Bicycle chain anti-snare device

Details Bicycle chain anti-snare device Bicycle chain anti-snare device

1999-05-26

2001-02-20

Bucci, David A. (Department: 3682)

Endless belt power transmission systems or components

Guard or housing for belt or pulley

C474S080000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06190275

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to the assembling of bicycles to be used to in competitions and vigorous off-road ridings, and, more particularly, to a new and improved chain guard which enhances such activities.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
As is well known, and understood, the recreational use of bicycles and bicycle competitions have increased significantly since the introduction of the off-road or BMX type bicycle—and has become a multi-billion dollar concern. As is also known, such type of bicycle is designed to be ridden up and down hills, over all kinds of terrain including rocks, dirt, sand, water, etc., requiring more vigorous peddling and a greater need for reliability under adverse conditions. To address this, the rider is often joined to the bicycle via a locking clip in the pedal, which prevents the rider from jumping off the bike in the event the chain jams the pedal mechanism, causing the rider and the bicycle to fall. To gain market share and altering performance, companies spend hundreds of millions of dollars improving the designs to create a less bumpy ride (adding shock absorbers and floating forks, and making peddling easier) and increasing the number of gears at both the crank and rear axles.
As is understood, the reason that bicycle companies have focused on the number of gears offered—numbering twenty-one and higher—is that a rider can select a gear that gives the most efficient conversion of peddling into forward motion, permitting the rider to navigate hills and obstacles more effectively, and faster without exhaustion. Additionally, as some riders use these kinds of bicycles on the edge of safety, they require the immediate response to their demands, and the ability to propel themselves over and around obstacles. As a result of the vigorous, uncompromising demands on the mechanics that drive the rear wheel—pedals, cranks, chain ring, chains, cassettes and cogs—it regularly occurs that when a rider shifts the front gear to a smaller diameter ring under pressure, the bottom of the chain bounces, slapping against the rear of the chain ring. When the chain contacts the rear of the chain ring being driven by the cranks in this manner, the chain often catches on a tooth on the upwardly moving gear, causing it to get drawn up against the frame of the bicycle and locking up the peddling mechanism. In a racing competition, for example, this can result in the participant falling back many places and/or losing.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention, therefore, to provide a roller-guard which prevents the chain from contacting the teeth on the chain ring at inappropriate times.
It is also an object of the invention to provide such a guard as is useful to the professional racer as it is to the casual rider.
It is another object of the invention to provide such a guard which is useful on bicycles having a floating rear fork, as well as one which is solidly affixed to the frame.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
As will become clear from the description that follows, the roller-guard of the invention enhances the riding of off-road, BMX type bicycles through the use of an easily manufactured, inexpensive, durable, lightweight guard. As will become clear, the guard may generally be constructed in the form of an aluminum arm terminating in a ring on one end which fits between the bracket shell and pedal crank of the bicycle, and with a narrow end having provisions for the attachment of a resilient durable roller. As will further become clear, the arm holds the roller between the chain and the lower-rear quadrant of the chain rings, thereby preventing the chain from inappropriately contacting the chain ring. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the roller is removable and fabricated of rubber, with the ability to be rotated around a central spindle so as to have little wear or friction upon contacting the chain.


REFERENCES:
patent: 3785219 (1974-01-01), Anthamatten
patent: 4121474 (1978-10-01), Suinaga
patent: 5244439 (1993-09-01), Rogus
patent: 222429 (1942-07-01), None
patent: 830162 (1938-07-01), None
patent: 442390 (1948-11-01), None
patent: 164260 (1936-04-01), None
patent: 475021 (1937-11-01), None
patent: 86100 (1936-04-01), None

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