Flexible Control Element Patents (Class 74/489)
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Patent number: 12103634Abstract: This disclosure relates to a device for changing a gear of a bicycle. The device can include a casing, a lever moveable relative to the casing for actuating a gear change of a bicycle, and a rail arranged on the casing, wherein the rail extends between a first end and a second end. The lever can be configured to move along a length direction of the rail, which extends between the first end and the second end of the rail, for actuating the gear change of the bicycle. The rail can extend about a width direction and project from the casing about a height direction. The casing can include a flange located at the second end of the rail, and the flange can be configured for inhibiting the lever to continue moving beyond the second end of the rail in a direction which extends away from both the first end and the second end of the rail. The flange can at least partially span a width of the rail.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2022Date of Patent: October 1, 2024Assignee: BROMPTON BICYCLE, LTD.Inventor: David Kelly
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Patent number: 12083058Abstract: A brake system for use with a wheeled device, such as a wheeled person transportation device, such as a wheelchair. The brake system comprises a handle comprising a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion is moveably coupled to the second portion; a carrier comprising an internal cavity; a brake actuator for actuating a brake, the brake actuator being arranged within the internal cavity; brake actuator biasing means for applying a biasing force to the brake actuator for biasing the brake actuator to a brake-engaged position; and force-transfer means coupled to the first portion and to the brake actuator such that movement of the first portion towards the second portion causes the brake actuator to move along the internal cavity of the carrier against the biasing force to a brake-disengaged position.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2018Date of Patent: September 10, 2024Assignee: BRINTAL LIMITEDInventor: Brian Harrison
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Patent number: 12005295Abstract: An exercise device includes a resistance unit having a connecting gear. It further includes a cable. It further includes an arm that routes the cable to an actuator. The arm is rotatable relative to the resistance unit about the connecting gear, the arm having a central axis. The arm includes a control that mechanically disengages a locking mechanism from the connecting gear. The control is activated by an activation force substantially directed either toward the central axis of the arm, along a length of the arm, or about the central axis. The activation force is mechanically converted into linear force along the arm that disengages the locking mechanism from the connecting gear.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2021Date of Patent: June 11, 2024Assignee: Tonal Systems, Inc.Inventors: Mark Peter McNally, Michael Valente, Anya Richardson Quenon, Patricia Holloway Howes, Scott Thomas Rider, Daniel Jordan Kayser, David Mallard, David Jonathan Zimmer, Maxwell Walter Davis
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Patent number: 11981391Abstract: An operating device for a human-powered vehicle comprises a base structure, a switch unit, and an additional switch unit. The base structure is configured to be mounted to the human-powered vehicle. The switch unit is configured to be activated in response to a user input. The switch unit includes a base member. The additional switch unit is configured to be activated in response to an additional user input. The additional switch unit includes an additional base member. The base member and the additional base member are coupled to the base structure at an attachment axis.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2021Date of Patent: May 14, 2024Assignee: SHIMANO INC.Inventor: Kentaro Kosaka
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Patent number: 11884349Abstract: Spacer for spacing a headset from a stem of a bicycle. The spacer comprises a cable guide, in particular for brake cables and gear shift cables. The cable guide is provided with a cable guide opening and a cable guide wall enclosing the cable guide opening. The cable guide wall is interrupted by a cable insertion gap, allowing lateral insertion of a cable. Optionally, the cable guide comprises cable retaining means for retaining an inserted cable within the cable guide opening.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2021Date of Patent: January 30, 2024Inventors: Sierd Heida, Richard Hofs
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Patent number: 11873056Abstract: A throttle grip device controls an engine of a vehicle in accordance with a rotation angle of a throttle grip detected by a rotation angle detection unit, a base end portion of the throttle grip has a first flange region portion and a second flange region portion formed over a predetermined range in a circumferential direction, the first flange region portion and the second flange region portion are respectively formed at positions offset by a predetermined dimension with respect to an axial direction of the throttle grip, and the first support portion and the second support portion are formed so as to protrude at positions corresponding to the first flange region portion and the second flange region portion, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2022Date of Patent: January 16, 2024Assignee: ASAHI DENSO CO., LTD.Inventor: Takeo Kumazawa
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Patent number: 11851127Abstract: A steering device for a tilting vehicle is provided having at least one handlebar which includes at least one gripping portion, with at least one receiving element which is fixed or fixable, releasably or non-releasably, on the gripping portion for fixing a gripping element, and with at least one gripping element which covers the receiving element from the outside and which is either directly fixed or fixable non-releasably, in particular adhered or molded, on the gripping portion or is directly fixed or fixable releasably, in particular clipped or screwed, on the receiving element.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2021Date of Patent: December 26, 2023Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftInventor: Maximilian Brutsche
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Patent number: 11827093Abstract: A throttle assembly (26) for a vehicle (20) having a handlebar (22) with a grip (36) extending along a grip axis (GA). A housing (42) is adapted for attachment to the handlebar (22) adjacent to the grip (36) and defines a housing axis (UA) adapted to be substantially parallel to the grip axis (GA). A link (48) is slidably supported by the housing (42) between a first link end (48A) and a second link end (48B). A thumb trigger (44) is coupled to the first link end (48A) and moves with the link (48) between first and second trigger positions (44A, 44B). A track mechanism (50) operatively attached to the housing (42) and to the second link end (48B) of the link (48) guides the link (48) along a curvilinear path (54A) such that movement of the thumb trigger (44) to the second trigger position (44B) slides the thumb trigger (44) away from the housing (42) with the thumb trigger (44) traversing the housing axis (UA) during at least a portion of the movement between the first and second trigger positions (44A, 44B).Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2017Date of Patent: November 28, 2023Assignee: KA Group AGInventors: Jean-Francois Hetu, Lionel Thiebault
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Patent number: 11814132Abstract: A bicycle operating device includes a main body, a speed shafting unit, a brake lever, a fluid pressure generating assembly, a first operation assembly and a second operation assembly. The speed shafting unit is disposed on the main body and includes a reel and a shaft. The reel is disposed on the shaft. The brake lever is rotatably connected to the main body. The fluid pressure generating assembly is disposed on the main body and includes a cylinder, a piston assembly and a reservoir. The reservoir is located above the cylinder.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2022Date of Patent: November 14, 2023Assignee: AD-II ENGINEERING INC.Inventors: Kai-Hung Hu, Chung-Ren Chang
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Patent number: 11807334Abstract: A throttle assembly that includes a housing with an internal cavity. The housing includes an upper port and a first lower port that provides access to the internal cavity. A plate with a second lower port encloses the internal cavity. The second lower port is aligned with the first lower port. A hollow tube having an open first end and a closed second end includes a cable attachment profile on the first end. The first end of the hollow tube is positioned within the internal cavity of the housing. The hollow tube extends out the second lower port of the plate away from the housing and may twist axially within the housing. A clamp positioned around the first lower port is connected to the housing. An insert with internal threads is positioned within the upper port. A transparent plate provides visual access to the internal cavity of the housing.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2022Date of Patent: November 7, 2023Assignee: T-REX MOTO-X L.L.C.Inventor: Danny Duke Daniels
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Patent number: 11752864Abstract: A system for and method of shifting a drive configuration of an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) is provided. The system includes a shifter assembly, a gear case, and a linkage assembly extending therebetween. The shifter assembly includes a trigger lever for receiving a mechanical user input, thereby moving the shifter assembly between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration. The linkage assembly translates the user input to the gear case, thereby causing the gear case to shift between an engaged configuration and a disengaged configuration, respectively. A linkage biasing member provides mechanical flexibility between the shifter assembly and the gear case, facilitating shifting on the fly. The trigger lever is operated by toggling it from a rest position to a deployed position. Upon user release, the trigger lever is automatically returned to its rest position for future engagement by the user.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2022Date of Patent: September 12, 2023Assignee: ARCTIC CAT INC.Inventor: Justin Arthur Landon
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Patent number: 11700786Abstract: A twist grip throttle assembly and weed trimmer utilizing the same are described herein. The weed trimmer has a power head on an upper end of a drive shaft assembly. The power head has a power provider, such as a gas powered motor. A base assembly with a cutter head for receiving wrapped cord is on a lower end of the drive shaft assembly. A throttle activator includes a tubular member rotationally mounted on the drive shaft assembly. The tubular member defines a gripping area. Twisting rotation of the throttle activator adjusts an amount of power produced by said power provider.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2021Date of Patent: July 18, 2023Assignee: LMS Enterprises LLPInventors: David L. Thirion, Troy R. McClain
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Patent number: 11655005Abstract: A control device for a bicycle has a housing configured to be mountable to the bicycle and sized and shaped to be grasped by a user's hand and a battery receptacle positioned on the housing. The housing has a base portion and an extension portion. The base portion includes first and second ends, a downward facing side, an upward facing side, an inward facing side, an outward facing side, and a handlebar clamp disposed at the first end. A battery receptacle is positioned on a first side, which can be the downward facing side, of the base portion of the housing. An accessory port can be positioned on a second side of the base portion of the housing, different from the first side, and which can be the inward or outward facing side of the base portion of the housing.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2021Date of Patent: May 23, 2023Assignee: SRAM, LLCInventors: Rachel Cahan, Doug Mahoney
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Patent number: 11618529Abstract: A lever system using a linkage assembly creates linear movement from a rotational movement of a lever. The lever system may be arranged as a grip assembly to activate a braking system of a vehicle. The linkage assembly may include a slide linkage, a bearing linkage, and a pivot linkage such that the lever may cause an end of the bearing linkage and an end of the pivot linkage to move toward the slide linkage, which causes the slide linkage to move in a linear direction. The grip assembly may have a lever that is pivotally connected with a housing of the grip assembly at a predetermined distance and with a contact region to prevent rotational movement in one direction while allowing rotational movement in the opposite direction. Further, the grip assembly may include a bearing linkage that is pivotally connected to the lever.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2021Date of Patent: April 4, 2023Assignee: Dextera Brakes, LLCInventors: Todd Vorhies, John Doane Nichols, III, Nathaniel Bartholomew Egging, Scott Miller Padiak
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Patent number: 11597467Abstract: To provide a parking brake apparatus for a saddled vehicle actuated in response to a reverse rotation on a throttle grip which is set in a simplified structure. A parking brake apparatus for a saddled vehicle includes a parking brake caliper configured to restrict a rotation of a rear wheel while the motorcycle is parked; a steering handle configured to steer a front wheel; and a throttle grip mounted on the steering handle and configured to control output of a power unit. The control unit actuates the parking brake caliper by a motor when at least the throttle grip is reversely rotated and the vehicle speed is zero. The throttle grip being reversely rotated is detected according to information from a throttle position sensor which is interlocked with the throttle grip.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2020Date of Patent: March 7, 2023Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hideaki Haraguchi, Koshi Nakamura, Hayato Yamashiro, Akihito Kawamura, Takuya Otsuka, Hiroyuki Sasazawa
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Patent number: 11518468Abstract: A seat dropper remote device has a base portion, central portion and paddle portion. The base portion has a mounting plate for mounting to a bar clamp on a bicycle handlebar and a base bolt hole. The mounting plate has a mounting slot to receive a mounting bolt. The central portion is connected with the base portion, receives an actuation cable, and includes a body having a body bolt hole. The device includes a paddle portion that is connected with the central portion, actuates the actuation cable, and has an assembly bolt cavity and an assembly bolt. The assembly bolt passes through the assembly bolt cavity, body bolt hole, and base bolt hole. The assembly bolt provides rotational adjustment of the paddle portion and the mounting bolt provides lateral adjustment of the paddle portion. The lateral adjustment, rotational adjustment, and actuation of the actuation cable operate independent of one another.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2020Date of Patent: December 6, 2022Assignee: SDG Components Inc.Inventor: Tyler Anspach
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Patent number: 11498645Abstract: To provide a shifting control device and an electric shifting system allowing a user to comfortably ride a human-powered vehicle, a shifting control device comprising a controller configured to control a shifting device in accordance with a first operation performed on an operating device for braking a rotary body of a human-powered vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2018Date of Patent: November 15, 2022Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Takafumi Nishino, Toshihiko Takahashi, Daisuke Nago, Satoshi Shahana
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Patent number: 11492067Abstract: A bicycle braking and locking mechanism is configured to be mounted on a handlebar. The bicycle braking and locking mechanism includes a brake assembly, a first driving component, and a second driving component. The brake assembly includes a main body, a piston, and a link. The main body is configured to be mounted on the handlebar and has a pressure chamber, the piston is movably located in the pressure chamber, and the link is connected to the piston. The link is configured to be selectively driven by the first driving component or the second driving component so as to move the piston with respect to the pressure chamber.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2021Date of Patent: November 8, 2022Assignee: TEKTRO TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: Szu-Fang Tsai, Bo-Yi Liao
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Patent number: 11492063Abstract: An operating device comprises a base member and an operating member. The base member includes a base body and a mounting part. The mounting part includes a mounting contact surface contactable with a tubular part of the human-powered vehicle in a mounting state where the mounting part couples the base body to the tubular part of the human-powered vehicle. The base member includes a first contact surface and a second contact surface. The first contact surface is contactable with the tubular part of the human-powered vehicle in the mounting state. The first contact surface is spaced apart from the mounting contact surface in an axial direction. The second contact surface is contactable with the tubular part of the human-powered vehicle in the mounting state. The second contact surface is spaced apart from the mounting contact surface and the first contact surface in the axial direction.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2021Date of Patent: November 8, 2022Assignee: SHIMANO INC.Inventor: Kohei Obuchi
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Patent number: 11485445Abstract: A force reducing apparatus includes a housing and cover plate, a pair of fixed anchor plates disposed to the housing and underside of the cover plate, a pivot plate assembly including a first pair pivot plates and a second pair of pivot plates connected to a fixed pair of anchor plates, the first pair of pivot plates connected to a first cable routed through the housing sidewall and connected to a clutch lever, the second pair of pivot plates connected to a second cable routed through the sidewall of the housing and connected to a clutch actuator at a clutch assembly, and a pair of idler plates connected to the pivot plates at the unanchored ends of the pivot plates. An operator pulls the first pair of pivot plates via the clutch lever to operate the plate assembly reducing the amount of force needed to release an engaged clutch.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2021Date of Patent: November 1, 2022Inventor: Jesse Kassler
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Patent number: 11479323Abstract: An automatic bicycle shifter making use of a sheathed cable actuator utilizing a pulley arrangement to energize actuation cable thereof with high adaptability to single and double cable arrangement devices and provided with a gearbox employing a worm gearset for positive retention of actuated position and an encoder for accurate and programmable operation.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2021Date of Patent: October 25, 2022Inventor: Hazem Nihad Hamed
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Patent number: 11479318Abstract: A bicycle operating apparatus for wirelessly controlling at least one component of a bicycle includes a carrier element on a fastening device for fixing the bicycle operating apparatus to a handlebar of the bicycle, a housing attachable to the carrier element having an energy storage compartment for receiving an energy storage element and having an electronic circuit arrangement in the housing. At least one switch is connected to the electronic circuit arrangement on the housing. An operating component mounted on the carrier element to be pivotable about an operating axis preloaded into a neutral position which is able to be deflected out of the neutral position in a first direction of rotation about the operating axis in order to actuate the switch, and the operating axis extends obliquely with respect to the flat outer surface.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2020Date of Patent: October 25, 2022Assignee: SRAM DEUTSCHLAND GmbHInventors: Alexander Linke, Wolfram Frank, Thorsten Hamisch
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Patent number: 11440612Abstract: A throttle grip device includes: a throttle grip; an interlocking member including an engaged portion engaged with an engaging portion formed on the throttle grip, and rotating in conjunction with the normal rotation and the reversed rotation of the throttle grip; a first urging unit configured to urge the interlocking member toward the initial position when the throttle grip is subjected to the normal rotation; a second urging unit configured to urge the interlocking member toward the initial position when the throttle grip is subjected to the reversed rotation; a rotation angle detecting unit detecting a rotation angle of the throttle grip by detecting a rotation angle of the interlocking member; and a pressing unit pressing the engaging portion against the engaged portion by an urging force of the second urging unit when the throttle grip is in the initial position.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2020Date of Patent: September 13, 2022Assignees: ASAHI DENSO CO., LTD., SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATIONInventors: Yukio Oshiro, Shota Miike
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Patent number: 11420708Abstract: A fixed and stable anti-pinch brake handlebar includes a handle piece, a fixing screw, a fixing block, a return spring, a brake cable housing fixing block, a brake cable housing fixing slot, an adjusting nut, a brake cable fixing slot, screw-threaded fixing holes and a semi-circular block. The handle piece is movably connected to the fixing block via the fixing screw. The return spring is provided on the fixing screw. The brake cable housing fixing block is provided at an end of the handle piece. The brake cable housing fixing slot is provided on the brake cable housing fixing block. The adjusting nut is provided on the brake cable housing fixing slot. The brake cable fixing slot is provided on the fixing block. Both sides of the fixing block are provided with the screw-threaded fixing holes. The fixing block is connected to the semi-circular block via the screw-threaded fixing holes.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2020Date of Patent: August 23, 2022Inventors: Yihuai Wang, Yao Chen
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Patent number: 11318919Abstract: A hidden braking device includes a brake handle, a brake member controlling a wheel set, and a connecting member disposed in a main frame having telescoping upper and lower frames. The connecting member has an upper stem connected to the brake handle and having fixing notches, a lower stem connected to the brake member, a locking set disposed on the lower frame and mainly including a locking unit, and an adjusting set connected to both stems. The adjusting set mainly has an operating unit on which a first spring unit is disposed, an engaging case and a positioning case disposed relative to each other, and an elastic unit located between both cases and engaged with the fixing notches. The first spring unit pushes the operating unit while loosening the locking unit to thereby position the engaging case and adjust a full length of the main frame quickly.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2019Date of Patent: May 3, 2022Inventor: Jiang-Ping Zhong
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Patent number: 11192483Abstract: A cable assembly has a link, a cable connector and a cable. The link has a slot near a distal end of the link. The cable connector comprises a shaft near a proximal end of the cable connector and an opening near a distal end of the cable connector. The shaft is engaged with the slot of the link. The cable has a stopper at an end of the cable. The cable extends through the opening, and the stopper extends above the opening.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2019Date of Patent: December 7, 2021Assignee: Magna Seating Inc.Inventor: Meredith Wood
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Patent number: 11124261Abstract: A bar end mounting structure in a handle which is capable of improving the ease of maintenance of a bar end. A handlebar with a hollow shape has an L-shaped groove. The L-shaped groove is comprised of a first groove portion, which is formed in a longitudinal direction of the handlebar in a manner extending from an opening end, and a second groove portion, which is formed in substantially a circumferential direction of the handlebar and is contiguous to the first groove portion. The bar end and the screw support unit are fixed to the handlebar by screwing the screw into the screw support unit in a state in which the projecting portion of the screw support unit is in engagement with the second groove portion.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2019Date of Patent: September 21, 2021Assignee: TOYO DENSO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Shoji Kishi, Takayuki Otani, Toshikazu Murata
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Patent number: 11052882Abstract: A lever assembly may have a control lever having at least one lever coupling portion delimiting a lever rotation seat. The assembly may also have a lever support having at least one support tooth with a tooth seat. An articulation pin may be received in the tooth seat and in the lever rotation seat. The lever assembly may have at least one cover connected to the lever support at least partially closing one of the tooth seat and rotation seat to prevent the pin from exiting said seats, thus rotatably constraining the lever to the support.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2017Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Assignee: Freni Brembo S.p.A.Inventors: Roberto Lavezzi, Alessandro Esposito, Ivan Maggioni
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Patent number: 11021213Abstract: A bicycle operating device includes a base, a positioning ratchet, a positioning pawl and a release. The base includes a base plate having first and second oppositely facing surfaces. The positioning pawl is movable between holding and releasing positions. The positioning pawl engages the positioning ratchet to selectively establish predetermined positions of the positioning ratchet while in the holding position. The positioning pawl disengages from the positioning ratchet to permit the positioning ratchet to move in one direction while in the releasing position. The release is movable between first and second positions. The release moves the positioning pawl from the holding position to the releasing position as the release moves from the first position towards the second position. The release contacts the positioning pawl at a contact area disposed between the first and second oppositely facing surfaces while the release is in the second position.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2018Date of Patent: June 1, 2021Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventor: Tsuyoshi Nakamura
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Patent number: 11001336Abstract: A bicycle braking system includes a lever assembly, a parking brake mechanism, and a positioning assembly. The lever assembly includes a housing and a brake lever pivotably disposed on the housing. The housing has a first positioning structure, and the brake lever has an engagement portion. The parking brake mechanism includes a control handle pivotably disposed on the housing so as to be engaged or disengaged with the engagement portion. The positioning assembly includes a positioning handle pivotably disposed on the control handle and having a locked position and an unlocked position. when the positioning handle is in the locked position, the positioning handle is positioned at the first positioning structure so as to stop the control handle from be pivoted with respect to the housing. When the positioning handle is in the unlocked position, the positioning handle is removed from the first positioning structure.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2020Date of Patent: May 11, 2021Assignee: TEKTRO TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventor: Chao-Kung Chen
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Patent number: 10994799Abstract: The clutch lever includes a pivot at a proximal end which pivots relative to a mounting bracket and has an arm extending distally from the proximal end. An anchor recess is provided adjacent to the pivot at the proximal end. A post extends from an inner wall of the anchor recess. A clutch cable with a head at a distal end, and with a hole in the head, can fit within the anchor recess with the post passing through the hole in the head. The post and sidewalls thus support the clutch cable relative to the clutch lever. A cap encloses the anchor recess with a depression on an inner face thereof, sized to receive and support a tip of the post therein. The post is thus securely supported at both a base and a tip of the post.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2019Date of Patent: May 4, 2021Inventor: Arthur Zaehnle
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Patent number: 10966896Abstract: A braking system for a rollator with a frame includes an adjustable handle to be installed on a right subframe or a left subframe of the frame of the rollator, a bracket fixedly connected to the handle, a lever rotatably connected to the bracket, a lock movably connected to the bracket and configured to fix the lever in a locked position when the lock is moved relative to the bracket once the lever is rotated toward the frame, and a wire operably connected between the lever and a brake on the frame of the rollator, such that the wire applies the brake when the lever is rotated toward the bracket and when the lever is fixed in the locked position.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2017Date of Patent: April 6, 2021Assignee: MAPLE LEAF MEDICAL SERVICES LLCInventors: Heather DeBrock, Drew DeBrock
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Patent number: 10960867Abstract: There is disclosed a motorcycle parking brake device adapted to be mounted to the master cylinder of a braking system. The brake device includes a bolt portion with a stem portion which extends to a head having a flange. The stem portion includes a threaded portion, a cylindrical first seat, a recessed portion, and a second seat. The stem portion has a stem channel with an O-ring slot containing an O-ring seal. A hydraulic fluid opening extends through the recessed portion and into the stem channel. The central stem channel extends to a head channel. A plunger is coupled to the bolt portion for reciprocal movement between a disengaged position and an engaged position. The plunger has a shank, a piston, and a push plate. The brake device also has a seal fitted about the second seat and a resilient D-ring seal fitted about the first seat.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2019Date of Patent: March 30, 2021Assignee: Bullet Brake, LLCInventor: Stephen Eric Normyle
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Patent number: 10889348Abstract: A bicycle operating device includes a base member coupled to a handlebar clamp and a user operated member movably coupled to the base member to move a mechanical control cable with respect to the base member. The base member includes a coupling portion coupled to the handlebar clamp. The coupling portion includes an elongated hole having a long direction extending parallel to a center axis of the handlebar clamp. The coupling portion is coupled to the handlebar clamp via a fastener extending into the elongated hole. The user operated member is movable with respect to the base member between a rest position and an operated position. The bicycle operating device does not mechanically fix a position of the mechanical control cable with respect to the base member in accordance with movement of the user operated member between the rest position and the operated position.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2018Date of Patent: January 12, 2021Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Kentaro Miyazaki, Kazutaka Fukao, Yoshimitsu Miki, Kohei Obuchi
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Patent number: 10889346Abstract: An electric twist-grip operating device is basically provided with a base member and a switch unit. The base member is configured to be mounted around a bicycle handlebar. The switch unit is configured to output a first control signal to control a bicycle apparatus including at least one of a height adjustable seatpost and a suspension, the switch unit including a rotary operating member rotatable with respect to the base member about a longitudinal axis of the bicycle handlebar, the switch unit being configured to output one of the first control signal and a second control signal in response to a movement of the rotary operating member, the second control signal being different from the first control signal.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2017Date of Patent: January 12, 2021Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventor: Yuta Kurokawa
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Patent number: 10843764Abstract: A control system for use by a rider of a vehicle, comprising a handlebar with a grip extending along a grip axis, and a throttle assembly with a housing and mount adapted for attachment to the handlebar along a housing axis arranged coincident to the grip axis and laying in a longitudinal reference plane defining a forward side and a rider side. A thumb trigger is arranged for movement between a first trigger position and a second trigger position, and comprises a thumb pad arranged for engagement by the rider, and a trigger interface supported for rotation about a pivot axis defined by the housing and arranged at an oblique angle relative to the housing axis taken normal to the longitudinal reference plane such that at least a portion of the thumb pad remains on the rider side as the thumb trigger moves between the first and second trigger positions.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2018Date of Patent: November 24, 2020Assignee: KA Group AGInventor: Aaron Hengst
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Patent number: 10843763Abstract: A bicycle operating device comprises a base member, a brake operating lever, an additional operating lever, an electrical switch, and a wireless communication unit. The brake operating lever is pivotally coupled to the base member in a first direction. The additional operating lever is pivotally coupled to one of the base member and the brake operating lever in a second direction and in a third direction different from the first direction and the second direction. The electrical switch is to provide an electric signal in response to a movement of the additional operating lever in the third direction. The electrical switch is disposed at the base member. The wireless communication unit is connected to the electrical switch to transmit a wireless signal based on the electric signal.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2016Date of Patent: November 24, 2020Assignee: SHIMANO INC.Inventors: Atsushi Komatsu, Takafumi Nishino, Takehiko Nakajima
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Patent number: 10821950Abstract: The invention relates to a braking device (10) for a vehicle having a handlebar and a brake cable (C), said device comprising a support (18) provided with a fastener sleeve (20) and including a receiving cavity (19) for receiving the nipple (Ca) of the brake cable, said device further comprising a pivot body (24) mounted to pivot about a pivot axis (Y), the pivot body comprising both a brake handle (26) and also a guide member (34) for guiding the brake cable into the pivot body and extending along an axis (Z), the axis of the guide member extending transversely relative to a plane (P) that is perpendicular to the pivot axis, and the guide member and the brake handle extending on opposite sides of the support.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2017Date of Patent: November 3, 2020Assignee: DECATHLONInventor: David Petitdemange
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Patent number: 10780934Abstract: A seat rod clamp assembly and a vehicle is described. The seat tube clamp assembly includes an annular hoop having a notch, the annular hoop having a locking portion on each side of the notch, and the annular hoop having a post hole. The seat tube clamp assembly includes a wrench rotatably connected to the two locking portions, and at least one pair of eccentric washers, such that one of the eccentric washers is fixed to one of the locking portions, the other of the eccentric washers is correspondingly fixed to the wrench, an end surface of each of the eccentric washers has an inclined surface, and the end surfaces of the two eccentric washers are abutted against each other.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2018Date of Patent: September 22, 2020Assignee: BEIJING MOBIKE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.Inventor: Weiwei Hu
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Patent number: 10745082Abstract: A bicycle operating device includes a base member, an actuator arranged to be movable with respect to the base member and having a cable holder, and a user operated input arranged to be movable with respect to the base member to move the actuator. In a state where the actuator is located in a first position, the user operated input moves the actuator from the first position to a second position by being operated with respect to the base member in a first direction. In a state where the actuator is located in the second position, the user operated input moves the actuator from the second position to the first position by being operated in the first direction or a second direction, which differs from the first direction.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2018Date of Patent: August 18, 2020Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventor: Tatsuya Kawakami
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Patent number: 10737745Abstract: This invention relates to a double linkage safety brake system, which includes at least a brake handle, a base, a rear wheel brake wire, a front wheel brake line, a rear wheel brake and a front wheel brake. Said brake handle is provided with a first connecting rod and a second connection rod, the driving arm of brake handle is provided with a first shaft hole and a second shaft hole, the second shaft hole is an arc-shaped elongated hole, the distance between the first shaft hole and the shaft 200 is smaller than the distance between the second shaft hole and the shaft. A first support shaft is pivoted between the first shaft hole and the first connecting rod, and the outer side of the first connecting rod is connected to said rear wheel brake wire. A second support shaft is pivoted between the second shaft slot and the second connecting rod, and the outer side of the second connecting rod is connected to the front wheel brake wire.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2016Date of Patent: August 11, 2020Assignee: GINDA NEW-TECH CO., LTD.Inventor: Jui-Lung Chang
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Patent number: 10737775Abstract: A control member that is operable by a pilot to vary thrust from a thrust system of an aircraft. The control member comprises a stick and a movable assembly including a grip. The grip is linked to the stick via a helical link, rotation of the grip about the stick giving rise to movement in translation of the grip together with the movable assembly along the stick, the grip being movable in translation in both a first direction in translation and in a second direction in translation that is opposite to the first direction in translation.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2017Date of Patent: August 11, 2020Assignee: AIRBUS HELICOPTERSInventors: Jean-Romain Bihel, Zouhair Sassi
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Patent number: 10723404Abstract: A system for controlling a vehicle fitted with electrical controls, the control system includes a handgrip mounted on a shaft and fitted with a position sensor and with a return spring which is fixed by one end to the handgrip so as to generate a return moment that opposes the twisting of the handgrip. The system includes at least one actuator able to move a cam mounted on the shaft and able to: modify the preload of the return spring according to the position of the cam to which the other end of the return spring is fixed, and/or modify the travel of the handgrip by collaborating with an end stop of the handgrip, the end stop coming into contact with a cam at the end of the travel.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2018Date of Patent: July 28, 2020Assignees: Continental Automotive France, Continental Automotive GmbHInventors: Loïc Trocme, Pascal Rochard
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Patent number: 10696352Abstract: A bicycle operating device comprises a base member, an operating member, an operating structure, and an operating unit. The operating member is movable relative to the base member between a rest position and an operated position. The operating structure includes a take-up member movable relative to the base member to move a first operation cable in a pulling direction and a releasing direction opposite to the pulling direction. The operating unit is mounted to the base member to operate a second bicycle component in response to an input operation from a user. The operating unit includes an electrical switch and a controller. The electrical switch is configured to receive the input operation from the user. The controller is configured to generate an operation signal to operate the second bicycle component in response to the input operation inputted from the electrical switch.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2017Date of Patent: June 30, 2020Assignee: SHIMANO INC.Inventors: Kazutaka Fukao, Yasuhisa Watanabe
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Patent number: 10583890Abstract: A bar-end device assembly is provided for a tube member of a bicycle. The bar-end device assembly has a base member that includes a mounting portion, a first shoe and a second shoe. The mounting portion is configured to be mounted within an interior of a free end provided on the tube member. The first shoe is configured to engage the interior of the tube member as the mounting portion is mounted to the tube member with the first mounting shoe disposed on the mounting portion. The second shoe is configured to engage the interior of the tube member as the mounting portion is mounted to the tube member with the second mounting shoe disposed on the mounting portion. The first and second shoes have different configurations and are used one at a time to change an effective mounting dimension of the base member.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2017Date of Patent: March 10, 2020Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Yasuyuki Komada, Kohei Ohyabu
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Patent number: 10562584Abstract: A bicycle operating device comprises a base member, an operating member, a piston, and an electrical switch. The base member includes a first end portion to be mounted to a bicycle handlebar, a second end portion opposite to the first end portion, and a cylinder bore. The operating member includes a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The proximal end portion is pivotally coupled to the base member about a pivot axis. The distal end portion is farther from the proximal end portion than the pivot axis. The piston is movably provided in the cylinder bore and operatively coupled to the operating member to move in the cylinder bore in response to a pivotal movement of the operating member. The electrical switch is provided at the second end portion. The electrical switch is farther from the distal end portion of the operating member than the pivot axis.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2016Date of Patent: February 18, 2020Assignee: SHIMANO INC.Inventor: Yasuyuki Komada
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Patent number: 10543884Abstract: A bicycle operating device is basically provided with a base member, a positioning ratchet, a first positioning pawl and a second positioning pawl. The positioning ratchet pivots with respect to the base member about a pivot axis. The positioning ratchet pivots in first and second directions. The first and second positioning pawls are pivotally mounted about a pawl pivot axis between holding positions and releasing positions. The first and second positioning pawls include contact points that selectively contact the positioning ratchet to prevent pivoting of the positioning ratchet in the first direction while the holding position. The contact points of the first and second positioning pawls are perpendicularly spaced from the pawl pivot axis by first and second linear lengths, respectively, that are different. The pivot axis and the pawl pivot axis defines a plane. The first and second contact points are located on a same side of the plane.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2017Date of Patent: January 28, 2020Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Tsuyoshi Nakamura, Kazutaka Fukao
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Patent number: 10532790Abstract: A bicycle control device has a body for mounting on a bicycle handlebar and a brake lever that rotates about a predetermined axis. The body has abutment portions defining a first brake lever release position and at least one second brake lever release position. The control device includes an adjuster for selecting a release position. The adjuster has a pin that is mounted on the brake lever and slides substantially parallel to the predetermined axis between abutment portions and a coupler that couples with the pin; the coupler being fixed with the brake lever and configured to selectively stop the pin in a selected position.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2017Date of Patent: January 14, 2020Assignee: Campagnolo S.r.l.Inventor: Christian Marangon
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Patent number: 10532788Abstract: A bicycle operating device is basically provided with a first base member, a lever and an operating unit. The first base member includes a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion is configured to be coupled to a handlebar. The second end portion is opposite to the first end portion. The first base member extends along a longitudinal direction from the first end portion to the second end portion. The lever is pivotally coupled to the first base member about a lever axis. The operating unit includes a second base member and an operating member. The second base member includes a mounting portion that is mounted to the second end portion of the first base member. The operating member is movably coupled to the second base member between a rest position and an operated position to operate a bicycle telescopic apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2017Date of Patent: January 14, 2020Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventor: Nobukatsu Hara
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Patent number: 10513308Abstract: A hydraulic brake control apparatus for attaching to an open ended handlebar of a vehicle, the handlebar having a longitudinal axis. The hydraulic brake control apparatus includes a brake housing that is attachable to the handlebar, the brake housing including a first section residing outside the handlebar, and a second section sized and shaped to be received inside the handlebar.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2017Date of Patent: December 24, 2019Assignee: SRAM, LLCInventors: Brian T. Jordan, Andreas Vonend, Andreas Guender