Endless belt power transmission systems or components – Control for variable input to output speed-ratio – Including belt shiftable axially from one to another surface...
Reexamination Certificate
1999-02-26
2001-05-22
Bucci, David A. (Department: 3682)
Endless belt power transmission systems or components
Control for variable input to output speed-ratio
Including belt shiftable axially from one to another surface...
C474S080000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06234927
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention generally relates to a front derailleur for a bicycle. More specifically, the present invention relates a front derailleur for a bicycle that can be used with many different shapes of bicycle frames.
2. Background Information
Generally, a front derailleur includes a fixed member nonmovably secured to a bicycle frame, and a movable section supported to be movable relative to the fixed member. The movable section supports a chain guide having a pair of vertical surfaces for contacting a chain.
The movable section is movable relative to the fixed member by pulling a shift control cable. The movable section and fixed member usually are interconnected through pivotal links. The control cable is connected to one of the pivotal links to apply a torque thereto, thereby causing the links to move the movable section. The control cable is fixed to the link in such a position that an operating force applied to the control cable. This force on the cable is converted into a link swinging torque. However, in a front derailleur having the fixed member disposed below the movable section, the above-noted position is not unnecessarily suited for an operation to attach the control cable to the pivotal link.
In view of the above, there exists a need for a front derailleur for a bicycle, 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 a front derailleur for a bicycle that can be used with many different shapes of bicycle frames.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a front derailleur for a bicycle that has its fixed member located below the chain guide.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a front derailleur for a bicycle that has a detachable cable guide adapter such that the front derailleur can be used with an upwardly pulled cable or a downwardly pulled cable.
The foregoing objects can basically be attained by providing a front derailleur for a bicycle comprising a fixed member, a chain guide and a linkage assembly. The fixed member is adapted to be coupled to a portion of the bicycle. The chain guide has a chain receiving slot to shift a chain of the bicycle in a transverse direction. The linkage assembly is coupled between the fixed member and the chain guide to move the chain guide between a retracted position and an extended position. The linkage assembly includes a biasing member and a first link. The biasing member urges the chain guide to one of the retracted and extended positions. The first link is pivotally coupled relative to the fixed member. The first link has a cable attachment member adapted to be coupled to a shift cable and a detachable cable guide adapter removably coupled to the cable attachment member. The detachable cable guide has a cable receiving surface that is configured to guide the shift cable downwardly therefrom.
The foregoing objects can basically be attained by providing a front derailleur for a bicycle comprising a fixed member, a chain guide and a linkage assembly. The fixed member is adapted to be coupled to a portion of the bicycle. The chain guide has a chain receiving slot to shift a chain of the bicycle in a transverse direction. The linkage assembly is coupled between the chain guide and the fixed member to move the chain guide between a retracted position and an extended position. The chain guide is supported above the fixed member by the linkage assembly. The linkage assembly includes a coil spring, a first lower link and a second upper link. The coil spring expands and contracts in an axial direction of the coil spring to urge the chain guide to one of the retracted and extended positions. The first lower link is pivotally coupled to the fixed member, while the second upper link is fixedly coupled to the chain guide and pivotally coupled to the first lower link.
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 preferred embodiments of the present invention.
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Bucci David A.
Charles Marcus
Shimano (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
Shinjyu Global IP Councelors, LLP
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