US 2017/0291448 A1 · SPRAG CLUTCH CASSETTE DRIVER

Abstract

A sprag one-way clutch (OWC) used within a cassette driver of the rear hub assembly of a bicycle. The new cassette driver delivers improved performance the reduction of rotation of the crank arm required before engagement within the cassette driver when the cyclist applies force to the pedals. Additionally, the sprag clutch smooth engagement minimizes friction loss during free-wheeling, therefore increasing drivetrain efficiency. These enhancements provide both safety and performance benefits by giving the cyclist greater control in moving between pedaling and free-wheeling. The current cassette driver design utilizes a sprag OWC for engagement without any modifications to current bicycle designs. A sprag cage may be used to provide a framework to support and properly position the sprags.

Claims2

Dependent claims

A sprag clutch and cassette driver assembly, comprising:

a sprag clutch positioned in an annular cavity within a cassette driver of a bicycle,
said sprag clutch including sprags contacting an exterior surface of an inner race and an interior surface of a shell of said cassette driver,
wherein said sprags only contact surfaces within said cassette driver.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application

15/481,107Filed 6 Apr 2017

Priority

6 Apr 2016

Published

12 Oct 2017

Term ends

Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification11 codes

B60B 27/023
Adapted to be rotatably arranged on axle: specially adapted for bicycles
B60B 27/0026
Characterised by torque transmission means from drive axle: of the radial type, e.g. splined key
B60B 27/047
Housing driving means, e.g. sprockets: comprising a freewheel mechanisms
F16D 41/07
The intermediate members wedging by pivoting or rocking, e.g. sprags: between two cylindrical surfaces

Sprag clutch cassette driver

Life of this patent

Sprag clutch cassette driver

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims2