Machine element or mechanism – Control lever and linkage systems – Hand operated
Reexamination Certificate
2001-06-28
2004-09-21
Kim, Chong H. (Department: 3682)
Machine element or mechanism
Control lever and linkage systems
Hand operated
Reexamination Certificate
active
06792825
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention generally relates to a bicycle shift control device. More specifically, the present invention relates a cable operated bicycle shift control device that has an access opening for accessing the interior of the bicycle shift control device to perform maintenance.
2. Background Information
Bicycling is becoming an increasingly more popular form of recreation as well as a means of transportation. Moreover, bicycling has become a very popular competitive sport for both amateurs and professionals. Whether the bicycle is used for recreation, transportation or competition, the bicycle industry is constantly improving the various components of the bicycle.
For example, the front and rear shift control devices are often redesigned to make them easier to operate and easier to maintain. The shift control devices are coupled to a drive train having several gears, which are used on a bicycle in order to climb hills more easily, or to ride faster on flat ground. The shift control devices are each generally coupled to a shift mechanism such as a derailleur or an internally geared hub that is operated by a control cable.
There are many types of cable operated shift control devices currently being installed on bicycles. For example, some cable operated shift control devices have a pair of shift levers and a cable winding mechanism that rotates via a ratchet mechanism. With conventional cable operated shift control devices of this type, operation of one of the shift lever causes the cable winder to rotate via the ratchet mechanism in one direction by one gear. As a result, the cable is wound around the cable winder, and a shift is made by the shift mechanism from one gear to the next gear. Operation of the other shift lever causes the ratchet mechanism to be released and the cable winder to rotate in the other direction by one gear. As a result, the cable that was wound on the cable winder is played out, and a shift is made in the opposite direction by the shift mechanism.
Another example of a cable operated shift control device is a hand grip actuated shifter in which the hand grip rotates around the axis of the handlebar to rotate a cable take-up element. Thus, when the hand grip is rotated in one direction, the cable is wound around the take-up element to cause the derailleur or internal geared hub to shift from one gear to the next gear. Rotation of the hand grip in the other direction causes the cable to be unwound or played out so that the derailleur or internal geared hub shifts from one gear to the next gear.
One problem with these types of cable operated shift control devices is that the control cable sometimes breaks. Many of these shift control device have to be completely disassembled in order to replace the control cable. More recently, a maintenance hole has been provided for changing these control cables. These maintenance holes can allow dirt or other contaminants to enter the unit. Therefore, many control devices with maintenance holes have a plug for covering the hole. These plugs are typically separate parts that are prone to being lost. Moreover, often these plugs are difficult to remove without a tool.
In view of the above, there exists a need for an improved bicycle shift control device 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 bicycle shift control device with an access opening having a slideably maintenance cover for easy access to change the control cable.
The foregoing object can basically be attained by providing a cable operated bicycle shift control device that has an outer casing with a cable receiving bore and an access opening for accessing a cable operated winding mechanism to perform maintenance such as replacement of the cable. The cable operated winding mechanism is disposed in the outer casing such that its cable attachment point is disposed relative to the access opening to be accessible from the access opening. A maintenance cover slideably is coupled to the outer casing between a closed position overlying the access opening and an open position exposing the access opening.
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.
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Kim Chong H.
Shimano Inc.
Shinjyu Global IP Counselors, LLP.
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