Supports – Pipe or cable – Brackets
Reexamination Certificate
2000-03-08
2001-08-07
Ramirez, Ramon O. (Department: 3682)
Supports
Pipe or cable
Brackets
C074S502000, C280S288400
Reexamination Certificate
active
06270042
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention generally relates to a guide for a bicycle control element. More specifically, the present invention relates to an adjustable guide for supporting a control element in a cable stopper.
2. Background Information
Bicycling is becoming an increasingly popular form of recreation as well as a means of transportation. Moreover, bicycling has become a very popular competitive sport. Whether the bicycle is used for recreation, transportation or competition, the bicycle industry is constantly improving their components. In particular, bicycle components are constantly becoming lighter and less expensive while maintaining a high level of performance. Moreover, bicycle components are constantly being designed so as to be more durable and attractive. One particular component that has been extensively redesigned over the past years is the cable guide or cable harness.
Typically, bicycles have a plurality of cable stoppers welded or brazed on to the frame of the bicycle. The cable stoppers are usually configured to guide an inner wire and housing of a control cable for other components mounted on the bicycle. However, when a component of the bicycle is replaced or upgraded, sometimes the existing system of cable stoppers of the bicycle frame is inadequate to guide the control element for the new component. Therefore, the performance of a new component can be diminished or even inoperable if the existing system of cable stoppers is utilized.
The performance of existing components may also be diminished if the existing system of cable stoppers is utilized. Specifically, bicycles typically have a standard system of cable stoppers, which do not always effectively accommodate the control elements for certain bicycle components. More specifically, the performance of certain bicycle components can be compromised or diminished when the standard set of cable stoppers is used. Therefore, even if the cable stoppers are adequate, optimal performance of certain bicycle components may not be achieved due to longer cable runs, added friction in control cables or increased lengths of cable housing required. Moreover, the cable housing has an added weight which is undesirable for the bicycle.
In view of the above, there exists a need for a guide for a bicycle control element 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
One object of the present invention is to provide an adjustable guide for a bicycle control element that can be used with conventional cable stoppers.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a guide for a bicycle control element that optimizes performance of bicycle components.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a guide for an inner wire of a bicycle control cable that reduces or eliminates the length of cable housing of the bicycle control cable.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a guide for a bicycle control element that is simple and inexpensive to manufacture.
The foregoing object can basically be obtained by providing a guide for a bicycle control element having a mounting member and a guide member. The mounting member is adapted to be coupled to a portion of a bicycle and has a first mating surface. The guide member is pivotally coupled to the mounting member about a pivot axis. The guide member has a guiding portion with a guide surface offset from the pivot axis and a second mating surface engageable with the first mating surface to adjustably maintain the guide member in a predetermined rotational position relative to the mounting member.
The foregoing objects can basically be obtained by providing a guide for a bicycle control element having a mounting member and a guide member. The mounting member is adapted to be coupled to a portion of a bicycle and the guide member is pivotally coupled to the mounting member about a pivot axis. The guide member has a guiding portion with a guide surface and one of the guide member and the mounting member has a threaded bore substantially perpendicular to the pivot axis. A bolt is threadedly coupled within the threaded bore and is adapted to engage a surface of the bicycle in a substantially perpendicular relationship thereto.
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.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4733835 (1988-03-01), Schlanger et al.
patent: 5568905 (1996-10-01), Smith, II
patent: 6015118 (2000-01-01), Oda
patent: 361417 (1999-06-01), None
patent: 0518203 (1992-12-01), None
Shimano Catalog, “Shimano Bicycle System Components” Apr. 1982, p. 432.
Ramirez Ramon O.
Shimano Inc.
Shinjyu Global IP Counselors, LLP
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