Velocipede Patents (Class 192/217)
  • Patent number: 11964728
    Abstract: A bicycle control device arranged on a curved handlebar of a bicycle and used to adjust a component of the bicycle is provided. The curved handlebar includes a straight section and a curved section extending from both ends of the straight section. The control device includes a fastener, a first connecting rod and a second connecting rod. The fastener has a hollow space for the curved handlebar to pass through, a first pivoting portion and a second pivoting portion. The first connecting rod has a third pivoting portion and a first pulling portion, wherein the first connecting rod is pivoted to the first pivoting portion through the third pivoting portion. The second connecting rod has a fourth pivoting portion and a second pulling portion, wherein the second connecting rod is pivoted to the second pivoting portion through the fourth pivoting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: Giant Manufactoring Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Cheng-Ru Chuang
  • Patent number: 11613327
    Abstract: A control device for a bicycle has a housing configured to be mountable to the bicycle and sized and shaped to be grasped by a user's hand and a battery receptacle positioned on the housing. The housing has a base portion and an extension portion. The base portion includes first and second ends, a downward facing side, an upward facing side, an inward facing side, an outward facing side, and a handlebar clamp disposed at the first end. A battery receptacle is positioned on a first side, which can be the downward facing side, of the base portion of the housing. An accessory port can be positioned on a second side of the base portion of the housing, different from the first side, and which can be the inward or outward facing side of the base portion of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: SRAM, LLC
    Inventors: Rachel Cahan, Doug Mahoney
  • Patent number: 10920839
    Abstract: A disc brake rotor comprises a hub engagement member, a friction member, a first member, and a second member. The hub engagement member is configured to engage with a hub assembly. The friction member is provided radially outwardly of the hub engagement member with respect to a rotational center axis of the disc brake rotor. The friction member has an axial thickness in an axial direction with respect to the rotational center axis. The first member extends between the hub engagement member and the friction member. The first member includes a recess that has an axial depth in the axial direction. The axial depth is larger than the axial thickness of the friction member. The second member is at least partly provided on the recess without using a screw connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Kazuya Kuwayama, Yusuke Hosomi
  • Patent number: 10604206
    Abstract: A bicycle operating device comprises a base member, a brake operating member, an additional operating member, an electrical switch, and a wireless communication unit. The brake operating member is movably coupled to the base member. The additional operating member is movably coupled to the base member. The electrical switch is to provide an electric signal in response to a movement of the additional operating member. The electrical switch is disposed at the brake operating member. The wireless communication unit is connected to the electrical switch to transmit a wireless signal based on the electric signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Atsushi Komatsu, Takehiko Nakajima, Takafumi Nishino
  • Patent number: 10589818
    Abstract: A bicycle operating device comprises a base member and an operating member. The base member is configured to be mounted to a bicycle handlebar. The operating member is movably coupled to the base member. The base member includes a first arrangement part to which at least one of a first operating structure and a first cover structure is arrangeable. The base member includes a second arrangement part to which at least one of a second operating structure and a second cover structure is arrangeable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Yasuyuki Komada, Kohei Ohyabu, Shouichi Ono
  • Patent number: 10410173
    Abstract: A bicycle component operating device is basically provided with a first base member, a first operating member, a second base member and a second operating member. The first operating member is pivotally mounted to the first base member to pivot about a first axis to control a first bicycle component. The second base member is different from the first base member. The second base member is separably attached to the first base member along an axial direction parallel to the first axis. The second operating member is pivotally mounted to the second base member to control a second bicycle component that is different from the first bicycle component. The first operating member remains with the first base member and the second operating member remains with the second base member upon separation of the first base member from the second base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Kentaro Miyazaki, Kazutaka Fukao
  • Patent number: 10407121
    Abstract: A bicycle operating device comprises a base member, a brake operating member, an additional operating member, an electrical switch, and a wireless communication unit. The brake operating member is movably coupled to the base member in a first direction. The additional operating member is movably coupled to the base member in a second direction and in a third direction different from the first direction and the second direction. The electrical switch is to provide an electric signal in response to a movement of the additional operating member in the third direction. The electrical switch is disposed at the additional operating member. The wireless communication unit is connected to the electrical switch to transmit a wireless signal based on the electric signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Atsushi Komatsu, Takehiko Nakajima, Takafumi Nishino
  • Patent number: 10330174
    Abstract: A carrier and at least one pin shaft of a gearbox of a wind turbine and method of manufacturing same includes forming the carrier and the pin shaft(s) as a single part or separate components. Further, the method includes forming one or more voids in the pin shaft(s) and/or the carrier via additive manufacturing. As such, the void(s) is configured to increase flexibility of the pin shaft(s)/carrier so as to improve a load distribution thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jacob Johannes Nies, Matteo Bellucci, Kevin M. Vandevoorde, Raed Zuhair Hasan, John P. Davis, Aaron Joseph Wertz
  • Patent number: 10189532
    Abstract: A bicycle operating device comprises a base member, an operating unit, and a support shaft. The operating unit includes a rotatable member rotatable relative to the base member about a first rotational axis to control a bicycle component. The operating unit has a first operating unit end supported by the base member and a second operating unit end opposite to the first operating unit end along the first rotational axis. The support shaft extends in a direction non-parallel to the first rotational axis and couples the second operating unit end to the base member. The support shaft has a first end and a second end opposite to the first end. The first end and the second end are supported by the base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Kentaro Kosaka, Shinji Kawamura, Yoshimitsu Miki, Naoki Fujimoto
  • Patent number: 10023265
    Abstract: A bicycle control device is basically provided for operating a bicycle component. The bicycle control device includes a mounting member, a take-up member, a position maintaining member, a release member and a pulling member. The take-up member moves with respect to the mounting member in a take-up direction for pulling a control cable and a releasing direction for releasing the control cable. The position maintaining member moves with respect to the mounting member to move between a holding position that holds the take-up member in one of a plurality of predetermined positions and a releasing position that releases the take-up member for pivotal movement. The release member pivots with respect to the mounting member to move the position maintaining member between the holding position and the releasing position. The pulling member moves with respect to the mounting member to selectively move the take-up member and the release member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Yoshimitsu Miki, Kazutaka Fukao
  • Patent number: 9975604
    Abstract: A dual control lever includes a fixed base, a brake lever, a pivot lever, a first electrical button, a second electrical button and a third electrical button. The brake lever is pivoted on the fixed base. The pivot lever is rotatably close to the brake lever. The first electrical button is disposed on the pivot lever. The second electrical button disposed on the pivot lever. The third electrical button is disposed on the pivot lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: TEKTRO TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Szu-Fang Tsai
  • Patent number: 9919760
    Abstract: A bicycle operating device comprises a base member, an operating construction, a wire takeup member, a ratchet member, a first pawl, and an actuating member. The wire takeup member is configured to be rotatable relative to the base member about a rotational axis in a first direction and a second direction. The ratchet member has ratchet teeth. The actuating member includes a second pawl. The actuating member is configured to move the first pawl away from the ratchet member and to engage the second pawl with one of the ratchet teeth, in response to a second operation of the operating construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventor: Tatsuya Kawakami
  • Patent number: 7779724
    Abstract: An electrical bicycle shift control assembly is provided that includes at least one electrical bicycle shift control device. The shift control device includes a handlebar mounting portion configured to be clamped onto a handlebar and an electrical shift control switch portion. The electrical switch portion has an operating member arranged to move relative to the handlebar mounting portion between a neutral position and an actuating position. Preferably, the electrical switch portion is detachably coupled to the handlebar mounting portion via a mating mounting structure to be removable from the handlebar mounting portion without removing the handlebar mounting portion from the handlebar. Preferably, a bicycle computer unit including a display screen is supported by the handlebar mounting portion. The operating member can include a dial-shaped element or a lever-shaped element that is configured to rotate about an operating axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Fujii
  • Patent number: 7650813
    Abstract: A position control mechanism is provided for a bicycle control device that has a shifting unit. The position control mechanism has an operating member that is configured to operate a positioning member that moves through two of a plurality of predetermined shift positions during a single progressive movement of the operating member. The operating member is configured in the preferred embodiment to operate both a hydraulic braking unit and the shifting unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Akira Tsumiyama
  • Patent number: 7527137
    Abstract: A combination shift and brake lever arrangement for a bicycle, includes a single lever for performing a braking operation and a shifting operation in both directions. A braking arrangement mounts the single lever for movement in a first front to back pivoting direction to perform a braking operation, while a shifting arrangement mounts the single lever for movement in a second side to side pivoting direction different from the first pivoting direction. A shift control mechanism controls shifting of gears of the bicycle in a first shifting direction upon movement of the single lever in the second pivoting direction, while a reverse control changes over the shift control mechanism to control shifting of the gears of the bicycle in a second opposite shifting direction upon movement of the single lever in the same second pivoting direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Inventor: John L. Calendrille, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20080200290
    Abstract: The present invention refers to a bicycle hub being part of the drive mechanism 1 of a BMX bicycle comprising: an axle 5, a first part 7 being seated on said axle 5 and being provided with or connected to a cog 6, a second part 8 being movable relative to said first part 7 in longitudinal and rotational direction of said axle 5, said first part 7 and said second part 8 being in contact with each other via a screw coupling provided by threads 7? and 8?, a hub body 11 being arranged around at least said second part 8, said second part 8 being provided with a first cone surface 9, said hub body 11 having a second cone 10 surface formed thereon or connected thereto, wherein said two cone surfaces 9, 10 are engageable for power transmission, wherein an adjustable stopper mechanism 12 is provided, limiting a gap providing space for an axial movement of said second part 8.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2007
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventor: Thomas Goring
  • Patent number: 7124873
    Abstract: A bicycle control device is configured with an operating member, a hydraulic braking unit and a shifting unit. The operating member is configured in the preferred embodiment to operate both the hydraulic braking unit and the shifting unit. The shifting unit is movably disposed around a center cylinder axis of a hydraulic brake cylinder to provide a compact structure. Also the operating member is configured to perform braking and speed change operations such that the braking operation is carried out without movement of the parts of the shifting unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Akira Tsumiyama
  • Patent number: 7100471
    Abstract: A control device is configured to be attached to the handlebar of a bicycle for controlling a brake mechanism and change speed mechanism. The control device comprises a bracket fixed to the handlebar, a brake lever pivotally coupled crosswise relative to the bracket and a release lever. The brake mechanism is controlled by fore and aft pivotal movement of the brake lever, while the change speed mechanism is controlled by sideways pivotal movement of the brake lever and the release lever. The brake lever and the release lever are further configured relative to the bracket for smooth easy operation by the rider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Yoshinori Irie, Hisayuki Sato
  • Patent number: 7080723
    Abstract: A shift and brake control device is configured to combine an electrical shift operating device and a cable operated brake operating device. The control device basically has a brake lever bracket with a pivotally mounted brake lever moveably coupled to the brake lever bracket to move between a rest position and a braking position along a brake operating plane, and at least one an electrical shift control switch. The electrical shift control switch is either fixedly mounted to the brake lever or the brake lever bracket. When two electrical shift control switches are used, the electrical shift control switches are mounted to both the brake lever and the brake lever bracket. In some embodiments, the electrical shift control switch has a rotating operating member, while other embodiments have a sliding operating member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Kouji Uno, Kazuhiro Fujii
  • Patent number: 7040440
    Abstract: An electric assisted bicycle of simple structure is provided which is superior in the stability, reliability, and certainty of operation, and is provided with an electric power regenerative function and a brake assist function. A pedal force transmitted from a crank shaft is transmitted to an axle shaft via first transmission means, and the output of a motor as an assistant motive power is transmitted to the axle shaft via a clutch unit, which can switch a lock direction in conjunction with brake operation by a cyclist, and second transmission means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Masahiro Kurita, Hiroji Fukuoka, Naoki Obita
  • Patent number: 7007785
    Abstract: A shift and brake control device is configured to combine an electrical shift operating device and a cable operated brake operating device. The control device basically has a brake lever bracket with a pivotally mounted brake lever moveably coupled to the brake lever bracket to move between a rest position and a braking position along a brake operating plane, and at least one an electrical shift control switch. The electrical shift control switch is either fixedly mounted to the brake lever or the brake lever bracket. When two electrical shift control switches are used, the electrical shift control switches are mounted to both the brake lever and the brake lever bracket. In some embodiments, the electrical shift control switch has a rotating operating member, while other embodiments have a sliding operating member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Kouji Uno, Kazuhiro Fujii
  • Patent number: 6991081
    Abstract: A shift and brake control device is configured to combine an electrical shift operating device and a cable operated brake operating device. The control device basically has a brake lever bracket with a pivotally mounted brake lever moveably coupled to the brake lever bracket to move between a rest position and a braking position along a brake operating plane, and at least one an electrical shift control switch. The electrical shift control switch is either fixedly mounted to the brake lever or the brake lever bracket. When two electrical shift control switches are used, the electrical shift control switches are mounted to both the brake lever and the brake lever bracket. In some embodiments, the electrical shift control switch has a rotating operating member, while other embodiments have a sliding operating member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Kouji Uno, Kazuhiro Fujii
  • Patent number: 6792826
    Abstract: A combined gear change and brake control unit in a support body which can be fastened to a bicycle handlebar. The brake control lever and gear change control unit are carried by a support body. The gear change unit has a rotatable shaft attached to a pulley with an end portion of a derailler control cable wound thereon. The shaft is subject to a return torque that turns the shaft to release the cable. The unit has a gear change lever that controls the rotation of the shaft in a direction that winds the cable onto the pulley and a cable release button. The gear change control unit includes a ratchet mechanism that leaves the shaft free to turn by a predetermined amount in the release direction of the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Campagnolo S.r.l.
    Inventor: Giuseppe Dal Pra′
  • Publication number: 20040079612
    Abstract: A bicycle hub dynamo comprises a hub spindle adapted to be mounted to a frame of the bicycle; a hub body disposed around the hub spindle, wherein the hub body has a pair of axially spaced hub flanges; a plurality of bearings disposed between the hub body and the hub spindle for rotatably supporting the hub body relative to the hub spindle; and a generator disposed between the hub body and the hub spindle, wherein the generator generates electricity in response to rotation of the hub body relative to the hub spindle. A freewheel is disposed on a first side of the hub body, wherein the freewheel is adapted to mount a plurality of sprockets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Applicant: Shimano, Inc.
    Inventors: Takahiro Endo, Takanori Kanehisa
  • Patent number: 6698567
    Abstract: An electric control device for a motor-driven derailleur for bicycles includes a supporting body fixed to a handlebar of a bicycle, a supporting body, a pair of electric switches to control the gear change carried by the supporting body, and a gear change lever that can be manually operated to control a first of said switches. The gear change lever comprises a first part connected to the supporting body so as to consent shift of the gear change lever between a position at rest and an operating position, and a second part hinged to the first part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Campagnolo Srl
    Inventor: Giuseppe Dal Pra'
  • Patent number: 6598724
    Abstract: A wheel hub (10), primarily for a wheelchair wheel, can be manually operated by rotating a cover (168) to give three different operating states for the wheel which includes the hub. In the first position, the wheel is free to rotate relative to the chair. In the second position, the wheel is locked to the chair, i.e. the chair is braked. In the third position, the wheel can turn in the direction corresponding to forward motion of the chair, but cannot rotate in the opposite direction. This prevents the wheelchair from undesired backward rolling movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Inventors: Kenneth Brian Stedman, Iain Robert Warner
  • Publication number: 20030019712
    Abstract: Electric control device for a motor-driven derailleur for bicycles, comprising:
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2002
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Applicant: Campagnolo Srl
    Inventor: Giuseppe Dal Pra'
  • Publication number: 20020170799
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission is disclosed for use in rotationally or linearly powered machines and vehicles. The single axle transmission provides a simple manual shifting method for the user. An additional embodiment is disclosed which shifts automatically dependent upon the rotational speed of the wheel. Further, the practical commercialization of traction roller transmissions requires improvements in the reliability, ease of shifting, function and simplicity of the transmission. The disclosed transmission may be used in vehicles such as automobiles, motorcycles, and bicycles. The transmission may, for example, be driven by a power transfer mechanism such as a sprocket, gear, pulley or lever, optionally driving a one way clutch attached at one end of the main shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Inventor: Donald C. Miller
  • Publication number: 20020139637
    Abstract: A bicycle control device is disclosed having a control lever that is operable in a first direction to operate the brake control mechanism, a second direction to operate the shift control mechanism in the pulling direction and a third direction to operate the shift control mechanism in the release direction. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, when viewed from the perspective of a rider on the bicycle, the first direction is the direction of movement of the lever toward the handlebar. The second direction is the direction of movement of the control lever downward and the third direction is the direction of movement of the control lever upward. In a more preferred embodiment, the second and third directions are perpendicular to the first direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2001
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Applicant: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Akira Tsumiyama, Nobukatsu Hara
  • Patent number: 6244415
    Abstract: A bicycle transmission shifting device includes a motor, a takeup member for pulling and releasing a transmission control element, and a one-way clutch shift control device disposed between the motor and the takeup member for maintaining the takeup member in a plurality of positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Shimano, Inc.
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Fujii
  • Patent number: 6142281
    Abstract: A bicycle speed change control unit is provided with a transducer device adapted to send an electric signal indicative of the transmission ratio selected by the speed change device. The transducer device comprises an auxiliary supporting body which also carries a control button for selecting the mode of operation of the on-board electronic control unit of the bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: Campagnolo S.r.l.
    Inventor: Valentino Campagnolo
  • Patent number: 6095309
    Abstract: An actuator for actuating a derailleur and/or a brake of a bicycle. The actuator is incorporated into a bar end and includes a lever slidably mounted to the bar end for sliding between a neutral position and an actuating position axially spaced from the neutral position. A transmission mechanism is received within a cavity of the bar end and couples the lever to the brake or derailleur. The transmission mechanism actuates the brake or derailleur when the lever is slid to the actuating position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: At Design Inc.
    Inventor: Walter Mione
  • Patent number: 6015036
    Abstract: An electrical shift control device for a bicycle includes a brake lever adapted to move relative to a handlebar and a first electrical shift control switch supported to the brake lever. A second electrical shift control switch may be disposed in proximity to the brake lever, wherein the first electrical shift control switch may be used to operate the shifting mechanism to move in the upshifting direction, and wherein the second electrical shift control switch may be used to operate the shifting mechanism to move in the downshifting direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: Shimano, Inc.
    Inventor: Masahiko Fukuda
  • Patent number: 5961416
    Abstract: An internally mounted bicycle transmission includes a hub axle, a drive member rotatably mounted around the hub axle, a hub body rotatably mounted around the hub axle, and a gear mechanism coupled between the drive member and the hub body for communicating rotational force from the drive member to the hub body through multiple transmission paths. The gear mechanism includes a sun gear rotatably supported around the axle, a planet gear supported by a planet gear carrier for rotation around the hub axle and for engaging the sun gear, and a ring gear engaging the planet gear. According to the invention, the ring gear is integrally formed with the drive member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: Shimano, Inc.
    Inventor: Akihiko Shoge
  • Patent number: RE43501
    Abstract: An electric control device for a motor-driven derailleur for bicycles includes a supporting body fixed to a handlebar of a bicycle, a supporting body, a pair of electric switches to control the gear change carried by the supporting body, and a gear change lever that can be manually operated to control a first of said switches. The gear change lever comprises a first part connected to the supporting body so as to consent shift of the gear change lever between a position at rest and an operating position, and a second part hinged to the first part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Campagnolo S.r.l.
    Inventor: Giuseppe Dal Pra′
  • Patent number: RE47492
    Abstract: A bicycle control device that includes a bracket configured to be mounted to a handlebar, a first lever pivotally mounted to the bracket and defining a first pivot axis, a second lever that includes a first user contact part pivotally mounted to the first lever that pivots about a second axis, and a first electrical switch mounted to one of the first lever and the second lever. The first electrical switch is operated in response to pivotal movement of the second lever about the second axis. The first pivot axis is positioned between the second pivot axis and the first user contact part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Fujii, Akinobu Uno, Takuro Jinbu