Electricity: measuring and testing – Electrical speed measuring – Including speed-related frequency generator
Reexamination Certificate
1999-02-23
2001-02-13
Snow, Walter E. (Department: 2862)
Electricity: measuring and testing
Electrical speed measuring
Including speed-related frequency generator
C324S207220, C301S104000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06188215
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention generally relates to a magnetic assembly for a bicycle monitoring device. More specifically, the present invention relates a magnetic assembly which includes a magnetic device that mounts on a special spoke of a wheel such that the magnetic device remains in a predetermined location on the spoke.
2. Background Information
It is an advantage for modem cyclists to know how fast they are going. This is true in both non-competitive and competitive cycling. To that end, speedometer devices for bicycles have become commercially popular. Early forms of these devices had various mechanical disadvantages. One source of difficulty was the means by which the speedometer device sensed that the wheel had rotated. Many speedometers attached a counting device that protruded from the spoke, and would advance a gear or a counter every time the wheel rotated. But these devices were not reliable and subject to breakdown, bending, stiffening, and shifting loose from the appropriate position. This led to inductive-type sensors, which did away with the requirement of actual contact between spoke-attachment and sensor. But these were not always reliable either, due to magnets weakening, slippage on the spoke, tools required for installation, inability to sustain a satisfactory level of tightness, and other reasons.
In view of the above, there exists a need for a magnetic assembly 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 magnetic assembly that is relatively easy to install on a spoke such that the magnetic device does not rotate or move longitudinally along the axis of the spoke.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a magnetic device that is inexpensive to manufacture.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a magnetic device that can be installed in one step.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a magnetic device that requires no tools for installation.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a magnetic device that can be used with spokes of a variety of circular cross-sections.
The foregoing objects basically can be obtained by providing a magnetic assembly for a bicycle monitoring device. The magnetic assembly includes a spoke and a magnetic housing. The spoke has a first end, a second end and a connecting portion extending between the first and second ends. The magnetic housing has a spoke-receiving recess with a pair of opposed side walls spaced apart by a first predetermined distance to retain the spoke therebetween. Either the spoke or the housing has a projection extending therefrom and the other of the spoke or the housing has a concavity for engaging the projection when the spoke is located within the spoke-receiving recess.
The foregoing objects basically can be obtained by providing a spoke is provided for attaching a magnetic housing thereto. The spoke includes a first attachment end, a second attachment end and a connecting portion. The first attachment end is configured and adapted to be coupled to a corresponding structure of a hub. The second attachment end is configured and adapted to be coupled to a corresponding structure of a rim. The connecting portion extends between the first and second ends. The connecting portion is with a concavity. This spoke is used with a magnetic device having a spoke-receiving recess having a complementary projection.
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a spoke is provided for attaching a magnetic housing thereto. The spoke includes a first attachment end, a second attachment end and a connecting portion. The first attachment end is configured and adapted to be coupled to a corresponding structure of a hub. The second attachment end is configured and adapted to be coupled to a corresponding structure of a rim. The connecting portion extends between the first and second ends. The connecting portion is provided with a projection. This spoke is used with a magnetic device having a spoke-receiving recess having a complementary concavity.
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: 3854777 (1974-12-01), Kennedy
patent: 3898563 (1975-08-01), Erisman
patent: 4331918 (1982-05-01), Dunch
patent: 4352063 (1982-09-01), Jones et al.
patent: 5089775 (1992-02-01), Takeda
patent: 5264791 (1993-11-01), Takeda
patent: 723692 (1995-05-01), None
Cateye Astrale Cyclocomputer, Model CC-CD100; Ten catalog pages; Prior to Feb. 1999.
Cateye General Catalog; Cycle Accessories; Thirteen Catalog pages; 1996.
Kitagawa Kozo
Muraoka Tsutomu
Wada Kazuo
Shimano Inc.
Shinjyu Global IP Counselors, LLP
Snow Walter E.
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