Flexible Control Element Patents (Class 74/489)
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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: 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
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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: 8695454Abstract: A bicycle operating device is provided with a first operating unit, a second operating unit and a connecting member. The first operating unit includes a clamp portion for attaching the bicycle operating device to a bicycle and a first operating member. The second operating unit includes a second operating member. The connecting member includes first and second attachment portions. The first attachment portion is detachably attached to the first operating unit by a first adjustable connection. The second attachment portion is detachably attached to the second operating unit by a second adjustable connection. The first adjustable connection changes a relative position of the connecting member with respect to the clamp portion in a first direction. The second adjustable connection changes a relative position of the connecting member with respect to the second operating unit in a second direction that is different from the first direction.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2011Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventor: Akira Tsumiyama
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Patent number: 8695452Abstract: A shifter designed to actuate a gear change device of a bicycle by pulling and releasing a control cable. The shifter includes a base plate mountable to the bicycle, a cable spool and cable-pull and cable-release lever assemblies. The cable spool is rotated in a cable-pull direction to wind the control cable thereon and in a cable-release direction to unwind the control cable therefrom. The cable-pull and cable-release lever assemblies are operatively connected to the cable spool to rotate the cable spool in the cable-pull and cable-release directions, respectively. The cable-pull lever assembly includes a cable-pull lever rotated about a first axis and at least two winding pawls received by and rotating with the cable-pull lever about the first axis to transmit rotational movement of the cable-pull lever to the cable spool.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2013Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: SRAM Deutschland GmbHInventor: Martin Weiss
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Patent number: 8667861Abstract: A shifter is fixed on a handle of a bicycle and connected with a rear speed changer of a cable and contains: a body, a first bar, and a speed changing mechanism, the body including the first bar, a chamber to receive the speed changing mechanism, and two tabs, and each tab including a first hole, and the body including a first aperture arranged on a top end thereof and communicating with the chamber to insert the cable into the chamber via the first aperture so as to connect with a first seat, the body including a first retaining ring, the chamber including a first positioning pillar, an axial shaft, a second aperture, and a first returning spring, the first positioning pillar being provided to fix a first fixing piece in the chamber, and the axial shaft being used to axially position a first hook in the chamber.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2011Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Inventor: Chang Hui Lin
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Patent number: 8661934Abstract: An actuator unit for a hydraulic brake mechanism on two-wheelers, comprising a housing fastened to the handlebar, a brake cylinder being arranged substantially perpendicular to the handlebar in the housing, a piston movable in it and a brake lever acting on the piston at an intermediate portion remote from either end of the lever, the lever being mounted at one end thereof to rotate relative to the housing, wherein the brake lever is mounted adjustably movable with respect to an axis substantially at an end of the lever, the axis being unchangeable in position but rotatably mounted to the housing, the adjustment option being provided for by the adjustment mechanism, wherein the lever, the adjustment mechanism and the axis rotate together relatively to the housing upon operation.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2010Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Shinichi Takizawa, Tatsuya Matsuchita
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Patent number: 8584550Abstract: A gear shift arrangement for a bicycle that is separate and distinct from a brake lever of the bicycle, in which the bicycle has a derailleur and a derailleur cable associated therewith, includes a single lever adapted to only perform a shifting operation of gears of the bicycle, a housing, a mounting arrangement in the housing for mounting the single lever for movement in a first pivoting direction and for movement in a second substantially linear direction, and a shift control mechanism in the housing for controlling shifting of the gears of the bicycle in a first shifting direction upon movement of the single lever in the first pivoting direction and for controlling shifting of gears of the bicycle in a second, opposite shifting direction upon movement of the single lever in the second substantially linear direction.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2010Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Inventor: John L. Calendrille, Jr.
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Patent number: 8549955Abstract: A bicycle control device is basically provided with a base member, a shift control unit, a non-shift operating lever, a first shift operating lever and a second shift operating lever. The shift control unit is mounted to the base member. The non-shift operating lever is movably coupled relative to the base member. The first and second shift operating levers are operatively coupled to the shift control unit. The second shift operating lever is a separate member from the first shift operating lever. The first and second shift operating levers are configured and arranged relative to each other such that the second shift operating lever is moved by the first shift operating lever when the first shift operating lever is operated.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2007Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Hisayuki Sato, Kenji Ose
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Patent number: 8549954Abstract: A bicycle shift control device comprises a control body supported by a mounting member and rotatable about a rotational axis (X), wherein the mounting member defines a handlebar mounting axis (HB); an operating body coupled for displacement between a home position and a shift position; a transmission which converts the displacement of the operating body into a rotational displacement 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 from the home position to the shift position, wherein the pivot axis (P) is inclined relative to a handlebar mounting axis (HB). The interface member also moves in a direction toward a plane (PL) that contains the handlebar mounting axis (HB) and is parallel with the rotational axis (X) when the operating body moves from the home position toward the shift position.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2004Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignee: Shimano, Inc.Inventor: Tatsuya Kawakami
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Patent number: 8528442Abstract: A bicycle component positioning device is basically provided with a stationary support member, a positioning element, a position maintaining member, a winding element, a release member and a winding element control member. The winding element moves between a winding position and a disengaging position. The release member moves the position maintaining member between a holding position and a position releasing position in response to pivotal movement of the release member between a neutral position and a position releasing position. The winding element control member moves between a rest position and a control position that holds the winding element in the disengaging position in response to pivotal movement of the release member between the neutral position and the position releasing position. The winding element control member is guided by the stationary support member during movement of the winding element control member between the rest position and the control position.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2009Date of Patent: September 10, 2013Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventor: Tatsuya Kawakami
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Patent number: 8511200Abstract: A speed control device which is adapted to be used in connection with a derailleur type bicycle has one operation mode for up-shifting the speed and another operation mode for down-shifting the speed. The two operation modes can be affected by an operation lever, with the operation lever pivoted in a first plane for the up-shifting operation and in a second plane for the down-shifting operation.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2009Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Assignee: Tien Hsin Industries Co., Ltd.Inventors: Wen-Feng Tsai, Chia-Wei Liao
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Patent number: 8459144Abstract: A bicycle shifter is provided with a shifter housing, a winding member and an indicator unit. The winding member is movably coupled to the shifter housing. The indicator unit includes an indicating member and an adjustment member. The indicating member is operatively and adjustably connected to the winding member. The adjustment member adjusts a position of the indicating member relative to the winding member.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2011Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Kentaro Kosaka, Yoshimitsu Miki, Toshihiko Takeuchi
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Patent number: 8459143Abstract: A bicycle brake and shifting device comprises a mounting bracket structured to be mounted on a bicycle handlebar; a brake lever pivotably coupled to the brake bracket; a first shift operating member movably coupled to the brake lever; a second shift operating member movably coupled to the brake lever, wherein the second shift operating member is a separate member from the first shift operating member; a first electric switch operated by the first shift operating member; and a second electric switch operated by the second shift operating member.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2007Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignee: Shimano, Inc.Inventor: Toshio Tetsuka
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Patent number: 8443697Abstract: A shifter designed to actuate a gear change device of a bicycle by pulling and releasing a control cable. The shifter includes a base plate mountable to the bicycle, a cable spool and cable-pull and cable-release lever assemblies. The cable spool is rotated in a cable-pull direction to wind the control cable thereon and in a cable-release direction to unwind the control cable therefrom. The cable-pull and cable-release lever assemblies are operatively connected to the cable spool to rotate the cable spool in the cable-pull and cable-release directions, respectively. The cable-pull lever assembly includes a cable-pull lever rotated about a first axis and at least two winding pawls received by and rotating with the cable-pull lever about the first axis to transmit rotational movement of the cable-pull lever to the cable spool.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2009Date of Patent: May 21, 2013Assignee: SRAM Deutschland GmbHInventor: Martin Weiss
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Patent number: 8413543Abstract: A bicycle operating unit connector is provided with a first attachment portion and a second attachment portion. The first attachment portion includes a curved mounting surface with an opening that is detachably attached to an outwardly facing surface of a band part of a clamp portion of a brake operating unit by an adjustable connection for changing a relative position of the connector with respect to the clamp portion of the brake operating unit. The second attachment portion extends from the first attachment portion. The second attachment portion includes a hole that is configured to be detachably attached to a shift operating unit.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2010Date of Patent: April 9, 2013Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventor: Akira Tsumiyama
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Patent number: 8397601Abstract: A bicycle component operating device is basically provided with a base member, an operating pawl, a positioning ratchet member, a positioning pawl, a release member and a control member. The operating pawl rotates the positioning ratchet member in a winding direction in response to a winding operation of the operating pawl. The positioning pawl prevents rotation of the positioning ratchet member in the release direction when the positioning pawl is in a holding position. The positioning pawl releases the positioning ratchet member for rotation in the release direction when the positioning pawl is moved from the holding position to a releasing position by the release member in response to the releasing operation of the operating pawl. The control member prevents the operating pawl from rotating the positioning ratchet member during the releasing operation of the operating pawl while the control member is disposed in the first position.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2009Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventor: Kazutaka Fukao
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Patent number: 8393244Abstract: A bicycle operating device is provided with a base member, a brake operating lever and a shift operating member. The base member is configured to be attached to a bicycle. The brake operating lever is pivotally coupled to the base member about a pivot axis to perform a braking operation when the brake operating lever is moved in a first direction. The shift operating member is movably arranged to move from a rest position in a second direction to perform a gear shift operation. The shift operating member is further movably arranged to move from the rest position to a full stroke position in a third direction different from the first and second directions without causing the gear shifting operation.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2007Date of Patent: March 12, 2013Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventor: Etsuyoshi Watarai
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Patent number: 8393246Abstract: An aerobar assembly for a bicycle that generally includes an aerobar, an adaptor and a control cable guide. The aerobar includes proximal and distal portions and proximal and distal ends. The aerobar has a generally hollow interior. The adaptor mounts an actuator assembly to the aerobar. The adaptor includes an interiorly-disposed portion and an exteriorly-disposed portion. The interiorly-disposed portion is disposed in the hollow interior of the aerobar and is bonded to the distal portion of the aerobar. The exteriorly-disposed portion is configured to receive the actuator assembly. The control cable guide is configured to slidably receive a control cable therethrough. The control cable guide is coupled to the adaptor such that the control cable enters the distal end, extends through the interior of the aerobar, and exits the proximal end of the aerobar.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2008Date of Patent: March 12, 2013Assignee: Compositech, Inc.Inventors: Joshua Poertner, Lance Johnson, Andrew Ording, David Ripley
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Patent number: 8375825Abstract: A bicycle operating device is provided with a first operating unit, a second operating unit and a connecting member. The first operating unit includes a clamp portion for attaching the bicycle operating device to a bicycle and a first operating member. The second operating unit includes a housing and a second operating member. The connecting member includes a first portion detachably coupled to an outwardly facing surface of the clamp portion and a second portion coupled to the second operating unit. The first portion includes a retaining part with an outwardly facing surface that faces an inwardly facing surface of the clamp portion when the connecting member is attached to the clamp portion.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2009Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Kazuyuki Hirose, Shinichi Takizawa
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Patent number: 8375824Abstract: A bicycle control device is basically provided with a base member, a positioning member, a positioning pawl and a wire takeup member. The positioning member pivots relative to the base member about a pivot axis. The positioning pawl is pivotally mounted about a positioning pawl pivot axis to operatively engage at least one positioning abutment of the positioning member. The wire takeup member pivots relative to the base member about the pivot axis. The wire takeup member has a proximal end portion pivotally mounted about the pivot axis and a distal end portion with an inner wire contact surface. The inner wire contact surface is located radially outwardly from the at least one positioning abutment and the positioning pawl pivot axis with respect to the pivot axis.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2007Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventor: Yoshimitsu Miki
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Patent number: 8327735Abstract: A lever-type operating apparatus is provided with a lever provided in a vicinity of a handgrip on a handlebar and a case fixed to the handlebar. A rotational shaft is provided in the case. The lever is rotatably supported by the rotational shafts. A return spring is provided in the case. The lever is normally urged to an initial state by the return spring. A detector is provided in the case. The detector is configured to detect a rotational operation angle of the lever. A driving source of a vehicle is controlled based on the rotational operation angle detected by the detector. The detector and the return spring are mounted on to the rotational shaft.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2011Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: Asahi Denso Co., Ltd.Inventor: Michiyuki Suzuki
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Patent number: 8322248Abstract: An adjusting screw (15) for a control lever device (1) for vehicles, wherein said adjusting screw (15) comprises a screw body (18) with a threaded shank (19) that can be screwed in a corresponding threaded hole (16) of the lever device (1) and a locking body (26) pivotally connected to the screw body (18). The locking body (26) comprises contact means (27) interacting with the screw body (28, 18) such as to counteract the rotation of the locking body (26) relative to the screw body (18) to a certain extent and anchoring means (29) engaging an anchoring seat (17) of the lever device (1) such as to prevent that the locking body (26) may rotate relative to the threaded hole (16) of the lever device (1). There are also provided means (25) for preventing that the locking body (26) may be displaced along the shank (19) of the screw body (18).Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2004Date of Patent: December 4, 2012Assignee: Freni Brembo S.p.A.Inventors: Alessandro Esposito, Gianangelo Pezzotta, Marcello Colombo
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Patent number: 8297146Abstract: A bicycle control device is basically provided with a base member, a shift control unit and a first shift operating lever. The base member includes a pair of lateral side walls. The shift control unit is mounted to the base member. The shift control unit has a main pivot shaft defining a shift unit operating axis. The first shift operating lever is operatively coupled to the shift control unit to operate the shift control unit when the first shift operating lever is pivoted about a first shift operating axis at a lever pivot point. The main pivot shaft of the shift control unit is disposed closer to one of the lateral side walls than the lever pivot point of the first shift operating lever.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2007Date of Patent: October 30, 2012Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventor: Yoshimitsu Miki
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Patent number: 8281682Abstract: An accelerator operating device including a body fixed to a handlebar; an accelerator lever supported on the body so as to rotate freely around a predetermined axial line and that rotates between a close position and a maximum open position; a first return spring that returns the accelerator lever to the close position; and a load generation mechanism that generates a load on a rotational operating force of the accelerator lever by frictional resistance. The load generating mechanism includes a rotational slider arranged to freely rotate around the axial line that can be pressed and rotated by opening rotation of the accelerator lever; a slide receiving part formed in the body that allows the rotational slider to slide; a biasing spring that biases the rotational slider toward the slide receiving part; and a second return spring that returns the rotational slider to a rest position.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2009Date of Patent: October 9, 2012Assignee: Mikuni CorporationInventor: Takahiro Ogura
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Patent number: 8220357Abstract: A bicycle shifter includes a base having an annular space and first teeth and second teeth defined in the annular space. A tube is fixed to a center of the base. A first rotation member and a second rotation member are installed in the tube and respectively have a first recess and a second recess. An elastic member is restricted in a space defined between the first and second recesses. The elastic member includes two opposite first and second elastic portions which protrude out from the first and second rotation members. The first and second elastic portions are engaged with the first and second teeth, respectively. When rotating the handle connected with the first rotation member, the first elastic portion moves over the first teeth, the second elastic portion simultaneously moves over the second teeth.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2010Date of Patent: July 17, 2012Inventor: Po-Cheng Chen
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Patent number: 8181553Abstract: A position control mechanism is provided for a bicycle control device that has a shifting unit. The position control mechanism has an operating member that is configured to operate a positioning member that moves through two of a plurality of predetermined shift positions during a single progressive movement of the operating member. The operating member is configured in the preferred embodiment to operate both a hydraulic braking unit and the shifting unit.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2004Date of Patent: May 22, 2012Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventor: Akira Tsumiyama
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Patent number: 8161840Abstract: A bicycle brake control device comprises a mounting bracket for mounting the device to a bicycle, a lever mounted to the mounting bracket for rotation around a pivot axis, and an adjustment unit. The adjustment unit comprises a first adjustment component and a second adjustment component, wherein the first adjustment component adjusts a selected position of the lever relative to the mounting bracket, and the second adjustment component adjusts a position of a brake operating element when the lever is in the selected position.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2004Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: Shimano, Inc.Inventor: Daisuke Nago
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Patent number: 8156841Abstract: A manipulation lever connection structure for a vehicle eliminates a striking sound without losing an adjusting function of an adjustment nut. The manipulation lever connection structure for a vehicle includes an arm for operating a driving changeover device and for connecting a wire which extends from a manipulation lever to the arm. An adjustment bolt is mounted on a distal end of the wire with a joint slidably mounted on the adjustment bolt on an axis thereof. An adjustment nut for supporting the joint is fastened to the adjustment bolt. A pair of side plate portions, respectively, forming elongated holes which allow the joint to pass therethrough is mounted on the arm. The adjustment nut is inserted between the pair of side plate portions with a buffer cover being mounted on the adjustment nut with a clearance formed between the adjustment nut and the respective side plate portions.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2007Date of Patent: April 17, 2012Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kazuhiro Yasuda, Koji Sato, Hideo Yanai
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Patent number: 8100032Abstract: A cable adjustment device for a Bowden cable having a control cable displaceable within a cable casing for a bicycle component. The adjustment device includes a guide element axially and rotationally fixed to the bicycle component and has a control cable bore therethrough. An adjustment element is rotationally fixed and axially displaceable in the guide element. The adjustment element has an abutment for engaging the cable casing. The adjustment device also includes an actuation element. The adjustment element is threadably coupled relative to the actuation element for converting the rotational movement of the actuation element into the axial movement of the adjustment element.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2006Date of Patent: January 24, 2012Assignee: SRAM Deutschland GmbHInventor: Robert Boehm
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Patent number: 8082819Abstract: A finger throttle for motorized vehicles having thumb throttles with thumb operated levers. The finger throttle includes a housing, a linkage assembly, and a finger operated lever. The housing is configured to mount on the thumb throttle housing and the linkage assembly is configured to engage the thumb throttle linkage assembly. The finger operated lever is linked to the linkage assembly such that moving the finger operated lever moves the linkage assembly, which in turn moves the thumb throttle linkage assembly. The operator can use the finger operated lever or the thumb operated lever to control the engine speed or can use both levers concurrently to do so.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2008Date of Patent: December 27, 2011Inventors: Jeff A. Case, Wallace Day
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Patent number: 8069749Abstract: A shift control apparatus for a bicycle comprises an output transmission member that moves to at least a first output position and a second output position, a position maintaining mechanism, and a release control mechanism. The position maintaining mechanism includes a position maintaining member that moves between a position maintaining position and a position release position, wherein the position maintaining position maintains the output transmission member in one of the first output position and the second output position. The position release position allows the output transmission member to move toward the other one of the first output position and the second output position. The release control mechanism includes a release member that moves between a first release member position and a second release member position.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2003Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: Shimano, Inc.Inventors: Satoshi Shahana, Toshio Tetsuka, Tetsuya Hino
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Patent number: 8056439Abstract: A device to mount a control lever to a bicycle handlebar includes a bracket, an expanding bolt, and a fixing member. The bracket is configured to be connected to the control lever and includes an inlet opening with a center axis, a first tapered portion extending along an axial direction, and at least one tapered outer serration formed on the first tapered portion. The expanding bolt includes a tubular portion and a second tapered portion extending along the axial direction. The tubular portion includes an outer threaded surface. The fixing member is disposed on the tubular portion of the expanding bolt. The first and second tapered portions are configured to operate so as to push the fixing member against an inner surface of the bicycle handlebar when the device is mounted to the bicycle handlebar.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2007Date of Patent: November 15, 2011Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Seiji Fukui, Kenji Nakahara
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Patent number: 8056438Abstract: A bicycle shift control device includes a housing, at least one operating lever, a rotatable member, a flexible elongated member, and a gear indicator portion having a window. The rotatable member has a guide member and is disposed within the housing. The rotatable member is configured to rotate in response to movement of the at least one operating lever. The flexible elongated member has a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion is connected to the rotatable member for movement therewith and extends at least part-way along the guide portion of the rotatable member. The second end portion is configured for movement along the gear indicator portion with at least a tip of the second end portion of the flexible elongated member being visible through the window of the gear indicator portion.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2006Date of Patent: November 15, 2011Assignee: Shimano Components (Malaysia) SDN. BHD.Inventors: Chan Jin Lim, Seng Loong Ng, Mohd Arif Husin
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Patent number: 8042427Abstract: A bicycle shifter is configured to ensure that the position where a main shifter body is attached to a bicycle can be easily varied. The bicycle shifter basically has a mounting bracket, a main shifter body and a fixing mechanism. The mounting bracket is preferably configured be fixed to a handlebar of a bicycle. The main shifter body is mounted on the mounting bracket and has a shifter mechanism in the interior. The fixing mechanism is a mechanism whereby the main shifter body can be fixed in place on the mounting bracket at an arbitrary attachment position between a first position and a second position.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2006Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Tatsuya Kawakami, Shingo Funai
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Patent number: 8028601Abstract: A bicycle shift operating device is provided with a support structure, a take-up unit and a shift positioning mechanism. The support structure has an inner wire fixing part. The take-up unit includes a rotating body mounted on the support structure to rotate about a first axis, and an inner wire routing pulley mounted on the rotating body to move with the rotating body about the first axis and to rotate independently of the rotating body about a second axis that is offset from the first axis of the rotating body. The shift positioning mechanism is operatively coupled to the take-up unit to selectively hold the take-up unit in one of a plurality of shift positions.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2007Date of Patent: October 4, 2011Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventor: Yoshimitsu Miki
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Patent number: 8006810Abstract: A quick-release device of a bicycle brake cable includes a main frame mounted to a handlebar of the bicycle, a lever pivotally mounted to the main frame and a push device mounted in the main frame to normally push the lever for selective changing the position between the lever and the push device and the tension of the brake cable.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2008Date of Patent: August 30, 2011Assignee: Tektro Technology CorporationInventor: Szu-Fang Tsai
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Publication number: 20110132128Abstract: An accelerator operating device for electrically controlling the output of a power unit on the basis of the manipulated variable of a controller, by achieving the generation of a frictional resistance using a simple configuration. An accelerator operating device includes an extended portion turned upon the operation of a throttle grip; a torsion coil spring biasing the extended portion in a returning direction while the extended portion is turned; and a friction generating mechanism adding a frictional resistance to the turning movement. The friction generating mechanism includes a compression coil spring applying a pressing force to the extended portion, and a friction member brought into sliding contact with the extended portion by being pressed by the compression coil spring. The torsion coil spring and the compression coil spring are placed coaxially with the extended portion and overlap each other at least partially along the axial direction of the extended portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2010Publication date: June 9, 2011Inventor: Masatoshi SATO
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Patent number: 7950307Abstract: The bicycle brake and shift operation device is a device mounted on a drop handle of a bicycle, and includes: a bracket, a lever member, a winding body, a positioning mechanism, and a shift position display portion. The bracket is mounted on the drop handle. The lever member is a member that is pivotally supported by the bracket. The winding body is mounted to be rotationally movable on a support shaft provided on the lever member, and engages with a shift cable. The positioning mechanism, supported by the lever member, is a mechanism for positioning the winding body to positions that correspond to a plurality of shift positions of a rear derailleur. The shift position display portion is mechanically interlocked with the rotational movement of the winding body to display shift positions.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2006Date of Patent: May 31, 2011Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventor: Yoshimitsu Miki
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Patent number: 7918145Abstract: A combination shift and brake lever arrangement for a bicycle, includes a single lever. A braking arrangement mounts the single lever for movement in a first pivoting direction to perform a braking operation, and a first shifting arrangement mounts the single lever for movement in a second different pivoting direction. A shift control mechanism controls shifting of gears of the bicycle in a first shifting direction upon movement of the single lever in the second pivoting direction. A second shifting arrangement mounts at least a portion of a reverse shifting lever for linear movement in a first linear direction. A reverse control changes over the shift control mechanism to control shifting of the gears of the bicycle in a second opposite shifting direction upon linear movement of the at least a portion of the reverse shifting lever in the first linear direction.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2006Date of Patent: April 5, 2011Inventor: John L. Calendrille, Jr.
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Patent number: 7905158Abstract: The described actuation device comprises a housing, intended for attachment to the handlebars or to the frame of a bicycle, a cable-winding bobbin, angularly mobile in the housing about a main axis (X) of the device, and support means of the bobbin in the housing. Such support means comprise a first support unit at an outer guide collar of the cable-winding bobbin, situated in an intermediate position of the bobbin in the direction of the main axis (X) of the device. An excellent distribution of the stresses between the bobbin and the housing is thus ensured, substantially reducing the risks of excessive deformation and breaking.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2005Date of Patent: March 15, 2011Assignee: Campagnolo S.r.L.Inventors: Giuseppe Dal Pra, Andrea De Pretto
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Patent number: 7878089Abstract: A trigger shifter for operating a bicycle gear change device that includes a housing mountable to handlebar, a cable spool for pulling and releasing a control cable connected to the gear change device, a pull lever mechanism and a release lever mechanism. The pull lever mechanism includes a pull lever rotatable about a first axis defining a first plane of motion perpendicular to the first axis. The release lever mechanism includes a release lever rotatable about a second axis defining a second plane of motion perpendicular to the second axis. The first and second planes of motion form an angle therebetween in the range of 20 to 70 degrees.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2005Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: SRAM Deutschland GmbHInventors: Scott McLaughlin, Martin Weiss, Robert Bohm
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Patent number: 7854442Abstract: A bicycle wire holding arrangement is provided with a hollow frame member, a wire extending axially inside the hollow frame member and a suspending member disposed inside the hollow frame member. The suspending member is coupled to the wire and contacts an interior surface of the hollow frame member to hold the wire.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2008Date of Patent: December 21, 2010Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Takumi Onogi, Akinobu Uno
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Patent number: 7849765Abstract: A bicycle shift operating device is basically provided with a first operating member, a second operating member, a shift wire take-up element and a wire winding/release mechanism. The second operating member is operatively coupled to the first operating member to move with the first operating member during movement of the first operating member, and to move the first operating member during movement of the second operating member. The shift wire take-up element is rotated in a first rotational direction by the first operating member and in a second rotational direction that is opposite to the first rotational direction by the second operating member. The wire winding/release mechanism is operatively coupled to the shift wire take-up element and the first and second operating members to selectively hold the shift wire take-up element in one of a plurality of shift positions.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2007Date of Patent: December 14, 2010Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventor: Tatsuya Kawakami
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Patent number: 7849760Abstract: A speed changer is used to control derailleurs using cables from a single rotating handle, the deraileurs being connected respectively to an elastic return element. The speed changer includes at least two cable-maneuvering mechanisms. The mechanism for maneuvering the cable of the rear derailleur, which rotates integrally with the handle, can cause the rear cable to loosen or tighten when the handle is rotated in one direction. The speed changer is characterized in that the rotating assembly, formed by at least one mechanism for maneuvering the rear cable and the handle, can be connected to rotate intermittently with the mechanism for maneuvering the front cable of the front derailleur which, depending on the direction in which the handle is rotated, can cause the front cable of the front derailleur to tighten or loosen.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2004Date of Patent: December 14, 2010Assignee: EtceteraInventor: Norbert Rolland
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Patent number: 7849764Abstract: A bicycle shift operating device includes a mounting member, a shift operating member, a take-up member and a retaining mechanism. The mounting member includes a clamping portion and a cover. The shift operating member is rotatably coupled to the mounting member to move in opposite rotation directions. The take-up member is arranged to selectively pull and release a shift control cable in response to rotation of the shift operating member. The retaining mechanism is arranged to retain the take-up member in a plurality of positions. Preferably, a rotational angle limiting structure includes a first limiting portion formed on the clamping portion and a second limiting portion formed on the shift operating member that selectively engages the first limiting portion to limit rotational movement of the shift operating member. Preferably, the cover has a bush integrally formed with the cover as a one-piece, unitary member.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2006Date of Patent: December 14, 2010Assignee: Shimano (Singapore) Pte., Ltd.Inventor: Wei Hock Kua
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Patent number: RE43501Abstract: An electric control device for a motor-driven derailleur for bicycles includes a supporting body fixed to a handlebar of a bicycle, a supporting body, a pair of electric switches to control the gear change carried by the supporting body, and a gear change lever that can be manually operated to control a first of said switches. The gear change lever comprises a first part connected to the supporting body so as to consent shift of the gear change lever between a position at rest and an operating position, and a second part hinged to the first part.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2006Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: Campagnolo S.r.l.Inventor: Giuseppe Dal Pra′
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Patent number: RE44839Abstract: A collapsible control lever for use with a control system having levers including a conventional cable control lever system such as those found on motorcycles and bicycles. The lever has three independent axes of rotation about which sections of the lever rotate during impact to deflect the impact force. However, the lever remains rigid in the direction of the applied control force when in its operational position during normal operation. The lever restores itself to its operational position following impact with minimal user assistance. The lever may be sized and shaped to be easily retrofit into existing known pivot bases, and at least one of the pivots may include an improved swivel pivot that is sealed from mud and other debris in its operational configuration. The improved swivel pivot has a first and second generally cylindrical frame portion that rotate about a pivot pin with each frame portion having a sliding surface with a smoothly alternating concave and convex-shaped sliding surface.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2002Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Inventor: Loretta E. Warren