U.S. patent application number 09/986041 was filed with the patent office on 2002-03-07 for bicycle front chainwheel assembly.
Invention is credited to Yamanaka, Masahiro.
Application Number | 20020028719 09/986041 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 24104620 |
Filed Date | 2002-03-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020028719 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Yamanaka, Masahiro |
March 7, 2002 |
Bicycle front chainwheel assembly
Abstract
A bicycle front chainwheel assembly is provided that includes a
protective cover. The front chainwheel assembly basically includes
a crank arm, one or more chainrings and the protective cover. The
crank arm includes a hub portion, a crank portion and four
fastening finger portions. The free ends of the fastening finger
portions are provided with chainring attachment points for
attaching the cover thereto. The cover is attached to the fastening
finger portions by fasteners that have a shaft extending
substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the front
chainwheel assembly.
Inventors: |
Yamanaka, Masahiro; (Osaka,
JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SHINJYU GLOBAL IP COUNSELORS, LLP
1233 20TH STREET, NW, SUITE 700
WASHINGTON
DC
20036-2680
US
|
Family ID: |
24104620 |
Appl. No.: |
09/986041 |
Filed: |
November 7, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09986041 |
Nov 7, 2001 |
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09528192 |
Mar 17, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
474/160 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 74/2165 20150115;
B62M 3/00 20130101; B62M 9/105 20130101; B62J 13/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
474/160 |
International
Class: |
F16H 055/12; F16H
055/30 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A bicycle front chainwheel assembly comprising: a hub portion
configured to be coupled to a bottom bracket for rotation therewith
about an axis of rotation; a crank portion having an inner end
coupled to said hub portion and an outer free end adapted to be
coupled to a pedal; and a plurality of fastening finger portions
extending radially outwardly from said hub portion to free ends,
each of said fastening finger portions having a chainring
attachment point; and a cover coupled to said fastening finger
portions by fasteners having a shaft portion extending
substantially perpendicular to said axis of rotation.
2. A bicycle front chainwheel assembly according to claim 1,
wherein said cover has a front surface and a rear surface, said
rear surface having a plurality of mounting portions with mounting
openings.
3. A bicycle front chainwheel assembly according to claim 2,
wherein said mounting openings are open ended slots.
4. A bicycle front chainwheel assembly according to claim 1,
wherein four fastening finger portions extending radially from said
hub portion.
5. A bicycle front chainwheel assembly according to claim 1,
wherein said shaft portions of said fasteners are threadedly
received in threaded holes formed in said fastening finger
portions.
6. A bicycle front chainwheel assembly according to claim 5,
wherein said cover has a front surface and a rear surface, said
rear surface having a plurality of mounting portions with mounting
openings.
7. A bicycle front chainwheel assembly according to claim 6,
wherein said mounting openings are open ended slots.
8. A bicycle front chainwheel assembly according to claim 1,
wherein said cover is an annular member that has a
circumferentially arranged rim portion extending in an axial
direction.
9. A bicycle front chainwheel assembly according to claim 8,
wherein said rim portion is located radially outwardly of said
fasteners.
10. A bicycle front chainwheel assembly according to claim 9,
wherein said rim portion is discontinuous at said fasteners.
11. A bicycle front chainwheel assembly according to claim 10,
wherein said cover has a front surface and a rear surface, said
rear surface having a plurality of mounting portions with mounting
openings.
12. A bicycle front chainwheel assembly according to claim 11,
wherein said mounting openings are open ended slots.
13. A bicycle front chainwheel assembly according to claim 1,
wherein said cover has a front surface extending between an inner
peripheral edge and an outer peripheral edge, said fastening finger
portions having front surfaces that are substantially flush with
said front surface of said cover.
14. A bicycle front chainwheel assembly according to claim 13,
wherein said cover has a front surface and a rear surface, said
rear surface having a plurality of mounting portions with mounting
openings.
15. A bicycle front chainwheel assembly according to claim 14,
wherein said mounting openings are open ended slots.
16. A bicycle front chainwheel assembly according to claim 1,
wherein said chainring attachment points are threaded bores.
17. A bicycle front chainwheel assembly according to claim 16,
wherein said threaded bores extend in a direction substantially
parallel to said axis of rotation.
18. A bicycle front chainwheel assembly according to claim 1,
wherein said hub portion has a centrally located bore.
19. A bicycle front chainwheel assembly according to claim 1,
wherein said cover is constructed of a non-metallic material.
20. A bicycle front chainwheel assembly according to claim 1,
wherein said cover is constructed as a one-piece, unitary
member.
21. A cover for a front chainwheel, said cover comprising: an
arcuate body portion having a front surface, a rear surface and a
center axis; and a mounting portion located on said rear surface,
said mounting portion having a mounting opening extending
therethrough with a longitudinal center line of said mounting
opening passing through said center axis of said arcuate body
portion.
22. A cover for a front chainwheel according to claim 21, wherein
said arcuate body portion is an annular member.
23. A cover for a front chainwheel according to claim 21, wherein
said rear surface has a plurality of said mounting portions with a
plurality of said mounting openings formed therein.
24. A cover for a front chainwheel according to claim 23, wherein
said mounting openings are open ended slots.
25. A cover for a front chainwheel according to claim 21, wherein
said cover is an annular member that has a circumferentially
arranged rim portion extending in an axial direction.
26. A cover for a front chainwheel according to claim 25, wherein
said rim portion is located radially outwardly of said mounting
portions.
27. A cover for a front chainwheel according to claim 26, wherein
said rim portion is discontinuous at said mounting portions.
28. A cover for a front chainwheel according to claim 27, wherein
said rear surface has a plurality of said mounting portions with a
plurality of said mounting openings formed therein.
29. A cover for a front chainwheel according to claim 22 wherein
said mounting portion is located adjacent an inner peripheral edge
of said arcuate body portion.
30. A bicycle front chainwheel assembly comprising: a gear portion
configured to be coupled to a bottom bracket for rotation therewith
about an axis of rotation, said gear portion having a plurality of
cover attachment portions extending axially outwardly from said
gear portion to free ends; and a cover having mounting portions
coupled to said cover attachment portions by fasteners having a
shaft portion extending substantially perpendicular to said axis of
rotation.
31. A bicycle front chainwheel assembly according to claim 30,
wherein said mounting portions have mounting openings formed
therein.
32. A bicycle front chainwheel assembly according to claim 31,
wherein said mounting openings are open ended slots.
33. A bicycle front chainwheel assembly according to claim 32,
wherein said shaft portions of said fasteners are threadedly
received in threaded holes formed in said cover attachment
portions.
34. A bicycle front chainwheel assembly according to claim 31,
wherein longitudinal center lines of said mounting openings pass
through said axis of rotation.
35. A bicycle front chainwheel assembly according to claim 30,
wherein said cover attachment portions have attachment openings
formed therein.
36. A bicycle front chainwheel assembly according to claim 35,
wherein said attachment openings are open ended slots.
37. A bicycle front chainwheel assembly according to claim 36,
wherein said shaft portions of said fasteners are threadedly
received in threaded holes formed in said mounting portions.
38. A bicycle front chainwheel assembly according to claim 35,
wherein longitudinal center lines of said attachment openings pass
through said axis of rotation.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention generally relates to a bicycle front
chainwheel assembly which fixedly couples a bicycle pedal to the
bicycle bottom bracket and supports one or more chainrings thereon.
More specifically, the present invention is directed to a
protective cover that is coupled to the front chainwheel.
[0003] 2. Background Information
[0004] Bicycling is becoming an increasingly more popular form of
recreation as well as a means of transportation. Moreover,
bicycling has also become a very popular competitive sport. Whether
the bicycle is used for recreation, transportation or competition,
the various bicycle components are constantly being improved to
increase performance and/or safety. Moreover, bicycle components
are constantly being designed so as to be more durable and
attractive. One particular portion of a bicycle that has been
extensively redesigned over the past years is the drive train of
the bicycle.
[0005] The drive trains of most of today's bicycles have multiple
speeds that allow the rider to select the appropriate gear ratio to
suit the particular riding conditions encountered during the
bicycle ride. One of the most popular types of gearing assemblies
for multi-speed bicycles utilize a chain extending between a set of
front chainrings or chainwheels, and a set of rear gears or
sprockets mounted on the rear hub of the rear bicycle wheel. Two
derailleurs are typically used to move the chain between the
chainrings or sprockets. The pedals are coupled to the front
chainrings or for rotation therewith by a pair of bicycle crank
arms coupled to a bottom bracket. The crank arms extend outwardly
from the bottom bracket in opposite directions and have pedals
attached to their free ends for supporting the rider's feet.
Rotation of the pedals by the rider causes the chainrings to rotate
which in turn moves the bicycle chain to rotate the rear sprockets,
and thus, rotate the rear wheel of the bicycle. In certain crank
arm designs, the front chainrings are coupled directly to the crank
arm by fastening finger portions. The fastening finger portions are
coupled to the hub portion of the crank arm, and extend radially
outwardly from the hub portion of the crank arm.
[0006] One problem with these types of drive trains is that the
rider's clothing can either get caught in-between the chain and the
chainring, or the rider's clothing can become dirty from contacting
these chains. Another problem with these types of chain drives is
that the chain can pop off of the chainring due to improper
adjustment of the drive train.
[0007] To overcome these problems, bicycle manufactures have
provided a protective cover or guard for the driving sprocket of a
bicycle. Usually, such covers or guards have been made of resin or
some other soft material. It is very difficult to manufacture a
protective cover or guard made of a soft material with precise
dimensions. Even if the protective cover or guard is manufactured
with very precise and accurate dimensions, the soft material of the
protective cover can be easily distorted or damaged by heat,
pressure or other environmental factors. Thus, prior protective
covers tend to be constructed without precise and accurate
dimensions. This often results in wobbling of the conventional
protective cover. In particular, if one portion of the protective
cover is distorted for some reason, when it is attached to the
front chain wheel, the distorted portion (usually one of the
corners) can be lifted up even though both of the bolts are
securely fixed to the front chain wheel.
[0008] One method to overcome this problem is to construct the
protective cover from a heavy, rigid metallic material. However,
this is very undesirable since bicycles should be constructed as
lightweight as possible. Other attempts to overcome this problem
have resulted in very unattractive protective covers and/or
protective covers that limit the design options for the
crankset.
[0009] Most protective covers or guards are fixed to the front
chainwheel by bolts extending in a direction relatively parallel to
the axis of rotation of the chainwheel. Thus, these prior art types
of protective covers cannot be adjusted in the axial direction to
correct for wobbling. Moreover, when the prior art protective
covers become distorted, they often result in a very unattractive
appearance. Also, the fasteners are often located on the front or
outer surface of the front chainwheel, which results in a less
attractive appearance. In particular, it is desirable to create a
front chainwheel that has a very smooth attractive appearance
without the fasteners being seen on the front surface.
[0010] Another problem with many prior art protective covers or
guides is that the attachment points for the protective cover limit
the design of the fastening fingers and/or the chainring. In
particular, it is desirable to have a front chainwheel with a
protective cover that has the same degree for freedom for design as
a front chainwheel that does not have a protective cover.
[0011] In view of the above, there exists a need for a front
chainwheel assembly which 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
[0012] One object of the present invention is to provide a
protective cover, which is attractive as well as provide proper
protection for the chainrings and the chain.
[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
front chainwheel assembly that is relatively easy to install and to
adjust for avoiding wobbling of the cover.
[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
front chainwheel assembly that has a smooth transition between the
front surfaces of the cover and the fastening finger portions.
[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
front chainwheel assembly that allows for more freedom of design of
the crankset.
[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
cover for a front chainwheel assembly which is relatively easy and
inexpensive to manufacture.
[0017] Still another object of the present invention is to provide
a bicycle front chainwheel assembly which is lightweight and
strong.
[0018] The foregoing objects can basically be attained by providing
a bicycle front chainwheel assembly having a bicycle front
chainwheel assembly comprising a hub portion configured to be
coupled to a bottom bracket for rotation therewith about an axis of
rotation; a crank portion having an inner end coupled to the hub
portion and an outer free end adapted to be coupled to a pedal; and
a plurality of fastening finger portions extending radially
outwardly from the hub portion to free ends, each of the fastening
finger portions having a chainring attachment point; and a cover
coupled to the fastening finger portions by fasteners having a
shaft portion extending substantially perpendicular to the axis of
rotation.
[0019] 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 a preferred
embodiment of the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] Referring now to the attached drawings which form a part of
this original disclosure:
[0021] FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a conventional bicycle
using a front chainwheel assembly in accordance with the present
invention;
[0022] FIG. 2 is an outside elevational view of the front
chainwheel assembly in accordance with the present invention with
two chainrings fixedly coupled to the crank arm to form a crank
set;
[0023] FIG. 3 is a partial end elevational view of the front
chainwheel assembly illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 coupled to a
bottom bracket and with certain parts shown in cross-section for
the purposes of illustration;
[0024] FIG. 4 is an enlarged, partial cross-sectional view of one
of the fastening finger portions of the crank arm coupled to the
cover illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3;
[0025] FIG. 5 is a front side or outside elevational view of the
right crank arm illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3;
[0026] FIG. 6 is an end elevational view of one fastening finger
portion of the right crank arm illustrated in FIG. 5;
[0027] FIG. 7 is a rear or inside elevational view of the right
crank arm illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6;
[0028] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the right crank arm
illustrated in FIGS. 2-6 as viewed along section line 8-8 of FIG.
7;
[0029] FIG. 9 is an outside or front side elevational view of the
cover illustrated in FIGS. 2-4;
[0030] FIG. 10 is an inside or rear side elevational view of the
cover illustrated in FIGS. 2-4 and 9;
[0031] FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of the cover illustrated
in FIGS. 2-4, 9 and 10;
[0032] FIG. 12 is an enlarged, partial rear side or inside
elevational view of a portion of the cover illustrated in FIGS.
9-11;
[0033] FIG. 13 is an enlarged, partial cross-sectional view of a
portion of the cover illustrated in FIGS. 9-12 as viewed along
section line 13-13 of FIG. 12;
[0034] FIG. 14 is an enlarged, partial edge elevational view of the
cover and one of the fasteners illustrated in FIGS. 9-13 as viewed
along the axis C of FIG. 4;
[0035] FIG. 15 is a partial cross-sectional view of a front
chainwheel assembly in accordance with a second embodiment of the
present invention; and
[0036] FIG. 16 is a partial cross-sectional view of a front
chainwheel assembly in accordance with a third embodiment of the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0037] Referring initially to FIGS. 1 and 2, a conventional bicycle
10 is illustrated having a crankset 12 in accordance with the
present invention. Bicycles and their various components are well
known in the prior art, and 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 the crankset 12 will be discussed and illustrated
in detail herein.
[0038] The terms of degree such as "substantially", "about" and
"approximately" as used herein mean a reasonable amount of
deviation of the modified term such that the end result is not
significantly changed. These terms should be construed as including
a deviation of .+-.25% of the modified term if this would not
negate the meaning of the word it modifies. For example, the phrase
"substantially parallel" as used herein can include two axes or two
planes that deviate by 10.degree., but would not include 23.degree.
and the phrase "substantially perpendicular" as used herein can
include two axes or two planes that are angled 70.degree. apart,
but would not include 23.degree..
[0039] Basically, the crankset 12 includes a pair of crank arms 14
and 16, a bottom bracket 18 connecting the crank arms 14 and 16
together, and a pair of front chainrings or chainwheels 20 and 21.
The free ends of the crank arms 14 and 16 are provided with pedals
22. The crank arms 14 and 16, the bottom bracket 18, the front
chainrings 20 and 21 and the pedals 22 are relatively conventional
components, which are well known in the art. Thus, these components
will not be discussed in detail herein, except as they are modified
to carry out the invention. A protective cover 24 is coupled to the
crankset 12 to prevent the rider's clothing from touching the
chainrings 20 and 21 or the chain 26 from suddenly dropping off the
gear teeth of the chainrings 20 and 21.
[0040] Referring now to FIGS. 2-4, the front chainwheel assembly of
the present invention is basically formed of the crank arm 14, the
chainrings 20 and 21 and the cover 24. The crank arm 14 includes a
hub portion 30, a crank portion 32 extending radially outwardly
from the hub portion 30, and four fastening finger portions 34
extending radially outwardly from the hub portion 30. Preferably,
the hub portion 30, the crank portion 32 and the fastening finger
portions 34 are all integrally formed as a one-piece, unitary
member utilizing conventional manufacturing techniques such as
stamping or casting. Of course, the crank portion 32 can be a
separate piece from the hub portion 30. Preferably, crank arm 14 is
constructed of a lightweight metallic material such as titanium, an
aluminum alloy or stainless steel.
[0041] As seen in FIGS. 3, 5, 7 and 8, hub portion 30 has a center
bore 40 for non-rotatably receiving the end of the spindle 18a of
the bottom bracket 18 therein. Preferably, bore 40 has a
non-circular cross-section which mates with the end of the spindle
18a of the bottom bracket 18. For example, bore 40 can be splined
to mate with splines of the spindle 18a of the bottom bracket 18.
Of course, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from
this disclosure that other known shapes can be utilized. Hub
portion 30 is fixedly coupled to the bottom bracket 18 via a
conventional crank bolt 42 in a substantially conventional manner.
Accordingly, rotation of hub portion 30 causes the bottom bracket
18 to rotate therewith. The front surface of hub portion 30 is
preferably smooth and blends into the crank portion 32 and the
fastening finger portions 34. The rear surface of hub portion 30
has an annular flange 44 surrounding the bore 40.
[0042] The crank portion 32 has an inner end 50 integrally formed
with the hub portion 30 and a free outer end 52 with a mounting
hole 54 formed therein for attaching one of the pedals 22 thereto.
Preferably, the mounting hole 54 is threaded to fixedly couple one
of the pedals 22 thereto in a conventional manner.
[0043] The fastening finger portions 34 extend radially outwardly
from the hub portion 30 to free ends 60. Thus, the fastening finger
portions 34 form a spider that the chainrings 20 and 21 are coupled
to, as seen in FIGS. 3 and 4. In particular, the free end 60 of
each fastening finger 34 has an axially extending mounting hole 62
for securing the chainrings 20 and 21 thereto via fasteners 64.
Preferably, fasteners 64 are conventional fasteners with their
shaft portions having longitudinal axes B that are substantially
parallel to the center axis A. For example, the fasteners 64 can be
chainring mounting bolts with washers and/or ring nuts which are
commonly used to couple the chainring to the fastening finger
portions of a crank arm. Fasteners 64 are preferably constructed of
a lightweight material such as an aluminum alloy or titanium. Of
course, other types of fasteners and/or materials can be
utilized.
[0044] As seen in FIGS. 6 and 8, each of the fastening finger
portions 34 also have a threaded bore 66 at its free end 60. The
threaded bore 66 receives a threaded fastener or bolt 68 therein to
attach the cover 24 to the free ends 60 of the fastening finger
portions 34. The threaded bores 66 have longitudinal center axes C
that extend radially inwardly to the center axis of rotation A.
Accordingly, the center axes C of the fasteners 68 extend
substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation and to the axes
of the fasteners 64 of the chainrings 20 and 21. Preferably, the
fasteners 68 have washers 69 located on their shafts. Of course, it
will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure
that other types of fasteners could be utilized for attaching the
cover 24 to the fastening finger portions 34. For example, a
bayonet type of fastening system could be utilized or any other
suitable fastening system that will carry out the present
invention. Moreover, the fastening finger portions 34 can have a
threaded shaft extending outwardly therefrom with a nut located
thereon.
[0045] As seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, the fastening finger portions 34
are preferably equally spaced apart about the hub portion 30, i.e.,
the fastening finger portions 34 are spaced 90.degree. apart. Of
course, while four of the fastening finger portions 34 are
illustrated, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from
this disclosure that fewer or more fastening finger portions 34
could be utilized. For example, the crank arm 14 can be constructed
with three or five fastening finger portions, which are equally
spaced apart about the center of the hub portion 30.
[0046] As seen in FIG. 4, the front surfaces of fastening finger
portions 34 have a contoured section 70 with a curved outer
peripheral edge 72 that blends into the cover 24. Each contoured
section 70 is curved along the length of its fastening finger
portions 34 between its free end 60 and hub portion 30. At hub
portion 30, contoured sections 70 blends smoothly into hub portion
30 and into crank portion 32. Preferably, the free ends 60 are
recessed from the respective contoured section 70 of the front
surface of the respective fastening finger 34 such that a smooth
transition occurs between the contoured sections 70 of fastening
finger portions 34 and the cover 24.
[0047] As seen in FIGS. 9 and 10, preferably, the cover 24 is
constructed as a one-piece, unitary member from a suitable rigid
material. Preferably, the material is a lightweight material, such
as a non-metallic material. One possible material for constructing
the cover 24 is a plastic material such as rayon or other suitable
plastic materials.
[0048] Cover 24 is preferably an annular member. The outer
peripheral edge or portion 74 of the cover 24 is preferably
circular and slightly larger than the diameter of the largest
chainring 21. The inner peripheral edge 76 of the cover 24 has four
inwardly projecting portions 78 that correspond to the fastening
finger portions 34. These inner projections 78 each have a curved
surface 78a that mates with a curved outer surface 72 of the
fastening finger portions 34. Preferably, the inner peripheral edge
of these projections 78 are angled so as to meet with a
corresponding angle or inclined surface of the free ends 60 of the
fastening finger portions 34.
[0049] The cover 24 has an annular front surface 80 and an annular
rear surface 82. The front surface 80 of the cover 24 is preferably
curved such that the curvature meets with the curvature of the
fastening finger portions 34 to provide a smooth transition between
the fastening finger portions 34 and the front surface 80 of the
cover 24. The rear surface 82 of the cover 24 has a plurality of
mounting portions 84 with mounting openings 86 and an annular rim
portion 88 located radially outwardly of the mounting portions
84.
[0050] The protective cover 24 is designed to provide an attractive
appearance (smooth look), as well as to prevent wobbling of the
protective cover 24. In particular, the protective cover 24 is
independently adjustable to each of the fastening finger portions
34 with the fasteners 68 being hidden behind the cover 24. This
independent adjustment allows the outer peripheral edge 74 of cover
24 to be spaced a constant distance from a center plane of the
bicycle 10. In other words, the cover 24 is independently
adjustable in the axial direction at each of the fastening finger
portions 34 to correct for any distortion in the protective cover
24. Moreover, this independent adjustment of the cover 24 ensures
that a very smooth transition occurs between the front surfaces of
the fastening finger portions 34 and the front surface 80 of the
inner projections 78 of the cover 24. In other words, since the
cover 24 is axially adjustable, the inner edges of the curved
surfaces 78 of the cover 26 can be aligned in the radial direction
with the curved outer peripheral edges 72 of the fastening finger
portions 34. Thus, a "smooth look" is formed between the fastening
finger portions 34 and the cover 24. Moreover, the location of the
fasteners 68 allows for more freedom in design of the fastening
finger portions 34.
[0051] In this embodiment, the mounting portions 84 are axially
extending flanges that extend in a substantial axial direction. Two
braces 90 are provided between the rear surface 82 of the cover 24
and each of the mounting portions 84 to provide additional strength
to the mounting portions 84. Preferably, the mounting openings 86
of the mounting portions 84 are open-ended, U-shaped slots that
extend to the free edge of the mounting portions 84. These
open-ended slots or mounting openings 86 allow the cover 24 to be
easily installed and adjusted relative to the fastening finger
portions 34. Thus, the cover 24 can be axially adjusted relative to
the fastening finger portions 34. Of course, it will be apparent to
those skilled in the art from this disclosure that the mounting
openings 84 could be closed slots or circular openings.
[0052] As best seen in FIGS. 10 and 12-14, the rim portion 88 is
located radially outwardly of the mounting portions 84 and is
discontinuous at the mounting portions 84. In other words, the rim
portion 88 has four cutouts 92 located radially above the mounting
openings of the mounting holes. These cutouts 92 provide access to
the fasteners 68. In other words, the tool, e.g., screwdriver, can
be inserted through the cutouts to rotate the fasteners 68 as seen
in FIG. 14.
[0053] As seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, the rim portion 88 is
circumferentially arranged on the rear surface 82 of the cover 24
and extends axially towards the largest chainring 21 adjacent the
teeth portion of the largest chainring 21. Preferably, the space
between the free end of the rim portion 88 and the teeth of the
large chainring 21 is smaller than the width of the chain 26 so
that chain 26 will not drop down therethrough.
Second Embodiment
[0054] Referring now to FIG. 15, a bicycle front chainwheel
assembly in accordance with a second embodiment of the present
invention is illustrated. In this second embodiment, the front
chainwheel assembly is basically formed of the crank arm 14', the
chainrings 20 and 21' and the cover 24. Thus, all of the parts of
this embodiment are identical to the first embodiment, except that
the largest chainring 21 of the first embodiment has been replaced
with the modified chainring 21' that uses shorter fasteners 68' and
the free ends 60' of the crank arm 14' has been changed.
[0055] The largest chainring 21' of this embodiment is identical to
the largest chainring 21 of the first embodiment, except that four
axially extending flanges or cover attachment portions 21a' (only
one shown) are provided on the exteriorly facing surface of
chainring 21'. The cover attachment portions 21a' (only one shown)
are spaced 90.degree. apart and each have a threaded mounting hole
21b' therein for coupling the cover 24 thereto via four fasteners
68'. The crank arm 14' of this embodiment is identical to the crank
arm 14 of the first embodiment, except that the portion with the
threaded holes 66 have been eliminated.
[0056] In view of the similarities between this embodiment and the
first embodiment, 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 construction and
explanation of the first embodiment can be employed in the
construction of this embodiment without undue experimentation.
Third Embodiment
[0057] Referring now to FIG. 16, a bicycle front chainwheel
assembly in accordance with a third embodiment of the present
invention is illustrated. In this third embodiment, the front
chainwheel assembly is basically formed of the crank arm 14", the
chainrings 20 and 21" and the cover 24". Thus, all of the parts of
this embodiment are identical to the first embodiment, except for
the connection between the chainring 21" and the cover 24".
[0058] The largest chainring 21" of this embodiment is identical to
the largest chainring 21 of the first embodiment, except that four
axially extending flanges or cover attachment portions 21a" (only
one shown) are provided on the exteriorly facing surface of
chainring 21". The cover attachment portions 21a" (only one shown)
are spaced 90.degree. apart and each have an open ended slot or
mounting hole 21b" therein for coupling the cover 24" thereto via
four fasteners 68". Thus, cover attachment portions 21a are
identical to the mounting portions 84 but coupled to the chainring
21" instead of the cover 24. The crank arm 14' of this embodiment
is identical to the crank arm 14 of the first embodiment, except
that the portion with the threaded holes 66 have been eliminated.
Likewise, the cover 24" is identical to the cover 24 of the first
embodiment, except that the mounting openings have been modified
from U-shaped slots to threaded bores 86".
[0059] In view of the similarities between this embodiment and the
first embodiment, this third 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 construction
explanation of the first embodiment can be employed in the
understanding of the construction of this third embodiment without
undue experimentation.
[0060] While only selected 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.
* * * * *