U.S. patent application number 09/872013 was filed with the patent office on 2001-10-11 for gear indicator for a bicycle.
Invention is credited to Watarai, Etsuyoshi.
Application Number | 20010027694 09/872013 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 22947623 |
Filed Date | 2001-10-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010027694 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Watarai, Etsuyoshi |
October 11, 2001 |
Gear indicator for a bicycle
Abstract
A gear indicator for use on a bicycle is provided remotely from
the shift operating device. The gear indicator is coupled to a
shift operating device via an indicator cable. The gear indicator
basically includes a housing with an indicator member slidably
coupled to the indicator cable with in the housing. The location of
the indicator member relative to the housing indicates a gear
currently engaged by the chain. In the most preferred embodiments,
an indicator member is frictionally mounted on the inner wire of
the indicator cable for automatically adjusting of the indicator
member in the event that the cable becomes elongated or the
indicator member becomes misaligned. The housing has a biasing
member coupled between one wall of an interior cavity and the first
end of the inner wire of the cable indicator for biasing the
indicator member to one of its end positions. An abutment or
stopper is provided within the housing to engage indicator member
to automatically adjust the indicator member along the cable in the
event that the cable becomes elongated or the indicator member
becomes misaligned. In other embodiments, a gear position indicia
portion of the housing is frictionally coupled to the housing for
manually or automatically adjusting the gear position indicia
relative to the indicator member.
Inventors: |
Watarai, Etsuyoshi; (Osaka,
JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SHINJYU GLOBAL IP COUNSELORS, LLP
1233 20TH STREET, NW, SUITE 700
WASHINGTON
DC
20036-2680
US
|
Family ID: |
22947623 |
Appl. No.: |
09/872013 |
Filed: |
June 4, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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09872013 |
Jun 4, 2001 |
|
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09250412 |
Feb 16, 1999 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
74/502.2 ;
116/28.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 74/1508 20150115;
B62M 2025/003 20130101; Y10T 74/20408 20150115; Y10T 74/20287
20150115; Y10T 74/2042 20150115; B62M 25/04 20130101; Y10T 74/20438
20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
74/502.2 ;
116/28.1 |
International
Class: |
F16C 001/10 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A gear indicator for a bicycle, comprising: a cable having a
first cable end and an indicator member slidably coupled to said
cable adjacent said first end; a housing having said first cable
end and said indicator member movably located therein, and a
viewing opening to view movement of said indicator member; and a
biasing member having a first biasing end coupled to said first
cable end and a second biasing end coupled to said housing.
2. A gear indicator according to claim 1, wherein said housing
includes a first housing and a second housing coupled together with
at least one of first and second housings defining said viewing
opening.
3. A gear indicator according to claim 2, wherein at least one of
said first and second housings has a stopper that is arranged to
engage said indicator member.
4. A gear indicator according to claim 2, wherein each of said
first and second housings has a stopper that is arranged to engage
said indicator member.
5. A gear indicator according to claim 1, wherein said housing
includes first and second stoppers located on opposite sides of
said indicator member to form a slit therebetween.
6. A gear indicator according to claim 1, wherein said first cable
end has a nipple fixedly coupled thereto.
7. A gear indicator according to claim 6, wherein said first
biasing end is coupled to said nipple of said first cable end by a
cable adapter hook.
8. A gear indicator according to claim 7, wherein said cable
adapter hook has a recess with said nipple located therein and a
hook with said first biasing end coupled thereto.
9. A gear indicator according to claim 1, wherein said housing has
a cable receiving opening that is sized to support an outer casing
of said cable and said first cable end terminates within said
housing.
10. A gear indicator according to claim 1, wherein said indicator
member is frictionally retained in a predetermined position on said
cable by a friction force, and said biasing member applies a
biasing force on said cable that is larger than said friction force
between said indicator member and said cable.
11. A gear indicator according to claim 1, wherein said biasing
member has a longitudinal axis that is substantially aligned with a
longitudinal axis of said first cable end.
12. A gear indicator according to claim 1, wherein said housing
includes a first stopper located to engage said indicator member
upon elongation of said cable and/or movement of said cable to one
of its end gear positions, and said indicator being frictionally
coupled to said cable for movement upon engagement with said first
stopper.
13. A gear indicator according to claim 12, wherein said housing
includes a transparent cover overlying said viewing opening.
14. A gear indicator according to claim 13, wherein said
transparent cover includes a gear position indicia portion.
15. A gear indicator according to claim 12, wherein said housing
includes gear position indicia portion having a plurality of marks
that graphically represents size of gears.
16. A gear indicator according to claim 12, wherein said biasing
member is a tension spring that is located between said first
stopper and said housing.
17. A gear indicator according to claim 12, wherein said first
biasing end of said biasing member being arranged to pass by said
first stopper upon movement of said cable relative to said
housing.
18. A gear indicator according to claim 1, wherein said housing
includes a gear position indicia portion having a first stopper
located in to engage said indicator member upon elongation of said
cable and/or movement of said cable to one of its end gear
positions, and said gear position indicia portion being
frictionally coupled to said housing for movement upon engagement
of said first stopper with said indicator member.
19. A gear indicator according to claim 18, wherein said housing
includes a transparent cover overlying said viewing opening.
20. A gear indicator according to claim 19, wherein said
transparent cover includes said gear position indicia portion of
said housing.
21. A gear indicator according to claim 18, wherein said gear
position indicia portion includes a plurality of marks that
graphically represents size of gears.
22. A gear indicator according to claim 1, wherein said housing
includes a gear position indicia portion that is adjustably coupled
to said housing to along said viewing opening.
23. A gear indicator according to claim 22, wherein said housing
includes a transparent cover overlying said viewing opening.
24. A gear indicator according to claim 23, wherein said
transparent cover includes said gear position indicia portion of
said housing.
25. A gear indicator according to claim 22, wherein said gear
position indicia portion includes a plurality of marks that
graphically represents size of gears.
26. A gear indicator according to claim 22, wherein said gear
position indicia portion is coupled to said housing via a first
fastener position in a first elongated slot formed in either said
gear position indicia portion or said housing.
27. A gear indicator according to claim 26, wherein said gear
position indicia portion is further coupled to said housing via a
second fastener position in a second elongated slot formed in
either said gear position indicia portion or said housing.
28. A gear indicator according to claim 26, wherein said housing
includes a recess with a length that is longer than said gear
position indicia portion.
29. A gear indicator according to claim 26, wherein said first slot
is formed in said gear position indicia portion.
30. A gear indicator according to claim 12, wherein said first
stopper is located between said first biasing end and said
indicator member when said indicator member is located adjacent
said first stopper.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention generally relates to a gear indicator for a
bicycle. More specifically, the present invention relates to a gear
indicator that is operatively connected to a part of the
transmission system of a bicycle to indicate the position of the
front or rear gears of a bicycle.
[0003] 2. Background Information
[0004] Bicycling is becoming an increasingly popular form of
recreation as well as a means of transportation. Moreover,
bicycling has become a very popular competitive sport. Whether the
bicycle is used for recreation, transportation or competition, the
bicycle industry is constantly improving their components. In
particular, bicycle components are constantly becoming lighter and
less expensive while maintaining a high level of performance.
Moreover, bicycle components are constantly being designed so as to
be more ergonomic and user friendly. One particular component of
the bicycle that has been extensively redesigned over the past
years, are the shifting units of bicycles.
[0005] There are many types of shifting units that are currently
available on the market. The shifting units range in quality and
price. Regardless of the quality and price of the shifting unit,
the shifting unit typically will have some sort of gear position
indicator. Typically, the gear position indicator is located at the
take-up member of the shift operating device that winds up the
inner wire of the shift control cable.
[0006] One example of an inexpensive gear position indicator is
disclosed in German Publication 91 13 406.4. The gear position
indicator of this German Publication is mounted in the shift cable
between the shift operating device and the derailleur. The gear
position indicator has a housing secured to the outer casing of the
shift cable and an indicator member frictionally coupled to the
inner wire of the shift cable. One problem with this gear position
indicator is that the indicator member can become misaligned with
the markings on the housing. The gear position indicator must be
disassembled to realign the indicator member with the markings on
the housing.
[0007] Another problem with some prior art gear position indicators
is that the gear position indicator is mounted on the shift
operating device. Thus, the rider must look towards the handle
portion of the handlebars in order to determine the current gear
positions. Accordingly, this is very inconvenient for the rider. An
example of such a shifting device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
5,458,018 to Kawakame. This patent discloses gear position
indicators that are operated by a cable that is connected to the
take up member. These gear position indicators do not have any
adjustment mechanism for compensating for cable elongation or the
indicator member becoming misaligned from the markings on the
housing.
[0008] In view of the above, there exists a need for a gear
indicator that can be easily adjusted in the event that the cable
becomes elongated or the indicator member becomes misaligned and
that overcomes the above mentioned problems in the prior art. This
invention addresses this need in the prior art as well as other
needs, which will become apparent to those skilled in the art from
this disclosure.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] One object of the present invention is to provide a gear
indicator that can be easily adjusted in the event that the cable
becomes elongated or the indicator member becomes misaligned.
[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a gear
indicator that can be remotely mounted on a center portion of the
handlebar for easy viewing of the gear position.
[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a gear
indicator that is lightweight in design.
[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a gear
indicator that can be relatively easy to manufacture by
conventional manufacturing techniques.
[0013] Yet still another object of the present invention is to
provide a gear indicator that is relatively inexpensive to
manufacture.
[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide an
indicator for a bicycle which overcomes the disadvantages of the
prior art noted above.
[0015] The above objects can be fulfilled, according to the present
invention, by providing a gear indicator for indicating the current
gear position of the bicycle. The gear indicator is coupled to a
shift operating device via a cable. The gear indicator for the
bicycle basically comprising a cable having a first cable end and
an indicator member slidably coupled to the cable adjacent the
first end; a housing having the first cable end and the indicator
member movably located therein, and a viewing opening to view
movement of the indicator member; and a biasing member having a
first biasing end coupled to the first cable end and a second
biasing end coupled to the housing.
[0016] In a preferred embodiment, an indicator member is
frictionally mounted on the inner wire of the indicator cable for
automatically adjusting of the indicator member in the event that
the cable becomes elongated or the indicator member becomes
misaligned. The housing has a biasing member coupled between one
wall of an interior cavity and the first end of the inner wire of
the cable indicator for biasing the indicator member to one of its
end positions. An abutment or stopper is provided within the
housing to engage indicator member to automatically adjust the
indicator member along the cable in the event that the cable
becomes elongated or the indicator member becomes misaligned. In
other embodiments, a gear position indicia portion of the housing
is frictionally coupled to the housing for manually or
automatically adjusting the gear position indicia relative to the
indicator member.
[0017] Consequently, the position of the indicator member relative
to the inner wire is automatically adjusted when indicator cable is
permanently elongated or the indicator member becomes misaligned
with the markings on the housing. In this way, a permanent
elongation of the wire and the like is automatically adjusted. This
automatic adjustment may be utilized also when the indicator is
installed initially.
[0018] These and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of
the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the
art from the following detailed description, which, taken in
conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses several preferred
embodiments of the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] Referring now to the attached drawings which form a part of
this original disclosure:
[0020] FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a conventional bicycle
equipped with a shifting unit in accordance with one embodiment of
the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 2 is a partial top plan view of the handlebar of the
conventional bicycle equipped with the shifting unit mounted
together with a brake lever assembly in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 3 is a partial front perspective view of the handlebar
with the right shift operating device coupled thereto in accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 4 is a first side elevational view of a take up member
for the right shift operating device illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3
in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the take up member illustrated
in FIG. 4 for the right shift operating device illustrated in FIGS.
2 and 3 in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0025] FIG. 6 is a second side elevational view of the take up
member illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5 for the right shift operating
device illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 7 is a third side elevational view of the take up
member illustrated in FIGS. 4 through 6 for the right shift
operating device illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 in accordance with
one embodiment of the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 8 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the take up
member illustrated in FIGS. 4 through 7 in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention as viewed along section line
8-8 of FIG. 7;
[0028] FIG. 9 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the take up
member illustrated in FIGS. 4 through 8 in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention as viewed along section line
9-9 of FIG. 7;
[0029] FIG. 10 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the take up
member illustrated in FIGS. 4 through 9 in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention as viewed along section line
10-10 of FIG. 4;
[0030] FIG. 11 is a partial perspective view of a right shift
operating device coupled thereto in accordance with another
embodiment of the present invention;
[0031] FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of
right shift operating device illustrated in FIG. 10 with certain
parts not illustrated;
[0032] FIG. 13 is an exploded elevational view of a portion of
right shift operating device illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12 with
certain parts not illustrated;
[0033] FIG. 14 is a partial perspective view of a right shift
operating device coupled thereto in accordance with another
embodiment of the present invention;
[0034] FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of
right gear indicator assembly illustrated in FIG. 2 with certain
parts not illustrated;
[0035] FIG. 16 is a top plan view of the right gear indicator
illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 15 for the right shift operating device
illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 in accordance with one embodiment of
the present invention;
[0036] FIG. 17 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the right
gear indicator illustrated in FIGS. 2, 15 and 16 for the right
shift operating device illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 in accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention as viewed along
section line 17-17 of FIG. 16;
[0037] FIG. 18 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the right
gear indicator illustrated in FIGS. 15 through 17 for the right
shift operating device illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 in accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention with the indicator
member in the low gear (rightmost) position;
[0038] FIG. 19 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the right
gear indicator illustrated in FIGS. 15 through 18 for the right
shift operating device illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 in accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention with the indicator
member in the high gear (leftmost) position after elongation of the
cable;
[0039] FIG. 20 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of
right gear indicator assembly illustrated in accordance with
another embodiment of the present invention;
[0040] FIG. 21 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the right
gear indicator illustrated in FIG. 20 in accordance with another
embodiment of the present invention;
[0041] FIG. 22 is a top plan view of a portion of right gear
indicator assembly illustrated in accordance with another
embodiment of the present invention;
[0042] FIG. 23 is a top plan view of the right gear indicator
illustrated in FIG. 22 with the indicator member in the high gear
(leftmost) position after elongation of the cable, but prior to
adjustment of the cover;
[0043] FIG. 24 is a top plan view of the right gear indicator
illustrated in FIGS. 22 and 23 with the indicator member in the
high gear (leftmost) position after elongation of the cable, but
after adjustment of the cover;
[0044] FIG. 25 is a partial front perspective view of the handlebar
with the gear indicators mounted thereto by the gear indicator
holder in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0045] FIG. 26 is an exploded partial front perspective view of the
handlebar with the gear indicators mounted thereto by the gear
indicator holder illustrated in FIG. 25 in accordance with the
present invention;
[0046] FIG. 27 is a partial front perspective view of the handlebar
with the gear indicators mounted thereto by a gear indicator holder
in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;
and
[0047] FIG. 28 is an exploded partial front perspective view of the
handlebar with the gear indicators mounted thereto by the gear
indicator holder illustrated in FIG. 27 in accordance with the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODNENTS
[0048] Referring initially to FIGS. 1 and 2, a conventional bicycle
10 is illustrated with a pair of shifting units 11a and 11b coupled
thereto in accordance with a first embodiment of the present
invention. Bicycle 10 is a typical bicycle that includes a frame
12, a handle bar 13, a pair of wheels 14, a pair of pedals 15 for
driving a chain 16, a rear derailleur 17 that guides chain 16
laterally along a plurality of rear sprockets mounted to rear wheel
14 and a front derailleur 18 that guides chain 16 laterally along a
plurality of front sprockets mounted to the bottom bracket (not
shown).
[0049] Bicycle 10 and its various components, except for shifting
units 11a and 11b, are well-known in the prior art. Thus, bicycle
10 and its various components will not be discussed or illustrated
in detail herein, except for the components that relate to the
present invention. In other words, only shifting units 11a and 11b
and the components that relate thereto will be discussed and/or
illustrated herein.
[0050] Shifting units 11a and 11b are fixedly coupled to handlebar
13 of bicycle 10 and operatively coupled to rear derailleur 17 and
front derailleur 18. Each of these shifting units 11a and 11b are
substantially identical to each other, except that shifting unit
11a is coupled to rear derailleur 17 which has seven shift
positions, and shifting unit 11b is operatively coupled to front
derailleur 18 which has only three gear shifting positions. Of
course, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that
shifting units 11a and 11b can have any number of gear shifting
positions. The number of gear shifting positions or stages will
depend upon the number of gears or sprockets used in the bicycle's
transmission. In other words, while shifting unit 11a is
illustrated as a seven-stage shifting unit and shifting unit 11b is
illustrated as a three-stage shifting unit, it will be apparent to
those skilled in the art from this disclosure that shifting units
11a and 11b can be constructed with additional stages or fewer
stages as needed and/or desired.
[0051] As used herein, the terms "forward, rearward, upward, above,
downward, below and transverse" refer to those directions of a
bicycle in its normal riding position. Accordingly, these terms as
utilized to describe shifting units 11a and 11b in the claims,
should be interpreted relative to bicycle 10 in its normal riding
position.
[0052] Shifting unit 11a basically includes a first shift operating
device 19a operatively coupled to rear derailleur 17 via first
shift cable 20a, and a first gear indicator 21a operatively coupled
to first shift operating device 19a by a first indicator cable 22a.
Similarly, shifting unit 11b basically includes a second shift
operating device 19b operatively coupled to front derailleur 18 via
second shift cable 20b, and a second gear indicator 21b operatively
coupled to second shift operating device 19b by a second indicator
cable 22b.
[0053] Basically, shift operating devices 19a and 19b are
substantially identical to each other, except that they are mirror
images and have different numbers of gear shifting stages.
Preferably, first shift operating device 19a has seven shifting
stages, while second shift operating device 19b has three shift
operating stages. Similarly, first gear indicator 21a is
substantially identical to second gear indicator 21b, except that
they are substantial mirror images and have different numbers of
shifting stages. The shifting stages of gear indicators 21a and 21b
correspond to the number of shifting stages in shift operating
devices 19a and 19b, respectively. In other words, if first shift
operating device 19a has seven shift stages, first gear indicator
21a has seven gear indicating positions. Likewise, if second shift
operating device 19b has three shifting stage positions, second
gear indicator 21b also has three gear indicating positions.
[0054] As seen in FIGS. 2, 25 and 26, a gear indicator holder 23 is
illustrated for adjustably supporting first and second gear
indicators 21a and 21b discussed in more detail. Gear indicator
holder 23 is designed to allow the shifting units 11a and 11b to be
easily installed onto handlebars 13. Moreover, the gear indicator
holder 23 is designed to accommodate various handlebars. Gear
indicator holder 23 adjustably supports gear indicators 21a and 21b
such that gear indicators 21a and 21b can move in a direction that
is substantially perpendicular to the vertical center plane of the
bicycle. More specifically, gear indicator holder 23 is designed to
be mounted adjacent to the center of the handlebar 13 with the gear
indicators 21a and 21b being slidably coupled thereto for movement
generally along the longitudinal axis of handlebar 13. Gear
indicator is discussed in more detail below.
[0055] In view of the similarities between shift operating device
19a and shift operating device 19b, shift operating device 19b will
not be discussed or illustrated in detail herein. Rather, it will
be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that
the description and illustrations of shift operating device 19a
applies to the construction and operation of shift operating device
19b. Similarly, gear indicator 21b will not be discussed or
illustrated in detail herein. Rather, it will be apparent to those
skilled in the art from this disclosure that the construction and
operation of second gear indicator 21b can be obtained from the
description of first gear indicator 21a.
[0056] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, shift operating device 19a
basically includes an attachment portion 24, a hand operating
portion 25, a take-up member 26, a shift cable housing support 27
and an indicator cable housing support 28. Shift operating device
19a is operatively coupled to rear derailleur 17 via first shift
cable 20a and operatively coupled to first gear indicator 21a via
first indicator cable 22a.
[0057] Attachment portion 24 of this embodiment of shift operating
device 19a is also the attachment portion for a brake lever 30. Of
course, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that
attachment portion 24 can be separate from the brake lever 30.
Brake lever 30 is connected to a brake control cable for
controlling a brake device in a conventional manner.
[0058] In the preferred embodiment, attachment portion 24 has a
substantially circular clamping section 31 that has a longitudinal
split to form a pair of clamping jaws. The clamping jaws of
clamping section 31 are coupled together by a fastener (not shown)
for tightening the clamping section 31 about handlebar 13. Since
the attachment portion 24 is relatively conventional to those
skilled in the art, attachment portion 24 will not be discussed or
illustrated in further detail herein.
[0059] Attachment portion 24 preferably has pivot shaft (not shown)
for rotatably mounting take up member 26 thereto. The pivot shaft
has a free end with a thread hole for threadedly receiving a
fastener (not shown) therein. Since the precise connection between
attachment portion 24 and take up member 26 is not important to the
present invention, the connection between attachment portion 24 and
take up member 26 will not be discussed or illustrated further
detail herein.
[0060] In this embodiment, hand operating portion 25 is in the form
of a lever that is fixedly coupled to take up member 26. When a
rider pushes hand operating portion or lever 25, this movement of
hand operating portion or lever 25 causes take up member 26 to
pivot about a rotational axis Y together with hand operating
portion or lever 25. This movement of hand operating portion or
lever 25 about rotational axis Y also causes the first shift cable
20a to be pulled and/or released so as to shift the rear derailleur
17. This shifting of rear derailleur 17 causes the chain 16 to move
between gears. Movement of hand operating portion or lever 25 also
causes indicator cable 22a to be released or pulled so that gear
indicator 21a displays the current gear position of chain 16.
[0061] Take up member 26 is rotatably mounted on attachment portion
24 for rotating or pivoting about rotational axis Y due to movement
of hand operating portion 25. The precise pivotal connection
between take up member 26 and attachment portion 24 is not critical
to the present invention. Therefore, this connection will not be
discussed or illustrated in detail herein. Moreover, it will be
readily apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure
that the connection can be similar to one of the subsequent
embodiments disclosed herein.
[0062] Preferably, as best seen in FIGS. 4 through 10, take up
member 26 is a cylindrical spool-type member with an axially
extending center hole 34, a peripheral winding surface 35, a shift
cable attachment point 36, an indicator cable attachment point 37,
a connecting cable attachment point 38. Preferably, center hole 34
is rotatably mounted on the pivot shaft (not shown) extending
outwardly from attachment portion 24 for rotation about rotational
axis Y.
[0063] While three attachment points are illustrated in this
embodiment, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art
from this disclosure that only shift cable attachment point 36 and
an indicator cable attachment point 37 are necessary for this
embodiment. Connecting cable attachment point 38 is utilized in
another embodiment of the present invention, which is discussed
below.
[0064] Peripheral winding surface 35 has three peripheral winding
grooves or recesses 41, 42 and 43. While three peripheral winding
grooves or recesses are illustrated in this embodiment, it will be
readily apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure
that only two peripheral winding grooves or recesses are necessary
for this embodiment. The third peripheral winding grooves or
recesses is utilized in another embodiment of the present
invention, which is discussed below.
[0065] Groove 41 is adapted to receive the shift cable 20a, while
groove 42 is designed to receive the indicator cable 22a.
Accordingly, rotation of take up member 26 will cause indicator
cable 22a and shift cable 20a to either be wound around peripheral
winding surface 35 or unwound from peripheral winding surface
35.
[0066] As best seen in FIGS. 4, 5 and 9, shift cable attachment
point 36 is preferably formed by an axially extending hole 44 and a
outwardly extending slot 45. Slot 45 connects with peripheral
winding groove 41. Shift cable attachment point 36 is basically
formed along the peripheral winding surface 35.
[0067] As best seen in FIGS. 4, 5 and 8, indicator cable attachment
point 37 is formed by an axially extending hole 46 and a connecting
slot 47 that exits out of the take up member 26 along its
peripheral winding surface 35. Slot 47 connects with peripheral
winding groove 42. The slots 45 and 47 of shift cable attachment
point 36 and indicator cable attachment point 37 are such that
shift cable 20a and indicator cable 22a extends in a substantially
parallel manner from take up member 26. The term "substantially
parallel" as utilized to describe the indicator cable 22a and the
shift cable 20a exiting the take up member 26 and the support
housings should be construed as meaning an angle of as high as
approximately 30.degree..
[0068] As best seen in FIGS. 4, 5 and 10, connecting cable
attachment point 38 is formed by an axially extending hole 48 and a
connecting slot 49 that exits out of the take up member 26 along
its peripheral winding surface 35. Slot 49 connects with peripheral
winding groove 43. Slot 49 extends in substantially the opposite
direction from slots 45 and 47 of shift cable attachment point 36
and indicator cable attachment point 37.
[0069] Referring back to FIG. 3, also the shift cable housing
support 27 and the indicator cable housing support 28 are fixedly
mounted on attachment portion 24. In accordance with this preferred
embodiment, the shift cable housing support 27 and the indicator
cable housing support 28 have a common outer support that is
fastened to attachment portion 24 via a conventional fastener such
as a screw or rivet (not shown). Alternatively, outer support for
shift cable housing support 27 and indicator cable housing support
28 can be integrally formed with a portion of attachment portion 24
as seen in one of the later embodiments.
[0070] Preferably, shift cable housing support 27 has a threaded
bore 50 for receiving an adjustment member or barrel 51 therein.
The adjustment member 51 is threadedly received in the threaded
bore 50 of shift cable housing support 27 so that the relative
position of the outer casing and the inner wire of shift cable 20a
can be adjusted relative to each other. Adjustment member 51 has a
shift cable housing receiving bore 53. This shift cable housing
receiving bore 53 is preferably a bore with a four to five
millimeter diameter or slightly larger than a five millimeter
diameter. In particular, shift cable housing receiving bore 53 is
designed to receive a four or five millimeter diameter shift cable
20a. Preferably, the longitudinal axis of shift cable housing
receiving bore 53 extends substantially parallel to the
longitudinal axis of handlebar 13.
[0071] A resistance enhancing spring (not shown) can be optionally
disposed within adjustment member 51 to prevent inadvertent
movement of adjustment member 51. Cable Adjustment member 51
operates in a well-known manner to adjust the tension on the inner
wire of shift cable 20a.
[0072] Indicator cable housing support 28 preferably has a threaded
bore 54 for receiving an adjustment member 55 such that the
adjustment member 55 can be longitudinally adjusted relative to
indicator cable housing support 28. The adjustment member 55 has an
axially extending indicator housing receiving bore 56. Indicator
cable housing receiving bore 56 is substantially parallel to shift
cable housing receiving bore 52 such that shift cable 20a and
indicator cable 22a extend substantially parallel to the
longitudinal axis X of the handlebar 13 as they exit their
respective cable housing supports 27 and 28. A slit 57 is formed in
indicator cable housing support 28 and adjustment member 55 to
permit easy installation of indicator cable 22a.
[0073] Since indicator cable 22a is only operating gear indicator
21a, indicator cable 22a can be constructed of a smaller cable than
shift cable 20a. For example, shift cable 20a is preferably a four
to five millimeter diameter cable and indicator cable 22a is
preferably a three to four millimeter diameter cable. In other
words, shift cable 20a and indicator cable 22a are substantially
the same diameter with indicator cable 22a being slightly smaller
in diameter than shift cable 20a.
[0074] Shift cable 20a preferably has a nipple 60 fixedly coupled
on a first cable end, while the other cable end is a free end.
Indicator cable 22a, on the other hand, preferably, has a nipple 61
fixedly coupled at a first end and a nipple 62 fixedly coupled at a
second end. The nipple 60 of the shift cable 20a is adapted to be
coupled to the shift cable attachment point 36, while the other end
of shift cable 20a is coupled to rear derailleur 17. Nipples 61 of
the indicator cable 22a is adapted to be coupled to the indicator
cable attachment point 37 of take-up member 26, while nipple 62 is
adapted to be coupled to the gear indicator 21a.
[0075] Referring now to FIGS. 11 through 13, an alternate shift
operating device embodiment 19' is illustrated in accordance with
another embodiment of the present invention. This alternative shift
operating device 19' is designed to be utilized with either first
or second gear indicators 21a or 21b as well as with gear indicator
holder 23. This shift operating device 19' is a grip-type of
shifting device. In particular, rotation of the grip or hand
operating portion 25' causes the shift cable 20a and the indicator
cable 22a to be released or pulled for shifting gears.
[0076] As shown in FIG. 11, shift operating device 19' basically
includes an attachment portion 24', a hand operating portion 25', a
take-up member 26' (first and second take up parts 26a and 26b
connected by a connecting cable 29), a shift cable housing support
27' and an indicator cable housing support 28'. Shift operating
device 19' is operatively coupled to rear or front derailleur 17 or
18 via shift cable 20a or 20b and operatively coupled to one of the
gear indicator 21a or 21b via indicator cable 22a or 22b. Shift
operating device 19' is mounted around the handlebar 13 via
clamping section 65. Hand operating portion 25' is a rotatable
handgrip that is structured for rotation around an axis X that is
coaxial with handlebar 13. Take-up member 26' pulls and releases
the inner wires of shift cable 20a and via indicator cable 22a as
well pulls and releases connecting cable 29.
[0077] FIGS. 12 and 13 are an exploded view of a portion of shift
operating device 19' illustrating attachment portion 24', hand
operating portion 25' and take up member 26' in more detail. The
attachment portion 24' has a clamping section 65 that is used to
fasten shift operating device 19' to handlebar 13 and a support
section 66. Clamping section 65 includes a collar-shaped clamp
member 67 structured to mount around handlebar 13 with a clamp arm
extending from clamping section 65 to coupled the shift cable
housing support 27' and the indicator cable housing support 28'
thereto.
[0078] Clamp section 65 also includes a clamping fastener 68 and a
nut 69 for a fastening attachment portion 24' to a portion of
handlebar 13. In particular, tightening clamping fastener 68 with
nut 69 causes clamping section 65 to tighten around a portion of
handlebar 13.
[0079] The attachment portion 24' also a generally flat surface
with a pivot shaft 70 extending outwardly therefrom to rotatably
support first take up part 26a of take up member 26' around an axis
Y that is oriented differently (e.g., perpendicular) relative to
the handlebar axis X.
[0080] First take up part 26a of take up member 26' is retained on
pivot shaft 70 by a fastener 71 and washer 72. The fastener 71
extends into a threaded opening 73 formed in the end of pivot shaft
70. First take up part 26a of take up member 26' is preferably
identical to take up member 26 of the first embodiment as seen in
FIGS. 4-10. Accordingly, first take up part 26a of take up member
26' will not be separately illustrated herein.
[0081] Preferably, first take up part 26a of take up member 26' is
a cylindrical spool-type member with an axially extending center
hole 34', a peripheral winding surface 35', a shift cable
attachment point 36', an indicator cable attachment point 37', a
connecting cable attachment point 38'. Preferably, center hole 34'
is rotatably mounted on the pivot shaft 70 extending outwardly from
attachment portion 24' for rotation about rotational axis Y.
[0082] Peripheral winding surface 35' has three peripheral winding
grooves or recesses 41', 42' and 43'. The third peripheral winding
grooves or recesses is utilized in another embodiment of the
present invention, which is discussed below.
[0083] Groove 41' is adapted to receive the shift cable 20a. Groove
42' is designed to receive the indicator cable 22a. Groove 43' is
designed to receive the connecting cable 29. Accordingly, rotation
of take up member 26' will cause shift cable 20a, indicator cable
22a and the connecting cable 29 to either be wound around
peripheral winding surface 35 or unwound from peripheral winding
surface 35.
[0084] Shift cable attachment point 36' is preferably formed by an
axially extending hole and an outwardly extending slot that
connects with peripheral winding groove 41'. Shift cable attachment
point 36' is basically formed along the peripheral winding surface
35'. Indicator cable attachment point 37' is formed by an axially
extending hole and a connecting slot that exits out of the first
take up part 26a along its peripheral winding surface 35' to
connect with peripheral winding groove 42'. The slots of shift
cable attachment point 36' and indicator cable attachment point 37'
are such that shift cable 20a and indicator cable 22a extends in a
substantially parallel manner from first take up part 26a. The term
"substantially parallel" as utilized to describe the indicator
cable 22a and the shift cable 20a exiting first take up part 26a
and the support housings should be construed as meaning an angle of
as high as approximately 30.degree.. Connecting cable attachment
point 38' is formed by an axially extending hole and a connecting
slot that exits out of the first take up part 26a along its
peripheral winding surface 35' to connect with peripheral winding
groove 43'.
[0085] FIG. 13 is an exploded view of a particular embodiment of
the second take up part 26b of the take member 26' and indexing
mechanism 74 of the hand operating portion 25'. As shown in FIGS.
11 and 13, second take up part 26b of the take member 26' is
rotatably coupled about the axis X of handlebar 13. Preferably,
indexing mechanism 74 of the hand operating portion 25' is used to
control the movement of second take up part 26b of the take member
26' which in turn rotates first take up part 26a by connecting
cable 29.
[0086] As seen in FIG. 13, indexing mechanism 74 preferably
includes a fixed member 75, a rotatable handgrip or hand actuator
76 and an intermediate element 77. The fixed member 75 is fixedly
attached to handlebar 13 in such a way that it cannot rotate in
relation to handlebar 13. Rotatable handgrip 76 is a tubular member
with gripping protrusions capable of rotating around the handlebar
axis X on fixed member 75.
[0087] Rotatable handgrip 76 can have a variety of shapes. Thus,
the term "tubular member" as used herein is not limited to a
cylindrical tube, but also includes non-circular tubes as well as
frustoconically shapes of circular and non-circular tubes.
[0088] Intermediate element 77 (called "an idler") meshes with both
the fixed member 75 and the rotatable handgrip 76, and can rotate
around the handlebar axis X. Intermediate element 77 can also move
along the handlebar axis X. Take-up part 26b of the take member 26'
remains in constant gear engagement with the intermediate element
77, and can thus rotate integrally with intermediate element 77.
Indexing mechanisms such as indexing mechanism 74 are well-known in
the art, and thus, indexing mechanism 74 will not be discussed or
illustrated in detail herein.
[0089] A cable adjustment barrel or member 51' is threaded into the
end of the shift cable housing 27'. The cable adjustment barrel or
member 51' receiving outer casing of shift cable 20a. The cable
adjustment barrel or member operates in a well-manner to adjust the
tension on inner wire of shift cable 20'.
[0090] Also fixedly mounted on attachment portion 24' are the shift
cable housing support 27' and the indicator cable housing support
28'. In accordance with this preferred embodiment, the shift cable
housing support 27' and the indicator cable housing support 28'
have a common outer support that is fastened to attachment portion
24' via a conventional fastener such as a screw or rivet (not
shown). Alternatively, outer support for shift cable housing
support 27' and indicator cable housing support 28' can be
integrally formed with a portion of attachment portion 24 as seen
in one of the later embodiments.
[0091] Preferably, shift cable housing support 27' has a threaded
bore 50' for receiving an adjustment member or barrel 51' therein.
The adjustment member 51' is threadedly received in the threaded
bore 50' of shift cable housing support 27' so that the relative
position of the outer casing and the inner wire of shift cable 20a
can be adjusted relative to each other. Adjustment member 51' has a
shift cable housing receiving bore 53'. This shift cable housing
receiving bore 53' is preferably a bore with a four to five
millimeter diameter or slightly larger than a five millimeter
diameter. In particular, shift cable housing receiving bore 53' is
designed to receive a four or five millimeter diameter shift cable
20a. Preferably, the longitudinal axis of shift cable housing
receiving bore 53' extends substantially parallel to the
longitudinal axis of handlebar 13.
[0092] Indicator cable housing support 28' preferably has a
threaded bore (not shown) for receiving an adjustment member 55'
such that the adjustment member 55' can be longitudinally adjusted
relative to indicator cable housing support 28'. The adjustment
member 55' has an axially extending indicator housing receiving
bore 56'. Indicator cable housing receiving bore 56' is
substantially parallel to shift cable housing receiving bore 52'
such that shift cable 20a and indicator cable 22a extend
substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the handlebar
13 as they exit their respective cable housing supports 27' and
28'. A slit 57' is formed in indicator cable housing support 28'
and adjustment member 55' to permit easy installation of indicator
cable 22a.
[0093] Referring now to FIG. 14, a further alternative embodiment
of the shift operating device 19" is illustrated in accordance with
the present invention. Shift operating device 19" basically
includes an attachment portion 24", a hand operating portion 25", a
take-up member 26", a shift cable housing support 27" and an
indicator cable housing support 28". Shift cable housing support
27" and an indicator cable housing support 28" are integrally
formed with a portion of attachment portion 24".
[0094] Similar to the second embodiment, this shift operating
device 19" is a grip-type shifter in which rotation of the grip
causes shifting of the gears. This alternative shift operating
device 19" is designed to be utilized with either first or second
gear indicators 21a or 21b as well as with gear indicator holder
23.
[0095] This shift operating device 19" is a simplified grip-type of
shifting device. In particular, when shift operating device 19" is
operatively coupled to rear derailleur 17 and gear indicator 21a,
rotation of the grip or hand operating portion 25" causes the shift
cable 20a and the indicator cable 22a to be released or pulled for
shifting gears. The basic difference between this third embodiment
and the second embodiment is that a single take-up member 26" is
utilized. This take-up member 26" is located about a longitudinal
axis X that is substantially parallel or concentric with the
longitudinal axis X of the handlebar portion upon which the shift
operating device 19" is attached. Take-up member 26" is
substantially identical to take up member 26 of the first
embodiment, except that the central pivot opening 34" is larger to
accommodate handlebar 13 therein.
[0096] Preferably, shift cable housing support 27" has a threaded
bore 50" for receiving an adjustment member or barrel 51" therein.
The adjustment member 51" is threadedly received in the threaded
bore 50" of shift cable housing support 27" so that the relative
position of the outer casing and the inner wire of shift cable 20a
can be adjusted relative to each other. Adjustment member 51" has a
shift cable housing receiving bore 53". This shift cable housing
receiving bore 53" is preferably a bore with a four to five
millimeter diameter or slightly larger than a five millimeter
diameter. In particular, shift cable housing receiving bore 53" is
designed to receive a four or five millimeter diameter shift cable
20a. Preferably, the longitudinal axis of shift cable housing
receiving bore 53" extends substantially parallel to the
longitudinal axis of handlebar 13.
[0097] Indicator cable housing support 28" preferably has a
threaded bore 54" for receiving an adjustment member 55" such that
the adjustment member 55" can be longitudinally adjusted relative
to indicator cable housing support 28". The adjustment member 55"
has an axially extending indicator housing receiving bore 56".
Indicator cable housing receiving bore 56" is substantially
parallel to shift cable housing receiving bore 52" such that shift
cable 20a and indicator cable 22a extend substantially parallel to
the longitudinal axis X of the handlebar 13 as they exit their
respective cable housing supports 27" and 28". A slit 57" is formed
in indicator cable housing support 28" and adjustment member 55" to
permit easy installation of indicator cable 22a.
[0098] In view of the similarities of this embodiment with prior
embodiments, this embodiment will not be discussed or illustrated
in detail herein. Rather, it will be apparent to those skilled in
the art from this disclosure that the description of the prior
embodiments, the subsequent embodiments, can be utilized to
understand the operation and construction of this embodiment.
[0099] Turning now to FIGS. 15-19, gear indicator 21a will now be
described in more detail. Gear indicator 21a basically includes a
housing 80, an indicator member 81, a cable hook adapter 82, a
biasing member 83 and a pair of fasteners 84. Housing 80 is
preferably constructed of three pieces connected together by the
fasteners 84. In particular, the housing 80 has a first housing
part 85, a second housing part 86 and a transparent cover 87 that
are all fixedly coupled together by the fasteners 84.
[0100] The first housing part 85 and the second housing part 86 has
the indicator member 81 slidably received therebetween and viewable
through the transparent cover 87. More specifically, first housing
part 85 has a cavity 88 forming an indicator path with the
indicator member 81 movably positioned therein. The first housing
part 85 has a first end 90, a second end 91, a pair of lateral side
walls 92 and a bottom wall 93. The first end 90 has a hook 94 for
fastening the biasing member 83 thereto, while the second end 91
has a semi-circular groove or recess 96. More specifically, recess
96 forms half of an indicator cable receiving opening that is a
step-shaped bore.
[0101] The side walls 92 each has a stopper or abutment 97
extending inwardly into the cavity 88. These stoppers 97 are
substantially aligned with each other and spaced apart to form a
slit 99, which is large enough that the cable hook adapter 82 and a
portion of the biasing member 83 can pass therethrough. However,
this slit 99 is smaller than the width of the indicator member 81
so that the indicator member 81 cannot pass therethrough.
[0102] The second housing part 86 is substantially identical to the
first housing part 85, except that it is a mirror image of the
first housing part 85 and also includes a viewing window 100 formed
in its upper surface for receiving transparent cover 87 therein.
More specifically, second housing part 86 has a longitudinally
extending cavity 101 that joins with the cavity 88 of the first
housing part 85. Also, a pair of stoppers 102 extend inwardly into
the cavity 101 in substantially the same position as the other
stoppers 97 of the first housing part 85.
[0103] The second housing part 86 also has a longitudinally
extending recess 103 that is a step-shaped recess having a first
semi-cylindrical portion and a second semi-cylindrical portion for
receiving a portion of the indicator cable 22a therein. When the
first and second housing parts 85 and 86 are joined together, the
longitudinal recesses 96 and 103 form a step-shaped bore having a
first cylindrical section sized to receive the outer casing of the
indicator cable and a second cylindrical section which allows the
inner wire of the indicator cable 22a to pass therethrough such
that the end of the inner wire of indicator cable 22a can be
coupled to indicator member 81.
[0104] Indicator member 81 is frictionally retained on the cable
end of the inner wire of the indicator cable 22a. In other words,
indicator member 81 is normally frictionally held in its position
until a force is applied that is greater than the friction force
between the indicator member 81 and the indicator cable 22a.
Preferably, the biasing member 83 has a biasing force that is
greater than the friction force between the indicator member 81 and
the inner wire of the indicator cable 22a as explained below.
Preferably, the indicator member 81 is a hard, rigid member
constructed of a suitable material such as a plastic material. The
indicator member 81 preferably extends substantially the entire
width of the housing cavity such that the indicator member 81 does
not tilt within the housing cavity.
[0105] Transparent cover 87 preferably includes a gear position
indicia portion 110 having a plurality of markings (seven)
graphically representing the size of the gear that is currently
being utilized. In other words, when the indicator member 81 is
aligned with one of the marks, this will indicate which gear is
engaged by the chain 16.
[0106] Cable hook adapter 82 has a transverse bore 111 and a slit
112. Transverse bore 111 receives nipple 62 of the indicator cable
22a, while slit 112 receives the inner wire of the indicator cable
22a such that cable hook adapter 82 is frictionally retained on the
nipple 62 of the inner wire of indicator cable 22a. Cable hook
adapter 82 also has a hook 113 on the opposite end from the slit
end. This hook 113 engages one of the ends of the biasing member 83
for fastening the biasing member 83 to the cable end of the inner
wire of the indicator cable 22a.
[0107] The biasing member 83 is preferably a coil tension spring.
The biasing member 83 has a first biasing end 114 coupled to the
first cable end of the inner wire of indicator cable 22a and a
second biasing end 115 coupled to the interior of the housing. More
specifically, the first biasing end 114 has a hook that engages the
hook 113 of the cable hook adapter 82. The second biasing end 115
also has a hook that engages the hook 94 of the first housing part
85.
[0108] The fasteners 84 are preferably a pair of screws and a pair
of nuts that extend through holes formed in the first housing part
85, the second housing part 86 and the transparent cover 87 to
fixedly secure the three parts together.
[0109] In the illustrated embodiment of the gear indicator 21a, the
high gear position or small sprocket position is located at the
left end of the movement of the indicator member, while the low
gear position or large gear position is located at the right end of
the movement of the indicator member 81. Of course, it will be
apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that the
positions of the high and low gears can be reversed. The
arrangement of the gear positions on the indicator 21a will depend
upon the type of derailleur being used and the direction of the
force of the derailleur's biasing member.
[0110] When the gear indicator 21a is assembled, and the chain 16
is on the small sprocket, the indicator member 81 is moved to the
leftmost position (leftmost gear position mark) such that it abuts
against the stoppers 97 and 102. In this position, the stoppers 97
and 102 are located between the indicator member 81 and the cable
hook adapter 82. When the chain 16 is moved by the shift operating
device 19a, the indicator member 81 will move a predetermined
distance that corresponds with the next gear position mark on the
transparent cover 87. In other words, the gear positioning marks or
indicia on the transparent cover 87 are spaced predetermined
distances from the stoppers 97 and 102, with the distance from the
stoppers 97 and 102 to each gear positioning marks or indicia
corresponding to the distance of movement from the small gear to
that particular gear. The second end or wall 91 of the cavity 88
also forms a stopper that corresponds to the low position or the
large sprocket. Accordingly, in the event that the indicator cable
22a becomes elongated, this indicator member 81 will automatically
adjust or recalibrate the indicator member 81 relative to the gear
position marks of the housing 80. Moreover, if during assembly, the
indicator member 81 is accidentally moved from its set position,
the indicator member 81 will engage one of the stoppers so as to
recalibrate or readjust the unit to its proper position.
[0111] While the gear positioned indicia portion 110 is formed on
the transparent cover 87, it will be apparent to those skilled in
the art from this disclosure that the gear position indicia portion
110 could be formed on one of the housing parts, if needed and/or
desired. In particular, in this embodiment, it is only necessary
that the gear position indicia portion 110 be non-movably located
relative to the stoppers 97 and 102.
[0112] Referring now to FIGS. 20 and 21, an alternate embodiment of
the gear indicator 21' is illustrated in accordance with the
present invention. In this embodiment, the indicator member 81' can
be fixedly coupled to the inner wire of the cable 22a such that
there is no relative movement. Rather, the automatic adjustment is
accomplished by having the transparent cover 87' being frictionally
engaged with the upper housing part 86', and having the stoppers
97' formed on the transparent cover 87'. In view of the
similarities between this embodiment and the first embodiment of
the gear indicator 21a, this embodiment of the gear indicator 21'
will not be discussed or illustrated in detail herein. Rather, it
will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the description
of the construction and operation of the first embodiment can be
easily extrapolated to this embodiment.
[0113] Gear indicator 21' basically includes a housing 80', an
indicator member 81', a cable hook adapter 82', a biasing member
83' and a pair of fasteners 84'. Housing 80' is preferably
constructed of three pieces connected together by the fasteners
84'. In particular, the housing 80' has a first housing part 85'
and a second housing part 86' that are fixedly coupled together by
the fasteners 84'. A transparent cover 87' is frictionally retained
with in viewing window 100'. The first housing part 85' and the
second housing part 86' has the indicator member 81' slidably
received therebetween and viewable through the transparent cover
87'. Transparent cover 87' is moved by stoppers 97' being engaged
with indicator 81' upon elongation of indicator cable 22a or
misalignment of indicator member 81'.
[0114] Referring now to FIGS. 22 through 24, an alternate gear
indicator 21'" is illustrated in accordance with another embodiment
of the present invention. In this embodiment, the gear indicator
21'" is no longer automatically adjusted to compensate for
elongation indicator cable 22a or misalignment of the indicator
member 81'". In this embodiment, the stoppers have been eliminated,
and the transparent cover 87'" is manually adjusted. This manual
adjustment can occur by either having a friction fit between the
transparent cover 87'" and the fasteners 84'" or by loosening the
fasteners 84'" to allow for the transparent cover 87'" to be moved
along its longitudinal axis.
[0115] Basically, the transparent cover 87'" is provided with a
pair of elongated slots 120 with the fasteners 84'" located
therein. Accordingly, the transparent cover can be moved along the
recess formed in the upper housing part. While the transparent
cover 87'" is illustrated with slots 120 that engage stationary
fasteners 84'" secured to the housing 80'", it will be apparent to
those skilled in the art from this disclosure that other types of
sliding arrangements can be utilized. For example, the slots could
be formed in the housing parts, and a pair of tabs can be extending
from the transparent cover into the slots of the housing parts to
control the movement of the transparent cover. In other words, the
fasteners would be stationary relative to the transparent cover,
but movable relative to the upper and lower housing parts.
[0116] Referring now to FIGS. 25 and 26, gear indicator holder 23
will now be discussed in more detail. Gear indicator holder 23 is
designed to allow the shifting units 11a and 11b to be easily
installed onto handlebars 13. Moreover, the gear indicator holder
23 is designed to accommodate various handlebars. Gear indicator
holder 23 adjustably supports gear indicators 21a and 21b such that
gear indicators 21a and 21b can move in a direction that is
substantially perpendicular to the vertical center plane of the
bicycle. More specifically, gear indicator holder 23 is designed to
be mounted adjacent to the center of the handlebar 13 with the gear
indicators 21a and 21b being slidably coupled thereto for movement
generally along the longitudinal axis of handlebar 13.
[0117] Basically, gear indicator holder 23 includes an attachment
portion 121 and a gear indicator support portion 122. The
attachment portion 121 is preferably a clamping member that engages
the handlebar 13 to secure gear indicator holder 23 to handlebar
13. In the illustrated embodiment, attachment portion 121 has a
tubular clamping section 123 that is split along its longitudinal
axis to form a pair of clamping jaws that are coupled together via
a fastener 124. Of course, it will be apparent to those skilled in
the art from this disclosure that the fastener 124 can be
eliminated and that a snap-on type of clamp could be utilized. In
any event, it is preferred that the attachment portion 121 be
integrally formed or molded with the support portion 122 as a
one-piece, unitary member. Preferably, the attachment portion 121
(minus the fastener 124) and the support portion 122 are formed of
a plastic material.
[0118] The support portion 122 preferably includes a base having a
substantially planar support surface with six coupling members 125
extending outwardly from the planar surface of the base. The
coupling members 125 are preferably arranged in three rows so as to
form a pair of retaining slots for slidably receiving gear
indicators 221a and 221b, respectively. More specifically, the
coupling members 125 extend substantially perpendicular to the base
with two of the coupling members 125 being common between the two
retaining slots. Each of the coupling members 125 has a free end
with an abutment surface to retain the gear indicators 21a and 21b
thereon. Preferably, the retaining slots are formed such that their
longitudinal axes are substantially parallel to each other. These
longitudinal axes are preferably also parallel to the longitudinal
axis of the handlebar at its center portion.
[0119] Referring now to FIGS. 27 and 28, an alternate indicator
assembly is illustrated in accordance with another embodiment of
the present invention. This alternate indicator assembly has a
modified gear indicator holder 223 for holding a pair of modified
gear indicators 221a and 221b. In this embodiment, gear indicator
holder 223 has been simplified and the housings of gear indicators
221a and 221b have modified to be coupled together in a sliding
manner.
[0120] Gear indicator holder 223 adjustably supports gear
indicators 221a and 221b such that gear indicators 221a and 221b
can move in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the
vertical center plane of the bicycle. More specifically, gear
indicator holder 223 is designed to be mounted adjacent to the
center of the handlebar 13 with the gear indicators 221a and 221b
being slidably coupled thereto for movement generally along the
longitudinal axis of handlebar 13.
[0121] Basically, gear indicator holder 223 includes an attachment
portion 121' and a gear indicator support portion 122'. The
attachment portion 121' is preferably a clamping member that
engages the handlebar 13 to secure gear indicator holder 223 to
handlebar 13. In the illustrated embodiment, attachment portion
121' has a tubular clamping section 123' that is split along its
longitudinal axis to form a pair of clamping jaws that are coupled
together via a fastener 124'. Of course, it will be apparent to
those skilled in the art from this disclosure that the fastener
124' can be eliminated and that a snap-on type of clamp could be
utilized. In any event, it is preferred that the attachment portion
121' be integrally formed or molded with the support portion as a
one-piece, unitary member. Preferably, the attachment portion
(minus the fastener) and the support portion are formed of a
plastic material.
[0122] The support portion 122' preferably includes a brace having
a substantially planar support surface with four coupling members
125' extending outwardly from the planar surface of the base. The
coupling members 125' are preferably arranged in two rows so as to
form a single retaining slot with a sliding surface on support
portion 122' for slidably receiving gear indicators 221a and 221b,
respectively. More specifically, the coupling members 125' extend
substantially perpendicular to the base. Each of the coupling
members 125' has a free end with an abutment surface to retain the
gear indicators 221a and 221b thereon. Preferably, the retaining
slots are formed such that their longitudinal axes are
substantially parallel to each other. These longitudinal axes are
preferably also parallel to the longitudinal axis of the handlebar
at its center portion.
[0123] Gear indicators 221a and 221b are slidably coupled together
by a rib and slot configuration. More specifically, gear indicator
221b has a longitudinally extending rib 230 that is integrally
formed with its housing, while gear indicator 221a has a
longitudinally extending slot 231 that is integrally formed in its
housing. This rib and slot arrangement can be a mortise and tenon
arrangement that holds gear indicators 221a and 221b together.
[0124] While several embodiments have been chosen to illustrate the
present invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art
from this disclosure that various changes and modifications can be
made herein without departing from the scope of the invention as
defined in the appended claims. Furthermore, the foregoing
description of the embodiments according to the present invention
are provided for illustration only, and not for the purpose of
limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their
equivalents.
* * * * *