The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Oct. 05, 1999
Filed:
Dec. 18, 1997
Yoshiaki Ando, Kawachinagano, JP;
Shimano, Inc., Osaka, JP;
Abstract
A rear derailleur includes a transformable linkage mechanism including a base member, two linkage members and a movable member. A chain guide is supported to the movable member and is provided with a guide pulley for guiding the chain among the plurality of sprockets. The linkage members are connected to the base member and to the movable member through connecting pins, wherein the connecting pins are slanted with respect to a plane perpendicular to an axis of the plurality of sprockets so that, when the linkage mechanism is transformed, the chain guide moves axially and radially of the plurality of sprockets. A return spring is provided for biasing the chain guide laterally inwardly with respect to the bicycle. A first horizontal shaft swingably supports the base member to a fixing member of the bicycle, and a second horizontal shaft swingably supports the chain guide to the movable member. A first spring is disposed at the base member for biasing the linkage mechanism in a direction of the guide pulley moving away from the axis of the sprocket assembly, and a second spring is disposed between the chain guide and the movable member for applying tension to the chain. The transformable linkage mechanism and first and second springs cooperate together such that the position of the chain guide is forcibly shifted axially and radially of the sprockets by the transformable linkage mechanism, and the shifted position of the chain guide set by the linkage mechanism is radially adjusted with respect to the plurality of sprockets by the balancing of the first and second springs.