Machine element or mechanism – Control lever and linkage systems – Hand operated
Reexamination Certificate
2000-01-27
2001-04-03
Green, Mary Ann (Department: 3682)
Machine element or mechanism
Control lever and linkage systems
Hand operated
C074S489000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06209413
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a shifter on a handlebar for pulling or releasing a derailleur cable of a bicycle derailleur mechanism of bicycle.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A conventional gear shifting device known to applicant is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,900,291 to Sram Corporation. The patent of Sram Corporation involves so many parts and each of which has a complicated shape which results in manufacturing difficulties and high manufacturing cost. Another known bicycle gear shifting device known to applicant is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,241,877 to Chen. Chen's patent discloses a gear selector that is installed co-axially to the handlebar and the derailleur cable is wrapped around the tubular portion of the selector. However, the way that the derailleur cable is pulled or released by rotating the tubular portion of the selector cannot provide a clear positioning feature for the rider so that the shifting action could be over-operated or less-operated.
The present invention intends to provide a gear shifter on a handlebar to precisely operate the derailleur cable and the shifter provides a clear positioning feature such that the rider clearly feel the positioning feature by engaging a resilient plate engaged with one of the dents defined in an inside of a frame during rotating the shifter.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a bicycle derailleur shifter and comprising a frame having a hole so as to be co-axially mount to a bicycle handlebar. An extension portion extends radially from the frame and a tension adjusting member is connected to the extension portion. A tube extends from a first side of the frame and a peripheral skirt extends longitudinally from the first side of the frame. A plurality of dents are defined in an inside of the peripheral skirt. An actuating ring and a disk are respectively mounted to the tube. A first block extends radially outward from the actuating ring and a derailleur cable extends from the first block and through the tension adjusting member. A second block extends from the actuating ring and a resilient plate extends from the second block. A distal end of the resilient plate is engaged with one of the dents in the peripheral skirt. A disk is rotatably mounted to the tube and a torsion spring is connected between the disk and the actuating ring. A push piece extends from a first side of the disk and is located between the first block and the second block.
The object of the present invention is to provide a shifter for changing gears of a bicycle derailleur mechanism and the shifter has a simple structure with clear positioning feature when shifting the derailleur cable.
These and further objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more obvious from the following description when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings which show, for purposes of illustration only, several embodiments in accordance with the present invention.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5802927 (1998-09-01), Yu et al.
patent: 6021688 (2000-02-01), Chang
patent: 6067875 (2000-05-01), Ritchey et al.
Green Mary Ann
Kamrath Alan D.
Rider Bennett Egan & Arundel LLP
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