of Patent: May 17, 2011Assignee: Shimano, Inc.Inventors: Ryuichirou Takamoto, Kazuhiro Fujii, Masahiko Fukuda
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Patent number: 7914407Abstract: A manually operated bicycle front derailleur assembly includes a linkage assembly, a lever member and a connecting link. The linkage assembly is supported to a fixing member and includes an inner link pivotally coupled to the fixing member at a first pivot point, an extension arm extending from proximate the first pivot point, an outer link pivotally coupled to the fixing member at a second pivot point, and a chain guide pivotally coupled to the inner and outer links to move between an inner shift position and an outer shift position. The lever member is pivotally supported relative to the fixing member and the bicycle frame spaced apart from the first and second pivot points. The connecting link operatively connects the lever member to the extension arm such that the linkage assembly moves in response to movement of the lever member.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2007Date of Patent: March 29, 2011Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Yoji Fukushima, Nobuyoshi Fujii
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Patent number: 7892122Abstract: A derailleur for a bicycle comprises a base member, a movable member for supporting a chain guide, a linkage mechanism coupling the base member to the movable member, an electrically operated actuating element, and a power storing mechanism. Moving the actuating element causes the movable member to move laterally. A first portion of the power storing mechanism is disposed in a first power transmission path between the actuating element and the movable member, and a second portion of the power storing mechanism is disposed in a different second power transmission path between the actuating element and the movable member. The actuating element comprises a first actuating member and a second actuating member. The first actuating member communicates force in the first power transmission path, the second actuating member communicates force in the second power transmission path, and the first actuating member moves relative to the second actuating member.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2008Date of Patent: February 22, 2011Assignee: Shimano, Inc.Inventor: Masahiko Fukuda
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Patent number: 7874948Abstract: Rocker arm assembly for the rear derailleur of a bicycle, comprising an outer plate carrying a pivot pin, an inner plate and a pair of idle transmission wheels arranged between the outer plate and the inner plate. The inner plate is made of metallic material and the outer plate is made of a structural fiber fabric incorporated in a thermoplastic material matrix.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2008Date of Patent: January 25, 2011Assignee: Campagnolo SrlInventor: Giuseppe Dal Pra′
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Patent number: 7871346Abstract: A bicycle derailleur includes a mounting member, at least one linkage member, a movable chain guide and a chain guide tensioning mechanism. The mounting member is configured to be attached to a bicycle frame. The linkage member is supported to the mounting member. The movable member is movably coupled to the mounting member via the linkage member. The chain guide is pivotally connected to the movable member to pivot about a pivot axis that extends through the movable member. The chain guide also supports a guide pulley and a tension pulley. The chain guide tensioning mechanism is supported to the movable member at a point spaced apart from the pivot axis configured to bias the chain guide in a direction about the pivot axis.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2008Date of Patent: January 18, 2011Assignee: Shimano, Inc.Inventors: Takeshi Takachi, Satoshi Shahana, Yoshitsugu Yamada
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Patent number: 7867118Abstract: A bicycle front derailleur includes a fixed member, a chain guide and a linkage assembly. The fixed member includes a fixing body and a projection part fixedly coupled together. The fixing body includes a fastening portion with a seat tube reference plane that aligns with a longitudinal center axis of a seat tube when coupled thereto. The projection part has a projecting surface offset axially from the fixing body toward a smallest front chain ring of a bicycle front crankset. The projecting surface has an overall vertical height lying substantially in a single plane measured in a direction parallel to the seat tube reference plane that is greater than 10 millimeters in an area between the seat tube reference plane and 23 millimeters measured perpendicularly and forwardly from the seat tube reference plane.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2006Date of Patent: January 11, 2011Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Kazufumi Yamamoto, Nobuyoshi Fujii, Yoshiaki Nankou
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Patent number: 7854673Abstract: A bicycle sprocket assembly includes a first sprocket, a second sprocket and at least one reinforcement member. The first sprocket includes a first main body and a first chain engagement portion. The second sprocket includes a second main body and a second chain engagement portion. The reinforcement member is coupled between the sprockets. Preferably, the reinforcement member is disposed in first and second apertures of the first and second sprockets at a radial location spaced radially outwardly of first and second inner end portions of the first and second sprockets. Preferably, a spacer is disposed between the first and second sprockets radially inwardly of the reinforcement member. The reinforcement member is preferably installable in the first and second apertures by a sliding movement generally perpendicular to a rotation axis of the first and second sprockets.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2006Date of Patent: December 21, 2010Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Shinya Oseto, Kentaro Hiratani
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Patent number: 7824285Abstract: A bicycle rear derailleur includes a base member, a movable member movably coupled to the base member and a chain guide coupled to the movable member. The base member is configured to be mounted to a bicycle portion. The base member includes a metal plate that is a one-piece member forming a stroke adjustment mounting structure, an angular position adjustment mounting structure and an outer casing adjustment mounting structure.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2006Date of Patent: November 2, 2010Assignee: Shimano (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.Inventor: Boon Sze Tan
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Patent number: 7806792Abstract: A front derailleur is provided with an auxiliary bicycle shifting component to minimize reduction in downshifting performance when a chain is located on a chain-entry side of a chain guide. The auxiliary bicycle shifting component basically has a fixed part and a chain contact part. The fixed part is used to fix the chain contact part on the chain guide. The chain contact part is disposed on the chain-entry side of an outer plate of a chain guide of the front derailleur, and is configured and arranged to contact with a chain.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2006Date of Patent: October 5, 2010Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Nobuyoshi Fujii, Hideki Ikemoto
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Patent number: 7798929Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a movable bicycle device comprises a power supply sensor that detects an abnormal power supply characteristic, and a control unit operatively coupled to the power supply sensor. The control unit provides a first signal to command the bicycle device to move in a first manner when the power supply has a first characteristic, and the control unit provides a second signal to command the bicycle device to move in a different second manner when the power supply has a second characteristic.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2004Date of Patent: September 21, 2010Assignee: Shimano, Inc.Inventors: Ryuichiro Takamoto, Masahiko Fukuda
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Patent number: 7780558Abstract: The chain guide of a bicycle rear derailleur is a chain guide which is connected to a movable member so that this guide is free to swing about a center pivot axis. The chain guide has a pair of plate members rotatably supporting a guide pulley and a tension pulley. One of the plate members is provided with a chain slip prevention part which is disposed between both plate members in the vicinity of the guide pulley. Preferably, the chain slip prevention part has a width of ten mm or greater and fifty mm or less.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2007Date of Patent: August 24, 2010Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventor: Satoru Kunisawa
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Patent number: 7762916Abstract: A front derailleur basically comprises a base member, a chain guide, inner and outer links, a first arm portion, and a coil spring. The chain guide is freely swingably coupled to the base member to guide a chain in a direction of shifting gears. Each of the outer link and the inner link has first and second sections freely rotatably coupled to the base member and the chain guide, respectively. The outer link and the inner link are disposed substantially parallel to each other. The first arm portion extends in a direction away from the base member. The coil spring has first and second ends connected to the base member and a free end of the first arm portion such that a biasing force is applied on the chain guide in a direction toward a frame of the bicycle when the base member is installed on the frame.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2005Date of Patent: July 27, 2010Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Tadashi Ichida, Kazuhiro Fujii
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Patent number: 7722488Abstract: A bicycle rear derailleur includes a base member, a movable member, a chain cage, a first pulley, a second pulley and a chain guard member. The base member is configured to be mounted to a bicycle. The movable member is movably coupled to the base member. The chain cage is coupled to the movable member to move between at least a first orientation and a second orientation. The first pulley is rotatably mounted relative to the movable member. The second pulley is rotatably mounted to the chain cage to move with the chain cage relative. The chain guard member is movably coupled relative to the movable member. The chain cage includes an engagement portion arranged to move the chain guard member from a first position to a second position when the chain cage is moved from the first orientation to the second orientation.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2006Date of Patent: May 25, 2010Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Satoru Kunisawa, Souta Yamaguchi
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Patent number: 7722489Abstract: A bicycle front derailleur includes a chain guide that is provided with a pushing element that is movable relative to the chain guide to assist in shifting a bicycle chain from a smaller front sprocket to an adjacent larger sprocket. The chain guide is part of a movable member that is movably coupled to a base member via a linkage assembly. The pushing element is rotatably coupled to the chain guide portion and activated by a chain to move relative to the inner chain guide member from a first position with the pushing element at rest to a second position in response to activation by the chain. The contact surface moves laterally outwardly into the chain receiving slot toward the outer chain guide member as the pushing element moves from the first position to the second position.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2008Date of Patent: May 25, 2010Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Toshio Tetsuka, Etsuyoshi Watarai
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Patent number: RE41782Abstract: A rear derailleur for a bicycle includes a base member for attaching the rear derailleur to the bicycle, a movable member for supporting a chain guide, and a linkage mechanism coupling the base member to the movable member so that the movable member is capable of movement relative to the base member. An electrically operated actuating member is operatively coupled to the linkage mechanism, wherein moving the actuating member in a first direction causes the movable member to move laterally toward a rear wheel of the bicycle, and moving the actuating member in a second direction causes the movable member to move laterally away from the rear wheel of the bicycle. A power storing mechanism is disposed in a power transmission path between the actuating member and the movable member for storing relative forces applied between the actuating member and the movable member.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2008Date of Patent: September 28, 2010Assignee: Shimano, Inc.Inventor: Masahiko Fukuda
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Patent number: RE43562Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 18, 2008Date of Patent: July 31, 2012Assignee: Shimano, Inc.Inventors: Kazuhiro Takeda, Tadashi Ichida