U.S. patent application number 15/010072 was filed with the patent office on 2016-05-26 for retention mechanisms for bicycle drive trains.
The applicant listed for this patent is Gamut USA. Invention is credited to Edurado Graziosi, Juan Graziosi, Mateo Graziosi.
Application Number | 20160146314 15/010072 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48982703 |
Filed Date | 2016-05-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160146314 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Graziosi; Mateo ; et
al. |
May 26, 2016 |
RETENTION MECHANISMS FOR BICYCLE DRIVE TRAINS
Abstract
Retention mechanisms for bicycle drive trains are disclosed. In
some embodiments, a retention mechanism may include a backplate
having at least one spur, at least one chain ring coupled to the
backplate, and a slider coupled to the spur. The slider may be
positioned between the at least one chain ring and a bicycle chain,
and may include at least one track and at least one chain guide
(e.g., an O-ring or ring component) seated in the track. The at
least one chain guide may be configured to rotate about the track
while applying tension to the bicycle chain so as to reduce
friction and/or dampen noise.
Inventors: |
Graziosi; Mateo; (San
Francisco, CA) ; Graziosi; Edurado; (San Jose,
CA) ; Graziosi; Juan; (San Jose, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Gamut USA |
San Jose |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
48982703 |
Appl. No.: |
15/010072 |
Filed: |
January 29, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13771982 |
Feb 20, 2013 |
9249867 |
|
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15010072 |
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|
61601013 |
Feb 20, 2012 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
474/111 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B62M 2009/007 20130101;
B62M 9/16 20130101; F16H 7/18 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F16H 7/18 20060101
F16H007/18; B62M 9/16 20060101 B62M009/16 |
Claims
1. A retention mechanism for a bicycle drive train, the retention
mechanism comprising: a backplate having at least one spur; at
least one chain ring coupled to the backplate; and a slider coupled
to the at least one spur, the slider comprising: at least one
track; and at least one O-ring seated in the at least one track,
the at least one O-ring being configured to apply tension to a
bicycle chain insertable between the at least one track and the at
least one chain ring.
2. The retention mechanism of claim 1, wherein the at least one
O-ring is configured to rotate about the at least one track when
applying tension to the bicycle chain.
3. The retention mechanism of claim 1, wherein the at least one
track comprises a single track.
4. The retention mechanism of claim 3, wherein the at least one
O-ring comprises a single O-ring.
5. The retention mechanism of claim 4, wherein the at least one
chain ring comprises a single chain ring, and wherein the single
chain ring is operative to drive the bicycle chain onto the single
track and the single O-ring.
6. The retention mechanism of claim 1, wherein the at least one
chain ring comprises first and second chain rings, wherein the at
least one track comprises first and second tracks, and wherein the
at least one O-ring comprises first and second O-rings.
7. The retention mechanism of claim 6, wherein the first O-ring is
seated in the first track.
8. The retention mechanism of claim 7, wherein the second O-ring is
seated in the second track.
9. The retention mechanism of claim 8, wherein the first track and
the first O-ring are shifted in position from the second track and
the second O-ring in a particular direction.
10. The retention mechanism of claim 7, wherein the first chain
ring is operative to drive the bicycle chain onto the first track
and the first O-ring.
11. The retention mechanism of claim 10, wherein the second chain
ring is operative to drive the bicycle chain onto the second track
and the second O-ring.
12. A slider for a bicycle chain, the slider comprising: an inner
slider component; an outer slider component adjacent the inner
slider component; at least one track disposed between the inner and
outer slider components; and at least one ring component disposed
around the at least one track, the at least one ring component
operative to apply tension to the bicycle chain during rotation of
a bicycle chain ring.
13. The slider of claim 12, wherein the at least one ring component
is configured to rotate about the at least one track when applying
tension to the bicycle chain.
14. The slider of claim 12 further comprising a fastener
passage.
15. The slider of claim 14 further comprising a fastener disposed
through the fastener passage, the fastener operative to couple to a
portion of a spur of a backplate.
16. The slider of claim 12, wherein the at least one ring component
comprises an O-ring.
17. The slider of claim 12, wherein the at least one track
comprises a single track, and wherein the at least one ring
component comprises a single ring component.
18. The slider of claim 12, wherein the at least one track
comprises first and second tracks, and wherein the at least one
ring component comprises first and second ring components.
19. The slider of claim 18, wherein the first ring component is
seated in the first track.
20. The slider of claim 19, wherein the second ring component is
seated in the second track.
21. The slider of claim 20, wherein the first track and the first
ring component are positioned adjacent to the second track and the
second ring component.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/771,982, filed Feb. 20, 2013, entitled
"RETENTION MECHANISMS FOR BICYCLE DRIVE TRAINS," which is
incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. This application
also claims the benefit of previously filed U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 61/601,013, filed Feb. 20, 2012, entitled
"RETENTION MECHANISMS FOR BICYCLE DRIVE TRAINS," which is
incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Typical bicycle drive trains include a crank arm assembly
affixed to one or more front chain rings. A chain engages a front
chain ring for transferring power to a rear cassette of one or more
rear chain rings affixed to the rear wheel axle. Chains in these
typical systems are retained by providing tension between the front
and rear chain rings. With extended and/or rough usage, however,
chains can become loose and lose tension, increasing the risk that
the chain will disengage from one or more of the chain rings.
SUMMARY
[0003] Retention mechanisms for bicycle drive trains are disclosed.
Such retention mechanisms can include a slider coupled to a
backplate of a bicycle drive train assembly. The slider can be
positioned beneath one or more of the front chain rings in order to
provide additional tension to the chain and prevent accidental
slippage and/or disengagement of the chain from one or more of the
chain rings. In some embodiments, the slider can include an O-ring
that may reduce friction and/or dampen noise.
[0004] In some embodiments, a retention mechanism for a bicycle
drive train may be provided. The retention mechanism may include a
backplate having at least one spur, at least one chain ring coupled
to the backplate, and a slider coupled to the at least one spur.
The slider may include at least one track and at least one chain
guide seated in the at least one track. The slider may be
configured to apply tension to a bicycle chain insertable between
the at least one track and the at least one chain ring.
[0005] In some embodiments, a slider for a bicycle chain may be
provided. The slider may include an inner slider component, an
outer slider component adjacent the inner slider component, at
least one track disposed between the inner and outer slider
components, and at least one chain guiding component disposed on
the at least one track. The at least one chain guiding component
may be operative to apply tension to the bicycle chain during
rotation of a bicycle chain ring.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] The above and other aspects of the invention, its nature,
and various features will become more apparent upon consideration
of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with
the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters refer
to like parts throughout, and in which:
[0007] FIG. 1A is a side view of a single chain ring device
assembly including a lower slider, in accordance with at least one
embodiment;
[0008] FIGS. 1B and 1C are perspective views of the single chain
ring device assembly of FIG. 1A, in accordance with at least one
embodiment;
[0009] FIGS. 2A and 2B are perspective views of a lower slider, in
accordance with at least one embodiment;
[0010] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a backplate and a lower
slider of a dual chain ring device assembly;
[0011] FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the same structures of FIG.
3A after two chain rings have been added;
[0012] FIG. 3C is a perspective view of the same structures of FIG.
3B after a bashguard has been added;
[0013] FIGS. 4A and 4B are perspective views of a lower slider, in
accordance with at least one embodiment;
[0014] FIG. 5A is a side view of a bicycle frame coupled to a chain
retention assembly, in accordance with at least one embodiment;
[0015] FIG. 5B is a partial perspective view of the bicycle frame
and chain retention assembly of FIG. 5A, in accordance with at
least one embodiment; and
[0016] FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of a bicycle frame and
a chain retention assembly having an alternate chain ring, in
accordance with at least one embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] FIG. 1A is a side view of a single chain ring device
assembly 10, and FIGS. 1B and 1C are perspective views of single
chain ring device assembly 10. As shown in FIGS. 1A-1C, assembly 10
may include a lower slider 100 that may include an O-ring 102 that
may serve as a chain guide or guiding component. Assembly 10 may
also include a backplate 120 having a top guide 124. Additionally,
assembly 10 may include a bashguard 122 and a chain ring 126. A
chain (not shown) can be attached to chain ring 126 in order to
transfer power from chain ring 126 to a gear cassette affixed to a
rear wheel (also not shown). Backplate 120, bashguard 122, and
chain ring 126 can be configured in a stack, with backplate 120
fixedly coupled to a bicycle frame, and with chain ring 126 free to
rotate around a pedal axle. Bashguard 122 may, in various
embodiments, be fixedly coupled to the bicycle frame or to chain
ring 126 to help protect the chain and chain ring 126. Because
assembly 10 may include one chain ring, it may, for example, be
part of a 1.times.9 or 1.times.10 bicycle drive train.
[0018] Lower slider 100 can interface with, interact with, or
otherwise be coupled to a branch, arm, or spur 121 of backplate 120
(e.g., with one or more bolts or any other suitable fastening
mechanism). Spur 121 may allow lower slider 100 to be positioned
close to the bottom of backplate 120 and outside of the radius of
chain ring 126 such that the chain can be threaded between lower
slider 100 and chain ring 126. As a cyclist pedals the bicycle,
chain ring 126 can rotate the chain around assembly 10 between
chain ring 126 and lower slider 100. This arrangement may result in
increased tension on the chain and, therefore, a reduced risk of
the chain disengaging or slipping from chain ring 126. Lower slider
100 may be formed from any suitable material (e.g., plastic,
aluminum, or steel), and may be formed in, for example, an
injection molding process. According to some embodiments, a lower
slider may also be coupled to a gear cassette affixed to a rear
wheel in order to prevent the chain from slipping off of the chain
rings in the rear gear cassette.
[0019] As described above, lower slider 100 may include O-ring 102.
O-ring 102 may be seated in a track 103 of lower slider 100, and
may contact a portion of the chain near the bottom of chain ring
126 (e.g., near the bottom of backplate 120). As the bicycle is
pedaled and the chain is turned around chain ring 126, O-ring 102,
being in contact with the moving chain, can rotate around track 103
as needed, which may reduce friction and/or dampen noise. That is,
although O-ring 102 may be seated in track 103 and may not
laterally shift with respect to track 103, O-ring 102 may still be
free to rotate about track 103 as the chain moves. O-ring 102 may
be formed from any suitable durable and pliable material (e.g., a
natural or synthetic rubber or thermoplastic), and may be
substantially circular prior to being coupled or seated in track
103. However, as shown in FIGS. 1A-1C, the shape of O-ring 102 may
be adjusted to accommodate the shape of lower slider 100 when
O-ring 102 is seated in track 103.
[0020] Top guide 124 can control the engagement between the chain
and chain ring 126 as the chain is rotated around assembly 10. In
some embodiments, top guide 124 may be formed integrally with
backplate 120. In other embodiments, however, top guide 124 may be
coupled to a second spur 123 of backplate 120. Top guide 124 may be
configured to extend above and outside of chain ring 126 to help
engage the chain with the top of chain ring 126 and to prevent the
chain from slipping laterally off of assembly 10.
[0021] FIGS. 2A and 2B are perspective views of a lower slider 200,
which may be similar to lower slider 100 of FIGS. 1A-1C. For
example, as shown in FIG. 2A, lower slider 200 may include an
O-ring 202 and a track 203 that may be similar to O-ring 102 and
track 103, respectively, of lower slider 100. Lower slider 200 may
also include an inner slider component 206, an outer slider
component 208, and a fastener passage 209. O-ring 202 may be seated
in track 203, which can be configured to contact and provide
tension to a bicycle chain. O-ring 202 and track 203 and can be
positioned to provide tension to the chain as the chain exits a
chain ring (e.g., where the chain is most likely to be slack).
[0022] Inner slider component 206 may have a ridge extending
perpendicularly from track 203 to help define track 203 and prevent
O-ring 202 from sliding off of lower slider 200 laterally. The
ridge of inner slider component 206 does not need to be high enough
to prevent lateral movement of the chain because the chain may be
laterally restrained by a bashguard (e.g., bashguard 122 of FIGS.
1A-1C). Outer slider component 208 may form a wall extending
perpendicularly from track 203 and opposing inner slider component
206. The height of outer slider component 208 may be chosen to
prevent lateral slippage of the chain.
[0023] Fastener passage 209 may extend fully or part of the way
through lower slider 200 (e.g., through inner and outer slider
components 206 and 208) and may be configured to accept a fastener
(e.g., a screw or a bolt) suitable for interfacing or otherwise
coupling lower slider 200 (e.g., outer slider component 208) to a
spur of a backplate (e.g., spur 121 of backplate 120 of FIG. 1).
For example, outer slider component 208 may include a surface for
interfacing or coupling to a spur of a backplate. In some
embodiments, each of fastener passage 209 and a corresponding
portion of the spur (e.g., a hole in the spur) may include threaded
inserts for securing the fastener. For example, fastener 210 may be
inserted into fastener passage 209 to couple lower slider 200 to a
backplate (e.g., backplate 120 of FIG. 1).
[0024] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a backplate 320 and a lower
slider 300 of a dual chain ring device assembly 30. FIG. 3B is a
perspective view of the same structures of FIG. 3A after two chain
rings 326 and 328 have been added. FIG. 3C is a perspective view of
the same structures of FIG. 3B after a bashguard 322 has been
added. Assembly 30 may be similar to assembly 10, and may, in
addition to lower slider 300 and backplate 320, include a bashguard
322, a first chain ring 326, and a second chain ring 328. A chain
(not shown) can be attached to first chain ring 326 or second chain
ring 328 in order to transfer power from that chain ring to a gear
cassette affixed to a rear wheel (not shown). The chain can be
switched between first chain ring 326 and second chain ring 328
with a derailleur (not shown).
[0025] Bashguard 322, first chain ring 326, and second chain ring
328 can be configured in a stack, with backplate 320 fixedly
coupled to a bicycle frame, and with chain rings 326 and 328 free
to rotate around a pedal axle. Bashguard 322 may, in various
embodiments, additionally or alternatively be fixedly coupled to
the bicycle frame or one or more of chain rings 326 and 328 to help
protect the chain and the chain rings. Because assembly 30 may
include two chain rings, it may, for example, be part of a
2.times.9 or 2.times.10 bicycle drive train.
[0026] Similar to lower slider 100, lower slider 300 may, as shown
in FIGS. 3A-3C, be coupled to a spur 321 of backplate 320 (e.g.,
with one or more bolts or any other suitable fastening mechanism).
However, rather than including only one O-ring (e.g., as with lower
sliders 100 and 200), lower slider 300 of assembly 30 may include
two O-rings 302 and 304, each corresponding to one of chain rings
326 and 328.
[0027] Spur 321 may allow lower slider 300 to be positioned close
to the bottom of backplate 320 and outside of the radius of chain
rings 326 and 328 such that the chain can be threaded between lower
slider 300 and the chain rings. As a cyclist pedals the bicycle,
chain ring 326 or 328 can rotate the chain around assembly 30
between the engaged chain ring and a corresponding track of lower
slider 300. This arrangement may result in increased tension on the
chain and, therefore, a reduced risk of the chain disengaging or
slipping from chain ring 326 or 328. Lower slider 300 may be formed
from any suitable material (e.g., plastic, aluminum, or steel).
[0028] As shown in FIG. 3C, for example, track 305 of lower slider
300 may be elevated closer to the center of assembly 30 than track
303 is, in order to engage the smaller radius second chain ring
328. Likewise, track 303 may be configured to accommodate the chain
when the chain is engaged on the larger radius first chain ring
326.
[0029] O-rings 302 and 304 may be seated in tracks 303 and 305,
respectively, which may contact a portion of the chain near the
bottom of backplate 320. As the bicycle is pedaled and the chain is
turned around chain ring 326 or 328, the corresponding O-ring 302
or 304, being in contact with the moving chain, can rotate around
the track of lower slider 300 as needed to reduce friction and/or
dampen noise. O-rings 302 and 304 may be any ring component formed
from any suitable strong and pliable material (e.g., a natural or
synthetic rubber or thermoplastic).
[0030] It should be appreciated that assembly 30 may not include a
top guide as discussed above with respect to top guide 124 of
assembly 10 of FIG. 1. This is because a front derailleur can be
included for controlling the chain engagement and for shifting the
chain between first chain ring 326 and second chain ring 328.
[0031] FIGS. 4A and 4B are perspective views of a lower slider 400.
Lower slider 400 may be similar to lower slider 300 of FIGS. 3A-3C.
More particularly, lower slider 400 may include components that may
be similar to those of lower slider 300 described above with
respect to FIGS. 3A-3C. For the sake of clarity, the last two
digits of each component of lower slider 400 is intended to match
the last two digits of each component of lower slider 300 (in which
case, the description is substantially similar as well). Lower
slider 400 may also be similar to lower slider 100, but as with
slider 300, may include two tracks rather than one. As shown in
FIGS. 4A and 4B, lower slider 400 may include O-rings 402 and 404,
tracks 403 and 405, an inner slider component 406, a middle slider
component 407, an outer slider component 408, and a fastener
passage 409. Lower slider 400 may be used to retain a chain for a
bicycle with dual front chain rings (e.g., for a 2.times.9 or
2.times.10 bicycle drive train).
[0032] O-rings 402 and 404 may be seated in tracks 403 and 405,
respectively, which can be configured to contact and provide
tension to a bicycle chain. The chain can be in contact with one
track or the other based on which chain ring is being used. Tracks
403 and 405 and O-rings 402 and 404 can be positioned to provide
tension to the chain as the chain exits the chain rings (e.g.,
where the chain is most likely to be slack).
[0033] Inner slider component 406 may have a ridge extending
perpendicularly from track 403 to help define track 403 and prevent
O-ring 402 from sliding off of lower slider 400 laterally. The
ridge of inner slider component 406 does not need to be high enough
to prevent lateral movement of the chain because the chain may be
laterally restrained by a bashguard (e.g., bashguard 322 of FIG.
3). Middle slider component 407 can form a wall extending
perpendicularly from track 403 and opposing inner slider component
406. The height of middle slider component 407 may be chosen to
prevent lateral slippage of the chain. Similarly, outer slider
component 408 may extend perpendicularly from track 405 to prevent
lateral slippage of the chain when that track is engaged with the
chain.
[0034] Fastener passage 409 may extend fully or part of the way
through lower slider 400 and may be configured to accept a fastener
(e.g., a screw or a bolt) suitable for coupling lower slider 400 to
a spur of a backplate (e.g., spur 321 of backplate 320 of FIGS.
3A-3C). In some embodiments, fastener passage 409 may include
threaded inserts for securing the fastener. As shown in FIG. 4B,
for example, a fastener 410 may be inserted into fastener passage
409 to couple lower slider 400 to a backplate (e.g., backplate 320
of FIGS. 3A-3C).
[0035] In some embodiments, a lower slider may include a ridge over
which pins or links of a chain may slide or traverse. FIG. 5A is a
side view of a bicycle frame 540 coupled to a chain retention
assembly 50. FIG. 5B is a partial perspective view of bicycle frame
540 and chain retention assembly 50. Chain retention assembly 50
may be similar to each of assemblies 10 and 30. However, rather
than including a lower slider having one or more O-rings, assembly
50 may include a lower slider 500 having a ridge 501 (described in
more detail below). Assembly 50 may also include a backplate 520
and a chain ring 526. Chain 542 may be attached to chain ring 526
in order to transfer power from chain ring 526 to a gear cassette
affixed to a rear wheel (not shown).
[0036] Backplate 520 and chain ring 526 can be configured in a
stack, with backplate 520 fixedly coupled to bicycle frame 540, and
with chain ring 526 free to rotate around a pedal axle (not shown).
Although not shown, in some embodiments, assembly 50 may also
include a bashguard (e.g., similar to bashguards 122 and 322).
[0037] Similar to lower sliders 100 and 300, lower slider 500 may,
as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, be coupled to a spur 521 of backplate
520 (e.g., with one or more bolts or any other suitable fastening
mechanism). However, as described above, lower slider 500 may
include a ridge as the chain guide or guiding component, rather
than one or more O-rings, for at least partially interfacing with
chain 542.
[0038] In some embodiments, ridge 501 may be integrated into lower
slider 500 and may provide smooth and consistent contact, reducing
noise and drag when chain 542 slides or traverses over ridge 501.
In other embodiments, ridge 501 may be a separate component
integrated with lower slider 500. Regardless of the configuration
of ridge 501, as a cyclist pedals the bicycle, assembly 50 may
provide an increased tension on chain 542 and, therefore, a reduced
risk of chain 542 disengaging or slipping from chain ring 526.
[0039] More particularly, as the bicycle is pedaled and chain 542
is turned around chain ring 526, ridge 501, being in contact with
the moving chain 542, may rotate around lower slider 500 as needed
to reduce friction and/or dampen noise. Lower slider 500 and ridge
501 may each be formed from any suitable material (e.g., plastic,
aluminum, or steel).
[0040] Similar to assembly 10, assembly 50 may include a top guide
524 for controlling the engagement between chain 542 and chain ring
526 as chain 542 is rotated around assembly 50. In some
embodiments, top guide 524 may be formed integrally with backplate
520. In other embodiments, however, top guide 524 may be coupled to
a second spur 523 of backplate 520. Top guide 524 may be configured
to extend above and outside of chain ring 526 to help engage chain
542 with the top of chain ring 526 and to prevent chain 542 from
slipping laterally off of assembly 50.
[0041] It should be appreciated that, although FIGS. 5A and 5B may
only show lower slider 500 having a single track and ridge, in some
embodiments, a lower slider may include two or more tracks and
respective ridges configured to guide a bicycle chain drivable by
one of multiple chain rings.
[0042] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a bicycle frame 640 and a
chain retention assembly 60 having an alternate chain ring 626.
Assembly 60 may be similar to assembly 50, but may differ only in
chain ring 626 having a slightly different configuration than chain
ring 526. For example, assembly 60 may include a lower slider 600
that may be similar to lower slider 500.
[0043] While there have been described retention mechanisms for
bicycle drive trains, it is to be understood that many changes may
be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention. Insubstantial changes from the claimed subject matter as
viewed by a person with ordinary skill in the art, now known or
later devised, are expressly contemplated as being equivalently
within the scope of the claims. Therefore, obvious substitutions
now or later known to one with ordinary skill in the art are
defined to be within the scope of the defined elements. It is also
to be understood that various directional and orientational terms
such as "up and "down," "front" and "back," "top" and "bottom,"
"left" and "right," "length" and "width," "upper" and "lower,"
"above" and "beneath," and the like are used herein only for
convenience, and that no fixed or absolute directional or
orientational limitations are intended by the use of these words.
For example, the devices of this invention can have any desired
orientation. If reoriented, different directional or orientational
terms may need to be used in their description, but that will not
alter their fundamental nature as within the scope and spirit of
this invention.
[0044] Therefore, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the
invention can be practiced by other than the described embodiments,
which are presented for purposes of illustration rather than of
limitation.
* * * * *