U.S. patent application number 14/530031 was filed with the patent office on 2016-05-05 for bicycle control device.
The applicant listed for this patent is Shimano Inc.. Invention is credited to Kazutaka FUKAO, Yoshimitsu MIKI, Yasuhisa WATANABE.
Application Number | 20160121960 14/530031 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55753853 |
Filed Date | 2016-05-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160121960 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
MIKI; Yoshimitsu ; et
al. |
May 5, 2016 |
BICYCLE CONTROL DEVICE
Abstract
A bicycle control device is basically provided with a bracket
and an operating unit. The bracket is configured to be coupled to a
handlebar. The operating unit is configured to be pivotally mounted
to the bracket around a first axis. The operating unit includes a
shift unit, a first operating member and a pivot axle structure.
The shift unit is configured to operate a wire. The first operating
member is configured to operate the shift unit. The pivot axle
structure is configured to pivotally mount the operating unit to
the bracket around the first axis. The pivot axle structure defines
a wire receiving passageway for the wire.
Inventors: |
MIKI; Yoshimitsu; (Osaka,
JP) ; WATANABE; Yasuhisa; (Osaka, JP) ; FUKAO;
Kazutaka; (Osaka, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Shimano Inc. |
Osaka |
|
JP |
|
|
Family ID: |
55753853 |
Appl. No.: |
14/530031 |
Filed: |
October 31, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
74/504 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B62L 3/023 20130101;
B62K 23/06 20130101; B62M 25/04 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B62K 23/06 20060101
B62K023/06; B62L 3/02 20060101 B62L003/02; B62M 25/04 20060101
B62M025/04 |
Claims
1. A bicycle control device comprising: a bracket configured to be
coupled to a handlebar; and an operating unit configured to be
pivotally mounted to the bracket around a first axis, the operating
unit including: a shift unit configured to operate a wire; a first
operating lever configured to operate the shift unit, the first
operating lever being elongated in a direction away from the first
axis; and a pivot axle structure configured to pivotally mount the
operating unit to the bracket around the first axis, the pivot axle
structure defining a wire receiving passageway for the wire, an
entirety of the wire receiving passageway in the pivot axle
structure being substantially parallel to the first axis.
2. The bicycle control device according to claim 1, wherein the
wire receiving passageway at least partially extends along the
first axis.
3. The bicycle control device according to claim 1, wherein the
shift unit includes a wire operating body having a wire connecting
structure, the wire operating body being disposed such that the
first axis passes through a portion of the wire operating body.
4. The bicycle control device according to claim 3, wherein the
first operating lever is pivotally provided on the operating unit
around a second axis, and the shift unit is configured to rotate
the wire operating body around a third axis in a first direction in
response to movement of the first operating lever.
5. The bicycle control device according to claim 4, wherein the
operating unit further includes a second operating member pivotally
provided around the second axis, and the shift unit is configured
to rotate the wire operating body around the third axis in a second
direction being opposite to the first direction in response to
movement of the second operating member.
6. The bicycle control device according to claim 4, wherein the
first axis is located below the second axis as viewed in a
direction parallel to the first axis in a state where the bicycle
control device is mounted to the handlebar.
7. The bicycle control device according to claim 6, wherein the
third axis is coaxial with the second axis.
8. The bicycle control device according to claim 1, wherein the
pivot axle structure has a wire access opening offset from the
first axis and communicating with the wire receiving
passageway.
9. The bicycle control device according to claim 8, further
comprising a wire guide member disposed on the bracket and
extending transverse to the first axis, the wire guide member
having an end disposed within the wire access opening of the pivot
axle structure.
10. The bicycle control device according to claim 1, wherein the
bracket includes a first bracket part and a second bracket part,
the second bracket part being a separate member that is attached to
the first bracket part.
11. The bicycle control device according to claim 10, wherein the
first bracket part pivotally supports a first mounting end of the
pivot axle structure, and the second bracket part pivotally
supports a second mounting end of the pivot axle structure.
12. The bicycle control device according to claim 11, wherein the
shift unit is at least partially disposed between the first bracket
part and the second bracket part.
13. The bicycle control device according to claim 1, wherein the
bracket includes a hydraulic unit receiving cavity.
14. The bicycle control device according to claim 13, further
comprising a hydraulic unit disposed in the hydraulic unit
receiving cavity and operatively coupled to the operating unit.
15. The bicycle control device according to claim 14, wherein the
hydraulic unit includes a piston that is moved in a direction away
from the first axis as the operating unit moves from a rest
position to an operated position.
16. The bicycle control device according to claim 15, wherein the
piston moves along a fourth axis, the fourth axis is disposed below
the first axis as viewed in a direction parallel to the first axis
in a state where the bicycle control device is mounted to the
handlebar.
17. The bicycle control device according to claim 1, wherein the
bracket includes a gripping portion, a handlebar coupling surface
disposed at a proximal end of the gripping portion and a shift unit
housing portion disposed at a distal end of the gripping portion,
the gripping portion including a first wire receiving pathway and
the shift unit housing portion including a second wire receiving
pathway communicating with the first wire receiving pathway.
18. The bicycle control device according to claim 17, wherein the
gripping portion has a pair of side surfaces and an upper surface
that extends laterally between the side surfaces, the upper surface
including the first wire receiving pathway, and the shift unit
housing portion has a laterally facing surface that includes the
second wire receiving pathway.
19. A bicycle control device comprising: a bracket configured to be
coupled to a handlebar; and an operating unit configured to be
pivotally mounted to the bracket around a first axis, the operating
unit including a shift unit configured to operate a wire, the shift
unit including a wire operating body having a wire connecting
structure, the wire operating body being disposed such that the
first axis passes through a portion of the wire operating body; a
first operating lever configured to operate the shift unit, the
first operating lever being pivotally provided on the operating
unit around a second axis; and a pivot axle structure configured to
pivotally mount the operating unit to the bracket around the first
axis, the pivot axle structure defining a wire receiving passageway
for the wire, the wire receiving passageway being substantially
parallel to the first axis. the shift unit being configured to
rotate the wire operating body around a third axis in a first
direction in response to movement of the first operating lever, and
the first axis being located below the second axis as viewed in a
direction parallel to the first axis in a state where the bicycle
control device is mounted to the handlebar, and the third axis
being coaxial with the second axis.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention generally relates to a bicycle control
device. More specifically, the present invention relates to a
bicycle control device having a wire receiving passageway for
guiding a wire from a shift unit.
[0003] 2. Background Information
[0004] Most bicycles use bicycle control devices to operate various
bicycle components to perform such functions as shifting gears and
braking. These bicycle control devices can mechanically,
electrically or hydraulically operate the bicycle components. The
bicycle control devices are often provided on a handlebar of the
bicycle with a mechanical wire, an electrical wire or a hydraulic
hose interconnecting the bicycle control device to the bicycle
component. When the bicycle control device is installed on the
handlebar, the bicycle control device will have a different
configuration depending on the type of handlebar. In recent years,
some bicycle control devices include both shifting and braking
functions.
SUMMARY
[0005] Generally, the present disclosure is directed to various
features of a bicycle control device. In one feature, a bicycle
control device is provided with a wire receiving passageway for
guiding a wire from a shift unit.
[0006] In view of the state of the known technology and in
accordance with a first aspect of the present disclosure, a bicycle
control device is provided that basically comprises a bracket and
an operating unit. The bracket is configured to be coupled to a
handlebar. The operating unit is configured to be pivotally mounted
to the bracket around a first axis. The operating unit includes a
shift unit, a first operating member and a pivot axle structure.
The shift unit is configured to operate a wire. The first operating
member is configured to operate the shift unit. The pivot axle
structure is configured to pivotally mount the operating unit to
the bracket around the first axis. The pivot axle structure defines
a wire receiving passageway for the wire.
[0007] In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention,
the bicycle control device according to the first aspect is
configured so that the wire receiving passageway at least partially
extends along the first axis.
[0008] In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention,
the bicycle control device according to the first aspect is
configured so that the shift unit includes a wire operating body
having a wire connecting structure. The wire operating body is
disposed such that the first axis passes through a portion of the
wire operating body.
[0009] In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present invention,
the bicycle control device according to the third aspect is
configured so that the first operating member is pivotally provided
on the operating unit around a second axis, and the shift unit is
configured to rotate the wire operating body around a third axis in
a first direction in response to movement of the first operating
member.
[0010] In accordance with a fifth aspect of the present invention,
the bicycle control device according to the fourth aspect is
configured so that the operating unit further includes a second
operating member pivotally provided around the second axis, and the
shift unit is configured to rotate the wire operating body around
the third axis in a second direction being opposite to the first
direction in response to movement of the second operating
member.
[0011] In accordance with a sixth aspect of the present invention,
the bicycle control device according to the fourth aspect is
configured so that the first axis is located below the second axis
as viewed in a direction parallel to the first axis in a state
where the bicycle control device is mounted to the handlebar.
[0012] In accordance with a seventh aspect of the present
invention, the bicycle control device according to the sixth aspect
is configured so that the third axis is coaxial with the second
axis.
[0013] In accordance with an eighth aspect of the present
invention, the bicycle control device according to the first aspect
is configured so that the pivot axle structure has a wire access
opening offset from the first axis and communicating with the wire
receiving passageway.
[0014] In accordance with a ninth aspect of the present invention,
the bicycle control device according to the eighth aspect further
comprises a wire guide member disposed on the bracket and extending
transverse to the first axis. The wire guide member has an end
disposed within the wire access opening of the pivot axle
structure.
[0015] In accordance with a tenth aspect of the present invention,
the bicycle control device according to the first aspect is
configured so that the bracket includes a first bracket part and a
second bracket part, the second bracket part being a separate
member that is attached to the first bracket part.
[0016] In accordance with an eleventh aspect of the present
invention, the bicycle control device according to the tenth aspect
is configured so that the first bracket part pivotally supports a
first mounting end of the pivot axle structure, and the second
bracket part pivotally supports a second mounting end of the pivot
axle structure.
[0017] In accordance with a twelfth aspect of the present
invention, the bicycle control device according to the eleventh
aspect is configured so that the shift unit is at least partially
disposed between the first bracket part and the second bracket
part.
[0018] In accordance with a thirteenth aspect of the present
invention, the bicycle control device according to the first aspect
is configured so that the bracket includes a hydraulic unit
receiving cavity.
[0019] In accordance with a fourteenth aspect of the present
invention, the bicycle control device according to the thirteenth
aspect further comprises a hydraulic unit disposed in the hydraulic
unit receiving cavity and operatively coupled to the operating
unit.
[0020] In accordance with a fifteenth aspect of the present
invention, the bicycle control device according to the fourteenth
aspect is configured so that the hydraulic unit includes a piston
that is moved in a direction away from the first axis as the
operating unit moves from a rest position to an operated
position.
[0021] In accordance with a sixteenth aspect of the present
invention, the bicycle control device according to the fifteenth
aspect is configured so that the piston moves along a fourth axis,
the fourth axis is disposed below the first axis as viewed in a
direction parallel to the first axis in a state where the bicycle
control device is mounted to the handlebar.
[0022] In accordance with a seventeenth aspect of the present
invention, the bicycle control device according to the first aspect
is configured so that the bracket includes a gripping portion, a
handlebar coupling surface disposed at a proximal end of the
gripping portion and a shift unit housing portion disposed at a
distal end of the gripping portion, the gripping portion including
a first wire receiving pathway and the shift unit housing portion
including a second wire receiving pathway communicating with the
first wire receiving pathway.
[0023] In accordance with an eighteenth aspect of the present
invention, the bicycle control device according to the seventeenth
aspect is configured so that the gripping portion has a pair of
side surfaces and an upper surface that extends laterally between
the side surfaces, the upper surface including the first wire
receiving pathway, and the shift unit housing portion has a
laterally facing surface that includes the second wire receiving
pathway.
[0024] Also other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the
disclosed bicycle control device will become apparent to those
skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which,
taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses one
embodiment of the bicycle control device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] Referring now to the attached drawings which form a part of
this original disclosure:
[0026] FIG. 1 is a partial front perspective view of a bicycle
having a drop handlebar that is equipped with a pair of bicycle
control devices in accordance with a first embodiment;
[0027] FIG. 2 is an inside perspective view of a right bicycle
control device that is attached to a curved portion of the
handlebar illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0028] FIG. 3 is an outside elevational view of the right bicycle
control device illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 with the first and
second operating members in their rest (non-operated) positions and
selected hidden parts shown in broken lines;
[0029] FIG. 4 is a front oblique view of the first and second
bracket parts of the bracket pivotally supporting the pivot axle
structure as viewed parallel to a center cylinder axis of the
hydraulic unit receiving cavity;
[0030] FIG. 5 is a front oblique view, similar to FIG. 4, of the
first and second bracket parts of the bracket as viewed parallel to
a center cylinder axis of the hydraulic unit receiving cavity, but
with the pivot axle structure removed;
[0031] FIG. 6 is an inside elevational view of the bracket for the
right bicycle control device illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3 with all
other parts of the right bicycle control device removed;
[0032] FIG. 7 is an outside elevational view, similar to FIG. 3, of
the right bicycle control device illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3 with
the first and second operating members in their rest (non-operated)
positions;
[0033] FIG. 8 is an outside elevational view, similar to FIG. 7, of
the right bicycle control device illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3 but
with the first operating member (i.e., the brake-shift wire pull
lever) pivoted about a first axis (i.e., a brake operating axis) to
a braking position, which causes the second operating member (i.e.,
the shift wire release lever) to be pivoted together with the first
operating member about the first axis with respect to the
bracket;
[0034] FIG. 9 is a front oblique view of the right bicycle control
device illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3 as viewed parallel to the second
axis of the shift unit with the first and second operating members
in their rest positions;
[0035] FIG. 10 is a front oblique view of the right bicycle control
device illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3 as viewed parallel to the second
axis of the shift unit with the first operating member pivoted
about the second axis to a wire pulling position, which causes the
second operating member to be pivoted together with the first
operating member about the second axis with respect to the
bracket;
[0036] FIG. 11 is a front oblique view of the right bicycle control
device illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3 as viewed parallel to the second
axis of the shift unit with the second operating member pivoted
about the second axis to a wire releasing position, in which the
first operating member remains stationary with respect to the
bracket;
[0037] FIG. 12 is a partially exploded perspective view of the
right bicycle control device illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3 with the
third bracket part separated from the first and second bracket
parts to show the path of the control wire of the shift unit;
[0038] FIG. 13 is a further partially exploded perspective view of
the right bicycle control device illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3 with
various parts separated from each other;
[0039] FIG. 14 is a cross sectional view of the right bicycle
control device illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3 taken along a section
line passing through the center of the hydraulic unit receiving
cavity of the bracket in a plane perpendicular to the first
axis;
[0040] FIG. 15 is a partially perspective view of the right bicycle
control device illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3 showing the wire
receiving passageway at least partially extends axially along the
first axis;
[0041] FIG. 16 is an outside elevational view of the right bicycle
control device illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3 with the first and
second operating members in their rest (non-operated) positions and
selected parts removed and the first operating member in cross
section;
[0042] FIG. 17 is an outside elevational view, similar to FIG. 16,
of the right bicycle control device illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3 but
with the wire guide member removed;
[0043] FIG. 18 is a front oblique view of the right bicycle control
device illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3 as viewed parallel to the second
axis of the shift unit with selected parts removed;
[0044] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of selected parts (i.e., the
pivot axle structure, the main shift axle, the wire operating body
and the wire guide member) of the right bicycle control device
illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3;
[0045] FIG. 20 is an outside elevational view of selected parts
(i.e., the pivot axle structure, the main shift axle, the wire
operating body and the wire guide member) of the right bicycle
control device illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3; and
[0046] FIG. 21 is a cross sectional view of the pivot axle
structure, the main shift unit axle and the wire operating body for
the right bicycle control device illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3 taken
along a section line 21-21 of FIG. 20.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0047] Selected embodiments will now be explained with reference to
the drawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the bicycle
field from this disclosure that the following descriptions of the
embodiments are provided for illustration only and not for the
purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims
and their equivalents.
[0048] Referring initially to FIG. 1, a portion of a bicycle 1 is
illustrated having a handlebar 2 with a pair of bicycle control
devices 10A and 10B in accordance with a first embodiment. The
bicycle control devices 10A and 10B are configured to be mounted to
opposite ends of the handlebar 2, respectively. Here in the first
embodiment, the handlebar 2 is a drop handlebar in which the
bicycle control devices 10A and 10B are attached to curved sections
2a and 2b, respectively. Thus, each of the bicycle control devices
10A and 10B is a drop handlebar control device, which means that
they are configured to be mounted to a curved section of a drop
handlebar.
[0049] Basically, as seen in FIG. 1, the bicycle control device 10A
is a right bicycle control device that is operated by the rider's
right hand to actuate a first hydraulic brake device (not shown)
and a first transmission (not shown). The bicycle control device
10B is a left bicycle control device that is operated by the
rider's left hand to actuate a second hydraulic brake device (not
shown) and a second transmission (not shown). The first and second
transmission or gear shifting devices are part of a conventional
bicycle driving system that is used to shift speed stages or gear
stages of the drive train in a relatively conventional manner. The
bicycle control device 10A is operatively coupled to the first
hydraulic brake device (not shown) via a hydraulic hose H, and to
the first transmission (not shown) via a control cable C. The
bicycle control device 10B is operatively coupled to the second
hydraulic brake device (not shown) via a hydraulic hose H, and to
the second transmission (not shown) via a control cable C. The
hydraulic hoses H are conventional hydraulic hose that are commonly
used in the bicycle field. The control cable C is a conventional
Bowden cable including an inner wire C1 and an outer casing C2
which at least partially covers the inner wire C1.
[0050] Preferably, as seen in FIG. 1, the control cable C and the
hydraulic hose H are routed through the interior of the handlebar
2. In the illustrated embodiment, the handlebar 2 is provided with
a pair of guide members G. Each of the guide members G aid in
guiding one of the control cables C and one of the hydraulic hoses
H through the interior of the handlebar 2. As seen in FIG. 2, each
of the guide members G is a flexible member that has a tube portion
G1 and a C-shaped channel portion G2. The tube portion G1 is
configured for receiving the outer casing C2 of the control cable
C. The C-shaped channel portion G2 is configured for receiving the
hydraulic hose H. The C-shaped channel portion G2 can be modified
to be same shape as the tube portion G1 if needed and/or desired.
Preferably, the each of the guide members G has a uniform
(constant) transverse cross section along its entire length.
Additional guide members, similar to guide members G, can be used
to guiding the control cables C and the hydraulic hoses H through
the interior of frame tubes, and the like as needed and/or
desired.
[0051] Since the bicycle control devices 10A and 10B are each
configured to operate both a transmission and a hydraulic brake
device, the bicycle control devices 10A and 10B are also known as
bicycle brifters. In other words, a bicycle brifter is a device
that includes both a braking function and a shifting function in a
single unit that is mounted to the bicycle. In the illustrated
embodiment, the right and left bicycle control devices 10A and 10B
are essentially identical in operation, except that they are mirror
images of each other and they may have a different number of shift
operations. Thus, only the bicycle control device 10A will be
discussed and illustrated herein.
[0052] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 6, the bicycle control device 10A
basically comprises a bracket 12 and an operating unit 13. The
operating unit 13 basically includes a first operating member 14, a
shift unit 16 and a pivot axle structure 18. Basically, the bracket
12 is configured to be coupled to the handlebar 2. In the
illustrated embodiment, the bracket 12 is configured to be coupled
to the curved section 2a of the handlebar 2 by a fixing structure
FS. Since the fixing structure FS is conventional and well known
within the bicycle field, it will not be discussed in detail herein
for the sake of brevity.
[0053] As seen in FIG. 4, the pivot axle structure 18 is pivotally
supported by the bracket 12. Thus, as seen in FIG. 3, the operating
unit 13 is configured to be pivotally mounted to the bracket 12
around a first axis A1. In other words, the pivot axle structure 18
configured to pivotally mount the operating unit 13 to the bracket
12 around the first axis A1. Since the first operating member 14
and the shift unit 16 are both attached to the pivot axle structure
18, operation of the first operating member 14 causes shift unit 16
and the pivot axle structure 18 to pivot with the first operating
member 14 around the first axis A1 relative to the bracket 12. The
first axis A1 corresponds to a brake operating axis in the
illustrated embodiment.
[0054] In the illustrated embodiment, the first operating member 14
is an elongated lever that has one end pivotally coupled to the
shift unit 16 via the pivot axle structure 18, and a user
engagement portion extending outwardly from the bracket 12. In
addition to being pivotally mounted to the bracket 12 about the
first axis A1, the first operating member 14 is also pivotally
provided on the operating unit 13 around a second axis A2. In the
illustrated embodiment, the first axis A1 is located below the
second axis A2 as viewed in a direction parallel to the first axis
A1 in a state where the bicycle control device 10A is mounted to
the handlebar 2.
[0055] Here in the illustrated embodiment, as seen in FIGS. 4 to 6,
the bracket 12 has a projection 20 and an opening 22 for pivotally
supporting the pivot axle structure 18 as discussed below. In this
way, the pivot axle structure 18 is configured to pivotally mount
the first operating member 14 and the shift unit 16 to the bracket
12 about the first axis A1. However, it will be apparent to those
skilled in the bicycle field from this disclosure that the
pivotally connection between the bracket 12 and the pivot axle
structure 18 is not limited to this illustrated configuration. For
example, the bracket 12 could have a pair of projections or a pair
of opening for pivotally supporting the pivot axle structure
18.
[0056] As seen in FIGS. 7 and 8, the first operating member 14 is
operated to perform a braking operation by pivoting of the first
operating member 14 around the first axis A1 with respect to the
bracket 12. In particular, during a braking operation, the first
operating member 14 is pivoted around the first axis A1 with
respect to the bracket 12 from a rest position (FIG. 7) to an
operated position (FIG. 8). The shift unit 16 is mounted on the
pivot axle structure 18. As a result, the shift unit 16 pivots with
the first operating member 14 about the first axis A1 as the
operating unit 13 moves from the rest position (FIG. 7) to the
operated position (FIG. 8). When the shift unit 16 pivots about the
first axis A1 with respect to the bracket 12, no shifting operation
of the shift unit 16 occurs. However, when the first operating
member 14 is pivoted about the second axis A2, the shift unit 16 is
operated to move at least one shift position. In other words, the
first operating member 14 is configured to operate the shift unit
16 in response to the first operating member 14 pivotally movement
about the second axis A2.
[0057] FIGS. 1 to 3 and 7 illustrate the bicycle control device 10A
with its various parts in their rest positions. The term "rest
position" as used herein refers to a state in which a movable part
(e.g., the operating unit 13 or the first operating member 14)
remains stationary without the need of a user intervening (e.g.,
holding the movable part) to establish a state corresponding to the
rest position. Thus, the term "rest position" can also be referred
to as a non-operated position. The term "end position" as used
herein refers a state in which a movable part (e.g., the first
operating member 14) is prevent from be moved further away from the
rest position in a movement direction of a movement stroke of that
movable part. The term "operated position" as used herein refers a
state in which a movable part (e.g., first operating member 14) is
moved from the rest position to a position as a result of an
external force being applied to the movable part.
[0058] In the illustrated embodiment, the operating unit 13 further
includes a second operating member 24 that is pivotally provided
around the second axis A2. The shift unit 16 is configured to
operate the inner wire C1 in response to operation of the first and
second operating members 14 and 24. Similar to the first operating
member 14, the second operating member 24 is an elongated lever
that has one end pivotally coupled to the shift unit 16 via the
pivot axle structure 18, and a user engagement portion extending
outwardly from the bracket 12. Thus, the pivot axle structure 18 is
configured to pivotally mount the second operating member 24 to the
bracket 12 about the first axis A1.
[0059] Here, the first and second operating members 14 and 24 are
pivotally mounted to the pivot axle structure 18 about a second
axis A2. The first and second operating members 14 and 24 are used
to operate the shift unit 16 as explained below. In other words,
the first and second operating members 14 and 24 are operatively
coupled to the shift unit 16. In particular, as seen in FIGS. 9 to
11, pivotal movement of the first operating member 14 about the
second axis A2 from the rest position (FIG. 9) to an operated
position (FIG. 10) results in a wire pulling operation of the inner
wire C1, while pivotal movement of the second operating member 24
about the second axis A2 from the rest position (FIG. 9) to an
operated position (FIG. 11) results in a wire releasing operation
of the inner wire C1. Depending on the configuration of the shift
unit 16, the first operating member 14 can operate the shift unit
16 by one or more shift positions based on the stroke of the
movement of the first operating member 14. Likewise, depending on
the configuration of the shift unit 16, the second operating member
24 can operate the shift unit 16 by one or more shift positions
based on the stroke of the movement of the second operating member
24.
[0060] The first and second operating members 14 and 24 are trigger
levers that are biased to their rest positions such that the first
and second operating members 14 and 24 automatically return to
their rest positions upon being released from an operated position.
While the bicycle control device 10A is illustrated with two
operating levers, depending on the type of shift unit being used, a
second operating member may not be used. In other words, the shift
unit 16 can be replaced with a shift unit that only uses a single
lever for both pulling and releasing the inner wire C1 of the
control cable C.
[0061] In the illustrated embodiment, as seen in FIGS. 14 to 21,
the shift unit 16 includes a wire operating body 25. Here, the wire
operating body 25 is configured as a wire take-up member or spool.
The shift unit 16 is configured to rotate the wire operating body
25 around a third axis A3 in a first direction R1 (FIG. 18) in
response to movement of the first operating member 14. Also the
shift unit 16 is configured to rotate the wire operating body 25
around the third axis A3 in a second direction R2 (FIG. 18) that is
opposite to the first direction R1 in response to movement of the
second operating member 24. In the illustrated embodiment, the
third axis A3 is coaxial with the second axis A2. However, with a
different type of shift unit, the third axis A3 could be offset
from or transverse to the second axis A2.
[0062] The wire operating body 25 has a wire connecting structure
25a for attaching the inner wire C1 to the wire operating body 25.
In the illustrated embodiment, as seen in FIG. 21, the wire
connecting structure 25a is basically a stepped shaped bore that
receives a nipple C3 provided at an end of the inner wire C1 and a
portion of the inner wire C1. It will be apparent from this
disclosure that the wire connecting structure 25a can have other
configurations such as a clamping screw. The wire operating body 25
also has a wire receiving groove 25b on its peripheral surface. The
inner wire C1 extends from the wire connecting structure 25a, and
is received in the wire receiving groove 25b as the wire operating
body 25 is rotated from a fully released position (FIG. 18) in a
wire pulling direction (first direction R1). As seen in FIGS. 18
and 21, the wire operating body 25 is disposed with respect to the
first axis A1 such that the first axis A1 passes through a portion
of the wire operating body 25.
[0063] In the illustrated embodiment, as seen in FIGS. 13 and 14,
the bicycle control device 10A further comprises a hydraulic unit
26. The hydraulic unit 26 is mounted to the bracket 12 to operate a
hydraulic braking device (not shown), e.g. a hydraulic disc brake
or a hydraulic rim brake in response to operation of the first
operating member 14 around the first axis A1. The bracket 12
includes a hydraulic unit receiving cavity 28. The hydraulic unit
26 is disposed in the hydraulic unit receiving cavity 28. The
hydraulic unit 26 includes a piston 30. The piston 30 moves along a
fourth axis A4. The fourth axis A4 corresponds to a longitudinal
moving axis in the illustrated embodiment. The fourth axis A4 is
disposed below the first axis A1 as viewed in a direction parallel
to the first axis A1 in a state where the bicycle control device
10A is mounted to the handlebar 2. In illustrated embodiment, the
fourth axis A4 corresponds to a center axis of the hydraulic unit
receiving cavity 28, which defines a hydraulic chamber for the
hydraulic unit 26. Thus, a hydraulic cylinder is integrally formed
by the bracket 12 for slidably receiving the hydraulic unit 26.
Although the hydraulic cylinder is formed by the hydraulic unit
receiving cavity 28 in the embodiment, alternatively, the hydraulic
cylinder can be a separate pipe member that is inserted into the
hydraulic unit receiving cavity 28. Also optionally, the hydraulic
unit 26 can further include a reservoir unit that fluidly
communicates with the interior of the hydraulic unit receiving
cavity 28.
[0064] The hydraulic unit 26 further includes a piston rod 32 that
operatively connects the first operating member 14 to the piston
30. Thus, the hydraulic unit 26 is operatively coupled to the
operating unit 13. Specifically, the hydraulic unit 26 is
operatively coupled the first operating member 14 via the pivot
axle structure 18. The piston 30 is moved in a direction away from
the first axis A1 as the operating unit 13 moves from the rest
position (FIG. 7) to the operated position (FIG. 8). In other
words, pivoting of the operating unit 13 via the first operating
member 14 around the first axis A1 from the rest position (FIG. 7)
to the operated position (FIG. 8) results in a braking operation by
pushing the piston 30 within the hydraulic unit receiving cavity
28. In the illustrated embodiment, the piston rod 32 has a first
end that is provided with a guide pin 34 and a roller 36. The
piston rod 32 has a second end that is pivotally coupled to the
piston 30. The ends of the guide pin 34 are movably supported by
the bracket 12 such that the first end of the piston rod 32 is
supported on the bracket 12. The roller 36 contacts the pivot axle
structure 18 such that the roller 36 is pushed by the pivot axle
structure 18 as the pivot axle structure 18 pivots about the first
axis A1. In this way, the first operating member 14 is connected to
the piston 30 that is disposed in the hydraulic unit receiving
cavity 28 to move the piston 30 as the first operating member 14 is
pivoted around the first axis A1. Thus, the piston 30 is movably
arranged in the hydraulic unit receiving cavity 28 for reciprocal
movement along the fourth axis A4. As seen in FIG. 14, the piston
30 of the hydraulic unit 26 is mounted to the bracket 12 at a
location that is closer to the handlebar 2 than the shift unit 16
in a state where the bicycle control device 10A is mounted to the
handlebar 2.
[0065] The hydraulic unit 26 further includes a biasing element 38
that is disposed inside the hydraulic unit receiving cavity 28
between a closed end wall of the hydraulic unit receiving cavity 28
and the piston 30. The biasing element 38 biases the piston 30 to a
non-braking position. The biasing element 38 also acts as a return
spring for biasing the operating unit 13 to its rest position with
respect to the first axis A1. Here, the biasing element 38 is a
coil compression spring.
[0066] Referring to FIGS. 2, 7, 8 and 11 to 14, the bracket 12
includes a gripping portion 12a and a shift unit housing portion
12b. A handlebar coupling surface 12c is disposed at a proximal end
of the gripping portion 12a. The shift unit housing portion 12b is
disposed at a distal end of the gripping portion 12a. In the
illustrated embodiment, the shift unit housing portion 12b of the
bracket 12 extends from the gripping portion 12a to define a pommel
or horn, which aids in preventing the rider's hand from moving in a
forward direction on the gripping portion 12a. Thus, as used
herein, the gripping portion 12a refers to the portion of the
bracket 12 from the handlebar coupling surface 12c to the point
that the bracket 12 slopes more upwardly than horizontally in a
state in which the bicycle control device 10A is mounted to the
handlebar 2.
[0067] Referring to FIG. 12, the gripping portion 12a includes a
first wire receiving pathway P1. The shift unit housing portion 12b
includes a second wire receiving pathway P2 communicating with the
first wire receiving pathway P1. The gripping portion 12a has a
pair of side surfaces 12a1 and 12a2 and an upper surface 12a3 that
extends laterally between the side surfaces 12a1 and 12a2. The
upper surface 12a3 includes the first wire receiving pathway P1.
The shift unit housing portion 12b has a laterally facing surface
12b1 that includes the second wire receiving pathway P2. As used
herein, the upper surface 12a3 is defined by an area of the
gripping portion 12a that is visibly when viewed from above the
bracket 12 in a state in which the bicycle control device 10A is
mounted to the handlebar 2. Thus, the side surfaces 12a1 and 12a2
are not visibly when viewed from above the bracket 12 in a state in
which the bicycle control device 10A is mounted to the handlebar
2.
[0068] As seen in FIGS. 6 and 14, the bracket 12 further includes a
fluid outlet 12d that is in fluid communication with the interior
of the hydraulic unit receiving cavity 28. The fluid outlet 12d is
located adjacent to the handlebar coupling surface 12c. The
hydraulic hose H is connected to the fluid outlet 12d with a
conventional connection (e.g., a threaded fitting. The hydraulic
unit receiving cavity 28 is in fluid communication with the
hydraulic braking device (not shown) via the hydraulic hose H to
operate the hydraulic braking device in response to movement of the
piston 30 from the rest position (FIG. 7) to the actuated position
(FIG. 8).
[0069] Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, the bracket 12 further
includes a pair of arcuate slots 12e for supporting the ends of the
guide pin 34 and controlling the movement of the piston rod 32 as
the operating unit 13 pivots about the first axis A1. In this way,
the piston rod 32 has one end coupled to the piston 30 and the
other end supported by the bracket 12. Also, with this arrangement,
the operating unit 13 can be detached as an integrated unit from
the bracket 12 without removing the hydraulic unit 26.
[0070] In the illustrated embodiment, as seen in FIGS. 12 and 13,
the bracket 12 includes a first bracket part 41 and a second
bracket part 42. The first and second bracket parts 41 and 42 are
hard, rigid members that are made of a suitable material such as a
hard rigid plastic material. The first and second bracket parts 41
and 42 define the shift unit housing portion 12b of the bracket 12,
which houses the shift unit 16. The first and second bracket parts
41 and 42 are detachable and reattachable with respect to each
other without damaging the bracket 12. Thus, the second bracket
part 42 is a separate member that is attached to the first bracket
part 41. In this way, the operating unit 13 can be detached as an
integrated unit from the bracket 12. In the illustrated embodiment,
the first and second bracket parts 41 and 42 are attached together
by a pair of fasteners F1 and F2. By making the shift unit housing
portion 12b out of two pieces (i.e., the first and second bracket
parts 41 and 42) and using fasteners F1 and F2, the operating unit
13 can be easily installed and removed for servicing as needed
and/or desired.
[0071] In the illustrated embodiment, the first bracket part 41
includes the projection 20, while the second bracket part 42
includes the opening 22. In this way, the first and second bracket
parts 41 and 42 pivotally support the pivot axle structure 18.
Since the first operating member 14 and the shift unit 16 are
mounted on the pivot axle structure 18 in the operating unit 13,
the first operating member 14 and the shift unit 16 are pivotally
supported between the first and second bracket parts 41 and 42 by
the pivot axle structure 18. In the illustrated embodiment, a
biasing member S in the form of a torsion spring is also provided
between the bracket 12 and the operating unit 13 to bias the
operating unit 13 towards the rest position. The biasing member S
takes up any pivotal play in the operating unit 13 about the first
axis A1.
[0072] In the illustrated embodiment, the bracket 12 further
includes a third bracket part 43 that is attached to the first
bracket part 41 in a detachable and reattachable manner without
damaging the bracket 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the first
and third bracket parts 41 and 43 are attached together by a
fastener F3. The third bracket part 43 is a hard, rigid member that
is made of a suitable material such as a hard rigid plastic
material. The first and third bracket parts 41 and 43 mainly define
the gripping portion 12a of the bracket 12. However, in the
illustrated embodiment, a small section of the second bracket part
42 also defines a small portion of the gripping portion 12a. The
upper surface 12a3 of the gripping portion 12a is mainly defined by
the first and third bracket parts 41 and 43. The first wire
receiving pathway P1 is formed in the first bracket part 41 with
the third bracket part 43 partially overlying the first wire
receiving pathway P1. The first wire receiving pathway P1 extends
in a direction transverse to the first axis A1. The side surface
12a1 of the gripping portion 12a is defined by the first bracket
part 41. The side surface 12a2 is mainly defined by the first
bracket part 41.
[0073] As seen in FIGS. 12 to 16, the bicycle control device 10A
further comprises a wire guide member 44 disposed on the bracket
12. In particular, the wire guide member 44 is disposed in the
first wire receiving pathway P1 that is formed in the first bracket
part 41. The wire guide member 44 extends transverse to the first
axis A1. Preferably, the wire guide member 44 is made of a material
having a lower coefficient of friction than the coefficient of
friction of the material of the bracket 12. The wire guide member
44 has a first end 44a located adjacent the first axis A1. The wire
guide member 44 has a second end 44b located closer to the
handlebar coupling surface 12c than to the first axis A1.
[0074] In the illustrated embodiment, the bicycle control device
10A further comprises a cable receiving member 46. The cable
receiving member 46 is also disposed in the first wire receiving
pathway P1 that is formed in the first bracket part 41. The cable
receiving member 46 is an insert that has a first tubular portion
dimensioned for receiving the outer casing C2 of the control cable
C and a second tubular portion dimensioned for receiving the inner
wire C1 of the control cable C. Preferably, the cable receiving
member 46 is configured for guiding the inner wire C1 of the
control cable C to a guiding groove of the wire guide member
44.
[0075] Referring to FIGS. 7 to 11, the movements of the first and
second operating members 14 and 24 will now be discussed. The first
operating member 14 is pivotally mounted relative to the bracket 12
around the first axis A1 to operate the hydraulic unit 26. The
first operating member 14 is further configured to be pivoted
around the second axis A2 that is different from the first axis A1
to actuate the shift unit 16. The second operating member 24 is
also pivotally mounted relative to the bracket 12 around the second
axis A2 to operate the shift unit 16. With this configuration, the
first operating member 14 is configured to perform a braking
operation when moved along a braking path BP (FIG. 8) generally
parallel to a center longitudinal plane of the bicycle 1. Also with
this configuration, the first operating member 14 is configured to
perform a wire pulling operation when moved along a first shifting
path SP1 (FIG. 10) towards the center longitudinal plane of the
bicycle 1. On the other hand, the second operating member 24 is
configured to perform a wire releasing operation when moved along a
second shifting path SP2 (FIG. 11) towards the center longitudinal
plane of the bicycle 1.
[0076] Referring to FIGS. 13 to 17, the shift unit 16 operates a
first transmission (not shown), e.g. a front derailleur, a rear
derailleur, or an internal transmission device in response to
actuation of the first and second operating members 14 and 24. The
shift unit 16 is constructed as a mechanical shift unit that is
configured to pull and release the inner wire C1 of the control
cable C to operate the first transmission. Thus, the shift unit 16
is operatively coupled to the first transmission via the control
cable C. The shift unit 16 pulls or releases the inner wire C1 in
response to operation of the first and second operating members 14
and 24. Here, in the illustrated embodiment, operation of the first
operating member 14 cause the shift unit 16 to pull the inner wire
C1, while operation of the second operating member 24 cause the
shift unit 16 to release the inner wire C1. In other words, the
first operating member 14 is pivoted about the second axis A2 from
the rest position (FIG. 9) to the operated position (FIG. 10) to
perform a wire pulling operation of the inner wire C1, while the
second operating member 24 is pivoted about the second axis A2 from
the rest position (FIG. 9) to the operated position (FIG. 11) to
perform a wire releasing operation of the inner wire C1.
[0077] The shift unit 16 is provided with a first biasing member 50
that biases the first operating member 14 about the second axis A2
towards the rest position (FIG. 9). The shift unit 16 is also
provided with a second biasing member 51 that biases the second
operating member 24 about the second axis A2 towards the rest
position (FIG. 9). In this way, the first and second operating
members 14 and 24 are trigger levers. In the illustrated
embodiment, the first biasing member 50 is a torsion spring having
a coil portion disposed around the second axis A2 with a first
spring end engaged with the first operating member 14 and a second
end engaged with a stationary part of the shift unit 16. Similarly,
the second biasing member 51 is a torsion spring having a coiled
portion disposed around the second axis A2 with a first spring end
engaged with the second operating member 24 and a second end
engaged with a stationary part of the shift unit 16. However, the
coiled portion of the second biasing member 51 is a flat coil that
lies in a single plane, while the coiled portion of the first
biasing member 50 extends axially along the second axis A2 as the
coiled portion spirals around the second axis A2.
[0078] Since mechanical shift units, similar to the shift unit 16,
are conventional and well known within the bicycle field, the shift
unit 16 will not be described and/or illustrated in further detail
herein for the sake of brevity. Basically, the shift unit 16
operates to pull and release the inner wire C1 in response to
operation of the first and second operating members 14 and 24 in
the same manner as the shift operating unit that is described in
U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0297919. However, the
mounting of the shift unit 16 to the bracket 12 is different from
the shift control mechanism disclosed in this U.S. Patent
Publication. Here, the shift unit 16 is mounted to the bracket 12
via the pivot axle structure 18. Also the shift unit 16 further
differs from the shift operating unit disclosed in this U.S. Patent
Publication in that the first and second operating members 14 and
24 are both pivotally mounted directly on the same pivot axis
(i.e., the second axis A2 in the illustrated embodiment). Thus, in
the shift unit 16 of the illustrated embodiment, a pull pawl is
mounted on a plate that is directly attached to the first operating
member 14, and a release pawl is directly attached to the second
operating member 24.
[0079] As mentioned above, the shift unit 16 is at least partially
disposed between the first bracket part 41 and the second bracket
part 42. The shift unit 16 further includes a main shift axle 52
that is attached to the pivot axle structure 18. The main shift
axle 52 defines the second axis A2 of the first and second
operating members 14 and 24. The third axis A3 of the wire
operating body 25 is defined by the main shift axle 52. Thus, the
third axis A3 is coaxial with the second axis A2. In the
illustrated embodiment, the third axis A3 is disposed above the
fourth axis A4 as viewed in a direction parallel to the first axis
A1 in a state where the bicycle control device 10A is mounted to
the handlebar 2. The first axis A1 is located between the fourth
axis A4 and the third axis A3 as viewed in a direction parallel to
the first axis A1.
[0080] As seen in FIGS. 18 to 21, the pivot axle structure 18 will
now be discussed. The pivot axle structure 18 is a rigid member
made of a suitable material. The pivot axle structure 18 includes a
first mounting end 18a and a second mounting end 18b. The pivot
axle structure 18 defines a wire receiving passageway P3 for the
inner wire C1. The wire receiving passageway P3 extends through the
first and second mounting ends 18a and 18b along the first axis A1.
However, the pivot axle structure 18 could be configured so that
the wire receiving passageway P3 only extends through the first
mounting end 18a. Thus, the wire receiving passageway P3 at least
partially extends along the first axis A1 (FIG. 21). However, by
having the wire receiving passageway P3 extends through both the
first and second mounting ends 18a and 18b, the inner wire C1 can
be more easily attached to the wire operating body 25. Here, the
first mounting end 18a of the pivot axle structure 18 has a wire
access opening 18a1 that is offset from the first axis A1 and
communicates with the wire receiving passageway P3. The wire guide
member 44 has the first end 44a disposed within the wire access
opening 18a1 of the pivot axle structure 18. In this way, the inner
wire C1 is guided from the wire operating body 25 through the wire
receiving passageway P3 to the wire guide member 44. The wire
access opening 18a1 has a funnel shaped configuration that the wire
guide member 44 does not interfere with the pivotal movement of the
pivot axle structure 18.
[0081] Here, in the illustrated embodiment, the first mounting end
18a defines a recess for pivotally receiving the projection 20 of
the first bracket part 41. Thus, the first bracket part 41
pivotally supports the first mounting end 18a of the pivot axle
structure 18. Here, in the illustrated embodiment, the second
mounting end 18b defines a projection for pivotally engaging the
opening 22 of the second bracket part 42. Thus, the second bracket
part 42 pivotally supports the second mounting end 18b of the pivot
axle structure 18. To aid in the pivoting of the pivot axle
structure 18 relative to the bracket 12, the first mounting end 18a
is provided with a first bushing B1 and the second mounting end 18b
is provided with a second bushing B2. The first bushing B1 is
disposed in the recess defined by the first mounting end 18a and
disposed on projection 20 of the first bracket part 41. The second
bushing B2 is disposed on the projection defined by the second
mounting end 18b and disposed in the opening 22 of the second
bracket part 42.
[0082] The pivot axle structure 18 further includes a shift unit
attachment portion 18c. The shift unit attachment portion 18c is
attached to the main shift axle 52 of the shift unit 16. In this
way, the shift unit 16 is supported on the pivot axle structure 18
to pivot with the first operating member 14 and the pivot axle
structure 18 about the first axis A1. The main shift axle 52
pivotally supports the wire operating body 25 and other parts of
the shift unit 16 on the pivot axle structure 18 for pivotal
movement about the third axis A3.
[0083] The pivot axle structure 18 further includes a piston rod
contact member 18d. The piston rod contact member 18d contacts the
roller 36 for moving the piston 30 in response to operation of the
first operating member 14 about the first axis A1 from the rest
position (FIG. 7) to the operated position (FIG. 8). In this way,
the pivotal moment of the pivot axle structure 18 about the first
axis A1 causes the piston 30 to be moved along the fourth axis A4
via the piston rod 32.
[0084] A wire operating body receiving recess 18e is preferably
formed in the shift unit attachment portion 18c and the piston rod
contact member 18d between the first and second mounting ends 18a
and 18b. The wire operating body receiving recess 18e intersects
with the wire receiving passageway P3. In this way, the portion of
the wire operating body 25 that is located in the wire operating
body receiving recess 18e intersects with the wire receiving
passageway P3.
[0085] In understanding the scope of the present invention, the
term "comprising" and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended
to be open ended terms that specify the presence of the stated
features, elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps, but
do not exclude the presence of other unstated features, elements,
components, groups, integers and/or steps. The foregoing also
applies to words having similar meanings such as the terms,
"including", "having" and their derivatives. Also, the terms
"part," "section," "portion," "member" or "element" when used in
the singular can have the dual meaning of a single part or a
plurality of parts unless otherwise stated.
[0086] As used herein, the following directional terms "frame
facing side", "non-frame facing side", "forward", "rearward",
"front", "rear", "up", "down", "above", "below", "upward",
"downward", "top", "bottom", "side", "vertical", "horizontal",
"perpendicular" and "transverse" as well as any other similar
directional terms refer to those directions of a bicycle in an
upright, riding position and equipped with the bicycle control
device. Accordingly, these directional terms, as utilized to
describe the bicycle control device should be interpreted relative
to a bicycle in an upright riding position on a horizontal surface
and that is equipped with the bicycle control device. The terms
"left" and "right" are used to indicate the "right" when
referencing from the right side as viewed from the rear of the
bicycle, and the "left" when referencing from the left side as
viewed from the rear of the bicycle.
[0087] Also it will be understood that although the terms "first"
and "second" may be used herein to describe various components
these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms
are only used to distinguish one component from another. Thus, for
example, a first component discussed above could be termed a second
component and vice-a-versa without departing from the teachings of
the present invention. The term "attached" or "attaching", as used
herein, encompasses configurations in which an element is directly
secured to another element by affixing the element directly to the
other element; configurations in which the element is indirectly
secured to the other element by affixing the element to the
intermediate member(s) which in turn are affixed to the other
element; and configurations in which one element is integral with
another element, i.e. one element is essentially part of the other
element. This definition also applies to words of similar meaning,
for example, "joined". "connected". "coupled", "mounted". "bonded",
"fixed" and their derivatives. Finally, terms of degree such as
"substantially", "about" and "approximately" as used herein mean an
amount of deviation of the modified term such that the end result
is not significantly changed.
[0088] 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. For example,
unless specifically stated otherwise, the size, shape, location or
orientation of the various components can be changed as needed
and/or desired so long as the changes do not substantially affect
their intended function. Unless specifically stated otherwise,
components that are shown directly connected or contacting each
other can have intermediate structures disposed between them so
long as the changes do not substantially affect their intended
function. The functions of one element can be performed by two, and
vice versa unless specifically stated otherwise. The structures and
functions of one embodiment can be adopted in another embodiment.
It is not necessary for all advantages to be present in a
particular embodiment at the same time. Every feature which is
unique from the prior art, alone or in combination with other
features, also should be considered a separate description of
further inventions by the applicant, including the structural
and/or functional concepts embodied by such feature(s). Thus, the
foregoing descriptions 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.
* * * * *