Lubrication – Lubricators – Belt – cable – chain or conveyor
Patent
1993-03-24
1995-08-22
Look, Edward K.
Lubrication
Lubricators
Belt, cable, chain or conveyor
184 151, 184 28, 280261, 2802684, 474 91, 474 92, 198495, 198500, F16N 716
Patent
active
054431395
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
This invention relates to the lubricating and cleaning of chains, such as are found on bicycles. The invention particularly relates to a means of enabling cleaning and lubrication of a gear chain while riding a bicycle.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In the past a coating of water-proof oil or grease has protected bicycle chains from wear and corrosion. However, road dirt tends to adhere to the oil and the combination of the dirt and oil forms a grinding paste which increases the friction of the chain and accelerates wear thereof. To prevent this from happening it is necessary to clean the chain often which, until now, requires the chain to be removed from the sprockets and immersed in a bath of oil-solvent. This is a tedious and filthy task, often leading to staining of the cleaner's hands and/or clothing.
This invention obviates, or at least mitigates, the above by enabling the chain on a bicycle to be cleaned and lubricated while riding.
According to the invention there is provided a means for cleaning and lubricating a chain comprising a lubricant reservoir, a pump and an injecting means, characterised in that it also comprises a water reservoir and water dispensing means wherein a cleansing fluid may flow from the water dispenser to the injecting means by a first connecting tube and said lubricant may be pumped from said lubricant reservoir to said injecting means through a second connecting tube, and wherein said injecting means is adapted to inject said cleansing fluid and said lubricant onto the chain.
Preferably, the water reservoir comprises a plastic drinking bottle.
Preferably, said water dispenser comprises a compartment having a large mouth for receiving water from said water supply.
Preferably, said water dispenser also includes a filter and a lid means for preventing dirt, dust or the like from entering therein.
Preferably, said water dispenser is adapted to contain a tablet of detergent, said tablet being water soluble.
Preferably, said injecting means comprises an injector plate which is mounted coaxially with and with minimal clearance to a lower derailleur guide wheel of a bicycle transmission, and wherein radial grooves are provided in the guide wheel so as to direct fluid dispensed into the injector towards the link pin bearings of the chain.
Preferably, the injector comprises a saucer shaped fixed cheek-plate, having one aperture means for receiving said connecting tubes.
Preferably, the lubricant reservoir comprises a re-fillable fluid container.
Preferably, the lubricant reservoir is transparent to enable the quantity of lubricant therein to be checked visually.
Preferably, the lubricant is a water soluble oil.
Preferably, the lubricant reservoir comprises venting means such that air pressure is used to resist spillage of the lubricant when a bicycle is inverted.
Alternatively, the lubricant reservoir has flexible walls which collapse as lubricant is pumped out of the lubricant reservoir.
Preferably, said pump comprises a self inflating bulb having a non-return inlet valve through which the lubricant is received from the reservoir and a pressure release outlet valve through which the lubricant is communicated to the injecting means.
Preferably, said outlet valve provides capillary means to lock the lubricant in said second connecting tube provided between the pump and the injecting means.
Preferably, said pump comprises a self inflating tube made from silicon.
Preferably, said pump also comprises a means of having variable control of the volume of lubricant pumped by a single pumping action of said pump.
Preferably, said control means includes a screw having a tapered end, wherein the position of said taper may be adjusted to restrict the flow between said lubricant reservoir and said pump.
Preferably, said control means may be used to prevent any flow of lubricant from said reservoir to said pump to prevent undesirable passage of lubricant.
Preferably, said pump is incorporated into a handle bar grip of a bicycle.
Preferably, said pump action of said lubricant is automatic as a rider
REFERENCES:
patent: 1600430 (1926-09-01), Schmidt
patent: 4632080 (1986-12-01), Hurner
patent: 4881928 (1989-11-01), Bernal
patent: 4911339 (1990-03-01), Cushing
patent: 5158218 (1992-10-01), Wery
Look Edward K.
Verdier Christopher
LandOfFree
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