Metal working – Method of mechanical manufacture – With testing or indicating
Reexamination Certificate
1998-09-08
2001-03-27
Rosenbaum, I Cuda (Department: 3726)
Metal working
Method of mechanical manufacture
With testing or indicating
C029S407090, C029S423000, C074S551100, C074S50150R
Reexamination Certificate
active
06205635
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to cabling systems.
2. Relevant Background
Recent attention has been directed to improving bicycles and devices and systems used on bicycles for purposes of “trick” riding. Trick riding involves performing stunts, unusual, difficult, and sometimes dangerous maneuvers on bicycles. Many of the stunts performed by trick riders involve rotating the handlebar and front wheel steering assembly through multiple consecutive turns. Some of these stunts require precise control of the rear brake. Many trick bicycles, however, employ a hand brake system for the rear wheel. The hand brake is located on the handlebars and is cabled to a rear wheel brake system. Accordingly, trick bicycles use a rear brake cable detangler system to allow the handlebar and front wheel steering assembly to be rotated indefinitely without tangling the rear brake cable around the steering assembly.
Rear brake cable detanglers are well know within the bicycle art. Cable detangler systems generally comprise an upper cable assembly, a lower cable assembly, and a bearing mechanism. In turn, the bearing mechanism generally consists of an upper cable stop plate, a lower cable stop plate, and a bearing unit having an upper section and a lower section. The upper cable assembly generally has an end that attaches to a handlebar mounted brake lever, then splits into 2 cables that individually pass through diametrically opposing holes in the upper cable stop plate, and ultimately attach to the upper section of the bearing unit. The lower cable assembly generally has an end that attaches to a rear wheel brake system, then splits into 2 cables that individually pass through diametrically opposing holes in the lower cable stop plate, and ultimately attach to the lower section of the bearing unit. As the bicycle rider pulls the handlebar mounted brake lever, the upper cable assembly pulls the upper section and lower section of the bearing unit toward the upper cable stop plate, which, in turn, pulls the lower cable assembly causing the rear wheel brake system to be activated.
However, it is important for trick riding stunts that the rear brake cable detangler system is properly adjusted. An improperly adjusted cable detangler adversely effects the rider's control of the rear brake, and ultimately the stunt. Prior to the present invention, cable detanglers of this type either went unadjusted, or were adjusted by trial and error. Furthermore, in cases where the cable detangler was improperly installed, proper adjustment of the cable detangler was not possible altogether. The majority of rear brake cable detangler systems on trick bicycles today are improperly adjusted, and a number of those are improperly installed. Therefore, a need was perceived for a cable detangler adjustment procedure that is easy to implement and assures proper adjustment.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to a method for adjusting cable detangler systems. The adjustment is performed in the following three generalized steps:
1. Position the upper and lower cable stop plates of the cable detangler system at an optimum distance from each other. This is accomplished by measuring the distance between the upper cable stop plate and the lower cable stop plate with a gauge, and then, as necessary, by inserting or removing spacers underneath the upper cable stop plate to achieve the optimum distance.
2. Measure the most direct distance between the upper cable stop plate and the handlebar mounted rear brake lever with a measuring device that clearly indicates the correct size upper cable assembly to use on that bicycle, then, as necessary, install or replace the upper cable assembly with one of correct size.
3. Position the bearing unit of the cable detangler system perpendicular to the steering axis of the bicycle. This is accomplished by the use of an adjuster cable device comprising a brake cable inserted in a cable casing. One ferrule placed at each end of the cable casing connects the adjuster cable to the upper cable stop plate of the cable detangler system. Protruding ends larger than the brake cable itself connected to each end of the adjuster cable attach the cable to the bearing. Pairs of adjusting barrels and protruding ends attached to the lower brake cable assembly are connected to the lower cable stop plate and the bearing, respectively, of the cable detangler system. The two adjusting barrels on the lower cable assembly positioned on opposite sides of the detangler system are adjusted until the bearing mechanism is perpendicular to the steering axis of the bicycle. The adjuster cable applies a constant counter-force during the adjustment. Adjustment of the bearing mechanism is complete when, while rotating the handlebar and front wheel steering assembly through multiple consecutive turns, gaps do not develop between reference collars attached to the ends of the adjuster cable and the corresponding ferrule on the same end of the adjuster cable. Thereafter, the adjuster cable is removed and in its place the upper cable assembly is connected to the detangler system. The upper brake cable is subsequently adjusted in a similar fashion until the bearing unit does not flop when the handlebar and front wheel steering assembly are rotated through multiple consecutive turns.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to describe a method for adjusting cable detangler systems.
It is another object of the present invention to describe a method for adjusting cable detangler systems that ensures optimum spacing between the upper cable stop plate and the lower cable stop plate of the cable detangler system.
It is another object of the present invention to describe a method for adjusting cable detangler systems that ensures safe and adequate brake cable travel distances and ensures use of a proper size upper cable assembly.
It is another object of the present invention to describe a method for adjusting cable detangler systems that eliminates the bearing unit flop caused by rotating the handlebar and front wheel steering assembly when the cable detangler is improperly adjusted.
Other and further objects and advantages will appear hereinafter.
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Cuda Rosenbaum I
Iancu Andrei
Irell & Manella LLP
Jimenez Marc
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