Single Rotatable Lever (e.g., For Bicycle Brake Or Derailleur) Patents (Class 74/502.2)
  • Patent number: 8677857
    Abstract: A handle brake device comprising: —a housing fixable onto the handlebar of the wheelchair or the wheeled walker, —a brake lever rotatably installed on said housing , —a transmission cable connected to said brake lever through a cable connector, said cable connector defining a connecting point, characterized in that the brake lever comprises a first arc hole and a second arc hole, inside each of which a pivot pin fixedly connected to said housing is slideably engaged in such a manner as to provide dual pivot for the brake lever, respectively a first pivot and a second pivot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Invacare International SARL
    Inventors: Mats Feldt, Henrik Marken, Jos Van Houtem, Edward Dahlin
  • Publication number: 20140076094
    Abstract: A cap assembly for a vehicle includes a base and a cap pivotally mounted to the base. The base can define a recess for receiving a component therein to be captured by the cap. The cap is moveable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The cap includes a locking feature that maintains the cap in the locked position and urges the cap to the locked position when nearly in the locked position. When the cap is in the locked position, the component is locked within the recess. When the cap is in the unlocked position, the component is removable from the recess.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masatoshi Mori, Robert Bator, Jason Wendling, Benjamin Huttsell
  • Patent number: 8667861
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Inventor: Chang Hui Lin
  • Publication number: 20140060237
    Abstract: A throttle control assembly includes a cable lever, a switch assembly, a throttle control device, and a switch engagement surface. The cable lever is adapted for coupling to a throttle cable and is configured, upon receipt of a drive torque, to rotate. The switch assembly is coupled to the cable lever and includes a switch that is movable between a first position and a second position. The throttle control device has the switch engagement surface formed on a portion of its inner surface. The switch engagement surface is configured, upon rotation of the throttle control device, to selectively move the switch between the first position and the second position and selectively rotate the switch assembly to thereby supply the drive torque to the cable lever.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Niranjan Manjunath, Shakil Moonamkandy
  • Patent number: 8661932
    Abstract: A speed control device, which is adapted to be used in connection with a derailleur type bicycle or an internal gear hub 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 second rotation direction for the up-shifting operation and in a first rotation direction for the down-shifting operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Tien Hsin Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chia-Wei Liao
  • Patent number: 8661934
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Shinichi Takizawa, Tatsuya Matsuchita
  • Patent number: 8657077
    Abstract: A cantilever brake of bicycle is provided with a triangular cable stop including first, second and third corner attachments and a wheel between the first and second corner attachments; a first pivot member including a first trough; a first cable passing through the first corner attachment, the wheel, and the second corner attachment to be fastened at the first pivot; a second pivot member including a second trough; a second cable having one end fastened in the third corner attachment and the other end fastened in the second pivot member; a first brake arm releasably pivotably secured to the first trough and including two opposite first projections and a spring actuated first adjustment knob distal the first projections; and a second brake arm releasably pivotably secured to the second trough and including two opposite second projections and a spring actuated second adjustment knob distal the second projections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Tektro Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Szu-Fang Tsai
  • Patent number: 8646353
    Abstract: A bicycle brake operating device is provided with a handlebar bracket, a brake lever, an operation unit and a detection device. Rotation of the operation unit is detected by the detection device. The operation unit is arranged so that it does not readily hinder a braking operation. The operation unit also arranged so that it us not readily damaged when the bicycle falls over.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Kouji Uno
  • Patent number: 8640568
    Abstract: A bicycle shift control device is provided with a shifter housing, a gear shifting mechanism, a shift operating member, and a shift switching arrangement. The gear shifting mechanism is disposed in the shifter housing with the gear shifting mechanism having a plurality of operating positions. The shift operating member is movable with respect to the shifter housing to operate the gear shifting mechanism. The shift switching arrangement includes a restricting member movably mounted with respect to the shifter housing between a non-shift restricting position and a shift restricting position. The gear shifting mechanism moves in a first set of the operating positions when the restricting member is in the non-shift restricting position, and moves in a second set of the operating positions that are different from the first set of the operating positions when the restricting member is in the shift restricting position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Toshihiko Takeuchi, Kazutaka Fukao, Yoshimitsu Miki
  • Patent number: 8631721
    Abstract: An actuator mounting, in particular, a clutch or brake mounting for a vehicle, includes a mounting housing (3) with an attachment shell (2) for attaching the mounting to a handlebar or a similar steering element, a hand lever (8) supported to rotate on the mounting housing (3), and a mechanical or hydraulic force transmission device arranged on the mounting housing (3). The actuator mounting includes a carrier plate (9) supported on the rotational bearing (7) in common with the hand lever (8) as an intermediate transmission element with multiple functions. The carrier plate (9) has contact points (16, 32, 34) for applying force to or tensioning the hand lever (8), the force transmission device, and the mounting housing stop (35).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Gustav Magenwirth GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Franz Weiher
  • Patent number: 8622181
    Abstract: A brake operating device of an electric bicycle is provided with a brake lever including a projecting plate at one end, and a bifurcated cable anchoring member pivotably secured to the projecting plate; a magnetic member adhered to one side of the cable anchoring member; a housing pivotably secured to the brake lever and including a hydraulic cylinder and a cylindrical socket including an opening distal the brake lever, and internal threads proximate the opening; a spring depressible sensor including a sensing member disposed in the socket, and an electric wire extending from the sensing member; a hollow threaded fastener adjustably threadedly secured to the internal threads of the socket to engage the sensing member; and a cylindrical member releasably mounted proximate to the opening and secured to the fastener. The electric wire passes the fastener and leaves the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Tektro Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Szu-Fang Tsai
  • Publication number: 20140000406
    Abstract: A manual parking brake for a motor vehicle is provided. The manual parking brake includes a pivot-movably mounted hand brake lever and a cable sheave coupled to the hand brake lever. An over dead center spring is attached to an axis of rotation of the hand brake lever, which with the pivot-movably mounted hand brake lever in a rest position exerts a resetting force holding the pivot-movably mounted hand brake lever in this position and upon actuation of the pivot-movably mounted hand brake lever outputs a supporting force. A motor vehicle having such a manual parking brake also is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2011
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: DAI NIPPON PRINTING CO.,
    Inventor: David Domkowski
  • Publication number: 20130319166
    Abstract: A bicycle shift operating device is provided with a mounting bracket, a shift unit, an attachment member and an operating member. The shift unit is disposed in the mounting bracket. The attachment member is removably attached to the mounting bracket. The operating member is movably mounted on the attachment member. The operating member is mechanically coupled to the shift unit to operate the shift unit while the attachment member is attached to the mounting bracket, and the operating member is mechanically disengaged from the shift unit while the attachment member is removed from the mounting bracket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Kazutaka FUKAO, Yoshimitsu MIKI
  • Publication number: 20130305872
    Abstract: A bicycle control device is provided with a mounting bracket, a first lever and an adjustment arrangement. The first lever is pivotally arranged relative to the mounting bracket about a first-axis and about a second axis being non-parallel to the first axis. The first lever is configured relative to the mounting bracket such that a free end of the first lever moves closer to the mounting bracket as the first lever pivots about the first axis from a rest position to an operated position. The adjustment arrangement adjusts the rest position of the first lever relative to the mounting bracket around the second operating axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Kazutaka FUKAO, Tatsuya MATSUSHITA, Makoto YOSHIKAWA
  • Patent number: 8584550
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Inventor: John L. Calendrille, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8549955
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Hisayuki Sato, Kenji Ose
  • Patent number: 8549956
    Abstract: A bicycle control device is basically provided with a base member, a shift control unit, a brake lever, a shift operating lever and a lever adjustment mechanism. The shift control unit is mounted to the base member. The brake lever is movably mounted relative to the base member. The shift operating lever is operatively coupled to the shift control unit to operate the shift control unit when the shift operating lever is moved from a rest position along a shift operating path. The shift operating lever is movable from the rest position along a non-shift movement path independently of the brake lever. The lever adjustment mechanism is operatively coupled to the shift operating lever to change a location of the rest position of the shift operating lever along the non-shift movement path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Yoshimitsu Miki, Hisayuki Sato, Etsuyoshi Watarai, Akira Tsumiyama
  • Patent number: 8549954
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Shimano, Inc.
    Inventor: Tatsuya Kawakami
  • Patent number: 8539857
    Abstract: An operation mechanism for locking or unlocking the front suspension system of bicycles includes a base with a lever frame pivotably connected thereto. The control cable is connected to the lever frame which has a pin. A movable member is located in the base and includes two hooks and two slots are defined through the hooks. The base includes an axle which extends through the center of the lever frame and the two slots. The pin on the movable member is removably hooked by the hooks. A cover is mounted to the base to hide the movable member. The movable member is movable along a push rod and biased by a resilient member. A operation rod inserted into the base and pushes the movable member to remove the pin from the hooks so as to release the control cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Inventor: Hui-Hsiung Chen
  • Patent number: 8539856
    Abstract: A bicycle shift control device comprises a base member, a shift control unit movable in a first direction and in a second direction, and an operating member operatively coupled to the shift control unit. The operating member is coupled relative to the base member to move along a shift operating path from a rest position to a first shift position for causing movement of the shift control unit in the first direction, and the operating member is coupled relative to the base member to move along the shift operating path from the rest position to a second shift position for causing movement of the shift control unit in the second direction, wherein the first shift position is located between the rest position and the second shift position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Shimano, Inc.
    Inventor: Etsuyoshi Watarai
  • Patent number: 8534156
    Abstract: A bicycle shift operating device is basically provided with a pair of operating members and a take-up member. The take-up member pivots in opposite rotational directions in response to movement of the first and second operating members. The first operating member pivotally supports a pawl member having first and second pawls. The first pawl selectively engages and moves one of a release member and a pulling ratchet in response to the movement of the first operating member. The second pawl selectively engages and moves other of the release member and the pulling ratchet in response to the movement of the second operating member. An abutment portion of the first operating member selectively contacts an abutment portion of the pawl member such that the pawls pivot when one of the first and second operating members is operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Yoshimitsu Miki, Kazutaka Fukao, Kazunori Ookubo
  • Patent number: 8528442
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Tatsuya Kawakami
  • Publication number: 20130228035
    Abstract: An operating mechanism is disclosed for a Bowden cable which comprises a support bracket, an operating lever, a hub mounted on the support bracket for rotation about a first axis by the operating lever, a transmission lever connectable to the Bowden cable and mounted on the support bracket for pivoting about a second axis orthogonal to the first axis, and an actuating arm connected at one end to the hub and connected at its end remote from the hub by a sliding ball and socket joint to the transmission lever so that rotation of the hub about said first axis causes rotation of the transmission lever about the second axis to extend and retract the Bowden cable. In the invention, sliding axis of the ball and socket joint is inclined relative to both the first axis and the second axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2011
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: CNH America LLC
    Inventor: Sergio Magrini
  • Publication number: 20130213175
    Abstract: The integrated control device (1) for driving the control cable (20) of the derailleur and the brake cable (16) of a bicycle is provided. The device having a support body (4) connectable to the handlebar (2) and that can be gripped by the cyclist's hand, a cable-winding bush (19) about which the control cable (20) of the derailleur is wound/unwound and a first lever (9) rotatable with respect to the support body (4) about a first axis (X1) for actuating the brake cable (16) and rotatable about a second axis (X2) to drive the cable-winding bush (19) into rotation in a first direction of rotation (R2). An indexing mechanism (12) connected to the first lever (9) cooperates with the cable-winding bush (19) to define predetermined angular positions therefor. The support body (4) having a recess (25) for the passage of the control cable (20) of the derailleur.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2013
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: Campagnolo S.r.l.
    Inventor: Campagnolo S.r.l.
  • Patent number: 8511200
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Tien Hsin Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wen-Feng Tsai, Chia-Wei Liao
  • Publication number: 20130200678
    Abstract: The present invention provides a mechanism for operating a vehicle split seat whereby operation levers of two seat backs can be arranged compactly on a wall surface of a luggage compartment or the like such that the two operation levers have the same pivot support point, without impairing operability of the levers. Two operation levers 31, 32 are respectively connected to locking mechanisms of at least two adjacent seat backs 11B by way of operation cables 22, 23, the operation levers 31, 32 being formed of a central lever 32 and an outer lever 31 provided outside the central lever having the same pivot support point, operation parts being provided on the free end sides of arm parts of both the levers 31, 32 and operating spaces X, Y, Z which allow both the levers 31, 32 to be operated individually also being provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masato Hirokawa, Satoshi Fujita, Keisuke Iida, Saori Mito, Nanae Michida, Yuina Ashihara
  • Publication number: 20130199329
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2012
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Inventor: Ching-Tsang WU
  • Patent number: 8459142
    Abstract: A reach-adjustable lever assembly mounted to a handlebar for actuating one of a gear-change and braking device. The lever assembly generally including a support member, a lever pivotably connected to the support member and a reach adjust mechanism. The reach adjust mechanism includes a follower, a cam and a cam seat for retaining the cam in a current user-selectable position. The follower is fixedly supported on one of the support member and the lever and the cam is rotatably supported on the other of the support member and the lever. The cam has a plurality of user-selectable positions. The lever is rotatably biased toward a rest position to position the cam against the follower. The cam and the follower are configured to provide a different rest position of the lever for each of the user-selectable positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: SRAM, LLC
    Inventors: James Orrico, Matt Morris, Paul Feurstein
  • Patent number: 8459143
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Shimano, Inc.
    Inventor: Toshio Tetsuka
  • Patent number: 8459144
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Kentaro Kosaka, Yoshimitsu Miki, Toshihiko Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 8453534
    Abstract: A braking handlebar for a bicycle includes a combining device, one end thereof being axially mounted to a handle; a braking handlebar, having a pressing section, a pivoting section and an accommodating section, wherein the pivoting section is pivotally connected to one end of the combining device opposite to the handle, and the accommodating section is in parallel to an axial direction of the handle; and a screw adjusting element, movable mounted to the accommodating section of the braking handlebar and connected to one end of a braking cable; wherein the braking cable is loosened or tightened by using the screw adjusting element. Since the screw adjusting element offers the function of being able to rotate, the braking cable can be prevented from being bent excessively, further from generating friction which may results in brake failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Inventor: Szu-Fang Tsai
  • Publication number: 20130133464
    Abstract: In an aspect, a parking brake actuator is provided, comprising a mounting bracket, an actuation lever, a cable, a cable reel, a tensioning spring, and a clutch. The mounting bracket is configured for mounting the parking brake actuator to a vehicle. The actuation lever is pivotally mounted to the mounting bracket for pivotal movement about a pivot axis between a rest position and a working position. The cable reel is rotatable about the pivot axis. The cable has an end that is connected to the cable reel. Rotation of the cable reel in a first direction winds cable thereon and rotation of the cable reel in a second direction unwinds cable therefrom. The tensioning spring is connected between the actuation lever and the cable reel configured for taking up slack in the cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: Magna Closures Inc.
    Inventor: Magna Closures Inc.
  • Patent number: 8448299
    Abstract: A handlebar grip for a bicycle or a motorcycle contains a sleeve member including a first segment, a second first segment, and a through hole, a holding face formed on the first segment, at least one limiting projection extending outward from the second segment, and a recessed pressing zone; a retaining housing including two hard engaging covers, at least one restricting groove to extend the limiting projection outward; a wall face formed around each of the at least one restricting groove and on each of the two engaging covers; the each of the two engaging covers including a C-shaped locking face; a locking device applied to lock the two engaging covers together so that the two engaging covers are locked on the handle outside the second segment by using two C-shaped locking faces respectively, and the two limiting projections of being axially limited by the two restricting grooves respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Inventor: Jin-Cang Li
  • Patent number: 8443697
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: SRAM Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Martin Weiss
  • Publication number: 20130098196
    Abstract: A shift control device includes a mount, a derailleur cable control unit, which is pivotally mounted on the mount and has a first sector gear portion, a second sector gear portion, and a one-way rotary driven portion, a first shifter, which is pivotally mounted on the mount and has a one-way rotary driving portion for driving the one-way rotary driven portion to rotate the derailleur cable control unit in one direction, and a second shifter, which is auto-reversibly pivotally mounted on the mount and has a first tooth and a second tooth for meshing with the first sector gear portion and the second sector gear portion to control return action of the derailleur cable control unit when the second shifter is biased relative to the mount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: AD-II ENGINEERING INC.
    Inventor: AD-II Engineering Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130098195
    Abstract: The invention provides a finger-actuated accelerator for small motor-vehicles. The accelerator has an actuation path that remains in the planar region of maximum finger-tip mobility. Rotational motion of an input mechanism is used to approximate a natural finger motion. An arrangement that includes a brake lever and a finger-actuated accelerator for operation by the same hand is provided. Several techniques are discussed for transforming the motion of an index finger into control inputs to a vehicle engine, including both mechanical and electronic techniques.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Inventors: Michael Gordon Thielvoldt, Marvin Gordon Thielvoldt
  • Patent number: 8424414
    Abstract: The integrated control device (1) for driving the control cable (20) of the derailleur and the brake cable (16) of a bicycle is provided. The device having a support body (4) connectable to the handlebar (2) and that can be gripped by the cyclist's hand, a cable-winding bush (19) about which the control cable (20) of the derailleur is wound/unwound and a first lever (9) rotatable with respect to the support body (4) about a first axis (X1) for actuating the brake cable (16) and rotatable about a second axis (X2) to drive the cable-winding bush (19) into rotation in a first direction of rotation (R2). An indexing mechanism (12) connected to the first lever (9) cooperates with the cable-winding bush (19) to define predetermined angular positions therefor. The support body (4) having a recess (25) for the passage of the control cable (20) of the derailleur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Campagnolo S.r.l.
    Inventor: Giuseppe Dal Prà
  • Publication number: 20130091975
    Abstract: A bicycle cable structure is provided with an inner cable, a first outer case, a second outer case and an adjustment structure. The first and second outer cases are disposed over first and second sections of the inner cable and the adjustment structure is disposed between adjacent ends of the first and second outer cases. The adjustment structure includes a main body and an operating member. The operating member is movably connected to the main body by a non-slidable connection between a first position and a second position. The operating member maintains the adjacent ends of the first and second outer cases farther away from each other while the operating member is in the first position as compared to the second position of the operating member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Osamu KARIYAMA, Masahiro NAKAKURA
  • Patent number: 8413543
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Akira Tsumiyama
  • Publication number: 20130081506
    Abstract: A bicycle control device is provided with a bracket, a first lever and a second lever. The first lever is pivotally mounted to the bracket member on a first pivot axle for pivotal movement about a first pivot axis defined by the first pivot axle. The second lever is pivotally mounted to the bracket member on a second pivot axle for pivotal movement about a second pivot axis defined by the second pivot axle. The second pivot axle is disposed inside the first pivot axle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventor: Kazutaka FUKAO
  • Publication number: 20130081507
    Abstract: A bicycle operating device is provided with a position maintaining arrangement that selectively maintains a movable member in any one of a plurality of holding positions relative to a fixed member. The moving arrangement selectively moves the movable member in a first moving direction from a current holding position to another one of the plurality of holding positions. The first operating member moves in a first operating direction from a rest position to a first end position, and moves in a second operating direction from the rest position to a second end position. The movable member is moved by a different number of the holding positions in the first moving direction when the first operating member moves from the rest position to the first end position as compared to when the first operating member moves from the rest position to the second end position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2011
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Kazutaka FUKAO, Etsuyoshi WATARAI, Kentaro KOSAKA
  • Patent number: 8408090
    Abstract: An actuator mounting, in particular, a clutch or brake mounting for a vehicle, includes a mounting housing (3) with an attachment shell (2) for attaching the mounting to a handlebar or a similar steering element, a hand lever (8) supported to rotate on the mounting housing (3), and a mechanical or hydraulic force transmission device arranged on the mounting housing (3). The actuator mounting includes a carrier plate (9) supported on the rotational bearing (7) in common with the hand lever (8) as an intermediate transmission element with multiple functions. The carrier plate (9) has contact points (16, 32, 34) for applying force to or tensioning the hand lever (8), the force transmission device, and the mounting housing stop (35).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Gustav Magenwirth GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Franz Weiher
  • Patent number: 8397601
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Kazutaka Fukao
  • Patent number: 8393244
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Etsuyoshi Watarai
  • Patent number: 8387484
    Abstract: A gear change control device for a bicycle having a handlebar with straight end portions, comprises a first control lever with a control portion arranged behind the end portion of the handlebar, with reference to the longitudinal direction of the bicycle, and extending at least partially at a position lying substantially at the same level of the handlebar, with respect to a vertical direction in the condition of use of the handlebar and a second control lever with a control portion arranged at the same level, below or upper the control portion of the first control lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Campagnolo S.r.l.
    Inventor: Giuseppe Dal Pra′
  • Publication number: 20130047774
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: RETRO SHIFT LLC
    Inventor: Adam John CLEMENT
  • Patent number: 8375823
    Abstract: A bicycle shift control device is provided with a stroke controlling structure that provides distinct shifting position for an operating member that is pivotally arranged to move between a rest position, a first shifting position and a second shifting position. The stroke controlling structure includes a guide member configured and arranged to stop movement of the operating member at the first shifting position when the operating member is progressive moved in the single operating direction from the rest position. The guide member is further configured and arranged to control further movement of the operating member from the first shifting position to the second shift position when the operating member is moved in a non-operating direction away from the first shifting position without returning to the rest position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Shingo Funai
  • Patent number: 8375825
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Kazuyuki Hirose, Shinichi Takizawa
  • Patent number: 8375824
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Yoshimitsu Miki
  • Publication number: 20120318095
    Abstract: A bicycle component operating device is provided with a base member, an operating lever and an operating unit. The base member includes an insertion opening that is provided on one of a top surface and a bottom surface of the base member to provide access to an interior space within the base member. The operating lever is pivotally mounted on the base member about a first pivot axis extending transverse to the lateral surfaces. The operating unit is disposed in the interior space of the base member. The operating unit has a dimension relative to the insertion opening such that the operating unit is insertable into the interior space of the base member through the insertion opening. The base member is configured such that the insertion opening continuously extends from the first pivot axis toward the first end and the second end with respect to the first pivot axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Kazutaka FUKAO, Yoshimitsu MIKI, Kazunori OOKUBO