Patent ID: 6155132
Filing Date: 2000-12-05
Classification: B62M,Y10T

Abstract:
A shifting unit for a bicycle comprising:a mounting member adapted to be coupled to the bicycle:a first shifting lever pivotally coupled to said mounting member between at least a first shift position a second shift position and a third shift position said second shift position being located between said first and third shift positions;a first biasing member coupled to said first shifting lever to apply a first biasing force that urges said first shifting lever from said second and third shift positions towards said first shift position;a second shifting lever pivotally coupled to said mounting member between a set position and a release position;a second biasing member coupled to said second shifting lever to apply a second biasing force that urges said second shifting lever from said release position to said set position; anda release mechanism operatively coupled between said first and second shifting levers said release mechanism including a positioning plate pivotally coupled to said mounting member and having a locking portion formed thereon that selectively engages said first shifting lever to hold said first shifting lever in one of said first second and third shift positions against said first biasing force of said first biasing member and a third biasing member coupled to said positioning plate to apply a third biasing force that urges said positioning plate against said first shifting lever, a portion of said release mechanism being moved to selectively release said locking portion from said first shifting lever upon rotation of said second shifting lever from said set position to said release position such that said first shifting lever moves only one position,said positioning plate including a first abutment member that selectively engages a second abutment member formed on said second shifting lever, said second abutment member being positioned to engage said first abutment member upon rotation of said second shifting lever from said set position to said release position when said first shifting lever is in said third shift position such that said positioning plate rotates against said third biasing force of said third biasing member to release said first shifting lever from said third shift position to said second shift position.