Designed by Nghia (Wilson) Ly, Caleb Mayer, Daria Frame
Half pitch chain structure for a show bike
Patent Number: US20060194664A1
Patent Summary: This is a chain that related to the half pitch chain structure that use for show bike, it make up of a small plate with outer link at one end while inner link in other that connect to the outer link of adjacent plate.
Patent Critique: The patented item solve my problem by provide a half pitch chain structure which has a flat top portion that is safe for a rider. The innovation also provide wide and narrow section allow it to mesh with the teeth easily prevent malfunction where chain miss mesh. However, some bad attributes are that the chain are innovate specific for show bike. Which limit of certain bike we can use the product. One unique aspect about this patent are that the flat top portion to save time in length adjustment for the bike.
Images: P1-1, P1-2, P1-3
Source: Wang, W. (2006, August 31). Patent US20060194664 - Half pitch chain structure for a show bike. Retrieved September 05, 2016, from https://www.google.com/patents/US20060194664?dq=safe bike chain
Bike Chain Checker
Patent Number: US20110034280A1
Patent Summary: This chain design is meant to have a marker that, when the chain is in certain positions, determines and easily shows if the bike chain is too loose. If the chain comes over the lever bar, then the loose allowance on the chain is too large.
Patent Critique: This solution is good in that it shows the user in a clear way that the chain is too loose, but does not fix the problem or prevent it from happening. Maybe if the level bar held the chain to the sprocket/gear, it would be better.
Images: P2-1
Source: Kang, H. (2011, February 10). Patent US20110034280 - Bike chain checker. Retrieved September 02, 2016, from https://www.google.com/patents/US20110034280?dq=bike chain https://www.google.com/patents/US20110034280?dq=bike+chain&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjoqL3Sp_HOAhWCMx4KHbldB9kQ6AEIHDAA
Bicycle derailleur chain damper
Patent Number: US6135904A
Patent Summary: The hydraulic damper that invented to overcome the issue of loose chain become jam, or wedged, between the sprocket and the bicycle frame while the chain is whipping. It function in cooperation with the chain up to damp undesirable whipping of drive chain that can either rotary type damper or a piston type damper. The damper damp the rotational movement of the chain tension pulley cage pivot, the damper heavily damp the forward and backward movement of the chain tension allow free action of the chain.
Patent critique: the invention do prevent the damage of the chain. The fluid inside the damp act as a retardant that smooth out the jerky or unwanted vibration of the chain. This allow chains to flow over sprocket and chain slides easily. The damp also reduce chain bounce when rifting over rough terrain, improve chain retention, shifting , and noise reducing. However , this type of invention only fucus on the problem of mountain bike.
Images: P3-1, P3-2, P3-3
Source: Carstensen, U., & Carstensen, U. 2. (2011, June 30). Protection arrangement of a drive chain and use it. Retrieved September 07, 2016, from https://patents.google.com/patent/DE102008031803B4/en?surl=1
Device for tensioning the driving chain in a bicycle equipped with coaster brake and exposed speed change gear
Patent Number: US3402942A
Patent Summary: device for tensioning the upper run of the driving chain of a bicycle equipped with built-in coaster brake adapted to be applied by rotating the front sprocket in the reverse direction
Patent Critique: This patent helps keep the chain tight enough as to be less likely to be able to fall off of its sprockets. It is a very large solution and requires an extra step in the pedaling process for the device to work properly and tighten the chain.
Images: P4-1, P4-2
Source: Keizo, S., Masashi, N., & Co, S. I. (n.d.). Device for tensioning the driving chain in a bicycle equipped with coaster brake and exposed speed change gear. Retrieved September 07, 2016, from https://patents.google.com/patent/US3402942A/en?surl=1
Timing belt tensioner with damped constant spring tensioning and belt tooth disengagement prevention
Patent Number: US4583962A
Patent Summary: A timing belt tensioning device comprising a fixed structure having a spring pressed pivoted structure mounted thereon for pivotal movement about a first axis between first and second limiting positions. The pivoted structure carries a timing belt engaging pulley for rotational movement about a second axis parallel with the first axis.
Patent Critique: This patent could present potential solutions for our problem of a chain falling off. We could attempt to replace the sprockets and chain, with gears and belts. Then, we can use the tensioner for when you switch gears on your bike. This is a very promising solution.
Images: P5-1, P5-2
Source: Bytzek, K. K., Komorowski, J. S., Inc, L. A., LITENS AUTOMOTIVE INC., 355 WILDCAT ROAD DOWNSVIEW ONTARIO CANADA A CORP OF CANADA, LITENS AUTOMOTIVE INC., A CORP OF CANADA, LITENS AUTOMOTIVE PARTNERSHIP, ONTARIO, CANADA A PARTNERSIP OF CANADA, & Partnership, L. A. (n.d.). Timing belt tensioner with damped constant spring tensioning and belt tooth disegagement prevention. Retrieved September 07, 2016, from https://patents.google.com/patent/US4583962A/en?surl=1
Protection arrangement of a drive chain and use it
Patent number: DE102008031803B4
Patent Summary: the invention relate to protection for the bicycle. The sprocket inside enclose with the elastic sleeve connect to the drive chain around the chain wheel and the design to be open so that the teeth of the sprocket can engage the chain link.
Patent Critique: The invention do provide the protection for the sprocket. However, there're some number of disadvantage. One of which is the sprocket release the cover element sector to the chain, allow lubricant can leak the dirt to enter the chain. One other disadvantage are the chain protection will not be permanent due to the problem with the rubber sleeve as the sheath quickly wears off during rotation.
Image: P6-1
Source: Carstensen, U., & Carstensen, U. 2. (2008, July 27). Protection arrangement of a drive chain and use it. Retrieved September 07, 2016, from https://patents.google.com/patent/DE102008031803B4/en?surl=1
Derailleur for a bicycle
Patent Number: US4406643A
Patent Summary: Aims to provide tension to the driving chain, like a derailleur is supposed to, but not allow slack in the chain. Resistance is placed on the changeover chain, so that it can still perform the swinging motion it needs, but not swing too much, to where it interferes with the tension of the chain.
Patent Critique: The tension of the derailleur cannot be changed while riding, must be done before or after when the bike is stopped and the rider has the appropriate tools. This is better for a gear-change capable bike, but it does not specify whether or not there is a limit or minimum number of gear changes that it can handle.
Images: P7-1
Source: Shimano, K. (1983, September 27). Derailleur for a bicycle. Retrieved September 07, 2016, from https://patents.google.com/patent/US4406643A/en?surl=1