Patent US3769848A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3769848A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Automatic shifting means for multispeed bicycles
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1972-06-26
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Granted: 1973-11-06
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Expires: 1992-06-26
Abstract
Abstract Automatic shifting means for multispeed bicycles of the type having a plurality of chain sprockets mounted on a rear wheel hub. A torque sensing means is provided for automatically shifting the hub axially of a shaft on which it is supported in response to variations in torque. In the preferred form of the invention, a cam track is provided on a shaft on which the hub is peripherally and axially movable and a follower is carried by the hub so as to move the hub axially against the urgency of a spring as the torque on the hub increases. Said spring acts to move the hub axially in the opposite direction as the torque decreases. Also disclosed is means for locking the sprocket hub against movement to prevent automatic shifting and additional means is provided to permit manual shifting by a derailer if desired.
Inventors
- 👤 Guire W Mc
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 02:39
CPC Classifications
B; B62; B62M; B62M9/00; B62M9/04; B62M9/06; B62M9/10; B62M9/14
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
145 words
In a multispeed bicycle that includes a wheel and a chain driven sprocket hub having a plurality of driving sprockets thereon, a shaft fixed to said wheel and coaxial therewith, means supporting said sprocket hub for movement peripherally and axially of said shaft, track means on said shaft extending peripherally and axially thereof, a member carried by said hub, a follower carried by said member and received in said track, spring means urging said hub axially of said shaft in one direction at all times, said follower being adapted to move with said member and said hub axially of said hub in the opposite direction against the urgency of said spring in response to an increase of driving torque on said hub, interengaging positioning means on said member and said shaft for releasably connecting said hub and shaft in a position corresponding to such torque.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
145 words
In a multispeed bicycle that includes a wheel and a chain driven sprocket hub having a plurality of driving sprockets thereon, a shaft fixed to said wheel and coaxial therewith, means supporting said sprocket hub for movement peripherally and axially of said shaft, track means on said shaft extending peripherally and axially thereof, a member carried by said hub, a follower carried by said member and received in said track, spring means urging said hub axially of said shaft in one direction at all times, said follower being adapted to move with said member and said hub axially of said hub in the opposite direction against the urgency of said spring in response to an increase of driving torque on said hub, interengaging positioning means on said member and said shaft for releasably connecting said hub and shaft in a position corresponding to such torque.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
34 words
A bicycle according to claim 1 wherein said positioning means comprises an element spring urged radially inwardly of said member and a plurality of recesses in said shaft adapted to receive said element therein.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
A bicycle according to claim 1 wherein said track is a slot in said shaft extending along an arcuate path peripherally and axially of said shaft.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
34 words
A bicycle according to claim 1 wherein said shaft is hollow and is provided with a dashpot, means connecting said hub with said dashpot for providing inertial resistance to axial movement of said hub.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
A bicycle according to claim 1 wherein locking means is provided for preventing axial movement of said hub.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
A bicycle according to claim 5 wherein a derailer is provided for shifting the chain from one sprocket to another.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
29 words
A bicycle according to claim 5 wherein said locking means is operative to prevent axial movement of said hub in one of a plurality of positions of the latter.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-11-05 | 1977-05-07 | 1977-11-06 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-11-05 | 1981-05-07 | 1981-11-06 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-11-05 | 1985-05-07 | 1985-11-06 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |