Bicycle chain guide

Abstract

A bicycle chain guide is secured to the front hub portion of an otherwise conventional bicycle having a multiple speed chain drive and plural front sprocket coupled to a pedal crank. The bicycle chain guide is pivotally secured beneath the front hub and defines a plurality of staggered step portions corresponding generally to the outer diameters of the plural front sprockets. Sufficient clearance is provided between the step portions and the front sprockets to avoid rubbing against the chain engaged with one of the front sprockets. In the event a chain whipping motion or wave is imparted to the bicycle chain, the minimal clearance between the step portions of the chain guide and the underlying chain captivate the chain against the engaged sprocket and prevent separation thereof. During chain transfer between sprockets, the lateral motion of the chain displaces the pivotally secured guide temporarily afterwhich a return spring restores the chain guide to the proper position. Alternate embodiments are shown in which the entire chain guide is pivotable in a front to back direction to facilitate the absorption of impact against the chain guide assembly.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.