Tool for a cable fixing bolt

A tool is provided for holding a cable fixing bolt of a bicycle component in a loose condition. This tool allows the cable fixing bolt to be shipped and stored in loose condition, while preventing the cable fixing bolt from falling out of a bicycle component. The tool can be used with the cable fixing bolt derailleurs or brake device. The tool basically has three portions. The first portion engages a head portion of the cable fixing bolt. The second portion is spaced from the first portion and is located adjacent a threaded shaft portion of the cable fixing bolt. The third portion is spaced from the second portion and engages a part of the bicycle component (e.g., a nut, a link or a brake arm). In each embodiment, the first, second and third portions are arranged relative one another to hold the cable fixing bolt in a loose condition, while preventing the cable fixing bolt from being disengaged from the part of the bicycle component. In selected embodiments where the tool is used with a rear derailleur, the third portion holds the rear derailleur in a retracted position.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
 1. Field of the Invention
 This invention generally relates to a cable fixing bolt retaining tool or
 clip for holding a cable fixing bolt of a bicycle part. More specifically,
 the present invention relates a cable fixing bolt retaining tool or clip
 for aiding in the assembly of a bicycle component by maintaining the cable
 fixing bolt in a loose condition during shipping and/or storage.
 2. Background Information
 Bicycling is becoming an increasingly more popular form of recreation, as
 well as a means of transportation. Moreover, bicycling has become a very
 popular competitive sport for both amateurs and professionals. Whether the
 bicycle is used for recreation, transportation or competition, the bicycle
 industry is constantly improving the various components of the bicycle.
 Accordingly, bicycle owners are constantly upgrading the various bicycle
 components with the latest improvements and bicycle shops must carry the
 latest improvements in bicycle components.
 Bicycle components, such as derailleurs and brakes, are typically operated
 by levers or operating devices coupled thereto via control cables. These
 control cables are typically coupled to the bicycle components by cable
 fixing bolts. In the past, when the bicycle component manufacturer would
 ship a derailleur or brake to the manufacturer or a bicycle store, the
 cable fixing bolt would have to be firmly tightened to prevent the cable
 fixing bolt from falling out. If the cable fixing bolt is too loose, the
 vibration during shipping can result in the cable fixing bolt falling out
 of the brake or derailleur and then becoming lost.
 Upon receiving a brake or derailleur, the bicycle manufacturer or the
 individual bicycle dealer will have to loosen the cable fixing bolts in
 order to couple the control cable thereto. Depending upon the torque
 applied to the cable fixing bolt, the installer may have some difficulty
 in loosening the cable fixing bolt. If the cable fixing bolt is hard to
 loosen, then this will result in a more time consuming installation of the
 bicycle components, as well as possible frustration on the part of the
 installer.
 In a low normal type rear derailleur, the tension pulley of the derailleur
 is normally biased to hold the chain on the low or large gear of the rear
 set of gears of the bicycle. In other words, the spring of the derailleur
 normally holds the rear derailleur in an extended position. Thus, low
 normal type rear derailleurs typically require large boxes for shipping.
 In order to reduce the size of a low normal type derailleur for shipping,
 a tool has been developed to hold the low normal type of derailleur in its
 retracted position. In other words, the tool is designed to hold the rear
 derailleur in a more compact position or shipping and storage.
 Specifically, this tool is located in the linkage assembly of the rear
 derailleur so as to hold the spring of the linkage assembly in a
 compressed or retracted position. More specifically, the tool holds the
 rear derailleur in a top gear position so as to be more compact. By using
 such a tool, a low normal type derailleur can be shipped in a smaller
 package. However, this tool does not prevent the cable fixing bolt from
 falling out of the derailleur.
 In view of the above, there exists a need for a cable fixing bolt retaining
 tool or clip for holding a cable fixing bolt, which overcomes the above
 mentioned problems in the prior art. This invention addresses this need in
 the prior art as well as other needs, which will become apparent to those
 skilled in the art from this disclosure.
 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
 One object of the present invention is to provide a cable fixing bolt
 retaining tool or clip that holds a cable fixing bolt of a bicycle
 component in a loose condition during shipping and/or storage.
 Another object of the present invention is to provide a cable fixing bolt
 retaining tool or clip for a cable fixing bolt that holds the rear
 derailleur in a compact position for shipping and/or storage.
 Still another object of the present invention is to provide a cable fixing
 bolt retaining tool or clip for a cable fixing bolt that is inexpensive to
 manufacture.
 The foregoing objects can basically be attained by providing a cable fixing
 bolt retaining tool or clip for holding a cable fixing bolt of a bicycle
 component in a loose condition. The tool allows the cable fixing bolt to
 be shipped and stored in loose condition, while preventing the cable
 fixing bolt from falling out of a bicycle component. The tool can be used
 with the cable fixing bolt of either a derailleur or a brake device. The
 tool basically has three portions. The first portion engages a head
 portion of the cable fixing bolt. The second portion is spaced from the
 first portion and is located adjacent a shaft portion of the cable fixing
 bolt. The third portion is spaced from the second portion and engages at
 least one of the shaft portion and a part of the bicycle component (e.g.,
 a nut, a link or a brake arm). In each embodiment, the first, second and
 third portions are arranged relative one another to hold the cable fixing
 bolt in a loose condition, while preventing the cable fixing bolt from
 being disengaged from the part of the bicycle component. In selected
 embodiments where the tool is used with a rear derailleur, the third
 portion holds the rear derailleur in a retracted position.
 The foregoing objects can basically be attained by providing a bicycle
 component assembly, comprising a bicycle component with a cable fixing
 bolt and a tool coupled to the bicycle component and/or the cable fixing
 bolt to hold the cable fixing bolt in a loose condition, while preventing
 the cable fixing bolt from being disengaged from the first bicycle part.
 The bicycle component has a first bicycle part with a threaded bolt
 receiving opening. The cable fixing bolt has a head portion and a shaft
 portion extending from the head portion to a free end. The shaft portion
 has threads formed thereon that are engaged with the threaded bolt
 receiving opening. The tool is removably coupled to the cable fixing bolt,
 and includes a first portion, a second portion and a third portion. The
 first portion engages the head portion of the cable fixing bolt. The
 second portion is located adjacent a portion of the shaft portion of the
 cable fixing bolt. The third portion engages at least one of the shaft
 portion and the first bicycle part. The first, second and third portions
 are arranged relative one another to hold the cable fixing bolt in a loose
 condition, while preventing the cable fixing bolt from being disengaged
 from the first bicycle part.
 The foregoing objects can also basically be attained by providing a cable
 fixing bolt retaining tool or clip for holding a cable fixing bolt of a
 bicycle component. The tool or clip comprises a first portion, a second
 portion spaced from the first portion and a third portion spaced from the
 second portion. The first portion is adapted to engage to a head portion
 of the cable fixing bolt. The second portion is adapted to be located
 adjacent a shaft portion of the cable fixing bolt. The third portion is
 adapted to engage a part of the bicycle component. The first, second and
 third portions are arranged relative one another to hold the cable fixing
 bolt in a loose condition, while preventing the cable fixing bolt from
 being disengaged from the part of the bicycle component.
 In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a method is
 provided for holding a cable fixing bolt of a bicycle component in a loose
 condition. The method comprises the steps of providing a cable fixing bolt
 retaining tool or clip having a first portion, a second portion spaced
 from the first portion and a third portion spaced from the second portion;
 positioning the first portion of the tool to engage a head portion of the
 cable fixing bolt; positioning the second portion of the tool adjacent to
 a shaft portion of the cable fixing bolt; positioning the third portion of
 the tool to engage at least one of a first bicycle part of the bicycle
 component and a free end of the shaft portion. The first and second and
 third portions are arranged relative one another to hold the cable fixing
 bolt in the loose condition, while preventing the cable fixing bolt from
 being disengaged from the first bicycle part of the bicycle component.
 These and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present
 invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the
 following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the
 annexed drawings, discloses preferred embodiments of the present
 invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
 Referring initially to FIG. 1, a conventional bicycle 10 is illustrated
 with various bicycle components. Many of these bicycle components are
 operated by levers or operating devices coupled thereto via cables. The
 cables are typically coupled to the bicycle components by cable fixing
 bolts. The present invention is directed to using a cable fixing bolt
 retaining tool or clip 12 to hold the cable fixing bolt of a bicycle
 component in a loosened condition for easy assembly. The bicycle 10 has
 cable operated components such as a rear derailleur 13, a front derailleur
 14 and a pair of brakes 15. The rear and front derailleurs 13 and 14 are
 operated by shifting units 18 via shift cables 20 in a conventional
 manner. Likewise, brakes 15 are operated by brake operating devices or
 levers 22 via brake cables 24 in a conventional manner.
 Bicycles and their various components are well known in the art, and thus,
 bicycle 10 and its various components will not be discussed or illustrated
 in detail herein except for the components that relate to the present
 invention. In other words, only derailleurs 13 and 14 and brakes 15 will
 be briefly discussed and/or illustrated herein as they relate to the
 present invention.
 As best seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, rear derailleut 13 is a low normal type
 derailleur that is normally biased to the low or large gear of the rear
 set of gears of bicycle 10. In this embodiment, the cable fixing bolt
 retaining tool 12 is designed to hold rear derailleur 13 in a more compact
 position or shipping and storage. More specifically, the cable fixing bolt
 retaining tool 12 holds the rear derailleur 13 in a top gear position so
 as to be more compact. Derailleur 13 can be a relatively conventional low
 normal type derailleur. Thus, rear derailleur 13 will not be discussed or
 illustrated in detail herein. Rather, rear derailleur 13 will only be
 briefly discussed in order to understand the use of cable fixing bolt
 retaining tool 12 therewith. Basically, rear derailleur 13 has a base or
 fixed member 30, a movable member 31, a linkage assembly 32 and a biasing
 member or spring 33. The fixed member 30 is coupled to the frame of the
 bicycle 10 via a conventional bracket axle assembly 34. The linkage
 assembly 32 has inner and outer links 35 and 36 pivotally coupled at one
 end to the base member 30 and at the other end to the movable member 31.
 The biasing member or spring located between the fixed member 30 and the
 movable member 31 for urging the movable member 31 to a low gear position.
 Preferably, each of the parts of rear derailleur 13 is constructed of
 relatively lightweight, rigid materials which are well known in the art.
 The movable member 31 has a cage 37 pivotally coupled thereto and biased
 to place the chain of bicycle 10 under tension. The cage 37 has a guide
 pulley 38 and a tension pulley 39 rotatably coupled thereto.
 In this embodiment, the cable fixing bolt 40 is coupled to the actuating
 arm of the inner link 35 of the linkage assembly 32 with a cable fixing
 plate 41 located therebetween. More specifically, the inner link 35 has an
 integral nut portion 42 with a threaded hole for threadedly receiving
 cable fixing bolt 40 therein. The cable fixing bolt 40 is a relatively
 conventional cable fixing bolt having a head portion 44 and a shaft
 portion 45 with threads thereon that extends from the head portion 44 to a
 free end. The cable fixing plate 41 is movably located on the threaded
 shaft portion 45 of the cable fixing bolt 40 so as to be located between
 the head portion 44 of the cable fixing bolt 40 and the nut portion 42 of
 the inner link 35. While the nut portion 42 is an integral part of the
 inner link 35 in this embodiment, it will be apparent to those skilled in
 the art from this disclosure that the inner link 35 can be provided with
 an unthreaded hole and a separate nut could be utilized. Of course, this
 is less preferably than the disclosed embodiment, since it will increase
 the difficulty of installation.
 When the shift cable 20 is attached to the inner link 35, the inner wire of
 the shift cable 20 is located between the nut portion 42 of the inner link
 35 and the cable fixing plate 41. Thus, head portion 44 of the cable
 fixing bolt 40 does not directly engage the inner wire of the shift cable
 20.
 Cable fixing bolt retaining tool 12 is utilized to hold cable fixing bolt
 40 in a loosened condition relative to the inner link 35. This will allow
 the rear derailleur 13 to be shipped and/or stored with the cable fixing
 bolt 40 in its loosened condition without the cable fixing bolt 40
 becoming separated from the derailleur 13, and thus, being lost. By
 holding the cable fixing bolt 40 in the loosened condition, installation
 and coupling of the shift cable 20 to the inner link 35 is expedited.
 Preferably, cable fixing bolt retaining tool 12 is constructed as a
 one-piece, unitary member. Preferably, cable fixing bolt retaining tool 12
 is constructed of a hard, rigid plastic material that is relatively
 lightweight and inexpensive. Of course, other suitable materials that do
 not include these advantages could also be utilized. For example, cable
 fixing bolt retaining tool 12 can be formed of a reinforced polypropylene,
 or a polyacetal such as POM, or any other suitable thermoplastic material.
 Basically, as seen in FIGS. 5, 6 and 9, cable fixing bolt retaining tool 12
 includes a body portion 49, a gripping portion 50 and three bolt retaining
 portions 51, 52 and 53 extending from the body portion 49. The three bolt
 retaining portions 51, 52 and 53 hold the cable fixing bolt 40 in a
 loosened condition. In this embodiment, the first bolt retaining portion
 51 engages the head portion 44 of the cable fixing bolt 40. The second
 bolt retaining portion 52 is located adjacent the threaded shaft portion
 45 of the cable fixing bolt 40. The third bolt retaining portion 53 is
 located between the nut portion 42 of the inner link 35 and the movable
 member 31 of the derailleur 13. In this embodiment, the third bolt
 retaining portion 53 does not only hold the cable fixing bolt 40 in a
 loosened condition, but it also holds the rear derailleur 13 in a top gear
 position or a more compact position against the force of the biasing
 member or spring 33.
 As best seen in FIG. 9, the first and second bolt retaining portions 51 and
 52 of the cable fixing bolt retaining tool 12 extend substantially
 perpendicular to the body portion 49 and are substantially parallel to
 each other. The first and second retaining portions 51 and 52 are
 preferably spaced apart from each other by a distance corresponding to the
 axial length of the head portion 44 of the cable fixing bolt 40 and the
 thickness of the cable fixing plate 41 as seen in FIGS. 5 and 6.
 Accordingly, when the cable fixing bolt retaining tool 12 is installed on
 the derailleur 13, the head portion 44 of the cable fixing bolt 40 and the
 cable fixing plate 41 are located between the first and second bolt
 retaining portions 51 and 52. Alternatively, it will be apparent to those
 skilled in the art from this disclosure that the cable fixing plate 41
 could be located on the opposite side of the second bolt retaining portion
 52, if needed and/or desired. In this alternate possibility, the spacing
 between the first and second bolt retaining portions 51 and 52 would be
 reduced to the axial length or thickness of the head portion 44 of the
 cable fixing bolt 40.
 In this embodiment of the cable fixing bolt retaining tool 12, the third
 bolt retaining portion 53 has a pair of notches 54 and 55 that receive the
 nut portion 42 of the inner link 35 and the movable member 31,
 respectively. Accordingly, when the inner link 35 and movable member 31
 are positioned within the notches 54 and 55 of the third bolt retaining
 portion 53, the cable fixing bolt retaining tool 12 is securely fastened
 to the rear derailleur 13. More specifically, the biasing member or spring
 33 applies a pair of opposing forces on the third bolt retaining portion
 53 to secure cable fixing bolt retaining tool 12 to derailleur 13. The
 cable fixing bolt retaining tool 12 is installed by moving the linkage
 assembly 32 against the force of the biasing spring 33 such that it moves
 from a low gear position to a top gear position. This movement will cause
 the space between the movable member 31 and the inner link 35 at the nut
 portion 42 to be increased.
 Now, the cable fixing bolt retaining tool 12 can be inserted between the
 nut portion 42 of the inner link 35 and the movable member 31 such that
 the first notch 54 of the third bolt retaining portion 53 engages the nut
 portion 42 of the inner link 35 and the second notch 55 of the third bolt
 retaining portion 53 engages the movable member 31. Upon releasing the
 linkage assembly 32, the spring 33 will urge the movable member 31 towards
 the nut portion 42 of the inner link 35. However, movements of the movable
 member 31 and linkage assembly 32 are limited by the third bolt retaining
 portion 53. The notches 54 and 55 of the third bolt retaining portion 53
 have a pair of opposed abutment surfaces 56 and 57, respectively, that
 limit any movement in a direction that is parallel to the longitudinal
 axis of the threaded shaft portion 45 of the cable fixing bolt 40. This
 arrangement ensures that the cable fixing bolt retaining tool 12 does not
 accidentally disengage from the derailleur 13, and thus, this arrangement
 prevents the cable fixing bolt 40 to fall out.
 As seen in FIG. 2, when the cable fixing bolt retaining tool 12 is not
 installed in the rear derailleur 13, the rear derailleur 13 is in an
 extended position and takes up a lot of space. This is because the rear
 derailleur 13 is a low normal type rear derailleur, in which the guide
 pulley 38 is normally biased to hold the chain on the low or large gear of
 the rear set of gears of the bicycle 10. In other words, the spring 33 of
 the rear derailleur 13 normally holds the rear derailleur 13 in an
 extended position. Thus, the low normal type rear derailleur 13 requires a
 larger box for shipping in an extended position. In order to reduce the
 size of a low normal type derailleur for shipping, the cable fixing bolt
 retaining tool 12 holds the low normal type derailleur 13 in its retracted
 position as seen in FIGS. 3 and 4. In other words, the cable fixing bolt
 retaining tool 12 is designed to hold the rear derailleur 13 in a more
 compact position or shipping and storage. Specifically, the third bolt
 retaining portion 53 of the cable fixing bolt retaining tool 12 is located
 between the movable member 31 and the inner link 35 to hold the spring 33
 of the linkage assembly 32 in a compressed or retracted position. Thus,
 the cable fixing bolt retaining tool 12 holds the rear derailleur in a top
 gear position so as to be more compact. By using the cable fixing bolt
 retaining tool 12, the low normal type derailleur 13 can be shipped in a
 smaller package.
 As seen in FIG. 9, the second bolt retaining portion 52 is preferably
 provided with a recess or notch 58 that allows the second retaining
 portion 52 to partially surround the threaded shaft portion 45 of the
 cable fixing bolt 40. This notch or recess 58 of the second bolt retaining
 portion 52 also allows the first bolt retaining portion 51 to more firmly
 and completely engage the head portion 44 of the cable fixing bolt 40. Of
 course, as seen in FIG. 10, a slightly modified cable fixing bolt
 retaining tool 12' is illustrated in which the notch or recess of the
 second bolt retaining portion has been eliminated. This modified cable
 fixing bolt retaining tool 12' is otherwise identical to the cable fixing
 bolt retaining tool 12 discussed above. Therefore, the same reference
 numerals will be utilized to indicate the identical or substantially
 identical portions, but with a prime. In other words, cable fixing bolt
 retaining tool 12' includes a body portion 49', a gripping portion 50' and
 three bolt retaining portions 51', 52' and 53'.
 SECOND EMBODIMENT
 Referring now to FIGS. 11-18, a cable fixing bolt retaining tool 112 in
 accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention is
 illustrated for use with a modified rear derailleur 113 to be mounted on
 bicycle 10. This embodiment is similar to the first embodiment, discussed
 above, except that the cable fixing bolt retaining tool 112 of this
 embodiment does not include the shipping and storage feature of the first
 embodiment and the cable fixing bolt 140 has been modified.
 As best seen in FIGS. 11 and 12, rear derailleur 113 is a top normal type
 derailleur that is normally biased to the top or small gear of the rear
 set of gears of bicycle 10. Derailleur 113 can be a relatively
 conventional top normal type derailleur. Thus, rear derailleur 113 will
 not be discussed or illustrated in detail herein. Rather, rear derailleur
 113 will only be briefly discussed in order to understand the use of cable
 fixing bolt retaining tool 112 therewith.
 Basically, rear derailleur 113 has a base or fixed member 130, a movable
 member 131, a linkage assembly 132 and a biasing member or spring (not
 shown). The fixed member 130 is coupled to the frame of the bicycle 10 via
 a conventional bracket axle assembly 134. The linkage assembly 132 has an
 inner link (not shown) and an outer link 136 pivotally coupled at one end
 to the base member 130 and at the other end to the movable member 131. The
 biasing member or spring located between the fixed member 130 and the
 movable member 131 for urging the movable member 131 to a top gear
 position. Preferably, each of the parts of rear derailleur 113 is
 constructed of relatively lightweight, rigid materials which are well
 known in the art. The movable member 131 has a cage 137 pivotally coupled
 thereto and biased to place the chain of bicycle 10 under tension. The
 cage 137 has a guide pulley 138 and a tension pulley 139 rotatably coupled
 thereto.
 In this embodiment, the cable fixing bolt 140 is located in an unthreaded
 hole of the outer link 136 of the linkage assembly 132 with a cable fixing
 plate 141 located between the outer link 136 and nut 142. More
 specifically, the outer link 136 has a non-circular hole for engaging a
 corresponding part of the cable fixing bolt 140 to prevent relative
 rotation therebetween. The cable fixing bolt 140 is a relatively
 conventional cable fixing bolt having a head portion 144 and a threaded
 shaft portion 145 extending from the head portion 144 to a free end. The
 nut 142 has a threaded hole for threadedly receiving cable fixing bolt 140
 therein. The cable fixing plate 141 is movably located on the threaded
 shaft portion 145 of the cable fixing bolt 140 so as to be located between
 the nut and the outer link 136.
 When the shift cable 20 is attached to the outer link 136, the inner wire
 of the shift cable 20 is located between the outer surface of the outer
 link 136 and the cable fixing plate 141. Thus, the nut 142 on the shaft
 portion 145 of the cable fixing bolt 140 does not directly engage the
 inner wire of the shift cable 20.
 Cable fixing bolt retaining tool 112 is utilized to hold cable fixing bolt
 140 in a loosened condition relative to the outer link 136. This will
 allow the rear derailleur 113 to be shipped and/or stored with the cable
 fixing bolt 140 in its loosened condition without the cable fixing bolt
 140 becoming separated from the derailleur 113, and thus, being lost. By
 holding the cable fixing bolt 140 in the loosened condition, installation
 and coupling of the shift cable 20 to the outer link 136 is expedited.
 Preferably, cable fixing bolt retaining tool 112 is constructed as a
 one-piece, unitary member. Preferably, cable fixing bolt retaining tool
 112 is constructed of a hard, rigid plastic material that is relatively
 lightweight and inexpensive. Of course, other suitable materials that do
 not include these advantages could also be utilized.
 Basically, as seen in FIG. 17, cable fixing bolt retaining tool 112
 includes a body portion 149, a gripping portion 150 and three bolt
 retaining portions 151, 152 and 153 extending from the body portion 149.
 The three bolt retaining portions 151, 152 and 153 hold the cable fixing
 bolt 140 in a loosened condition. In this embodiment, the first bolt
 retaining portion 151 engages the head portion 144 of the cable fixing
 bolt 140. The second bolt retaining portion 152 is located adjacent the
 threaded shaft portion 145 of the cable fixing bolt 140. The third bolt
 retaining portion 153 engages the free end of the threaded shaft portion
 145 of the cable fixing bolt 140.
 As best seen in FIG. 17, the first, second and third bolt retaining
 portions 151, 152 and 153 of the cable fixing bolt retaining tool 112
 extend substantially perpendicular to the body portion 149 and are
 substantially parallel to each other. The first and second retaining
 portions 151 and 152 are preferably spaced apart from each other by a
 distance corresponding to the axial length of the head portion 144 of the
 cable fixing bolt 140 and the thickness of the outer link 136 as seen in
 FIGS. 13 and 14. Accordingly, when the cable fixing bolt retaining tool
 112 is installed on the derailleur 113, the head portion 144 of the cable
 fixing bolt 140 and a portion of the outer link 136 are located between
 the first and second bolt retaining portions 151 and 152. Alternatively,
 it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that
 the cable fixing plate 141 could be located between the first and second
 bolt retaining portions 151 and 152, if needed and/or desired. In this
 alternate possibility, the spacing between the first and second bolt
 retaining portions 151 and 152 would be increased to the axial length or
 thickness of cable fixing plate 141.
 As seen in FIG. 17, the second bolt retaining portion 152 is preferably
 provided with a recess or notch 158 that allows the second retaining
 portion 152 to partially surround the threaded shaft portion 145 of the
 cable fixing bolt 140. This notch or recess 158 of the second bolt
 retaining portion 152 also allows the first bolt retaining portion 151 to
 more firmly and completely engage the head portion 144 of the cable fixing
 bolt 140. Of course, as seen in FIG. 18, a slightly modified cable fixing
 bolt retaining tool 112' is illustrated in which the notch or recess of
 the second bolt retaining portion has been eliminated. This modified cable
 fixing bolt retaining tool 112' is otherwise identical to the cable fixing
 bolt retaining tool 112 discussed above. Therefore, the same reference
 numerals will be utilized to indicate the identical or substantially
 identical portions, but with a prine. In other words, cable fixing bolt
 retaining tool 112' includes a body portion 149', a gripping portion 150'
 and three bolt retaining portions 151', 152' and 153'.
 Referring again to FIG. 17, the third bolt retaining portion 153 is
 preferably provided with a concavity or bore 160. The free end of threaded
 shaft portion 145 of the cable fixing bolt 140 is preferably received
 within the concavity or bore 160. In this preferred embodiment, the
 concavity or bore 160 is a blind bore. Of course, it will be apparent to
 those skilled in the art from this disclosure that bore 160 can be a
 through bore, if needed and/or desired.
 THIRD EMBODIMENT
 Referring now to FIGS. 19-22, a cable fixing bolt retaining tool or clip
 212 in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention is
 illustrated on the derailleur 113 of FIGS. 11-16. This embodiment is
 similar to the second embodiment, discussed above, except that a modified
 cable fixing bolt 240 is being used with derailleur 113 and the cable
 fixing bolt retaining tool 212 has been modified to accommodate the new
 cable fixing bolt arrangement.
 In this embodiment, the cable fixing bolt 240 is reversed from the second
 embodiment such that the nut 242 contacts the outer link 136 of derailleur
 113. The fixing bolt 240 has a head portion 244 and a threaded shaft
 portion 245 extending from the head portion 244 to a free end. The nut 242
 has a threaded hole for threadedly receiving the threaded shaft portion
 245 of cable fixing bolt 240 therein. The cable fixing plate 241 is
 movably located on the threaded shaft portion 245 of the cable fixing bolt
 240 so as to be located between the head portion 244 and the outer link
 136. The nut 242 can be either removably coupled to the outer link 136 or
 integrally formed as part of the outer link in this embodiment. In either
 case, the nut 242 preferably does not rotate relative to outer link 136.
 If the nut 242 is a separate part from the outer link 136, as illustrated
 in this embodiment, then the nut 242 should engage an inner surface of
 outer link 136 to prevent rotation of the nut 242 during tightening of the
 cable fixing bolt 240.
 Basically, as seen in FIG. 21, the cable fixing bolt retaining tool 212
 includes a body portion 249, a gripping portion 250 and three bolt
 retaining portions 251, 252 and 253 extending from the body portion 249.
 The three bolt retaining portions 251, 252 and 253 hold the cable fixing
 bolt 240 in a loosened condition. In this embodiment, the first bolt
 retaining portion 251 engages the head portion 244 of the cable fixing
 bolt 240. The second bolt retaining portion 252 is located adjacent the
 threaded shaft portion 245 of the cable fixing bolt 240. The third bolt
 retaining portion 253 engages the free end of the threaded shaft portion
 245 of the cable fixing bolt 240.
 As best seen in FIG. 21, the first, second and third bolt retaining
 portions 251, 252 and 253 of the cable fixing bolt retaining tool 212
 extend substantially perpendicular to the body portion 249 and are
 substantially parallel to each other. The first and second retaining
 portions 251 and 252 are preferably spaced apart from each other by a
 distance corresponding to the axial length of the head portion 244 of the
 cable fixing bolt 240 and the thickness of the cable finding plate 241 as
 seen in FIGS. 19 and 20. Accordingly, when the cable fixing bolt retaining
 tool 212 is installed on the derailleur 113, the head portion 244 of the
 cable fixing bolt 240 and the cable fixing plate 241 are located between
 the first and second bolt retaining portions 251 and 252. Alternatively,
 it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that
 the cable fixing plate 241 could be located on the opposite side of the
 second bolt retaining portion 252, if needed and/or desired. In this
 alternate possibility, the spacing between the first and second bolt
 retaining portions 251 and 252 would be reduced to the axial length or
 thickness of the head portion 244 of the cable fixing bolt 240.
 Referring again to FIG. 21, the third bolt retaining portion 253 is
 preferably provided with a concavity or bore 260. The free end of threaded
 shaft portion 245 of the cable fixing bolt 240 is preferably received
 within the concavity or bore 260. In this preferred embodiment, the
 concavity or bore 260 is a blind bore. Of course, it will be apparent to
 those skilled in the art from this disclosure that bore 260 can be a
 through bore, if needed and/or desired.
 As seen in FIG. 21, the second bolt retaining portion 252 is preferably
 provided with a recess or notch 258 that allows the second retaining
 portion 252 to partially surround the threaded shaft portion 245 of the
 cable fixing bolt 240. This notch or recess 258 of the second bolt
 retaining portion 252 also allows the first bolt retaining portion 251 to
 more firmly and completely engage the head portion 244 of the cable fixing
 bolt 240. Of course, as seen in FIG. 22, a slightly modified cable fixing
 bolt retaining tool 212' is illustrated in which the notch or recess of
 the second bolt retaining portion has been eliminated This modified cable
 fixing bolt retaining tool 212' is otherwise identical to the cable fixing
 bolt retaining tool 212 discussed above. Therefore, the same reference
 numerals will be utilized to indicate the identical or substantially
 identical portions, but with a prime. In other words, cable fixing bolt
 retaining tool 212' includes a body portion 249', a gripping portion 250'
 and three bolt retaining portions 251', 252' and 253'.
 FOURTH EMBODIMENT
 Referring now to FIGS. 23-28, a fourth embodiment of a cable fixing bolt
 retaining tool or clip 312 in accordance with the present invention is
 illustrated as being used with the front derailleur 14. This embodiment is
 similar to the second and third embodiments, discussed above, except that
 the cable fixing bolt retaining tool 312 has been modified for the cable
 fixing bolt 340 of the front derailleur 14.
 Generally, front derailleur 14 includes a fixed member 330 non-movably
 secured to a bicycle frame, a movable member 331 supported to be movable
 relative to the fixed member 330 by a linkage assembly 332 and a biasing
 member or spring 333. The movable member 331 is in the form of a chain
 guide having a pair of vertical plates 338 and 339 for contacting a chain.
 The movable member 331 is movable relative to the fixed member 330 by
 pulling a shift cable 20. The movable member 331 and fixed member 330 are
 usually interconnected through pivotal links 335 and 336. The shift cable
 20 is connected to the outer link 336 to apply a torque thereto, thereby
 causing the links 335 and 336 to move the movable member 331. The shift
 cable 20 is fixed to the actuating arm 337 of the outer link 336 by a
 cable fixing bolt 340 and a nut 342. The cable fixing bolt 340 has a head
 portion 344 and a shaft portion 345 with a threaded section and a
 non-threaded section.
 Basically, as seen in FIG. 29, cable fixing bolt retaining tool 312
 includes a body portion 349, a gripping portion 350 and three bolt
 retaining portions 351, 352 and 353 extending from the body portion 349.
 The three bolt retaining portions 351, 352 and 353 hold the cable fixing
 bolt 340 in a loosened condition. In this embodiment, the first bolt
 retaining portion 351 engages the head portion 344 of the cable fixing
 bolt 340. The second bolt retaining portion 352 is located adjacent the
 head portion 344 of the cable fixing bolt 340. The third bolt retaining
 portion 353 engages the free end of the shaft portion 245 of the cable
 fixing bolt 340.
 As best seen in FIG. 29, the first, second and third bolt retaining
 portions 351, 352 and 353 of the cable fixing bolt retaining tool 312
 extend substantially perpendicular to the body portion 349 and are
 substantially parallel to each other. The first and second retaining
 portions 351 and 352 are preferably spaced apart from each other by a
 distance corresponding to the axial length of the head portion 344 of the
 cable fixing bolt 340 as seen in FIG. 23. Accordingly, when the cable
 fixing bolt retaining tool 312 is installed on the derailleur 14, the head
 portion 344 of the cable fixing bolt 340 is located between the first and
 second bolt retaining portions 351 and 352.
 As seen in FIG. 29, the second bolt retaining portion 352 is preferably
 provided with a recess or notch 358 that allows the second retaining
 portion 352 to partially surround the non-threaded section of the shaft
 portion 345 of the cable fixing bolt 340. This notch or recess 358 of the
 second bolt retaining portion 352 also allows the first bolt retaining
 portion 351 to more firmly and completely engage the head portion 344 of
 the cable fixing bolt 340. Of course, as seen in FIG. 30, a slightly
 modified cable fixing bolt retaining tool 312' is illustrated in which the
 notch or recess of the second bolt retaining portion has been eliminated.
 This modified cable fixing bolt retaining tool 312' is otherwise identical
 to the cable fixing bolt retaining tool 312 discussed above. Therefore,
 the same reference numerals will be utilized to indicate the identical or
 substantially identical portions, but with a prime. In other words, cable
 fixing bolt retaining tool 312' includes a body portion 349', a gripping
 portion 350' and three bolt retaining portions 351', 352' and 353'.
 Referring again to FIG. 29, the third bolt retaining portion 353 is
 preferably provided with a concavity or bore 360. The free end of the
 shaft portion 345 of the cable fixing bolt 340 is preferably received
 within the concavity or bore 360. In this preferred embodiment, the
 concavity or bore 360 is a blind bore. Of course, it will be apparent to
 those skilled in the art from this disclosure that bore 360 can be a
 through bore, if needed and/or desired.
 FIFTH EMBODIMENT
 Referring now to FIGS. 31-38, a cable fixing bolt retaining tool or clip
 412 in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention is
 illustrated on a modified front derailleur 414. This embodiment is similar
 to the fourth embodiment, discussed above, except that cable fixing bolt
 retaining tool 412 has been slightly modified to accommodate the modified
 arrangement of the cable fixing bolt 440 of the modified front derailleur
 414.
 Generally, front derailleur 414 includes a fixed member 430 non-movably
 secured to a bicycle frame, a movable member 431 supported to be movable
 relative to the fixed member 430 by a linkage assembly 432 and a biasing
 member or spring 433. The movable member 431 forms a chain guide having a
 pair of vertical plates 438 and 439 for contacting a chain. The movable
 member 431 is movable relative to the fixed member 430 by pulling a shift
 cable 20. The movable member 431 and fixed member 430 are usually
 interconnected through pivotal links 435 and 436. The shift cable 20 is
 connected to the inner link 435 to apply a torque thereto, thereby causing
 the links 435 and 436 to move the movable member 431. The shift cable 20
 is fixed to the actuating arm 437 of the inner link 435 by a cable fixing
 bolt 440 and a nut 442. The nut 442 can be an integral part of the
 material forming the actuating arm 437 of the inner link 435 similar to
 the first embodiment or a separate member that engages a portion of the
 actuating aim 437 of the inner link 435 similar to other embodiments
 disclosed herein. The cable fixing bolt 440 has a head portion 444 and a
 threaded shaft portion 445.
 Basically, as seen in FIG. 37, cable fixing bolt retaining tool 412
 includes a body portion 449, a gripping portion 450 and three bolt
 retaining portions 451, 452 and 453 extending from the body portion 449.
 The three bolt retaining portions 451, 452 and 453 hold the cable fixing
 bolt 440 in a loosened condition. In this embodiment, the first bolt
 retaining portion 451 engages the head portion 444 of the cable fixing
 bolt 440. The second bolt retaining portion 452 is located adjacent the
 threaded shaft portion 445 of the cable fixing bolt 440. The third bolt
 retaining portion 453 engages the free end of the threaded shaft portion
 445 of the cable fixing bolt 450.
 As best seen in FIG. 37, the first and second bolt retaining portions 451
 and 452 of the cable fixing bolt retaining tool 412 extend substantially
 perpendicular to the body portion 449 and are substantially parallel to
 each other. The first and second retaining portions 451 and 452 are
 preferably spaced apart from each other by a distance corresponding to the
 axial length of the head portion 444 of the cable fixing bolt 440 and the
 thickness of the cable fixing plate 441 as seen in FIGS. 33 and 34.
 Accordingly, when the cable fixing bolt retaining tool 412 is installed on
 the derailleur 414, the head portion 444 of the cable fixing bolt 440 and
 the cable fixing plate 441 are located between the first and second bolt
 retaining portions 451 and 452. Alternatively, it will be apparent to
 those skilled in the art from this disclosure that the cable fixing plate
 441 could be located on the opposite side of the second bolt retaining
 portion 452, if needed and/or desired. In this alternate possibility, the
 spacing between the first and second bolt retaining portions 451 and 452
 would be reduced to the axial length or thickness of the head portion 444
 of the cable fixing bolt 440.
 As seen in FIG. 37, the second bolt retaining portion 452 is preferably
 provided with a recess or notch 458 that allows the second retaining
 portion 452 to partially surround the threaded shaft portion 445 of the
 cable fixing bolt 440. This notch or recess 458 of the second bolt
 retaining portion 452 also allows the first bolt retaining portion 451 to
 more firmly and completely engage the head portion 444 of the cable fixing
 bolt 440. Of course, as seen in FIG. 38, a slightly modified cable fixing
 bolt retaining tool 412' is illustrated in which the notch or recess of
 the second bolt retaining portion has been eliminated. This modified cable
 fixing bolt retaining tool 412' is otherwise identical to the cable fixing
 bolt retaining tool 412 discussed above. Therefore, the same reference
 numerals will be utilized to indicate the identical or substantially
 identical portions, but with a prime. In other words, cable fixing bolt
 retaining tool 412' includes a body portion 449', a gripping portion 450'
 and three bolt retaining portions 451', 452' and 453'.
 Referring again to FIG. 37, the third bolt retaining portion 453 is
 preferably provided with a concavity or bore 460. The free end of threaded
 shaft portion 445 of the cable fixing bolt 440 is preferably received
 within the concavity or bore 460. In this preferred embodiment, the
 concavity or bore 460 is a blind bore. Of course, it will be apparent to
 those skilled in the art from this disclosure that bore 460 can be a
 through bore, if needed and/or desired.
 SIXTH EMBODIMENT
 Referring now to FIGS. 39-41, a sixth embodiment of a cable fixing bolt
 retaining tool or clip 512 in accordance with the present invention is
 illustrated as being used with one of the brakes 15 of bicycle 10. The
 cable fixing bolt retaining tool or clip 512 of this embodiment is similar
 to the prior embodiments, discussed above, except that cable fixing bolt
 retaining tool 512 has been slightly modified to be used with one or both
 of the brakes 15 of bicycle 10.
 Each of the brakes 15 has a pair of brake arms 530 and 531 with brake shoes
 532 fixedly coupled thereto. The bottom ends of brake arms 530 and 531 are
 pivotally coupled to the frame of the bicycle 10 via attachment bolts 534.
 The upper ends of the brake arms 530 and 531 are coupled to brake cable 24
 via a linking arm 535 and a cable fixing bolt 540. The cable fixing bolt
 540 is threaded into a threaded hole in the upper part of brake arm 531.
 The upper portion of brake arm 531 forms a nut portion 542 that is
 integrally formed with brake arm 531. The cable fixing bolt 540 has a
 cable fixing plate 541 located thereon for engaging brake cable 24. More
 specifically, the cable fixing bolt 540 has a head portion 544 and a
 threaded shaft portion 545 with cable fixing plate 541 located thereon.
 Basically, as seen in FIG. 40, cable fixing bolt retaining tool 512
 includes a body portion 549, a gripping portion 550 and three bolt
 retaining portions 551, 552 and 553 extending from the body portion 549.
 The three bolt retaining portions 551, 552 and 553 hold the cable fixing
 bolt 540 in a loosened condition. In this embodiment, the first bolt
 retaining portion 551 engages the head portion 544 of the cable fixing
 bolt 540. The second bolt retaining portion 552 is located adjacent the
 threaded shaft portion 545 of the cable fixing bolt 540. The third bolt
 retaining portion 553 engages the nut portion 542 of the brake arm.
 As best seen in FIG. 40, the first and second bolt retaining portions 551
 and 552 of the cable fixing bolt retaining tool 512 extend substantially
 perpendicular to the body portion 549 and are substantially parallel to
 each other. The first and second retaining portions 551 and 552 are
 preferably spaced apart from each other by a distance corresponding to the
 axial length of the head portion 544 of the cable fixing bolt 540 and the
 thickness of the cable fixing plate 541 as seen in FIG. 39. Accordingly,
 when the cable fixing bolt retaining tool 512 is installed on the brake
 15, the head portion 544 of the cable fixing bolt 540 and the cable fixing
 plate 541 are located between the first and second bolt retaining portions
 551 and 552. Alternatively, it will be apparent to those skilled in the
 art from this disclosure that the cable fixing plate 541 could be located
 on the opposite side of the second bolt retaining portion 552, if needed
 and/or desired. In this alternate possibility, the spacing between the
 first and second bolt retaining portions 551 and 552 would be reduced to
 the axial length or thickness of the head portion 544 of the cable fixing
 bolt 540.
 As seen in FIG. 40, the second bolt retaining portion 552 is preferably
 provided with a recess or notch 558 that allows the second retaining
 portion 552 to partially surround the threaded shaft portion 545 of the
 cable fixing bolt 540. This notch or recess 558 of the second bolt
 retaining portion 552 also allows the first bolt retaining portion 551 to
 more firmly and completely engage the head portion 544 of the cable fixing
 bolt 540. Of course, as seen in FIG. 41, a slightly modified cable fixing
 bolt retaining tool 512' is illustrated in which the notch or recess of
 the second bolt retaining portion has been eliminated. This modified cable
 fixing bolt retaining tool 512' is otherwise identical to the cable fixing
 bolt retaining tool 512 discussed above. Therefore, the same reference
 numerals will be utilized to indicate the identical or substantially
 identical portions, but with a prime. In other words, cable fixing bolt
 retaining tool 512' includes a body portion 549', a gripping portion 550'
 and three bolt retaining portions 551', 552' and 553'.
 SEVENTH EMBODIMENT
 Referring now to FIGS. 42-44, a seventh embodiment of a cable fixing bolt
 retaining tool or clip 612 in accordance with the present invention is
 illustrated as being used with one of the brakes 15 of bicycle 10. The
 cable fixing bolt retaining tool or clip 612 of this embodiment is similar
 to the sixth embodiment, discussed above, except that cable fixing bolt
 retaining tool 612 has been slightly modified.
 Basically, as seen in FIG. 43, cable fixing bolt retaining tool 612
 includes a body portion 649, a gripping portion 650 and three bolt
 retaining portions 651, 652 and 653 extending from the body portion 649.
 The three bolt retaining portions 651, 652 and 653 hold the cable fixing
 bolt 540 in a loosened condition. In this embodiment, the first bolt
 retaining portion 651 engages the head portion 544 of the cable fixing
 bolt 540. The second bolt retaining portion 652 is located adjacent the
 threaded shaft portion 545 of the cable fixing bolt 540. The third bolt
 retaining portion 653 engages the nut portion 542 of the brake arm. In
 this embodiment, the third bolt retaining portion 653 has a protrusion 654
 that is received in the threaded hole 543 of the nut portion 542. The end
 of the threaded shaft portion 545 of cable fixing bolt 540 is spaced from
 protrusion 654.
 As best seen in FIG. 43, the first and second bolt retaining portions 651
 and 652 of the cable fixing bolt retaining tool 612 extend substantially
 perpendicular to the body portion 649 and are substantially parallel to
 each other. The first and second retaining portions 651 and 652 are
 preferably spaced apart from each other by a distance corresponding to the
 axial length of the head portion 544 of the cable fixing bolt 540 and the
 thickness of the cable fixing plate 541 as seen in FIG. 42. Accordingly,
 when the cable fixing bolt retaining tool 612 is installed on the brake
 15, the head portion 544 of the cable fixing bolt 540 and the cable fixing
 plate 541 are located between the first and second bolt retaining portions
 651 and 652.
 As seen in FIG. 43, the second bolt retaining portion 652 is preferably
 provided with a recess or notch 658 that allows the second retaining
 portion 652 to partially surround the threaded shaft portion 545 of the
 cable fixing bolt 540. This notch or recess 658 of the second bolt
 retaining portion 652 also allows the first bolt retaining portion 651 to
 more firmly and completely engage the head portion 544 of the cable fixing
 bolt 540. Of course, as seen in FIG. 44, a slightly modified cable fixing
 bolt retaining tool 612' is illustrated in which the notch or recess of
 the second bolt retaining portion has been eliminated. This modified cable
 fixing bolt retaining tool 612' is otherwise identical to the cable fixing
 bolt retaining tool 612 discussed above. Therefore, the same reference
 numerals will be utilized to indicate the identical or substantially
 identical portions, but with a prime. In other words, cable fixing bolt
 retaining tool 612' includes a body portion 649', a gripping portion 650'
 and three bolt retaining portions 651', 652' and 653'. The third bolt
 retaining portion 653' has a protrusion 654' for engaging threaded hole
 543 of the nut portion 542.
 While several embodiments have been chosen to illustrate the present
 invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this
 disclosure that various changes and modifications can be made herein
 without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the
 appended claims. Furthermore, the foregoing description of the embodiments
 according to the present invention are provided for illustration only, and
 not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended
 claims and their equivalents.