Chain ring protector

Abstract

A chain ring protector having a substantially planar mounting bracket operably secured to the bottom bracket sleeve of a vehicle with a durable semi-circumferential guard extending therefrom is disclosed. The durable guard has a substantially arcuate outer edge sized to approximate the outer diameter of a chain ring, and it is operably secured to the planar mounting bracket such that the outer edge extends slightly beyond the outer diameter of the portion of the chain ring extending below the bottom bracket sleeve.

Description

[0001]This is a reissue application of U.S. application Ser. No. 10 / 236,766, which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,066,856.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to a protector for chain rings on bicycles and the like. In particular, it includes a mounting bracket operably secured to the bottom bracket sleeve with a durable guard extending therefrom and detachably secured thereto.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Wheeled vehicles and especially in-line, two-wheeled vehicles such as bicycles, motorcycles, scooters, and the like, are popular forms of transportation, exercise, and sport. More recently, such vehicles are being used in particularly rugged environments including operating over unimproved roads and rough terrain, and for stunt riding over stairs and the like. For example, a form of bicycle commonly known as a mountain bike is specifically intended for off-road operation.[0004]Most two-wheeled vehicles are propelled by a chain operably extending between two or m...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The solution provides effective protection for chain rings from impacts while being easy to install and adjust, reducing the need for additional hardware and allowing for easy replacement, ensuring compatibility with diverse bicycle frames and chain ring sizes without interfering with the bike's operation.

Problems solved by technology

However, portions of most chain rings remain exposed and extend below the bicycle frame.

Accordingly, chain rings are susceptible to bending and damage caused by inadvertent impact with objects.

If the rider executes a jump and in the process lands the bicycle such that a large rock straddles the front and rear wheels, the chain ring can impact the rock causing damage to the chain ring.

Attempts to protect the chain ring from inadvertent impacts have had limited success.

However, since the circular disk is directly connected to the chain ring and drive shaft, any bending or damage of the circular disk caused by the impact will likely also bend the attached chain ring or drive shaft.

Moreover, such circular disks offer negligible protection from impacts to the chain ring arising from contact with objects positioned toward the inside surface of the chain ring.

Despite the benefits of the Morales design, it has several drawbacks.

For example, a large amount of hardware, such as the first and second clamps, pivot structure, and struts, is required to support the protector, thereby increasing the expense of the structure and time required to mount and align it properly.

Accordingly, the first and second clamps and orientation taught in Morales may not be operable when attempting to install the Morales protector on these different frame structures.

Also, if the struts are too long, the trough-type protector can interfere with operation of the bicycle.

In addition, under some impacts on the trough-type protector, the swivel structure can actually allow the trough-type protector to deflect into to the chain ring, thereby damaging it, or at least forcing the rider to stop to realign the protector.

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