Bicycle gear selection device

Abstract

A device (10) for selecting a gear of a bicycle. The device (10) comprises a housing (16) comprising a cavity (18) for receiving an actuator cable (100) within the housing (16). The device further comprises a first opening (20) in the housing (16) for allowing the cable (100) to be inserted into the cavity (18) through the first opening (20). As part of the device (10) there is also provided a viewing portion (26) configured for allowing light to enter into the cavity (18) when the cable (100) is inserted into the cavity (18) through the first opening (20). Thus, the user of the device (10) is made easier to identify where the cable (100) needs to be inserted within the housing (16) by the viewing portion (26), noting that without the viewing portion (26) it can be very difficult for the user to correctly insert the cable (100) into the housing (16) as the user cannot see inside the housing (16).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a bicycle component, and more particularly to a device for selecting bicycle gears. Background Technology

[0002] Such devices typically employ a mechanism for selecting a specific desired gear on a bicycle, such as any one of the first, second, third, or fourth gears (depending on the number of gears the bicycle has). Once engaged, this mechanism connects to the actuator cable inside the device, which then extends outwards towards the bicycle's drivetrain to shift the gear to the appropriate position. With any such actuator cable, it is often necessary to remove it from the device for later replacement with the same or a new one. However, because the user cannot always see the inside of the device when the actuator cable is reinserted, this replacement process can be difficult and time-consuming.

[0003] Therefore, this paper describes various methods that attempt to help address or mitigate some of these problems by allowing users better visibility into the device during any such replacement of the actuator cable. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to a first aspect of certain embodiments, a device for selecting a bicycle gear is provided, the device being configured to move between a first position and a second position, the device comprising:

[0005] The housing includes a cavity for receiving an actuator cable within the housing, wherein the housing includes a track;

[0006] The lever is movable relative to the housing and can move along the track of the housing to select the gears of the bicycle.

[0007] A first opening, located within the housing, is provided to allow a cable to be inserted into the cavity through the first opening, wherein the first opening is entirely within the track.

[0008] The observation section is configured to allow light to enter the cavity when the cable is inserted into the cavity through the first opening, wherein the observation section is entirely located within the track, and wherein the maximum width of the observation section is at least 2 mm and not wider than the maximum width of the track; and

[0009] The movable part is configured to move between a first position and a second position, wherein the movable part includes a rod;

[0010] In the first position, the first opening is completely covered by the movable portion to prevent the cable from being inserted into the cavity through the first opening; and in the first position, the observation portion is completely covered by the movable portion; and

[0011] In the second position, the first opening is exposed to allow a cable to be inserted into the cavity through the first opening; and in the second position, the observation portion is exposed.

[0012] According to a second aspect of certain embodiments, a handlebar for a bicycle is provided, the handlebar including the means according to the first aspect.

[0013] According to a third aspect of certain embodiments, a bicycle is provided that includes the device according to the first aspect.

[0014] According to a fourth aspect of certain embodiments, a method is provided for inserting an actuator cable into a device for selecting a bicycle gear, the method comprising:

[0015] Move the device from the first position to the second position;

[0016] When the device is in the second position, light is allowed to pass through the observation portion of the device and enter the cavity of the housing; and

[0017] When the device is in the second position, and while allowing light to enter the cavity through the observation section, the actuator cable is inserted into the cavity of the housing by inserting it through the first opening in the housing.

[0018] Moving the device from a first position to a second position includes: a movable portion of the moving device configured to move between the first position and the second position; wherein the movable portion includes a lever of the device, the lever being movable relative to the housing and being movable along a track of the housing for selecting a gear on a bicycle;

[0019] In the first position, the first opening is completely covered by the movable portion to prevent the cable from being inserted into the cavity through the first opening; and in the first position, the observation portion is completely covered by the movable portion; and

[0020] In the second position, the first opening is exposed to allow a cable to be inserted into the cavity through the first opening; and in the second position, the observation portion is exposed.

[0021] The first opening is entirely within the track; and

[0022] The observation section is entirely located within the track; and the maximum width of the observation section is at least 2 mm and is no wider than the maximum width of the track.

[0023] It will be understood that the features and aspects of the invention described above with respect to various aspects of the invention are equally applicable to embodiments of the invention according to other aspects of the invention, and can be suitably combined therewith, and not only in the specific combinations described herein. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0025] Figure 1A A perspective view of a device for selecting bicycle gears is schematically shown, illustrating how the actuator cable can be configured to insert into the housing of the device.

[0026] Figure 1B schematically shown Figure 1A The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the device and illustrates how the actuator cable can be configured to insert into the housing of the device.

[0027] Figure 2 A perspective view of a device for selecting a bicycle gear is schematically shown, the device including a first opening located in the housing to allow an actuator cable to be inserted into the cavity through the first opening;

[0028] Figure 3A A perspective view schematically illustrates a device for selecting bicycle gears, the device employing a first opening located within a housing to allow an actuator cable to be inserted into a cavity through the first opening, and the device further including an observation portion configured to allow light to enter the cavity when the cable is inserted through the first opening; and

[0029] Figure 3B schematically shown Figure 3A The second perspective view of the device. Detailed Implementation

[0030] This document discusses / describes several aspects and features of certain instances and implementations. Some aspects and features of certain instances and implementations can be conventionally implemented, and for the sake of brevity, these aspects and features are not discussed / described in detail. Therefore, it will be understood that the aspects and features of the devices and methods discussed herein that are not described in detail can be implemented according to any conventional techniques used to implement such aspects and features.

[0031] This disclosure relates to a bicycle component, and more particularly to a device 10 for selecting bicycle gears. (See reference) Figures 1A to 3BThe disclosure of each figure in the document illustrates an example of such a device 10, as will be described in further detail where appropriate. In this respect, for each such device 10, the device typically includes a lever 12 or other actuator for selecting a specific desired gear on a bicycle, such as any one of the first, second, third, or fourth gears (depending on how many gears the bicycle has). After the actuator / lever 12 is depressed, the actuator / lever is coupled to the actuator cable 100, which is then, for example, via an outlet hole 14 (e.g., as...). Figure 1A and Figure 1B As shown in the embodiment, the device 10 extends toward the transmission part of the bicycle to use the lever 12 of the device 10 to shift the gear to the appropriate gear as selected.

[0032] Taking into account the foregoing, this disclosure relates in more detail to a mechanism for better allowing any such actuator cable 100 to be properly positioned within the device 10 during use. In this respect, and firstly referring to... Figures 1A to 1B According to the disclosure, the device 10 typically includes a housing 16, which includes a cavity 18 for receiving the actuator cable 100 within the housing 16. After the actuator cable 100 is installed inside, and as described above, according to some embodiments, the actuator cable may then be configured such that its first end 100A is located within the housing 16, and the actuator cable includes a portion 102 that then extends from the device 10 through any provided outlet hole 14.

[0033] However, in many cases, the actuator cable 100 will not be in the aforementioned position, and therefore there may be several situations where it is necessary to remove the actuator cable 100 from the device 10 in order to replace the same or a new actuator cable 100 for the device 10 at a later stage. This could be, for example, during maintenance, or when the actuator cable 100 needs to be replaced.

[0034] Considering the above, in order to insert the actuator cable 100 into the device 10, the process can be followed as follows: Figure 1A and Figure 1B The process is illustrated. Therefore, during this process, the first step "A" may be to move the actuator / rod 12 relative to the housing 16 of the device 10 to a predetermined position P2. At position P2, this exposes a first opening 20 in the housing 16 to allow the cable 100 to be inserted into the cavity 18 through the first opening 20.

[0035] Regarding position P2, it can be seen that the user can insert the actuator cable 100 into the cavity 18 of the housing 16 by inserting it through the (exposed) first opening 20 in the housing 16. By doing so, the actuator cable 100 can then be positioned and / or fed into at least one internal component 22; 24 of the housing 16, and then exit through the outlet hole 14. After full insertion, the first end 100A of the actuator cable 100 can be received / positioned within the housing 16.

[0036] Note the above operations, refer to Figure 1A and Figure 1B The implementation methods and Figure 2 In some implementations, it may be difficult to position the actuator cable 100 within the housing 16, and especially through any at least one internal component 22; 24 of the housing 16. This is because the cavity 18 within the housing 16 may be very dark. This is also combined with the fact that, after the actuator cable 100 has been initially inserted through the first opening 20, the user must blindly insert the actuator cable 100 through the internal components 22; 24 because the user cannot subsequently see through the first opening 20 (since the actuator cable 100 obstructs visibility through the first opening 20).

[0037] Understand the above content, and as Figure 3A and Figure 3B As shown in the embodiments, according to some embodiments of this disclosure, an observation portion 26 may also be provided on the device 10, which is configured to allow light to enter the cavity 18 when the cable 100 is inserted into the cavity 18 through the first opening 20. Therefore, with this observation portion 26, when the actuator cable 100 is present inside the first opening 20, the observation portion 26 allows the user of the device 10 to observe the cavity 18 through the observation portion 26. Thus, by providing the observation portion 26, the user can subsequently insert the actuator cable 100 into the cavity 18 in a non-blind manner through the first opening 20.

[0038] Therefore, to place the above in context, the observation portion 26 according to some embodiments can be generally configured as part of a device 10 for selecting bicycle gears, the device including: a housing 16 including a cavity 18 for receiving an actuator cable 100 within the housing 16; a first opening 20 located in the housing 16 to allow the cable 100 to be inserted into the cavity 18 through the first opening 20; and the observation portion 26 configured to allow light to enter the cavity 18 when the cable is inserted into the cavity 18 through the first opening 20. For example, according to Figure 3A and Figure 3B The embodiments shown in the text illustrate such a device 100.

[0039] In the case of employing any such observation portion 26, the housing 16 may conveniently include the observation portion 26 according to some embodiments. Similarly, and according to some other embodiments, the observation portion 26 may include a second opening located in the housing, and / or the observation portion may define a groove 28 (such as...) in the housing 16. Figure 3A and Figure 3B As shown in the implementation method).

[0040] Regarding the geometry of the observation portion 26, it is understood that the observation portion 26 may be appropriately wide to provide as much light as possible into the cavity 18. Therefore, in this respect, and according to some embodiments, the observation portion 26 may include a maximum width (W) of at least 2 mm, at least 2.5 mm, at least 3 mm, at least 3.5 mm, at least 4 mm, at least 5 mm, at least 7 mm, and / or at least 10 mm. MAX ).

[0041] Similarly, as much light as possible is provided into cavity 18. Therefore, in this respect, and according to some embodiments, the observation portion 26 may include a maximum length (L) of at least 3 mm, at least 3.5 mm, at least 4 mm, at least 5 mm, at least 7 mm, at least 10 mm, at least 12 mm, at least 15 mm, at least 18 mm, and / or at least 20 mm. MAX ).

[0042] However, noting the aforementioned dimensions, in order to better prevent moisture or environmental debris (such as pollen or grass) from entering the cavity 18, according to some embodiments, the observation portion 26 may include any combination of a maximum width and / or a maximum length not exceeding 40 mm; not exceeding 35 mm; not exceeding 30 mm; not exceeding 25 mm; not exceeding 20 mm; not exceeding 19 mm; not exceeding 17 mm; not exceeding 16 mm; not exceeding 13 mm; not exceeding 11 mm; and / or not exceeding 10 mm.

[0043] To prevent moisture or environmental debris (such as pollen or grass) from entering the cavity 18 via any of the adopted observation sections 26, the observation sections, according to some embodiments, may also include transparent and / or translucent portions of the housing.

[0044] Related to the above, according to some embodiments, the observation portion 26 may include a window 28, such as a window for observing the cavity 18. In employing such a window 28, it is understood that, according to some embodiments, the window 28 may simply define a window for observing the opening 30 in the cavity 18 (e.g., as...). Figure 3AAs shown in the embodiments described, such as the opening 30 in the housing 16. Similarly, according to some more specific embodiments, the window 28 may also include a covering portion (not shown) that covers the opening 30. With the use of such a covering portion, it is understood that in some embodiments, the covering portion may be made of, for example, (transparent / translucent) plastic or glass. Thus, as described above, such a covering portion can help prevent moisture or environmental debris from entering the cavity 18.

[0045] As previously stated, regarding the operability of the device 10 discussed herein for selecting a bicycle gear, the device 10 may be provided with one or more movable actuators / components to better achieve this function. For example, and according to some embodiments (such as those discussed above), the device 10 may include an actuator / lever 12 that is movable relative to the housing 16 for selecting a bicycle gear. In the case of employing any such lever 12 as a user actuator of a particular form of the device 10, it will be understood that the lever 12 can then be moved about the device 10 as needed for selecting the desired bicycle gear. However, in particularly convenient arrangements, such as in… Figure 3B In at least some embodiments, the lever 12 can be configured to rotate about the housing for selecting the bicycle's gear (e.g., as shown in the image). Figure 1A ; Figure 1B and Figure 3B (As shown). In this regard, this can be referenced. Figure 3B This is achieved through a specific implementation, wherein the lever 12 can be configured to move between a first circumferential position C1 (for selecting a first predetermined gear) and a second circumferential position C2 (for selecting a predetermined gear) around the housing. Thus, essentially, by moving the lever 12 (or any other form of user actuator of the device 10), this movement is operable for selecting the desired bicycle gear.

[0046] According to some implementation methods (such as) Figure 1A and Figure 1B The embodiments shown, and Figure 2 and Figures 3A to 3BIn the embodiments described above, regarding any such movement as part of the device 10 and its return to the function of the first opening 20, the device 10 can be configured to move between a first position P1 and a second position P2, in which the first opening 20 is at least partially covered (or, according to some narrower embodiments, completely covered) to prevent the cable 100 from being inserted into the cavity 18 through the first opening 20; and in the second position, the first opening 20 is exposed to allow the cable 100 to be inserted into the cavity 18 through the first opening 20. Thus, in this way, moisture or environmental debris can be better prevented from entering the cavity 18 through the first opening 20, which is not always permanently exposed.

[0047] Similarly, according to some embodiments, the device 10 can be configured to move between a first position P1 and a second position P2, in which the observation portion 26 is at least partially covered (or, according to some narrower embodiments, completely covered); and in the second position, the observation portion 26 is exposed to allow light to enter the cavity. Therefore, in this way, moisture or environmental debris can be better prevented from entering the cavity 18 through the observation portion 26, which is not always permanently exposed.

[0048] Related to the aforementioned suppression of moisture or environmental debris from entering the device 10, this can also be achieved, according to some embodiments, by a device 10 further comprising a movable portion 36 (such as an actuator / rod 12 according to some narrower embodiments), configured to move and / or rotate between a first position P1 and a second position P2. In this way, and according to some embodiments, the first opening 20 can be configured to be at least partially (or completely) covered by the movable portion 36 in the first position P1. For completeness, depending on the use of any movable portion 36, this does not necessarily include the rod 12, such that, obviously according to some embodiments, any other form of movable portion, such as a sliding or movable cover; a door; a flip-up door; and / or a plug, can obviously be used as a movable portion capable of moving between the first and second positions.

[0049] According to embodiments employing any such movable portion 36, it will be understood that, according to some embodiments, in order to further suppress the entry of moisture or environmental debris into the device 10, the movable portion may be configured to be biased from the second position P2 toward the first position P1. Clearly, according to some specific embodiments, any such biasing can be achieved in some very specific embodiments by means of a device including a biasing portion, such as an elastic portion; a spring; and / or an elastic member, for biasing the movable portion from the second position P2 toward the first position P1.

[0050] Removing from any such movable portion 36 and returning to the observation portion 26, to further improve the effectiveness of the observation portion 26 to assist the user in observing the cavity 18, according to some embodiments, the observation portion 26 may be positioned adjacent to the first opening 20. This can at least be seen from... Figures 3A to 3B As seen in the embodiments described, the observation portion 26 is positioned adjacent to the observation portion 20 and above the internal component 22. Related to this function, it allows the user to more easily observe the cavity 18 from multiple angles, according to some embodiments (such as...). Figure 3A As shown in the embodiment, the observation portion 26 can also be configured to at least partially surround the first opening 20.

[0051] Therefore, based on any observation portion 26 employed in the device 10 described herein, it can be understood that the shape and features of the observation portion 26 can thus help the user observe the cavity 18 and also better discover any or all internal components 22; 24 in the housing 16, even when the actuator cable 100 is being inserted into the cavity 18 through the first opening 20 (note that the cable 100 thus obstructs the visibility into the cavity 18 through the first opening 20).

[0052] Regarding any provided housing 16, according to some embodiments facilitating its maintenance, housing 16 may include a first housing portion 16A and a second housing portion 16B, the second housing portion being configured to releasably engage with the first housing portion 16A to define a cavity 18 between the first housing portion 16A and the second housing portion 16B. In this way, the cavity 18 can be accessed (e.g., for maintenance in some cases) by simply disengaging the second housing portion 16B from the first housing portion 16A. With such a first housing portion 16A and a second housing portion 16B, according to some very specific embodiments, housing 16 may be configured to provide an interference fit between the first housing portion 16A and the second housing portion 16B for releasably engaging the second housing portion 16B with the first housing portion 16A to define the cavity 18. Additionally / alternatively, according to some more specific embodiments, housing 16 may include at least one fastener capable of engaging the first housing portion 16A and the second housing portion 16B for releasably engaging the second housing portion 16B with the first housing portion 16A to define the cavity 18.

[0053] According to some embodiments employing a first housing portion 16A and a second housing portion 16B, based on their use to allow for more effective geometries (such as at least...) Figure 2 as well as Figures 3A to 3BIn some embodiments of the geometry shown, the first housing portion 16A may include a first housing half, wherein the second housing portion 16B includes a second housing half. In this manner, the second housing half is configured to releasably engage with the first housing half to define a cavity 18 between the first housing half and the second housing half.

[0054] Returning to the operation of any lever 12 that can be used to move around the housing 16 (such as movement around either the first housing portion 16A or the second housing portion 16B as described above), it can also be seen that, according to some embodiments, in order to facilitate movement of the lever 12 relative to the housing 16, the housing may include a track 38 such that the lever 12 can move along the track 38 of the housing 12 for selecting a bicycle gear. For example, at least reference can be made to... Figure 3A and Figure 3B The implementation method in the text shows such a track 38.

[0055] In employing any such track 38, the track 38 can have a suitable profile so that the rod 12 can move along the track 38. Therefore, in this respect, the track 38 can include a length (direction) L. 轨道 The rod is configured to move along this length (direction), and the track may also include a width (direction) W. 轨道 The rod 12 is configured to move laterally at least partially or completely relative to that width (direction). (At least refer to...) Figure 3A and Figure 3B This can be seen in the implementation method, in which rod 12 spans the width of the track.

[0056] Therefore, regarding any track 38 used, according to some embodiments, the track can form part of both the first housing portion 16A and the second housing portion 16B. In this way, when the rod 12 moves along the track 38, this can facilitate the engagement of the first housing portion 16A and the second housing portion 16B together (e.g., at least in…). Figure 3B As can be seen in the implementation, the movable part 36 and / or the rod 12 spans the width W of the track 38. 轨道 ).

[0057] Regarding the geometry of track 38, as described above, track 38 may include a length (direction) L 轨道 and the corresponding width (direction) W 轨道 The movable portion 36 and / or the rod 12 are configured to move along the length (direction), and the width (direction) can be perpendicular to the length (direction) L. 轨道Regarding the reference geometry of track 38, a particularly effective location for the first opening 20 and / or observation portion 26 has been found on track 38. In this way, the movable portion 36 and / or rod 12 can provide a mechanism for covering the first opening 20 and / or observation portion 26 in the first position P1. With respect to any such implementation, to better prevent moisture or environmental debris (such as pollen or grass) from entering the cavity 18, according to some embodiments, the first opening 20 and / or observation portion 26 can be entirely located on track 38. In this way, and as long as no part is located outside or outside track 38, this better allows the movable portion 36 / rod 12 to cover the observation portion when not in use (e.g., in the first position P1). Therefore, with the above arrangement where the first opening 20 and / or observation portion 26 is entirely located on track 38, it has been found that this helps to better reduce unintentional entry of moisture or environmental debris into the cavity 18. Therefore, placing the above in context, in order to better allow less unintentional moisture or environmental debris to enter cavity 18, and returning to the maximum width (W) of the observation section 26. 最大 ), the maximum width (W) of the observation section 26 最大 Not greater than the maximum width (W) of track 38 轨道最大 Width. Noting this, and referring to some of the potential widths of the observation portion 26 as previously described, according to this implementation, it can be understood that the maximum width (W) of track 38 is... 轨道最大 It can be larger than the maximum width (W) of the observation portion 26. 最大 (at least as) Figure 3A (As shown).

[0058] Referring also to the above embodiments, in the case of employing a first housing portion 16A and a second housing portion 16B, in order to help define the observation portion 26 using fewer components, according to some embodiments thereof (such as at least in...), Figure 3A and Figure 3B In the embodiment shown in the figure, the observation portion 26 can be configured to be defined between the first housing portion 16A and the second housing portion 16B. In this way, when the second housing portion 16B is releasably engaged with the first housing portion 16A to define the cavity 18, the observation portion 26 can be effectively provided, such as a second opening or slot 28 in the housing 16 located between the first housing portion 16A and the second housing portion 16B.

[0059] Considering the aforementioned device 10 for selecting bicycle gears, it will be understood that any such device 10 can be located in a suitable position on the bicycle for user operation. Therefore, it is apparent that in at least some embodiments, the device can be configured to be attached to the handlebar portion of the bicycle (e.g., via a clip or some other engaging member). Thus, it is also apparent that the disclosure provided herein can also provide a handlebar for a bicycle including the device 10 as described above. Similarly, the disclosure provided herein can also provide a bicycle including the device 10 as described above.

[0060] With regard to any application / use of the device 10 described herein, it will be understood that, according to some embodiments, any such use can effectively provide a method for inserting the actuator cable 100 into the device 10 for selecting a bicycle gear, the method comprising: allowing light to pass through the observation portion 26 of the device 10 into the cavity 18 of the housing 16; and, while allowing light to pass through the observation portion 26 into the cavity 18, inserting the actuator cable 100 into the cavity 18 of the housing 16 by inserting it through a first opening 20 in the housing 16.

[0061] Regarding any such method, although not mandatory, the first opening 20 may be configured to be covered before use. Therefore, and according to some embodiments, the method may also include an initial step: moving the device 10 from a first position P1 where the first opening 20 is at least partially covered to prevent the actuator cable 100 from being inserted into the cavity 18 through the first opening 20, to a second position P2 where the first opening 20 is exposed to allow the cable 100 to be inserted into the cavity 18 through the first opening 20. Regarding any such method, and after the actuator cable 100 has been inserted into the cavity 18, in some cases, the method may then further include: moving the device 10 from the second position P2 to the first position P1 (thus re-covering the first opening 20).

[0062] Regarding any of the methods described above, and as already described herein, in order to better prevent moisture or environmental debris (such as pollen or grass) from entering the cavity 18, according to some embodiments of these methods, the observation portion 26 may be at least partially or completely covered at the first position P1, such as in some specific embodiments, by the movable portion 36 and / or any actuator / rod 12 provided by the device 10.

[0063] Therefore, in view of the foregoing, a device for selecting a bicycle gear has been described accordingly, the device comprising:

[0064] The housing includes a cavity for receiving the actuator cable within the housing;

[0065] A first opening, located within the housing, is provided to allow a cable to be inserted into the cavity through the first opening; and

[0066] The observation section is configured to allow light to enter the cavity when the cable is inserted into the cavity through the first opening.

[0067] A method for inserting an actuator cable into a device for selecting bicycle gears is also described, the method comprising:

[0068] Allowing light to pass through the observation section of the device and enter the cavity of the housing; and

[0069] While allowing light to enter the cavity through the observation section, the actuator cable is inserted into the cavity of the housing by inserting it through the first opening in the housing.

[0070] A device 10 for selecting bicycle gears is also described. The device 10 includes a housing 16 that includes a cavity 18 for receiving an actuator cable 100 within the housing 16. The device also includes a first opening 20 located within the housing 16 to allow the cable 100 to be inserted into the cavity 18 through the first opening 20. As part of the device 10, an observation portion 26 is also provided, configured to allow light to enter the cavity 18 when the cable 100 is inserted into the cavity 18 through the first opening 20. Therefore, the observation portion 26 makes it easier for the user of the device 10 to identify the position where the cable 100 needs to be inserted within the housing 16. Note that without the observation portion 26, correctly inserting the cable 100 into the housing 16 could be very difficult for the user as they would not be able to see the interior of the housing 16.

[0071] To address various problems and advance the technology, this disclosure illustrates various embodiments in which the claimed invention can be practiced. The advantages and features of this disclosure are merely representative examples of embodiments and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. These embodiments are intended only to aid in understanding and teaching the claimed invention. It should be understood that the advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects of this disclosure should not be considered as limitations on this disclosure as defined by the claims or on the equivalents of the claims, and other embodiments and variations may be utilized without departing from the scope of the claims provided herein.

[0072] For example, in this respect, and regarding any actuator or lever 12 employed, it can be understood that in some embodiments, any number of actuators or levers 12 can be employed to select the bicycle gear as needed. Although particularly in embodiments where the lever 12 (actuator) is configured to move relative to the track 38 from the housing 16 and in any employed embodiment where the viewing portion 26 is configured to be (fully) covered by the movable portion 36 / lever 12 in the first position P1, it can be understood in these embodiments that this function can be achieved more efficiently when the device 10 includes no more than one (actuator) lever 12, which is movable relative to the housing 16 for selecting the bicycle gear, for example, as... Figure 3A and Figure 3B As shown in the implementation, the actuator (lever) can thus be configured to perform a dual function: i) selecting the desired bicycle gear; and ii) covering the observation portion 26 in the first position P1 (i.e., when the first opening 20 is not in use).

[0073] It will be understood that the first opening 20 and the observation portion 26 can also be configured to be exposed in more than one position (i.e., not just the second position P2). Therefore, in at least some embodiments, the device 10 can also be configured to move between a first position P1 and a third position P3, wherein the first position P1 is located between the second position P2 and the third position P3. In this way, the movable portion 36 (and / or particularly the rod 12, wherein the movable portion 36 includes the rod 12) can be configured to move between the first position P1 and the third position P3. In this way, and in the third position P3, the first opening 20 can be exposed to allow the cable 100 to be inserted into the cavity 18 through the first opening 20. Furthermore, in the third position P3, the observation portion 26 can be exposed.

[0074] Although not strictly necessary, with any such third position P3, the first position P1 can be located between the second position P2 and the third position P3. In this way, and starting from the first position P1, the user can then more easily access the observation portion 26 and the first opening 20 by being able to move the device from the first position P1 in two potentially different directions (i.e., towards the second position P2 or towards the third position P3), rather than only in one direction (towards the second position P2). Therefore, by providing this third position P3, it can be understood that access to both the observation portion 26 and the first opening 20 can be further improved in the device 10.

[0075] Therefore, taking into account the foregoing, it can be understood that the various embodiments provided by this disclosure may suitably include various combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, methods, etc., constitute, or substantially consist of various combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, methods, etc. This disclosure may include other inventions not currently claimed but which may be claimed in the future. For example, this may include any invention set forth by the following provisions:

[0076] 1. A device for selecting gears on a bicycle, the device comprising:

[0077] The housing includes a cavity for receiving the actuator cable within the housing;

[0078] A first opening, located within the housing, is provided to allow a cable to be inserted into the cavity through the first opening; and

[0079] The observation section is configured to allow light to enter the cavity when the cable is inserted into the cavity through the first opening.

[0080] 2. The device according to Clause 1, wherein the housing includes an observation portion.

[0081] 3. The device according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the observation portion includes a second opening located in the housing.

[0082] 4. The apparatus according to any of the foregoing clauses, wherein the observation portion includes a groove located in the housing.

[0083] 5. The device according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the viewing portion includes a maximum width of at least 2 mm.

[0084] 6. The device according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the viewing portion includes a maximum width of not more than 30 mm.

[0085] 7. The apparatus according to any of the foregoing clauses, wherein the observation portion includes a transparent portion of the housing.

[0086] 8. The device according to any of the foregoing clauses, wherein the observation portion includes a translucent portion of the housing.

[0087] 9. The apparatus according to any of the foregoing provisions, wherein the viewing portion includes a window.

[0088] 10. The device according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the device further includes a lever movable relative to the housing for selecting a gear of the bicycle.

[0089] 11. The device according to Clause 10, wherein the lever is configured to rotate about the housing for selecting the gear of the bicycle.

[0090] 12. An apparatus according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the apparatus is configured to move between:

[0091] In a first position, in which the first opening is at least partially covered to prevent a cable from being inserted into the cavity through the first opening; and

[0092] In the second position, the first opening is exposed to allow a cable to be inserted into the cavity through the first opening.

[0093] 13. The device according to Clause 12, wherein, in the first position, the first opening is completely covered to prevent the cable from being inserted into the cavity through the first opening.

[0094] 14. The device according to clause 12 or 13, wherein the observation portion is completely covered in the first position.

[0095] 15. The device according to any one of clauses 12 to 14, wherein the device further includes a movable portion configured to move between a first position and a second position.

[0096] 16. The device according to Clause 15, wherein the movable portion is configured to rotate between a first position and a second position.

[0097] 17. The device according to clause 15 or 16, wherein the first opening is at least partially covered by the movable portion in the first position.

[0098] 18. The device according to any one of clauses 15 to 17, wherein the first opening is completely covered by the movable portion in the first position.

[0099] 19. The apparatus according to any one of clauses 15 to 18, wherein the observation portion is completely covered by the movable portion in the first position.

[0100] 20. The device according to any one of clauses 15 to 19, wherein the movable part includes a rod.

[0101] 21. The apparatus according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the observation portion is positioned adjacent to the first opening.

[0102] 22. The apparatus according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the observation portion at least partially surrounds the first opening.

[0103] 23. The device according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the housing comprises:

[0104] The first shell portion; and

[0105] The second housing portion is configured to releasably engage with the first housing portion to define a cavity between the first housing portion and the second housing portion.

[0106] 24. The apparatus according to Clause 23, wherein the first housing portion includes a first housing half, and wherein the second housing portion includes a second housing half.

[0107] 25. The apparatus according to clause 23 or 24, wherein the observation portion is configured to be defined between the first housing portion and the second housing portion.

[0108] 26. The apparatus according to any one of clauses 23 to 25, wherein the first opening is configured to be defined between the first housing portion and the second housing portion.

[0109] 27. The device according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the housing includes a track; and wherein the lever is movable along the track of the housing for selecting a gear of a bicycle.

[0110] 28. The device according to Clause 27, wherein the first opening is entirely within the track.

[0111] 29. The apparatus according to clause 27 or 28, wherein the observation portion is entirely located within the track.

[0112] 30. The apparatus according to any one of clauses 27 to 29, wherein the maximum width of the observation portion is not wider than the maximum width of the track.

[0113] 31. The device under any of clauses 27 to 30, when further subordinate to clause 23, wherein the track forms part of both the first housing portion and the second housing portion.

[0114] 32. The device according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the device includes no more than one lever movable relative to the housing for selecting a gear of a bicycle.

[0115] 33. The apparatus according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the apparatus is further configured to move between a first position and a third position, wherein the first position is located between a second position and a third position;

[0116] The movable part is further configured to move between a first position and a third position; and

[0117] In the third position, the first opening is exposed to allow a cable to be inserted into the cavity through the first opening; and in the third position, the observation portion is exposed.

[0118] 34. The device according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the device is configured to be attached to the handlebar portion of a bicycle.

[0119] 35. A handlebar for a bicycle, the handlebar including a device according to any of the preceding clauses.

[0120] 36. A bicycle comprising a device according to any one of clauses 1 to 34.

[0121] 37. A method of inserting an actuator cable into a device for selecting a bicycle gear, the method comprising:

[0122] Allowing light to pass through the observation section of the device and enter the cavity of the housing; and

[0123] While allowing light to enter the cavity through the observation section, the actuator cable is inserted into the cavity of the housing by inserting it through the first opening in the housing.

[0124] 38. The method according to Clause 37, wherein the method further includes an initial step:

[0125] The device is moved from a first position to a second position, in which the first opening is at least partially covered to prevent the actuator cable from being inserted into the cavity through the first opening, and in the second position, the first opening is exposed to allow the cable to be inserted into the cavity through the first opening.

[0126] 39. The method according to clause 38, wherein the method further includes, after the actuator cable has been inserted into the cavity:

[0127] Move the device from the second position to the first position.

[0128] 40. The method according to Clause 38 or 39, wherein the observation portion is completely covered in the first position.

Claims

1. A device for selecting a bicycle gear, the device being configured to move between a first position (P1) and a second position (P2), the device comprising: The housing (16) includes a cavity (18) for receiving an actuator cable (100) within the housing, wherein the housing includes a track (38); A lever (12) is movable relative to the housing and is movable along the track of the housing for selecting the gear of the bicycle; A first opening (20) is located in the housing to allow the cable to be inserted into the cavity through the first opening, wherein the first opening is completely located within the track; An observation section (26) configured to allow light to enter the cavity when the cable is inserted into the cavity through the first opening, wherein the observation section is entirely located within the track, and wherein the maximum width of the observation section is at least 2 mm and not wider than the maximum width of the track; and A movable portion (36) is configured to move between the first position and the second position (P2), wherein the movable portion includes the rod; In the first position, the first opening is completely covered by the movable portion to prevent the cable from being inserted into the cavity through the first opening; and in the first position, the observation portion is completely covered by the movable portion; and In the second position, the first opening is exposed to allow the cable to be inserted into the cavity through the first opening; and in the second position, the observation portion is exposed.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The observation section includes a second opening located within the housing.

3. The apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The observation section includes a groove located within the housing.

4. The apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The maximum width of the observation area is no more than 30mm.

5. The apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The observation section includes the transparent portion of the housing.

6. The apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The observation section includes the semi-transparent portion of the housing.

7. The apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The observation section includes a window.

8. The apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The lever is configured to rotate about the housing for selecting the gears of the bicycle.

9. The apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The movable portion is configured to rotate between the first position and the second position.

10. The apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The observation section is positioned adjacent to the first opening.

11. The apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The observation portion at least partially surrounds the first opening.

12. The apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The housing includes: The first shell portion; and The second housing portion is configured to releasably engage with the first housing portion to define the cavity between the first housing portion and the second housing portion.

13. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein, The first housing portion includes a first housing half, and the second housing portion includes a second housing half.

14. The apparatus according to claim 12 or 13, wherein, The observation portion is configured to be defined between the first housing portion and the second housing portion.

15. The apparatus according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein, The first opening is configured to be defined between the first housing portion and the second housing portion.

16. The apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The device includes no more than one lever that is movable relative to the housing for selecting the gear of the bicycle.

17. The apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The device is further configured to move between the first position and the third position, wherein the first position is located between the second position and the third position; The movable portion is further configured to move between the first position and the third position; and In the third position, the first opening is exposed to allow the cable to be inserted into the cavity through the first opening; and in the third position, the observation portion is exposed.

18. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The device is configured to be attached to the handlebars of the bicycle.

19. A handlebar for a bicycle, the handlebar comprising the means according to any of the preceding claims.

20. A bicycle comprising the means according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

21. A method of inserting an actuator cable into a device for selecting a bicycle gear, the method comprising: Move the device from the first position to the second position; When the device is in the second position, light is allowed to enter the cavity of the housing through the observation portion of the device; as well as When the device is in the second position, and while allowing light to enter the cavity through the observation portion, the actuator cable is inserted into the cavity of the housing by inserting it through the first opening in the housing; Moving the device from the first position to the second position includes: moving a movable portion of the device configured to move between the first position and the second position; wherein the movable portion includes a lever of the device, the lever being movable relative to the housing and the lever being movable along a track of the housing for selecting a gear of the bicycle; In the first position, the first opening is completely covered by the movable portion to prevent the cable from being inserted into the cavity through the first opening; and in the first position, the observation portion is completely covered by the movable portion; and In the second position, the first opening is exposed to allow the cable to be inserted into the cavity through the first opening; and in the second position, the observation portion is exposed. Wherein, the first opening is completely located within the track; and The observation portion is entirely located within the track; and the maximum width of the observation portion is at least 2 mm and is not wider than the maximum width of the track.

22. The method according to claim 21, wherein, The method further includes, after the actuator cable has been inserted into the cavity: Move the device from the second position to the first position.

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