Patent ID: 8636114

Claim:
A method for at least one of cleaning and lubricating a sprocket chain on a bicycle having a frame without removing the sprocket chain from the bicycle, said method comprising the steps of: (a) placing an upper half-shell, including internal rollers, on the sprocket chain such that the sprocket chain engages said rollers thereby supporting said upper half-shell; (b) engaging a lower half-shell to the upper half-shell where said engagement forms a canister which further includes (i) a notched portion configured to allow the sprocket chain to pass through said canister, (ii) an open portion configured to allow external access to said sprocket chain, and (iii) at least one air knife configured to aim high velocity air to impinge upon said sprocket chain; (c) securing said upper half-shell and said lower half-shell to one another; (d) securing the canister to the bicycle frame; (e) moving the sprocket chain through the canister while sequentially (i) applying at least one of solvent and lubricant to the sprocket chain as it passes beneath the open portion, and (ii) drying said sprocket with high velocity air as it passes beneath the at least one air knife.