US4061046A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Pedal-actuated bicycle gear shift means
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1976-09-03
•
Granted: 1977-12-06
•
Expires: 1996-09-03
Abstract
Abstract In bicycles having multi-speed gear arrangements, the automatic shifting of gears in response to foot pedal pressures is effected by fluid or electrical connections from the pedals to the gear-changing mechanism thereby to impart full foot control to shifting with resultant improved pedaling cadence and bicycling comfort.
Inventors
- 👤 Richard A. Lang
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 18:10
CPC Classifications
B; B62; B62M; B62M25/00; B62M25/08; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T74/00; Y10T74/21; Y10T74/2164; Y10T74/2168; Y10T74/217
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
87 words
In a bicycle provided with front and rear sprockets defining multiple gears and a drive chain extending therebetween, a shifting mechanism, means to effect shifting of the chain with respect to the gears, the improvement comprising: means cooperatively associated with the foot pedals of the bicycle for controlling the gear-shifting means, said pedal means including moveable elements on the pedal whereby movement of the pedal to any one of a plurality of preselected positions will effect the requisite shifting of the chain with respect to the gears.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
87 words
In a bicycle provided with front and rear sprockets defining multiple gears and a drive chain extending therebetween, a shifting mechanism, means to effect shifting of the chain with respect to the gears, the improvement comprising: means cooperatively associated with the foot pedals of the bicycle for controlling the gear-shifting means, said pedal means including moveable elements on the pedal whereby movement of the pedal to any one of a plurality of preselected positions will effect the requisite shifting of the chain with respect to the gears.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
62 words
The improved chain shifting means of claim 1 wherein said pedal means includes a fluid cylinder mounted on the bicycle pedal having a piston extending therefrom, a foot-engaged pedal plate on said pedal for shifting said piston, and a hydraulic line extending from said pedal-mounted cylinder to said shifting means, wherein said shifting means includes a fluid cylinder connected to said line.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
31 words
The improved chain shifting means of claim 2 wherein said foot-engaged pedal plate is normally urged away from said master cylinder by yieldable means which is overcome by foot pressure thereagainst.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
31 words
The improved chain shifting means of claim 3 wherein said pedal means includes a frame carrying said master cylinder and said yieldably supported pedal plate is pivotally mounted on said frame.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
43 words
The improved chain shifting means of claim 2 wherein said pedals are journalled for rotation on the crank arms of the bicycle and wherein said hydraulic line includes a swiveling connection between said pedal to a fluid conduit associated with said crank arm.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
35 words
The improved chain shifting means of claim 2 wherein each said pedal means of the bicycle is provided with a said fluid cylinder and hydraulic line connections commonly connected to said gear shifting fluid cylinder.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
29 words
The improved chain shifting means of claim 2 further including a valve to block flow to and from said pedal cylinder thereby to disable said fluid-controlled gear shift operation.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
18 words
The improved chain shifting means of claim 2 including a hydraulic fluid reservoir communicating with said hydraulic line.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
34 words
The improved chain shifting means of claim 8 wherein said reservoir is disposed within a frame member of the bicycle and communicates with said hydraulic line at the crank axle hub of the bicycle.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
23 words
The improved chain shifting means of claim 2 wherein said hydraulic line extends through the crank arms and crank hub of the bicycle.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
14 words
The improved chain-shifting means of claim 1 wherein said gear-shifting means is electrically actuated.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
42 words
The improved gear-shifting means of claim 11 wherein an electric solenoid effects shifting of said gears and wherein said movement of said pedals regulate current to the said gear-shifting solenoid thereby to determine the extent of movement thereof in shifting the gears.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
40 words
The improved gear-shifting means of claim 12 wherein a plurality of resistance elements are provided for each said foot pedal and wherein movement of said foot pedal selects a predetermined resistance element thereby to control gear-shifting movement of said solenoid.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
34 words
The improved gear-shifting means of claim 13 wherein alternate sequential switch means are provided for each said foot pedal thereby to disable the electrical system of each pedal during a portion of its rotation.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1980-12-05 | 1981-06-06 | 1981-12-06 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-12-05 | 1985-06-06 | 1985-12-06 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-12-05 | 1989-06-06 | 1989-12-06 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |