IP Library Granted Patent US 7,240,585
Granted Patent B2
US 7,240,585 · App. 10/955,563 · Granted Jul 10, 2007

Drive mechanism for a bicycle transmission assist mechanism

Assignee: Shimano, Inc.
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 7,240,585
App. No.
10/955,563
Filed
Sep 30, 2004
Granted
Jul 10, 2007
Kind
B2
Art Unit
3682
USPC
74/594.1
Abstract

A drive mechanism for a bicycle transmission assist mechanism includes a crank arm having a drive member. The drive member includes a first abutment facing a forward rotational direction of the crank arm and a non-concave sloped surface facing a rearward rotational direction of the crank arm.

Claims (19)

1. A drive mechanism for a bicycle transmission assist mechanism comprising:

a crank arm having a crank axle mounting hole around a rotational axis;

a drive member supported coaxial with the rotational axis and including:

a first abutment facing a forward rotational direction of the crank arm; and

a first sloped surface extending from a radially outer portion of the abutment and facing a rearward rotational direction of the crank arm;

wherein the drive member is not structured to couple sprockets to the crank arm; and

wherein an outer peripheral surface of the drive member at a location of intersection with a radially inner portion of the first abutment extends at a substantially constant radius of curvature for more than 20°.

2. The drive mechanism according to claim 1 wherein the drive member further comprises:

a second abutment facing a forward rotational direction of the crank arm; and

a second sloped surface extending from a radially outer portion of the abutment and facing a rearward rotational direction of the crank arm; and

wherein the outer peripheral surface of the drive member at a location of intersection with a radially inner portion of the second abutment extends at a substantially constant radius of curvature for more than 20°.

3. A drive mechanism for a bicycle transmission assist mechanism comprising:

a bicycle crank arm having a crank axle mounting boss including a crank axle mounting hole and a rotational axis, wherein the crank axle mounting boss protrudes axially;

a drive member disposed at the crank axle mounting boss and including:

an outer peripheral surface;

wherein an abutment is disposed on the outer peripheral surface and faces a forward rotational direction of the crank arm;

wherein the abutment rotates around the rotational axis at a substantially constant radius; and

wherein the outer peripheral surface at a location of intersection with a radially inner portion of the abutment extends convex for at least 20°; and

wherein the drive member is not structured to couple sprockets to the crank arm.

Continuity (2)
Continuation 0947491600 · Dec 29, 1999
Related Publication 20050039570A1 · Feb 24, 2005