Hydraulically-operated bicycle shifting and braking systems
US6042495A · kind A · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 20, 1998 |
| Grant date | Mar 28, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 20, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16H2007/0859
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A family of new bicycle shifting systems incorporate improved derailleur designs that are controlled by sealed hydraulic actuators. The shifting systems (i) a hydraulically-actuated, manually-powered front and rear derailleur shifting system, (ii) a hydraulically-actuated, power-assisted front and rear derailleur shifting system with manual control, and (iii) a hydraulically-actuated, power-assisted front and rear derailleur shifting system in which the shifting sequence for the rear derailleur is controlled automatically by pedal speed. Each of these shifting systems utilize a totally sealed, inclined linear shifting path. Environmental contaminants are prevented from entering any of the critical derailleur or control elements. The linear, inclined shifting path provides precise chain shifting, more uniform chain wrap on the rear bicycle drive sprockets, and lower chain and sprocket wear. Several different shifting control units are disclosed. An integrated shifting and braking module is also disclosed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.