Joints and connections – Articulated members – Plural distinct articulation axes
Reexamination Certificate
2000-02-29
2001-12-18
Browne, Lynne H. (Department: 3629)
Joints and connections
Articulated members
Plural distinct articulation axes
C403S085000, C403S086000, C074S489000, C074S502200, C074S551800
Reexamination Certificate
active
06331089
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention generally relates to a mounting device adapted to be coupled to a portion of a bicycle to support at least one bicycle component thereon. More specifically, the present invention relates to a mounting device that is adjustable to support the orientation of the bicycle component.
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 ergonomic and user friendly. In addition, various accessories or components have been developed to assist the rider. It is important that the accessory or component be mounted in an ergonomic manner such that the accessory or component can be easily used by the rider without stopping.
For example, the shifting units of a bicycle should be located at the ends of the handlebar such that the rider can easily perform a shifting operation without significantly changing the position of the rider's hand. However, this positioning of the shifting units makes it difficult to determine the current gear position. Specifically, the shifting unit typically will have some sort of gear position indicator. Typically, the gear position indicator is located at the take-up member of the shift operating device that winds up the inner wire of the shift control cable. Thus, the rider must look towards the handle portion of the handlebars in order to determine the current gear positions. Accordingly, this is very inconvenient for the rider. One example of such a shifting device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,052,241 to Nagano and 5,458,018 to Kawakame.
Accordingly, gear indicators have been developed which are mounted on a center portion of the bicycle so that the rider does not have to take his or her eyes off of the road to determine the current gear position. Examples of gear indicators or displays that are mounted on a center portion of the bicycle are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,524,979 to Cohen and 5,178,033 to Kund. Another example of an indicator that is mounted on a center portion of the bicycle is disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 60-23273 which discloses a shifter mounted on the upper horizontal frame tube and in which the indicator is mounted on a center portion of the handlebars. However, these types of gear indicators are often difficult to install and are complicated and expensive.
Another example of a gear indicator that is mounted on the center section of a handlebar is disclosed in European Patent Publication No. 0 629 860 to Shimano Inc. This patent discloses a display panel that is mounted on the center section of the handlebars. While this gear indicator device is very good, it is expensive. Moreover, this indicator can be difficult to install in certain circumstances. Specifically, since both of the shift operating devices are coupled to a single indicator housing, this can make it difficult for the installer. In particular, the installer must first install each of the shift operating devices and then install the indicator on the handlebars. Since there are two cables connected to the gear indicator, it may be difficult to position at the most desirable position.
In view of the above, there exists a need for a mounting device that is adjustable to support the orientation of the bicycle component and that 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 mounting device that is adjustable to support the orientation of the bicycle accessory or component.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a mounting device, which is mounted on a center portion of the handlebar for easy viewing of the bicycle accessory or component.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a mounting device in which at least two bicycle accessories or components are independently movably relative to each other.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a mounting device, which is lightweight in design.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a mounting device, which can be relatively easy to manufacture by conventional manufacturing techniques.
Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a mounting device, which is relatively inexpensive to manufacture.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a mounting device for a bicycle which overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art noted above.
The above objects can also be fulfilled, according to the present invention, by providing a mounting device adapted to be coupled to a portion of a bicycle to support at least one bicycle component thereon. The bicycle mounting device has a bar clamp and a support member. The bar clamp has a bar clamping portion adapted to be coupled to the portion of the bicycle and a support portion spaced from the bar clamping portion. One of the bar clamping portion and the support portion has a ball joint with a mounting bore formed therein. The support member is slidably coupled to the support portion and adapted to support at least one bicycle component thereon. In the illustrated embodiment, the ball joint is formed in the support portion for adjusting the orientation of the support member relative to the portion of the bicycle.
It will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description that this invention is not limited to a mounting device for supporting gear indicators. Rather, the mounting device can be used to support a cycle computer, a speed indicator and the like.
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.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2771300 (1956-11-01), Latzen
patent: 3197552 (1965-07-01), Flair
patent: 3524979 (1970-08-01), Cohen
patent: 3633437 (1972-01-01), Ishida
patent: 4312336 (1982-01-01), Danieletto et al.
patent: 5052241 (1991-10-01), Nagano
patent: 5370412 (1994-12-01), Chou
patent: 5795092 (1998-08-01), Jaworski et al.
patent: 5903214 (1999-05-01), Watarai
patent: 5921139 (1999-07-01), Yamane
patent: 0552775 (1993-07-01), None
patent: 0629860 (1994-12-01), None
patent: 0615896 (1996-07-01), None
patent: 2169065 (1986-07-01), None
Bicycle Buyer's Catalog, prior to Feb. 29, 2000, pp. 189, 195, 205-207.
Browne Lynne H.
Cottingham John R.
Shimano Inc.
Shinjyu Global IP Counselors, LLP
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