Load measurement apparatus and methods utilizing torque sensitive link for pedal powered devices
First Claim
1. For use in measurement of applied load at a chainring assemblage of a pedal powered device that includes a chainring mount having crank arms affixed thereto and chainring attachment sites defined at an outer extent thereof with at least one chainring having corresponding attachment locales identifiable with different ones of the attachment sites, an apparatus comprising a link adapted for interposition between one of the chainring mount attachment sites and one of the corresponding chainring attachment locales, said link having at least one of a geometry or material composition selected to accommodate measurement of load exhibited between the one attachment site and the corresponding one chainring attachment locale.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
Apparatus and methods for use in measurement of applied load at a chainring assemblage of a pedal powered device are provided. The apparatus includes a link adapted for interposition between a chainring attachment site located on a conventional chainring mount, or spider, and a corresponding chainring attachment locale at a conventional chainring. The link has a geometry and/or material composition selected to accommodate measurement of load exhibited between the attachment site and the corresponding chainring attachment locale. Means for measuring the load exhibited thereby is associated with the link.
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Citations
20 Claims
- 1. For use in measurement of applied load at a chainring assemblage of a pedal powered device that includes a chainring mount having crank arms affixed thereto and chainring attachment sites defined at an outer extent thereof with at least one chainring having corresponding attachment locales identifiable with different ones of the attachment sites, an apparatus comprising a link adapted for interposition between one of the chainring mount attachment sites and one of the corresponding chainring attachment locales, said link having at least one of a geometry or material composition selected to accommodate measurement of load exhibited between the one attachment site and the corresponding one chainring attachment locale.
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7. For use in measurement of applied load at a chainring assemblage of a pedal powered device that includes a chainring mount and at least one chainring, the mount having plural radiating fingers with chainring attachment sites defined at an outer extent of each of the fingers, the chainring having corresponding attachment locales identifiable with different ones of the attachment sites, an apparatus comprising:
a link having a first end adapted for connectability with one of the attachment sites, a second end adapted for connectability with one of the corresponding attachment locales, and a central portion between said ends configured to be resiliently load sensitive. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A method for measuring applied load at a chainring assemblage of a pedal powered device, the applied load exhibited between a chainring mount and a chainring, the chainring mount having chainring attachment sites defined at an outer extent thereof and the chainring having corresponding attachment locales identifiable with different ones of the attachment sites, said method comprising the steps of:
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linking one of the chainring mount attachment sites and one of the corresponding chainring attachment locales; and
measuring one of strain developed at said linking or extent of decoupling between the one chainring mount attachment site and the one corresponding chainring attachment locale accommodated by said linking and providing an output indication based thereon. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification