Flexible Control Element Patents (Class 74/489)
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Patent number: 10351199Abstract: A wiring structure of a grip heater includes an accelerator grip, a grip pulley, an accelerator position sensor configured to detect an amount of rotation of the grip pulley, and a grip heater, an engaging section that is configured to engage the grip pulley with the accelerator position sensor and transmit the amount of rotation of the grip pulley to the accelerator position sensor is installed at the grip pulley and the accelerator position sensor, a feeder cable is connected to the grip heater, and the feeder cable is wound on an outer circumference of the engaging section.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2017Date of Patent: July 16, 2019Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takuya Osanai, Yutaka Kikuchi
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Patent number: 10300983Abstract: An operating assembly for a small vehicle including a bicycle is basically provided with a base member, an operating member, a handlebar fixing structure and a handlebar spacer. The base member includes a support. The operating member is movably coupled to the base member. The handlebar fixing structure is coupled to base member. The handlebar fixing structure defines a handlebar receiving area. The support is spaced from the handlebar receiving area of the handlebar fixing structure in a parallel direction parallel to a handlebar axis defined by the handlebar receiving area. The handlebar spacer is disposed between a handlebar and one of the support and the handlebar fixing structure in a mounted state where the operating device is mounted to the handlebar.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2017Date of Patent: May 28, 2019Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Mototsugu Nakai, Kohei Obuchi, Kentaro Kosaka, Takahiro Yamashita, Toshio Tetsuka
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Patent number: 10279858Abstract: A vehicle steered by handlebars has a handlebar tube. A handlebar fastener for a switchgear unit includes an adapter device for receiving the switchgear unit and a fastening device for fastening the adapter device to the handlebar tube of the vehicle steered by handlebars. The adapter device has a torque support device.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2016Date of Patent: May 7, 2019Assignee: Gustav Magenwirth GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Michael Ruopp, Christian Neutsch
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Patent number: 10239581Abstract: A shift and brake lever assembly including a brake lever having a first surface facing a handlebar and a second surface facing away from a handlebar. A shift lever may be mounted to the second surface of the brake lever using mounting components. Complementary apertures of the various mounting components may lie on a common longitudinal axis.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2013Date of Patent: March 26, 2019Assignee: Gevenalle, IncInventor: Adam John Clement
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Patent number: 10215220Abstract: A cable assembly is provided for use with Bowden cables that combines a splitter and compensator. The cable assembly includes a hollow housing having a longitudinal axis, a first end defining a first aperture for receiving the wire of an input cable, and a second end defining a second aperture for receiving the wires of the output cables. A slider is provided within the housing for joining the wires of the input and output cables. The slider is configured for movement within the housing and along the axis. A conduit cap fixes the conduits of the output cables to one another. The conduit cap is configured for movement within the housing. A compression spring is configured to bias the conduit cap away from the first end of the housing.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2017Date of Patent: February 26, 2019Assignee: Magna Seating IncInventor: David M Runde
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Patent number: 10155563Abstract: A bike brake lever with an adjustable sensor device includes a main body and a sensor device. The main body has a symmetry plane longitudinally defined through the main body and a pivot seat mounted on the main body and located along the symmetry plane. The sensor device is rotatably connected with the pivot seat of the main body and has a pivot portion rotatably connected with the pivot seat and a detecting portion connected with the pivot portion. The sensor device of the bike brake lever is adjustable for position switch. The bike brake lever is universal for both sides of a bike, meets the user's demand, and also reduces the manufacture cost.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2017Date of Patent: December 18, 2018Assignee: LEE CHI ENTERPRISES CO., LTD.Inventors: Wen-Tsung Liu, Guo-Yuan Huang
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Patent number: 10144483Abstract: A bicycle component control device basically includes a bracket and a bicycle component operating unit. The bicycle component operating unit is disposed in an interior space of the bracket. The bicycle component operating unit includes an operating member protruding toward outside of the interior space. The bracket includes a plurality of bracket parts being separate pieces from each other and non-movably fixed to at least one adjacent one of the plurality of bracket parts that define the interior space. The plurality of bracket parts is further configured relative to each other such that a connecting seam formed on the bracket extends along at least three of a mounting surface, an upper surface, a lower surface, a first side surface and a second side surface of the bracket.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2011Date of Patent: December 4, 2018Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Yoshimitsu Miki, Kazutaka Fukao, Kentaro Kosaka
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Patent number: 10131406Abstract: A bicycle operating device comprises a base member, a cable control body, a positioning pawl, a stopping member, and a stopping pawl. The positioning pawl is movable between a holding position to stop a movement of the cable control body in a first direction, and a non-holding position to allow a movement of the cable control body in the first direction. The stopping pawl is movable between a stopping position to stop a movement of the stopping member in the first direction, and a non-stopping position to allow a movement of the stopping member in the first direction. The stopping member is coupled to the cable control body such that the cable control body is movable relative to the stopping member within a movable range while the stopping pawl is arranged at the stopping position.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2015Date of Patent: November 20, 2018Assignee: SHIMANO INC.Inventors: Kentaro Kosaka, Yoshimitsu Miki, Kazunori Okubo
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Patent number: 10065706Abstract: A bicycle component fixing structure includes at least one bracket including at least one connecting portion and at least one fixing portion. The connecting portion is connected to the bicycle component. The fixing portion extends from the connecting portion and is fixed with respect to an outer peripheral surface of a cylindrical portion having an open end. The fixing portion includes at least one inner surface that opposes an outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion, and at least one outer surface that faces in the opposite direction from the inner surface. The fixing portion is fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion by a pressing force that acts on the outer surface. The bracket fixes the bicycle component to the open end of the cylindrical portion, in a state in which the fixing portion is fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2016Date of Patent: September 4, 2018Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Yoshinori Iino, Kazuhiro Fujii, Eiji Mishima
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Patent number: 10029567Abstract: A vehicle has a frame, and an engine and a steering assembly including a handlebar 5 connected to the frame. The laterally extending handlebar defines a handlebar axis. A throttle body, in fluid communication with the engine, has a throttle valve having open and closed positions for controlling fluid flow to the engine. A throttle control module, controlling the position of the throttle valve, comprises a housing rotatably connected to the handlebar and a lever operatively connected to the throttle valve to control its position. The lever extends 10 laterally from the housing and connects pivotably thereto. The pivot axis is perpendicular to the handlebar axis and spaced from the handlebar. The lever pivots between an idle and drive position.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2013Date of Patent: July 24, 2018Assignee: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.Inventors: Michel Lefebvre, Richard Lefebvre, Jean-Sebastien Pard
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Patent number: 10005521Abstract: A bicycle component operating device has a base member, an operating member, a positioning ratchet member, a pulling pawl, a positioning pawl, a release member and a releasing pawl. The positioning ratchet member is rotatably mounted to the base member. The pulling pawl rotates the positioning ratchet member in a first rotational direction in response to a pulling operation of the operating member. The positioning pawl prevents rotation of the positioning ratchet member in the second rotational direction while the positioning pawl is in a holding position. The positioning pawl releases the positioning ratchet member for rotation in the second rotational direction while the positioning pawl is in a releasing position. The releasing pawl moves the release member in response to a releasing operation of the operating member. The release member moves the positioning pawl from the holding position to the releasing position in response to the releasing operation.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2016Date of Patent: June 26, 2018Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Kentaro Miyazaki, Kazutaka Fukao, Tsuyoshi Nakamura
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Patent number: 9937977Abstract: A bicycle operating system comprises a first operating device and a take-up device. The take-up device is configured to be provided in a tubular part of a bicycle body. The take-up device is configured to move a control cable configured to be connected to a bicycle component. The take-up device is operatively coupled to the first operating device via a first control element.Type: GrantFiled: December 25, 2014Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: SHIMANO INC.Inventor: Kazutaka Fukao
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Patent number: 9933110Abstract: Mounting apparatus is used for supporting an accessory device, e.g., a sensor, in a manner permitting adjustment. An accessory device-receiving mount is fixable to the accessory device and has at least one surface forming a cross-section permitting adjustment in at least one degree of freedom. A clamp ring engages the device-receiving mount at the surface, so that the cross-section permitting adjustment. A clamping mechanism selectively clamps the clamp ring and includes a manually threaded fastener and a lever-operated clamp tightener. The lever-operated clamp tightener acts on the manually threaded fastener to releasably tighten the clamping mechanism beyond that achieved by manually threading the manually threaded fastener, permitting manually threading the clamping arrangement at a maximum tension less than a full tension applied by the lever-operated clamp tightener.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2016Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignee: SICK, INC.Inventor: Christian Shepherd
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Patent number: 9878088Abstract: The invention provides a medical intravenous support apparatus that facilitates patient mobility while reducing the likelihood of an accidental fall. The design incorporates improved features for bag support, tube management, cord management, patient steadiness, user-friendly braking, and electric power supply.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2016Date of Patent: January 30, 2018Inventor: Steven Mellard
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Patent number: 9873483Abstract: A bicycle control device includes a housing member, a control lever member, a shift-operating mechanism and a hydraulic fluid pressure generator. The housing member has an attachment part for attachment to a handlebar, and a grip part extending longitudinally between first and second ends of the grip part. The control lever member pivots respect to the housing member. The shift-operating mechanism is coupled to a shifting device by a control cable. The hydraulic fluid pressure generator has a cylinder and a piston movably disposed within the cylinder to generate fluid pressure for controlling a braking device. The hydraulic fluid pressure generator has an output port that transmits hydraulic pressure generated in the cylinder to outside of the cylinder, and a hydraulic fluid channel coupled to the output port. A connecting part fluidly communicates with the output port through the hydraulic fluid channel, and is connected an external hydraulic hose.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2013Date of Patent: January 23, 2018Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Etsuyoshi Watarai, Osamu Kariyama, Tatsuya Matsushita, Masahiro Nakakura
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Patent number: 9869340Abstract: A control cable actuation device designed to be attached to a handlebar-steered vehicle frame member for a cable assembly including a control cable slidably disposed within a control cable housing. The actuation device includes a cable adjuster attachable to the frame member and an actuation lever configured to displace one end of the control cable. The cable adjuster is configured to receive the control cable and to axially displace to slidably displace the cable within the cable housing under cable adjustment. The lever is rotatably attached to the cable adjuster about a first axis to slidably displace the cable within the cable housing under cable actuation. The lever is also configured to rotate about a second axis to axially displace the cable adjuster to slidably displace the cable within the cable housing under cable adjustment.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2009Date of Patent: January 16, 2018Assignee: SRAM, LLCInventor: Christopher Shipman
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Patent number: 9823681Abstract: An actuation device for bar-end bicycle gearshift comprises a mount adapted to be mounted to the end of handlebars facing forwards in the direction of travel. An actuation part is mounted on the mount in a neutral position with respect to the mount when no gearshifting is commanded. An adjuster is provided for adjusting the neutral position of the actuation part with respect to the mount. A cyclist can adjust the neutral position based on personal physical characteristics and preferences.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2012Date of Patent: November 21, 2017Assignee: Campagnolo S.r.l.Inventors: Maurizio Valle, Massimo Dal Pozzo
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Patent number: 9797434Abstract: A shift operating device for a bicycle comprises a mounting member structured to be mounted to the bicycle, a cable coupling member coupled to the mounting member for moving a cable in a cable pulling direction and a cable releasing direction, a positioning unit that selectively maintains the cable coupling member in a plurality of operating positions, a first operating member that moves in a first direction and in a second direction different from the first direction, and a transmission unit that transmits movement of the first operating member to the positioning unit such that the cable coupling member moves from an origin operating position toward a destination operating position when the first operating member moves in either of both the first direction and the second direction.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2006Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: Shimano, Inc.Inventors: Tatsuya Kawakami, Etsuyoshi Watarai
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Patent number: 9771129Abstract: A bicycle control device is basically provided with a housing, a base member, a user operating member and a fixing member. The housing has an internal space. The base member is at least partially disposed in the internal space and pivotally arranged relative to the housing about a first axis. The user operating member is adjustably mounted to the base member and partially disposed in the internal space. The user operating member has a user contacting portion. The fixing member fixes the user operating member to the base member at one of at least a first position and a second position.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2013Date of Patent: September 26, 2017Assignee: SHIMANO (SINGAPORE) PTE. LTD.Inventor: Guang Sheng Elson Lim
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Patent number: 9746872Abstract: An accelerator for small motor-vehicles allows an operator to control vehicle power output by flexing his or her index finger. The accelerator is designed for mounting on a handlebar but does not require a rotatable grip for operation. A lever is provided that rotates with applied force from the index finger, the lever rotating about an axis that is parallel or nearly parallel with the part of the handlebar that the hand rests on. A brake lever is also described that may be operated by the same hand that operates the accelerator.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2012Date of Patent: August 29, 2017Inventors: Michael Gordon Thielvoldt, Marvin Gordon Thielvoldt
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Patent number: 9731788Abstract: A bicycle component fixing structure has a fixing nut that is configured to be coupled to a handlebar clamp and a fixing bolt. The fixing nut includes a threaded bore with an entrance opening and an exit opening. The threaded bore has a first axial length between the entrance and exit openings. The fixing nut defines a bolt shaft receiving space that is disposed adjacent the bolt exit opening. The fixing bolt includes a head and a shaft. The shaft has a non-threaded portion disposed between first and second threaded portions. The first threaded portion is disposed closer to the head of the fixing bolt than the second threaded portion. The first and second threaded portions threadedly engage the threaded bore of the fixing nut. The non-threaded portion has a second axial length that is greater than the first axial length of the threaded bore of the fixing nut.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2015Date of Patent: August 15, 2017Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Toshihiko Takeuchi, Yoshimitsu Miki, Shinya Hirotomi
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Patent number: 9594393Abstract: A bicycle operating device is basically provided with a base member, a first operating member, a second operating member and an electric control unit. The base member is configured to be attached to a bicycle handlebar having a handlebar axis. The first operating member is supported on the base member such that the first operating member is configured to rotate about the handlebar axis while the base member is attached to the bicycle handlebar. The second operating member is supported on the base member such that the second operating member is configured to rotate about the handlebar axis while the base member is attached to the bicycle handlebar. The electric control unit generates a first signal and a second signal as the first operating member and the second operating member are operated respectively.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2013Date of Patent: March 14, 2017Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Kentaro Kosaka, Yoshimitsu Miki
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Patent number: 9527566Abstract: A throttle device for personal watercraft includes a body portion having an arch shape with a central axis extending perpendicular to a top of the arch shape. A first arm extends from the body portion away from the central axis, where the first arm has a first arm end portion for engaging a throttle lever of the watercraft. A second arm extends from the body portion away from the central axis in a spaced-apart relation to the first arm, where the second arm has a second arm end portion for engaging a handgrip of the watercraft. The throttle device is resilient, thereby allowing the arms to be spread apart during installation and biased to return towards a resting position with a resiliency sufficient to maintain a hand-operable throttle lever of the personal watercraft in a desired throttle position.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2015Date of Patent: December 27, 2016Inventor: Kelly J. Grillo
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Patent number: 9506406Abstract: A throttle control device includes a throttle lever fixed to a throttle shaft which is arranged to open or close a valve of a carburetor, an elastically deformable tube having a first end connected to a connection point on the throttle lever, the connection point being spaced from a rotating center of the throttle lever, and an intermediary section fixed at a first fixing position spaced from the connection point by a predetermined distance, and a throttle wire slidably accommodated in the tube and having a first end fixed at a second fixing position, the second fixing position being disposed outside the tube and at a distance from the first end of the tube, and a second end arranged to be manipulated by means of a throttle control lever so that the throttle wire moves relative to the tube, wherein the tube has a curved portion between the connection point and the first fixing position, the curvature radius of which changes due to the movement of the throttle wire relative to the tube.Type: GrantFiled: July 4, 2012Date of Patent: November 29, 2016Assignee: HUSQVARNA ABInventors: Takeshi Watanabe, Takashi Ohniwa
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Patent number: 9499230Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a fixation adapter for a handlebar. An apparatus includes a fixation adapter mounted on a handlebar, the fixation adapter including a body having a pin on a bottom surface to secure the body to the handlebar and a latch on a top surface to fixedly lock to a control unit housing, and the control unit housing slidably mounted to the fixation adapter, the control unit housing including a mounting area for mating to the latch of fixation adapter.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2015Date of Patent: November 22, 2016Assignee: Sensata Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Benjamin Russ, Michael Stoffers
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Patent number: 9463841Abstract: A bicycle brake and shift operating device is provided with a bicycle mounting bracket, a brake lever, a gear shifting mechanism, a first gear shift member and a connecting structure. The brake lever is pivotally connected to the mounting bracket about a first axis between a rest position and a brake operating position. The gear shifting mechanism is configured to operate a bicycle gear changing device to any one of a plurality of gear positions. The first gear shift member is pivotally mounted relative to the bicycle mounting bracket about a second axis. The first gear shift member is connected to the gear shifting mechanism to actuate the gear shifting mechanism. The connecting structure interconnects the brake lever and the first gear shift member together such that the first gear shift member pivots about the second axis in response to the brake lever being pivoted about the first axis.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2010Date of Patent: October 11, 2016Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventor: Tatsuya Kawakami
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Patent number: 9446813Abstract: A bicycle shifter for pulling and releasing a control cable connected to a gear change mechanism mountable at or near an end of the handlebar that returns to a neutral position after each shift operation to decrease aerodynamic drag encountered by the rider. The shifter includes a takeup member, a control mechanism, a holding mechanism and a return assembly. The takeup member is rotatable about a shift axis for winding and unwinding the control cable thereon in a cable-pull direction and a cable-release direction. The control mechanism is movable in a first direction to rotate the takeup member in the cable-pull direction and in a second direction to rotate the takeup member in the cable-release direction. The holding mechanism retains the takeup member in a selected position and the return assembly returns the control mechanism to the neutral position after each shift operation.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2006Date of Patent: September 20, 2016Assignee: SRAM, LLCInventors: Christopher Shipman, Kevin Wesling
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Patent number: 9365258Abstract: A bicycle brake and shift operating device is provided with a bracket, a brake operating member, a shift operating unit and a pawl releasing member. The brake lever is pivotally attached to the bracket at a pivot axis. The shift operating unit includes a takeup member pivotally mounted relative to the bracket and a locking pawl pivotally mounted relative to the bracket. The locking pawl moves between a locking position and a release position. The pawl releasing member pivots relative to the bracket to pivot. The pawl releasing member selectively locates the locking pawl from the locking position to the release position by pivoting around the third pivot axis. The pivot axis of the pawl releasing member is offset from both of the pivot axes of the takeup member and the locking pawl.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2010Date of Patent: June 14, 2016Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventor: Tatsuya Kawakami
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Patent number: 9321501Abstract: A bicycle control device is basically provided with a bracket and an operating unit. The bracket is configured to be coupled to a handlebar. The operating unit is configured to be pivotally mounted to the bracket around a first axis. The operating unit includes a shift unit, a first operating member and a pivot axle structure. The shift unit is configured to operate a wire. The first operating member is configured to operate the shift unit. The pivot axle structure is configured to pivotally mount the operating unit to the bracket around the first axis. The pivot axle structure defines a wire receiving passageway for the wire.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2014Date of Patent: April 26, 2016Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Yoshimitsu Miki, Yasuhisa Watanabe, Kazutaka Fukao
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Patent number: 9260915Abstract: This actuator device (1) is for actuating a release member for a motor and gearbox unit for applying rotary drive to a tube for winding a closure or solar protection screen. The release member is controlled by means of a cable. The device comprises a tensioner mechanism (20, 30) for tensioning the cable (11) in an actuation direction (Fa, Fa?), at least one locking means for locking the tensioner mechanism, and at least one unlocking means (41a) for unlocking the tensioner mechanism. The unlocking means are actuatable in a direction substantially perpendicular to the actuation direction.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2007Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: SIMUInventor: Jerome Tyrode
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Patent number: 9260154Abstract: A handlebar grip (10) for a throttle twist grip (1) is arranged on a handlebar tube of a vehicle and is intended for actuating an actuator which determines the fuel supply for an internal combustion engine of the vehicle). The handlebar grip (10) has a spring engagement section (12) for engagement of a restoring spring (20). The spring engagement section (12) is formed in an outer region of the handlebar grip (10) in the longitudinal direction of the handlebar grip (10).Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2007Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: Gustav Magenwirth GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Johann Mauch
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Patent number: 9156518Abstract: A cable operating mechanism is basically provided with a fixed member, a wire takeup member, a wire pulling member and a movement transmission member. The wire takeup member is movably mounted with respect to the fixed member about a first pivot axis to move between a plurality of predetermined wire positions. The wire takeup member includes a wire attachment part. The wire pulling member is movably mounted with respect to the fixed member. The movement transmission member is pivotally mounted with respect to the fixed member about a second pivot axis that is offset from the first pivot axis. The movement transmission member is operatively coupled to the wire pulling member and the wire takeup member such that a movement of the wire pulling member is transmitted to the wire takeup member via the movement transmission member.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2008Date of Patent: October 13, 2015Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventor: Tatsuya Kawakami
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Patent number: 9126650Abstract: A control device for a bicycle with curved handlebars is described, comprising a support body fixable to the handlebars of the bicycle and a brake lever pivoted to the support body, a resisting arm of which integrally moves with an end of a brake cable, the support body having a grippable distal-upper projection, the brake lever having a first actuation area in a first riding condition gripping the support body, and a second actuation area in a second riding condition gripping the projection.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2008Date of Patent: September 8, 2015Assignee: Campagnolo S.r.l.Inventors: Giuseppe Dal Pra′, Andrea De Pretto
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Patent number: 9045193Abstract: Integrated control device for a bicycle, has a support body configured to be fixed to a handlebar of a bicycle and a single lever that is mobile with respect to the support body to command both a brake and a derailleur by movement of the lever in first and second directions of movement, opposite one another; the single lever has a rest position in which it commands neither the brake nor the derailleur and it is mobile in a first direction to command the brake; the single lever is mobile in a second direction different from the first direction by a first distance to command movement of the derailleur in its first direction and by a second distance different from the first to command movement of the derailleur in its second direction.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2008Date of Patent: June 2, 2015Assignee: Campagnolo S.r.l.Inventor: Giuseppe Dal Pra′
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Publication number: 20150145230Abstract: A method and apparatus to brake a bicycle is disclosed. An elongated member is attach to a front mounting post of a bicycle and extends outward from the front mounting post in a substantially horizontal plane. The elongated member includes a pair of wide main sections respectively disposed adjacent the midsection and is adapted to support arms of a bicycle rider when the elongated member is attached to the front mounting post. A first recess is formed in the member bottom that is located adjacent a member end. A pin is coupled to the member and extends through the recess. The brake handle is positioned at least partially within each recess. A brake handle is rotatably coupled to the pin. The brake handles couples to a bicycle brake cable to brake the bicycle in response to a bicycle user partially rotating the handle about the pin within the recess.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2013Publication date: May 28, 2015Applicant: BikeStreet USAInventor: David L. Poole
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Patent number: 9027434Abstract: An actuator for pulling and releasing a bicycle control cable, including an actuator body including a hollow interior. A plunger is disposed in the hollow interior and is axially movable. The plunger includes at least one driving lug and at least one latching lug. A latching ring is rotatably disposed in the hollow interior, the rotation of which by the plunger lugs creates a cable pull and a cable release state of the actuator.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2012Date of Patent: May 12, 2015Assignee: SRAM, LLCInventor: Eric Neeley
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Publication number: 20150101441Abstract: In a motorcycle including grips provided at lateral ends of a steering handlebar to be grasped by an occupant, and a brake lever and a clutch lever provided forward of the steering handlebar, lever guards are provided at the lateral ends of the steering handlebar and extend forward to protect the brake lever and the clutch lever. Mirror bodies are attached to front portions of the lever guards.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2014Publication date: April 16, 2015Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Dai HARADA, Hiroaki TSUKUI
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Patent number: 8978511Abstract: A position control mechanism is provided for a bicycle control device that basically has a fixed member, a first positioning member and a second positioning member and an operating member. The fixed member includes a first tooth and a second tooth. The first positioning member includes a first positioning tooth selectively contacting the first tooth to prevent the first positioning member from moving in a first direction. The second positioning member includes a second positioning tooth selectively contacting the second tooth to prevent the second positioning member from moving in the first direction. The operating member is arranged relative to the first and second positioning members such that the first and second positioning members move relative to the fixed member and the first and second positioning teeth contact the first and second teeth alternately as the operating member is moved in the first direction.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2010Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventor: Tatsuya Kawakami
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Patent number: 8955863Abstract: A bicycle operating device is basically provided with a base member, a first operating member and an electrical switch. The base member is configured to be attached to a bicycle. The first operating member is movably supported on the base member to perform a first signal. The electrical switch is detachably disposed on the first operating member to move with the first operating member with respect to the base member and to perform a second signal.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2013Date of Patent: February 17, 2015Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Kentaro Kosaka, Yoshimitsu Miki
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Patent number: 8950287Abstract: A bicycle operating device is provided with a base member, a brake operating lever and a shift operating lever. The shift operating lever moves from a rest position in a second direction to perform a gear shift operation in response to operation of the shift operating lever by the user. The shift operating lever has a handlebar engagement portion that is moved by a handlebar of the bicycle relative to the brake operating lever in a third direction toward the brake operating lever to move closer to the brake operating lever when the brake operating lever is pivoted in the first direction by the user. The third direction is a non-shifting direction that is different from the first and second directions. The shift operating lever does not perform the gear shifting operation when moved in the third direction by the handlebar of the bicycle.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2013Date of Patent: February 10, 2015Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventor: Etsuyoshi Watarai
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Patent number: 8935969Abstract: A manual operator for a vehicle, wherein the manual operator can be simply operated, has a good appearance, and allows a sufficient space for a manual operator for a parking brake. A first manual operator (13) pivotably mounted on a handlebar (11) has an output section (26) mounted so as to be pivotable about the center of a first support shaft (12). A second manual operator (15) has an input section (44) provided so as to be pivotable about a second support shaft (14) when pushed by the output section (26). The second manual operator (15) is a manual operator adapted for a vehicle parking brake and capable of setting the vehicle to a parked state.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2009Date of Patent: January 20, 2015Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masayuki Hirukawa, Tetsuyoshi Kikuchi, Masaya Ishiguro
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Patent number: 8931366Abstract: A lockable braking device comprises a controlling set having a cover fixed to a frame, a braking grip pivoted to the cover and partially protruded out of the cover, a connecting member pivoted to the cover and one end thereof being propelled by the braking grip, and a crank pivoted to the cover and being motivated by the braking grip. Whereby, the braking grip adjustably controls a braking state of a braking unit to attain a common stopping performance and a constant stopping effect. Accordingly, the structure of the braking device is simplified and the operation thereof is more easy and handy.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2012Date of Patent: January 13, 2015Inventor: Ching-Tsang Wu
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Patent number: 8777788Abstract: A bicycle component positioning device includes a fixed member, an operating member and a positioning mechanism. The operating member has an input portion and an output portion. The positioning mechanism is operatively disposed between the operating member and the fixed member. The positioning mechanism includes a positioning member that is movable between a first position in which the positioning member is engaged with the fixed member and a second position in which the positioning member is disengaged from the fixed member. The positioning member is held in engagement with the fixed member in the first position by the input portion when the input portion is in an operating position. The positioning member is movable from the first position to the second position upon movement of the input portion from at least one of the operating positions.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2007Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Tatsuya Kawakami, Atsushi Iizuka
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Patent number: 8770059Abstract: A bicycle shift control device comprises a control body supported by a mounting member, wherein the mounting member defines a handlebar mounting axis (HB); a movable operating body; a transmission that converts movement of the operating body into rotation of the control body; and an interface member movably mounted relative to the operating body. The interface member pivots around a pivot axis (P) for moving the operating body, wherein the pivot axis (P) is inclined relative to the handlebar mounting axis (HB). The interface member comprises a lever including an operating force receiving member and an operating force applying member extending from the operating force receiving member. The operating force receiving member extends from the pivot axis (P), and free ends of the operating force receiving member and the operating force applying member are spaced apart from each other.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2013Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignee: Shimano, Inc.Inventor: Tatsuya Kawakami
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Publication number: 20140174237Abstract: A bicycle control device includes a housing member, a control lever member, a shift-operating mechanism and a hydraulic fluid pressure generator. The housing member has an attachment part for attachment to a handlebar, and a grip part extending longitudinally between first and second ends of the grip part. The attachment part is provided on the first end of the grip part. The attachment part is provided on the first end of the grip part. The control lever member is pivotally provided with respect to the housing member. The shift-operating mechanism is supported by the housing member. The shift-operating mechanism includes a control cable attachment part that is configured to be coupled to a shifting device by a control cable. The hydraulic fluid pressure generator has a cylinder provided in the grip part of the housing member, and a piston movably disposed within the cylinder by movement of the control lever member to generate fluid pressure for controlling a braking device.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2013Publication date: June 26, 2014Applicant: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Etsuyoshi WATARAI, Osamu KARIYAMA, Tatsuya MATSUSHITA, Masahiro NAKAKURA
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Patent number: 8755969Abstract: A bicycle suspension control apparatus includes a user operating device and a control device. The control device is operatively coupled to the user operating device to selectively control a front bicycle suspension between a plurality of operating states and a rear bicycle suspension between a plurality of operating states. The control device is configured to selectively change the operating states of both the front and rear bicycle suspensions to different ones of the operating states in response to a single operation of the user operating device. The control device controls the front and rear bicycle suspensions such that a first operating state change operation of one of the front and rear bicycle suspensions occurs later than a second operating state change operation of the other of the front and rear bicycle suspensions.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2012Date of Patent: June 17, 2014Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Tadashi Ichida, Hideki Ikemoto, Toyoto Shirai
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Patent number: 8746106Abstract: A bicycle operating device operates a bicycle component by moving a winding member that moves a take-up member relative to a fixed member in first and second directions. A positioning member is movably arranged with respect to the fixed member between a non-holding position and a holding position to selectively engage a positioning ratchet that is fixed to the take-up member. In the holding position, the positioning member prevents the take-up member from moving in the second direction by selectively engaging one of at least three engaging portions of the positioning ratchet. A preventing member is movably arranged with respect to the positioning ratchet such that the preventing member prevents the positioning member from engaging an intermediate engaging portion of the positioning ratchet while the winding member moves the take-up member in the first direction.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2012Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Yoshimitsu Miki, Atsuhiro Emura, Kazutaka Fukao, Kazunori Ookubo
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Patent number: 8739648Abstract: A bicycle control device is basically provided with a base member, a shift control unit and an operating lever. The base member includes a handlebar mounting structure defining a handlebar receiving area with a central handlebar mounting axis. The shift control unit is mounted to the base member. The operating lever is pivotally mounted relative to the base member to pivot from a rest position towards the handlebar receiving area about a non-shift operating pivot axis that is angled relative to the handlebar receiving area such that the operating lever moves along a non-shift operating path that avoid interference with a handlebar in a lateral direction with respect to the handlebar receiving area.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2007Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Yoshimitsu Miki, Satoshi Shahana
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Patent number: 8720300Abstract: A bicycle gear shift operating device is a device configured to be mounted to a handlebar. The bicycle gear shift operating device includes at least one operating lever, a support member that supports the operating member and a mounting member that supports the support member on a handlebar. The mounting member has a mounting portion configured to be attached to the handlebar and a fastening portion that is configured to fasten the support member. The mounting member is configured to be selectively fasten the support member in either a first mounting orientation in which the fastening portion is offset in a first axial direction of the handlebar from the middle portion or a second mounting orientation in which the support member is offset in a second axial direction that is opposite the first axial direction.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2010Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Etsuyoshi Watarai, Kanji Kirimoto, Kenji Ose, Kazutaka Fukao, Yoshimitsu Miki
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Patent number: 8720301Abstract: A bicycle operating device includes a control member, first and second user operating members, a pivoting member and a transmission. The control member is rotated by actuation of the user operating members to control a control cable. The first user operating member rotates the control member in a first direction as the first user operating member rotates along a first motion plane. The second user operating member rotates the control member in a second direction as the second user operating member rotates along a second motion plane. The first and second motion planes form an angle in a range of twenty degrees to seventy degrees. The pivoting member pivots about a pivot axis that is offset from the operating axes of the user operating members to control movement of the control member by the transmission in response to the first user operating member being operated.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2012Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Tatsuya Kawakami, Yoshimitsu Miki, Kazutaka Fukao, Takafumi Nishino