Cranks And Pedals Patents (Class 74/594.1)
  • Patent number: 11975798
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a coupling-assist device for a bicycle crank arm, comprising: a main body open through upper and lower portions, the main body having a space formed to receive a crank arm to be inserted; a handle member extending from a lower portion of the main body; a support frame including a fixing part formed on a lower portion thereof and coupled with the upper portion of the main body, and a position adjusting hole that is open through to allow a tool to be passed therethrough and connected to the crank arm, wherein the position adjusting hole enables adjustment of position of the tool in up and down directions; and a support means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Inventor: Tae Yang Kim
  • Patent number: 11904207
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for using an artificial intelligence engine to present a user interface capable of presenting the progress of a user in domains. The method includes generating, by the artificial intelligence engine, a machine learning model trained to receive measurements as input, and outputting, based on the measurements, a user interface that causes icons to dynamically change position on the user interface. While a user performs an exercise using the exercise device, the method includes receiving the measurements from sensors associated with the exercise device. The method includes presenting, on a computing device associated with the exercise device, sections of the user interface, wherein the sections are each related to a separate domain comprising the domains and wherein, based on the measurements, each section includes the icons placed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: REHAB2FIT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Michael Bissonnette, Luis Berga, Steven Mason, Philip Powers, James D. Steidl
  • Patent number: 11752391
    Abstract: A pedal assembly for an exercise and rehabilitation device can include a disk having an axis of rotation. A central aperture can be formed in the disk along the axis. Spokes can extend radially from adjacent the central aperture toward a perimeter of the disk. The disk can be formed from a first material. In addition, a crank can be coupled to one of the spokes of the disk. The crank can have a hub concentric with the central aperture. Pedal apertures can extend along a radial length of the crank. The crank can be formed from a metallic material that differs from the first material. A pedal having a spindle can be interchangeably and releasably mounted to the pedal apertures in the crank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: ROM Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Arn, Nick Samiotes, Paul DiCesare, Danial Ferreira
  • Patent number: 11691692
    Abstract: A crank arm for a bicycle may include a body extending along a body axis and having a first body end and a second body end axially spaced apart from the first body end. The insert may also include an insert provided toward the first body end. The insert may include a base portion having a radially outer surface. At least one extension may extend outwardly from the radially outer surface and may be encased within a corresponding recess in the body whereby relative planar movement between the body and the at least one extension in a first plane. The retaining portion may have a retaining portion width measured in the first direction and the retaining width may be greater than the throat width thereby inhibiting relative radial movement between the at least one extension and the recess and preventing radial extraction of the extension from the corresponding recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Staples, Paul Sidlick
  • Patent number: 11684819
    Abstract: An indoor, stationary, bicycle training device that provides advantages over conventional designs of exercise bicycles is provided. The stationary bicycle may include a tilting/pivoting mechanism to orient the indoor bicycle to simulate descending or climbing. The indoor bicycle may include flexible and resilient frame elements to support the indoor training device to move side-to-side under some riding situations thereby simulating the side-to-side swaying motion of an outdoor bicycle under the same riding situations. The indoor bicycle may include several combinations of frame adjustments to provide configurable dimensions of the indoor bicycle to adjust the frame to properly fit the rider, which may be adjusted based on corresponding dimensions of a user's outdoor bicycle. Still other aspects of the stationary bicycle device may aid in creating an “outdoor” feeling while using the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: Wahoo Fitness, LLC
    Inventors: Harold M. Hawkins, III, Michael Carlson
  • Patent number: 11607583
    Abstract: An indoor, stationary, bicycle training device that provides advantages over conventional designs of exercise bicycles is provided. The stationary bicycle may include a tilting/pivoting mechanism to orient the indoor bicycle to simulate descending or climbing. The indoor bicycle may include flexible and resilient frame elements to support the indoor training device to move side-to-side under some riding situations thereby simulating the side-to-side swaying motion of an outdoor bicycle under the same riding situations. The indoor bicycle may include several combinations of frame adjustments to provide configurable dimensions of the indoor bicycle to adjust the frame to properly fit the rider, which may be adjusted based on corresponding dimensions of a user's outdoor bicycle. Still other aspects of the stationary bicycle device may aid in creating an “outdoor” feeling while using the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: Wahoo Fitness LLC
    Inventors: Harold M. Hawkins, III, Michael Carlson
  • Patent number: 11584474
    Abstract: A vehicle propulsion system for maximizing power output, comprising: a frame; a first crankset and second crankset securably attached to the frame; a first sprocket wheel and second sprocket wheel attached to the first crankset and second crankset; a first pedal arm and second pedal arm attached to the first crankset and second crankset each having a pedal; a first chain and second chain disposed on the first sprocket wheel and second sprocket wheel, and the chain connecting to a wire on one end and a spring and wire on the other end; and a series of springs and wires attached to the distal ends of the first chain and second chain and disposed on a series of pulleys and sprockets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Inventor: Jorge Valdez
  • Patent number: 11577801
    Abstract: A bicycle component comprising a stress/strain sensor aligned according to a stress/strain to be detected, and a temperature sensor associated with said stress/strain sensor, wherein said stress/strain sensor and said temperature sensor lie in planes that do not coincide with one another and are not parallel to each another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: Campagnolo S.r.l.
    Inventor: Keith Joseph Wakeham
  • Patent number: 11505277
    Abstract: A crank arm comprises an arm body, an axle fastener, and a biasing element. The arm body includes a crank-axle receiving opening and an axle-fastener receiving opening. The axle-fastener receiving opening has a second opening axis. The axle-fastener receiving opening is partly in communication with the crank-axle receiving opening by a connection opening. The axle fastener includes a fastener body having a splined portion. The splined portion is configured to engage with the splined end of the crank axle in a mounted state where the crank arm is mounted to the crank axle. The biasing element is configured to bias the axle fastener in a biasing direction parallel to the second opening axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventor: Masahiro Yamanaka
  • Patent number: 11260903
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods that include a variable length linkage for connecting together tie rods. The linkage includes first, second, and third apertures. There is a first distance between the first aperture and the second aperture and a second distance between the first aperture and the third aperture. The apparatus may include a fourth aperture having a third distance between the first aperture and the fourth aperture. The second, third, and fourth apertures may each have a non-circular cross-section. The linkage may include a base, a first finger, a second finger, and a third finger that each extend from the base. The first aperture may be in the base, the second aperture may be in the first finger, the third aperture may be in the second finger, and the fourth aperture may be in the third finger. The first aperture may be oriented vertically with the other apertures oriented horizontally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Saif Sultan, Joshua R. Binder, Sean Richard Cysewski
  • Patent number: 10971988
    Abstract: Described herein are latching devices where relative speed of movement between members is in part controlled or reduced via eddy current formation and in part controlled or relative motion stopped via a latch arrangement. Various embodiments are described, one being use of a conductive member; at least one magnetic field and a latch member that, prior to latching, moves independently to the at least one conductive member. A kinematic relationship exists between the conductive member and at least one magnetic field that enables the conductive member to move at a different speed relative to the magnetic field on application of an energizing force, thereby inducing an eddy current drag force by relative movement of the conductive member in the magnetic field. The eddy current drag force resulting causes movement of the conductive member causing the conductive member to engage the latch member thereby halting movement between the at least one conductive member and the at least one latch member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: EDDY CURRENT LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
    Inventors: Andrew Karl Diehl, Christopher James Allington, Kevin Andrew Wright
  • Patent number: 10900993
    Abstract: A single axis accelerometer comprising a swing arm pivotally attached to a frame is held in apposition to a stop by a threshold force until an experienced acceleration force greater than the threshold force causes a distal segment of the swing arm to release from the stop and move toward a sensor that is activated by a sensor trigger on the distal segment of the swing arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: MECHOPTIX, INC.
    Inventors: Joseph McGinty, Jeffery B Hammock
  • Patent number: 10738833
    Abstract: A shaft assembly includes a yoke. The yoke defines a first bore and a second bore. The first bore extends from a first face towards a second face along a first axis. The first bore has a key that extends towards the first axis. The second bore extends from a third face towards a fourth face along a second axis that is disposed transverse to the first axis. The third face and the fourth face each extend between the first face and the second face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation
    Inventors: William D. Cymbal, Alan G. Turek
  • Patent number: 10704595
    Abstract: A bearing cup for a bicycle bottom bracket assembly is disclosed. The bearing cup comprises an annular body having a radially outer substantially cylindrical surface portion configured to be coupled with the frame of the bicycle and a radially inner substantially cylindrical surface portion defining a housing seat for a bearing. A plurality of ribs extend radially inwards from said radially inner substantially cylindrical surface portion. The plurality of ribs are configured to be coupled with interference with said bearing. In another embodiment, a bicycle bottom bracket assembly is disclosed that includes the aforementioned bearing cup and a bearing configured to be housed inside the bearing cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: CAMPAGNOLO S.R.L.
    Inventor: Davide Bernardele
  • Patent number: 10668977
    Abstract: A bike pedal assembly uses a pawl, a gear and a torque spring to enable a rider to store and release torque energy while pedaling a bike. The pawl and gear are connected to a nut on an axle, which is connected to a crank arm of the bike. Being connected to the gear and a foot pedal, the torque spring stores torsional energy when one end is stationary and the other rotates with the foot pedal during half of the crank arm resolution, while releases torsional energy during the second half to the crank arm. Thus, the pedal assembly, which can be efficiently installed on each of the foot pedals of the bike, allows the rider to store and utilize additional torque energy and provides a more efficient means of storing torque energy than the conventional system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Inventor: John Daniel Corder
  • Patent number: 10625819
    Abstract: A motorization apparatus for a motorized wheel comprises an axle secured to a frame of a vehicle. A rotor unit has poles of magnet material. A stator unit having slots and teeth secured to the axle is inward of said rotor to define a clearance gap therewith such that the rotor unit is rotatable about the stator core. An arrangement of coils is wound around the teeth of the stator unit, the coils adapted to be powered to induce a rotation of the rotor unit relative to the stator unit. A structure comprises hub portions rotatably mounted to the axle, the structure having lateral walls defining an inner volume for the rotor unit and the stator unit, the structure supporting the rotor unit. The structure comprises attachment members connected to spokes of the motorized wheel, located radially inward of the clearance gap between the rotor unit and the stator unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: BIONX CANADA INC.
    Inventors: Jean-martin Duhamel, Daniel Levesque, Pascal Larose, Jerome Cros
  • Patent number: 10611430
    Abstract: In order to solve low strength and labor-saving of transmission mechanism of conventional crank assembly for a bicycle, this invention provides a crank device. The crank device of this invention includes: a housing (3) to be connected to a frame of the bicycle; a transmission member (4) accommodated in the housing (3) in a loose-fit manner; a supporting shaft (5) partially accommodated in the transmission member (4) in a loose-fit manner; and two driving assemblies (8, 9). Each of the driving assemblies (8, 9) includes: a driving member (82, 92) secured to transmission member (4) and to be connected to a sprocket of the bicycle, wherein one end of the supporting shaft (5) passes through the transmission member (4) and the driving member (82, 92) in a loose-fit manner; and a force arm (81, 91) including an ear (811) secured to the driving member (82, 92) and a bump (812) pivoted to the one end of the supporting shaft (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Inventor: De Jin Ye
  • Patent number: 10594200
    Abstract: Described herein are latching devices where relative speed of movement between members is in part controlled or reduced via eddy current formation and in part controlled or relative motion stopped via a latch arrangement. Various embodiments are described, one being use of a conductive member; at least one magnetic field and a latch member that, prior to latching, moves independently to the at least one conductive member. A kinematic relationship exists between the conductive member and at least one magnetic field that enables the conductive member to move at a different speed relative to the magnetic field on application of an energizing force, thereby inducing an eddy current drag force by relative movement of the conductive member in the magnetic field. The eddy current drag force resulting causes movement of the conductive member causing the conductive member to engage the latch member thereby halting movement between the at least one conductive member and the at least one latch member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: EDDY CURRENT LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
    Inventors: Andrew Karl Diehl, Christopher James Allington, Kevin Andrew Wright
  • Patent number: 10485303
    Abstract: A bicycle shoe cleat positioning device for use in determining the position of a bicycle shoe cleat is provided. The bicycle shoe cleat positioning device comprises a base portion, a holding portion connected to the base portion, a coupler configured to connect to the holding portion, a cleat connector, a connecting member, and a cleat positioning assembly. The cleat positioning assembly comprises a first positioner configured to determine a first position of the cleat connector about a first axis, a second positioner configured to determine a second position of the cleat connector along a second axis, and a third positioner configured to determine a third position of the cleat connector along a third axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Inventor: Josef Kevin Lucero Degodoi
  • Patent number: 10363989
    Abstract: A dual purpose cycle includes a frame unit, a wheel unit, a hub unit, and two crank arm units. The wheel unit includes a front wheel rotatably mounted to the frame unit. The hub unit surrounds an axis, extends though the front wheel, and includes opposite mounting portions respectively disposed at two opposite sides of the front wheel. Each of the mounting portions has an end surface facing oppositely of the front wheel, and an engaging groove indented from the end surface along the axis and having a non-circular cross-section. Each of the crank arm units includes an engaging member having a non-circular cross section, and removably and engagingly inserted into the engaging groove of a respective one of the mounting portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: CHERUB CYCLE ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Wen-Tai Cheng
  • Patent number: 10184522
    Abstract: A bottom bracket shell assembly includes left and right sidewalls. The left and right sidewalls each include a peripheral rim and a lateral surface. The lateral surfaces define a generally circular void. A bearing support is disposed at the voids of the left and right sidewalls. Left and right first bosses project away from the left and right sidewalls at a periphery of the lateral surface. The first bosses include boss ends configured to connect to a first tubular member. The left and right sidewalls are joined at the peripheral rim to form contiguous front and rear surfaces. The present disclosure maximizes the strength to weight ratio for low modulus frame materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: SPECIALIZED BICYCLE COMPONENTS, INC.
    Inventors: Conner Swarthout, Chuck Teixeira
  • Patent number: 10173097
    Abstract: An adjustable rehabilitation and exercise device, including a rotary member rotatable about a hub and having an elongated slot defined thereon extending radially relative to the hub, the slot including a plurality of spaced apart and opposed fingers along the length of the slots, with a plurality of gaps defined between the fingers of each side of the slot; and a mount selectively and movably positionable on a selected location on the slot of the rotary member to select an angular location of the mount. The mount includes a sliding member movably positionable along the slot to a selected radial location along the selected slot to select a radial location of the mount relative to the hub of the rotary member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: ROM3 Rehab LLC
    Inventors: Sanford Gomberg, Peter Arn, Stephen T. Sullivan, Sean P. Allison
  • Patent number: 10077093
    Abstract: The present invention includes two rotatable sleeves, two springs, two pins, two plastic sleeves and a Z-shaped crank. The two springs are respectively disposed in the two rotatable sleeves. The two rotatable sleeves are respectively accommodated around corresponding left end and right end of the crank. One end of each of the two springs is abuttingly connected on an inner wall of one of the two rotatable sleeves and one other end abuttingly connected on an end wall of the crank. The two pins are respectively penetrated through the two rotatable sleeves and are insertingly connected on the crank. The two plastic sleeves are respectively accommodated around left and right ends of the crank to closely cover the two pins. Thus, the present invention not only provides a smooth and pleasant appearance, but also allows a pedal to a position parallel to a bicycle without affecting a boxing effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: Jiangsu Baiyee Sports Equipment Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Zhi-Feng Ge
  • Patent number: 9616281
    Abstract: An exercise equipment with an improved connecting bar connecting an exercise foot retaining device to a resistance, wherein a first longitudinal pedal bar is connected to a first bent longitudinal pedal connector bar and a second longitudinal pedal bar is connected to a second bent longitudinal pedal connector bar, the first and second bent longitudinal connector bars each having a bent angle greater than zero and less than ninety degrees to thereby prevent the occurrence of a dead angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Hupa International Inc.
    Inventor: Bob Hsiung
  • Patent number: 9388847
    Abstract: A bottom bracket assembly for bicycle frames aligns crankshaft bearings. The assembly is press fitted into the bottom bracket shell to journal the crankshaft. An elongated, rigid, unibody sleeve comprises a terminal end and a spaced apart leading end which both receive and support a radial contact bearing that is press fitted into a machined bore. Each bore comprises an interference fit zone for bearing retention and a larger, pressure relief zone comprising a channel and an adjacent, buffering slope that compensates for stresses. Dust shields coaxially abut the bearing exteriors. An inner, tubular buttress bushing coaxially occupies the sleeve interior and extends between the spaced apart bearings to brace them. Externally the sleeve has a pair of integral, friction retention contact interfaces separated by a reduced diameter optimization zone. The sleeve terminal end has an integral stop flange that abuts the frame bottom bracket shell contacting the crank arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Inventors: Wesley Warren Wolfenbarger, Gary Edward Mailhiot, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9377600
    Abstract: An improved mount for, and method of mounting, an optical structure having a grooved/relieved protruding member with a damping ring therein or on is provided. The grooved/relieved protruding member may extend from the optical structure, and an upper element having a first opening extending therethrough may receive at least a portion of the grooved/relieved member in the first opening. The upper element may include second and third openings therein that operate along with the first opening and a tightening mechanism. Tightening of the tightening mechanism into at least one of the third opening and the second opening causes the ends of the head portions to draw toward each other so that the first opening of the upper element tightens around the at least a portion of the grooved/relieved protruding member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: PLX, Inc.
    Inventors: Itai Vishnia, Zvi Bleier
  • Patent number: 9359042
    Abstract: A bicycle crank assembly is provided with a crank arm that includes a first outer shell, a second outer shell, and a pedal attachment structure. The first outer shell is a one-piece, pressed sheet metal member with the projecting part being a bent portion that defines the first pedal axle opening. The first outer shell has a projecting part projecting from the first outer shell in an axial direction. The first and second outer shells are adhesively attached together to form an interior cavity. The pedal attachment structure includes an abutment face with a recess formed in the abutment face such that the abutment face contacts the first outer shell adjacent the first pedal axle opening and the projecting part of the first outer shell is disposed in the recess of the pedal attachment structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Tetsu Nonoshita, Masahiro Yamanaka
  • Patent number: 9254412
    Abstract: An exerciser includes a body and an adjustment wheel. The body has two flywheels and two foot support links. The two flywheels each have a sliding portion which radially connected thereto so as to guide the two foot support links to alternatively move along a supporting travel and a crossing travel to complete a closed pedal trajectory when the flywheels rotate. The timing adjustment wheel is pivotally connected to the body. The timing adjustment wheel has a first slider and a second slider, the first and second sliders are configured to move along the sliding portions of the flywheels. The foot support links drives the flywheel to rotate so that the first and second sliders move along the sliding portions to change the speeds and phase differences of the foot support links so as to meet the principles of ergonomics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: KUN SHAN UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Fu-Chen Chen, Wei-Ren Chen, Meng-Hui Hsu
  • Patent number: 9254413
    Abstract: An elliptical exerciser includes a body having two foot support links and two rotation members. The rotation members are rotated about their respective rotation pivots to drive the foot support links to move along a supporting travel and a crossing travel to complete a closed pedal trajectory. The timing adjustment wheel is pivotally connected to the body. A distance is defined between the pivot of the timing adjustment wheel and either of the rotation pivots of the rotation members. Two connecting links are pivotally connected to the timing adjustment wheel. The lengths of the two connecting links are longer than the distance. When one of the foot support links moves within the supporting travel and rotates one of the rotation members, the timing adjustment wheel drives the other foot support link to move within the crossing travel and produces speed and phase differences to be more ergonomic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: KUN SHAN UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Fu-Chen Chen, Wei-Ren Chen, Meng-Hui Hsu
  • Patent number: 9027439
    Abstract: A crank arm is provided, which includes a first connecting member and a second connecting member used for joining the first connecting member. The first connecting member has a first wall surface, the first wall surface is provided with a joint wall of an annular structure, and a wall surface of the joint wall is a concave-convex surface. The second connecting member is provided with a second wall surface opposite to the first wall surface, an annular wall and two facing ribs extend from the second wall surface, and the annular wall and the ribs have a groove there-between for fitting the joint wall therein. Therefore, a contact area of the first connecting member and the second connecting member is increased, and a shear force resisting function is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Tien Hsin Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sandro Feltrin
  • Patent number: 8955410
    Abstract: A bicycle crank assembly is basically provided with a crank axle, a first outer shell member, a second outer shell member, a first crank axle supporting member and a second crank axle supporting member. The crank axle has an end portion with an external mounting surface and an internal mounting surface. The first and second outer shell members are arranged relative to each other with a space being formed between the first and second outer shell members. The first crank axle supporting member is disposed on the first outer shell member and supports the external mounting surface of the crank axle. The second crank axle supporting member is disposed on the first outer shell member and supports the internal mounting surface of the crank axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Masahiro Yamanaka, Eigo Kuroiwa, Tetsu Nonoshita
  • Publication number: 20150007688
    Abstract: A crank arm is provided, which includes a first connecting member and a second connecting member used for joining the first connecting member. The first connecting member has a first wall surface, the first wall surface is provided with a joint wall of an annular structure, and a wall surface of the joint wall is a concave-convex surface. The second connecting member is provided with a second wall surface opposite to the first wall surface, an annular wall and two facing ribs extend from the second wall surface, and the annular wall and the ribs have a groove there-between for fitting the joint wall therein. Therefore, a contact area of the first connecting member and the second connecting member is increased, and a shear force resisting function is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2013
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventor: SANDRO FELTRIN
  • Publication number: 20150000459
    Abstract: A composite bicycle component comprises a first member, a second member, a bonding member, and an inner holding member. The first member is made of metallic material. The second member is made of non-metallic material. The first and second members are configured to form an interior cavity therebetween in a state where the first and second members are attached to each other. The bonding member is configured to attach the first and second members to each other. The inner holding member is configured to be disposed within the interior cavity so as to prevent the first and second members from being separated from each other until completion of attaching the first and second members to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Tetsu NONOSHITA, Masahiro YAMANAKA
  • Publication number: 20140360314
    Abstract: A crankset and bottom bracket assembly for a bicycle having a spindle. The crankset and bottom bracket assembly comprising a first crank. The first crank comprising a first ratchet mechanism configured for connection to the spindle at a first end. Wherein when the first ratchet mechanism is rotated in a first direction relative to the spindle, the pawl does not engage the tooth and the first crank freewheels relative to the spindle, and wherein when the first ratchet mechanism is rotated in a second direction relative to the spindle, the pawl engages the tooth and rotation of the first crank drives the rotation of the spindle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventor: Mark Bradley Sams
  • Patent number: 8904905
    Abstract: A crank detachable holder is provided with a crank arm attachment part and a holding part. The crank arm attachment part has a mounting opening dimensioned to receive a bolt for connecting the crank arm to a crank axle. The holding part connected to the crank arm attachment part. The crank detachable holder is preferably part of a bicycle crank arm assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Takumi Onogi, Yuta Mizutani
  • Publication number: 20140345419
    Abstract: A crank arm for a bicycle may include a body extending along a body axis and having a first body end and a second body end axially spaced apart from the first body end. The insert may also include an insert provided toward the first body end. The insert may include a base portion having a radially outer surface. At least one extension may extend outwardly from the radially outer surface and may be encased within a corresponding recess in the body whereby relative planar movement between the body and the at least one extension in a first plane. The retaining portion may have a retaining portion width measured in the first direction and the retaining width may be greater than the throat width thereby inhibiting relative radial movement between the at least one extension and the recess and preventing radial extraction of the extension from the corresponding recess.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventors: Jonathan Staples, Paul Sidlick
  • Patent number: 8893581
    Abstract: A pedal adjuster which may be used with a pedal device such as a bicycle or stationary bicycle and which allows a user to tilt pedals relative to the horizontal plane in order to accommodate a foot that is everted or inverted relative to the vertical midline of the user's body. The illustrated embodiment of this invention includes an outer tube with a plurality of locking pin holes and a means for attachment to a crank arm, an inner rod housed coaxially within the outer tube and having a means for attachment to a pedal and a means for adjustably positioning the inner rod within the outer tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Inventor: Larry White
  • Publication number: 20140319797
    Abstract: A quick release bicycle crank assembly for a bicycle allows installation and removal of cranks from a crankset without the use of tools. The quick release mechanism has a coupling and a spindle wherein the coupling includes an outer sleeve that opens and closes the coupling, thereby allowing the spindle to be inserted or removed from the coupling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2013
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: PACIFIC CYCLE, LLC
    Inventor: Lee Emmons
  • Patent number: 8863616
    Abstract: A bicycle pedal crank has an elongated body and a first end portion with a first seat for coupling with a bottom bracket of the bicycle, a second end portion with a second seat for coupling with a pedal, and an intermediate portion extending between the first end portion and said second end portion and having an inner portion substantially without structural strength and a first reinforcement structure. The first reinforcement structure has a tubular structure arranged around said inner portion and extending longitudinally not longer than the longitudinal extension of the intermediate portion. The extension of the tubular element is limited to the intermediate portion of the pedal crank. The crank may be manufactured in a simple, quick way in a completely automated manner, using a filling material molded under high pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Campagnolo S.R.L.
    Inventors: Gabriele Ciavatta, Mauri Feltrin
  • Patent number: 8820192
    Abstract: A crank arm for a bicycle may include a body extending along a body axis and having a first body end and a second body end axially spaced apart from the first body end. The insert may also include an insert provided toward the first body end. The insert may include a base portion having a radially outer surface. At least one extension may extend outwardly from the radially outer surface and may be encased within a corresponding recess in the body whereby relative planar movement between the body and the at least one extension in a first plane. The retaining portion may have a retaining portion width measured in the first direction and the retaining width may be greater than the throat width thereby inhibiting relative radial movement between the at least one extension and the recess and preventing radial extraction of the extension from the corresponding recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Race Face Prerformance Products Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Staples, Paul Sidlick
  • Publication number: 20140217695
    Abstract: This invention provides a novel solution for an optimally powered crank for a human-powered vehicle, such as a bicycle. This invention includes a novel system and method to optimize the length of each crank arm throughout the revolution of the crank assembly. First, a crank arm assembly is attached to the bicycle's existing spindle assembly. The crank arm assembly includes a rail section that is fixed at one end to the mounting section of the crank arm assembly. Next, the opposite end of the rail section is attached to the sliding section of the crank arm assembly. The sliding section of the crank arm assembly also includes a feature that allows the sliding section to collapse and expand along the rail section. The crank arm assembly also includes at least two track rollers mounted to the side of each sliding section designed to reduce friction and counter inertial forces associated with the crank arm assembly sliding along the tracks. Next, the assembly includes two tracks mounted on each side of the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Inventor: Sergio Landau
  • Patent number: 8797027
    Abstract: A bottom bracket with a torque sensor unit. The bottom bracket has at least one pedal crank, a shaft that is non-rotatably connected to the at least one pedal crank, and a torque detection device for detecting a torque in the region of the shaft. The torque detection device has a first magnetization and a sensor which detects a change of the first magnetized due to a torque passed into the shaft. The bottom bracket allows a reliable and fast detection of torques, especially of the different torques of both pedal cranks. Utilizing the shaft, which is designed as a hollow shaft and the first magnetization, which is arranged on at least one section of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Stefan Glueck, Michael Pausch, Frank Benkert
  • Patent number: 8789841
    Abstract: A pedaled vehicle includes a frame, a wheel rotatably coupled to the frame, a crank assembly operatively coupled to the wheel and having a bore, a pedal received in the bore, and a spring clip for securing the pedal to the crank assembly. The spring clip includes at least one flexible tab or leg capable of flexing between a first configuration, where the spring clip allows a shaft of the pedal to pass through the bore, and a second configuration, where the pedal shaft is prevented from being removed from the bore. A method for coupling a pedal to a vehicle in a tool-less manner is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Huffy Corporation
    Inventors: Mark A. Laipple, Robert L. Diekman
  • Patent number: 8770061
    Abstract: A crank assembly for a bicycle's bottom bracket assembly comprises a shaft extending along a longitudinal axis, at least one crank arm associated with at least one free end of said shaft, first front coupling means formed on said shaft and second front coupling means formed on said at least one crank arm, said first and second front coupling means being coupled together. In particular, the aforementioned first and second front coupling means comprise respective front toothings. The front coupling is located in an end zone, or on the outside, of a bottom bracket assembly's shaft's housing box formed in the bicycle's frame. The front coupling introduces a structural discontinuity between crank arm and shaft, for which reason the bending load exerted on the crank arm during pedaling is transmitted to the shaft to a small degree. Such a structural discontinuity is located at the shaft/crank arm interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Campagnolo S.R.L.
    Inventors: Mario Meggiolan, Maurizio Valle
  • Publication number: 20140182413
    Abstract: A bicycle crank arm includes a first member and a second member. The first member has a crank axle interacting portion and a first recessed part around the crank axle interacting portion. The second member is attached to the first member. The first member has a first side facing the second member and a second side opposite to the first side. The first recessed part is recessed from the second side toward the first side such that the first recessed part includes an attachment area attached to the second member on the first side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Masahiro YAMANAKA, Yusuke NISHIMOTO, Tetsu NONOSHITA, Yuki WATANABE
  • Publication number: 20140178704
    Abstract: The invention relates to a bicycle component, for example a rim, comprising a body made from aluminium and a body made from composite material coupled with a first surface portion of the body made from aluminium. Such a first surface portion has been subjected to a deoxidation surface treatment. An adhesive substance has been then applied on at least part of said first surface portion for gluing the body made from aluminium to the body made from composite material. A second surface portion of the body made from aluminium has been subjected to an oxidation surface treatment with subsequent fixing of the oxide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: CAMPAGNOLO S.r.l.
    Inventors: Paolo FABRIS, Mauri FELTRIN
  • Publication number: 20140157950
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device for synchronously actuating at least two independent controlled apparatuses at two sides of the bottom bracket of the bicycle through a driving process. The independent controlled apparatuses can be foldable pedals or quick-disassembling pedals or foldable cranks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventor: Dongjun Wang
  • Publication number: 20140157948
    Abstract: A crank detachable holder is provided with a crank arm attachment part and a holding part. The crank arm attachment part has a mounting opening dimensioned to receive a bolt for connecting the crank arm to a crank axle. The holding part connected to the crank arm attachment part. The crank detachable holder is preferably part of a bicycle crank arm assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Takumi ONOGI, Yuta MIZUTANI
  • Publication number: 20140144285
    Abstract: A bicycle crank axle assembly has first and second crank arms that are attached to opposite ends of a crank axle. The ends of the crank axle are non-rotatably disposed in axle mounting openings of the first and second crank arms. A first end of the crank axle has at least one axially extending first spline that protrudes radially outward from an outer peripheral surface of its middle body portion. The at least one axially extending first spline non-rotatably couples the crank axle to the first crank arm and prevents outward axial movement of the first crank arm away from the second crank arm. The second end portion of the crank axle has at least one recess that extend radially inward with respect to the outer peripheral surface of the middle body portion to form at least one axially extending second spline.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2014
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Masahiro YAMANAKA, Yusuke NISHIMOTO, Shingo SHIRAISHI, Akinobu SUGIMOTO
  • Patent number: 8720304
    Abstract: A bicycle crank assembly of bicycle cranks and axle includes a first crank having a first hole which has a first open end and a second open end opposite the first open end. A first protrusion extends from the inner periphery of the first open end and a second protrusion extends from the first protrusion. The second protrusion has a first restriction face. An axle extends through the first crank and has a third end and a fourth end opposite the third end. The third end has a fixing portion on the outside thereof. The fixing portion has a recessed portion defined in the connection area with the axle. The recessed portion has a second restriction face which is matched with the first restriction face so as to evenly share the stress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Inventor: Yu-Sheng Kao