Abstract:
A mechanism for shifting a chain from one sprocket to another sprocket is disclosed herein. The mechanism preferably includes rotor assembly, a control element and a chain tensioner. The rotor assembly preferably has a conical shaped body with a chain slot having clearance windows and cam surfaces. The control element rotates the rotor assembly to shift the chain from one of the sprockets to another sprocket without lateral movement of the rotor assembly.
Abstract:
System, methods and devices for training, stretching, relaxing and rehabilitating the musculoskeletal system of the neck and upper thorax. A method uses the principles of reciprocal inhibition to specifically train the core musculature. The device employed by the method is an inflatable bladder having finger holes formed in its opposing ends.
Abstract:
A hand-operated shift actuator (16) displaces a derailleur control cable (22). The actuator (16) includes a stationary member (60) that is affixed relative to a bicycle handlebar (44). Rotation of the rotating member (62) causes the control cable (22) to be displaced, thus actuating the derailleur (24) to which the control cable (22) is attached. A plurality of detent positions (104-115) each correspond to a derailleur overshift position. The rotating member (62) is rotatable in a first direction to any of these detent positions (104-114). A spring-loaded overshift corrector (90, 142) urges the rotating member (62) from an overshift position in a second direction to a respective new desired sprocket center position when the rotating member (62) is released by the hand of the rider.
Abstract:
A mounting device for a bicycle having a bottom bracket planetary gear system with a sun gear or ring gear, and a bottom bracket shell positioned at the convergence of a plurality of frame parts of a bicycle frame is disclosed herein. The mounting device preferably has a control plate, a drive side bearing flange, a control input and control pawl. The control pawl blocks the sun gear, ring gear or planet carrier of the planetary system of the bicycle transmission thereby transferring the sun gear, ring gear or planet carrier force to the control pawl then to the control plate and then to the bicycle frame.
Abstract:
A linear derailleur for positioning a drive chain in response to displacement of a plurality of control cables. The derailleur includes a linear actuator having a substantially uniform actuation ratio over the range of motion of the actuator and, hence, derailleur. The linear actuator also has a mean actuation ratio over its range of motion equal to Cos .theta.:1, where .theta. equals the angle of inclination of the actuator.
Abstract:
A mechanism for shifting a chain from one sprocket to another sprocket is disclosed herein. The mechanism preferably includes rotor assembly, a control element and a chain tensioner. The rotor assembly preferably has a conical shaped body with a chain slot having clearance windows and cam surfaces. The control element rotates the rotor assembly to shift the chain from one of the sprockets to another sprocket without lateral movement of the rotor assembly.
Abstract:
A detent spring for use in a rotatable grip actuating system for a Bowden tube motion translation system used to actuate a derailleur gear shifting system on a bicycle. The detent spring, which is formed of spring type metal has a U-shape, with one leg positioned in an elongated arcuate slot in a first member which rotates within a second member having notches on an inner surface which are engaged by a detent formed on the second leg of the spring.
Abstract:
A detent spring for use in a rotatable grip actuating system for a Bowden tube motion translation system used to actuate a derailleur gear shifting system on a bicycle. The detent spring, which is formed of spring type metal has a U-shape, with one leg positioned in an elongated arcuate slot in a first member which rotates within a second member having notches on an inner surface which are engaged by a detent formed on the second leg of the spring.
Abstract:
An enclosed bicycle drivetrain is provided that produces a range of drive ratios suitable for any riding purpose. The enclosure of substantially the entire drivetrain is made practical by the synergistic cooperation of a planetary drive system using a single chain ring and a streamlined rear derailleur system that separates the tensioning and chain guiding functions of a conventional rear derailleur, allowing the rear derailleur components to remain substantially within the shadow of the outer perimeter of the bicycle frame. The planetary drive system is provided with a unique compound pawl that may be easily disengaged from a planetary ratchet member under full riding loads by the application of a small force to destabilize the pawl. A unique shift buffer mechanism cooperates with the rear derailleur system to buffer and store up to the full range of available shift commands.
Abstract:
A mounting device for a bicycle having a bottom bracket planetary gear system with a sun gear or ring gear, and a bottom bracket shell positioned at the convergence of a plurality of frame parts of a bicycle frame is disclosed herein. The mounting device preferably has a control plate, a drive side bearing flange, a control input and control pawl. The control pawl blocks the sun gear, ring gear or planet carrier of the planetary system of the bicycle transmission thereby transferring the sun gear, ring gear or planet carrier force to the control pawl then to the control plate and then to the bicycle frame.