Bicycle cable connector for splicing two cables in series

• US 6,510,760 B2
• Filed: 11/23/2001
• Issued: 01/28/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 11/06/1998
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Shimano Inc
• Original Assignee: Shimano Inc
• Inventors: Matsuo, Nobuyuki
• Primary Examiner(s): KIM, CHONG HWA
• Application Number:
  US10/002,077
• Publication Number:
  US 20020035887A1
• Time in Patent Office: 431 Days
• Field of Search: 745/005, 745/024, 745/026, 403/306, 403/362, 439/378
• US Class Current: 74/502.6
• CPC Class Codes: F16C 1/101 Intermediate connectors for joining portions of split flexible shafts and/or sheathings
• CPC Class Codes: F16C 1/14 Construction of the end-piece of the flexible member; Attachment thereof to the flexible member
• CPC Class Codes: F16G 11/08 Fastenings for securing ends of driving-cables to one another, the fastenings having approximately the same diameter as the cables
• CPC Class Codes: F16G 11/10 Quick-acting fastenings; Clamps holding in one direction only
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 403/5741 Separate screw or pin-type connections
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 74/20402 Flexible transmitter [e.g., Bowden cable]
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 74/20408 Constant tension sustaining
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 74/2045 and sheath support, connector, or anchor
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 74/20462 Specific cable connector or guide

Abstract

A bicycle cable connector for connecting a first cable to a second cable includes a first connector and a second connector. The first connector include a first cable retaining portion for retaining the first cable and a projection extending along a first connector axis, wherein the projection includes a radially outwardly extending locking member. The second connector includes a second cable retaining portion for retaining the second cable and a tubular portion defining a first connector opening for receiving the first connector therein and having a side wall extending along a second connector axis. The side wall includes a first passage for passing the locking member in the direction of the second connector axis away from the first connector opening, a second passage extending in a circumferential direction, and a recess communicating with the second passage and extending in the direction of the first connector opening for receiving the locking member therein. The first and second passages and the recess may be formed entirely within the inner peripheral surface of the side wall or may be formed by openings that extend through the side wall.

Claims

1. A bicycle cable connector kit for connecting a first cable that slides within a first outer casing to a second cable that slides within a second outer casing comprising:

a first connector including;

a first cable retaining portion for retaining the first cable; and

a projection extending along a first connector axis, wherein the projection includes a threaded outer peripheral surface extending completely around the projection;

a second connector including;

a second cable retaining portion for retaining the second cable; and

a tubular portion having a side wall that is continuous around the entire circumference of the tubular portion and a threaded inner peripheral surface extending completely around the tubular portion for engaging the threaded outer peripheral surface of the projection; and

a bracket including

an elongated brace member;

a first casing support collar disposed at a first end of brace member and defining a first outer casing opening for supporting the first outer casing therein; and

a second casing support collar disposed at a second end of brace member and defining a second outer casing opening for supporting the second outer casing therein.

2. The cable connector according to claim 1 further comprising a first cable fastener for retaining the first cable to the first cable retaining portion.

3. The cable connector according to claim 2 wherein the first cable fastener comprises a fixing bolt.

7. The cable connector according to claim 1 wherein in an outer peripheral surface of the first cable retaining portion is knurled.

8. The cable connector according to claim 1 wherein the first casing support collar defines a first slit for receiving the first outer casing therethrough.

9. The cable connector according to claim 8 wherein the second casing support collar defines a second slit for receiving the second outer casing therethrough.

10. The cable connector according to claim 9 wherein the first slit is opposite the brace member, and wherein the second slit is opposite the brace member.

4. The cable connector according to claim wherein the first cable fastener extends through an outer peripheral side surface of the first cable retaining portion for abutting against a side of the first cable.

5. The cable connector according to claim 4 wherein the first cable fastener comprises a fixing bolt.

6. The cable connector according to claim 5 wherein the second cable retaining portion is structured for retaining a cable end bead therein.