CN111268020A

CN111268020A - Clampband and bicycle component comprising a clampband

Info

Publication number: CN111268020A
Application number: CN201811471302.1A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 廖振锋
Original assignee: Shimano Singapore Pte Ltd
Current assignee: Shimano Singapore Pte Ltd
Priority date: 2018-12-04
Filing date: 2018-12-04
Publication date: 2020-06-12

Abstract

The present invention relates to a clampband 20 for clamping a tubular portion 14 of a bicycle 1 that includes a base member 22, a first clamping member 24A, a second clamping member 24B, and a coupling structure 32. The first clamping member 24A is pivotally mounted on the base member 22 and has a first surface 40A facing the tubular portion 14 in the clamped state in which the clampband 20 clamps the tubular portion 14. The second clamping member 24B is pivotally mounted on the base member 22 and has a second surface 40B facing the tubular portion 14 in the clamped state. Coupling structure 32 couples first clamping member 24A and second clamping member 24B to pivot them relative to each other. The first surface 40A has a plurality of first contact portions 42A configured such that a transition between adjacent first contact portions 42A is discontinuous. Further, the second surface 40B has a plurality of second contact portions 42B configured such that a transition between adjacent second contact portions 42B is discontinuous.

Description

Clampband and bicycle component comprising a clampband

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to devices for attaching components to tubular portions, particularly in the field of bicycle technology. In particular, the present invention focuses on a clampband for clamping a tubular portion of a bicycle, such as for attaching a front derailleur to a bicycle seat tube, and a bicycle component comprising the same.

Background

Bicycling is becoming an increasingly 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. Thus, the attachment of different components to the bicycle frame is also of interest for contemporary development.

Disclosure of Invention

In order to provide a reliably working bicycle, it is necessary to accurately position the bicycle components at the respective frame or frame parts and to keep them in their intended positions. This applies in particular to any component of the bicycle. At present, there are known solutions in the prior art with clampbands, which usually comprise two clamping members that are movable relative to each other by means of a pivot. To encircle the seat tube of a bicycle, both clamping members typically have a continuous semi-annular configuration.

Basically, the described shape of the clamping member is implemented to exactly fit a particular given size or diameter of a respective frame portion (e.g. seat tube) when the clampband is clamped to that frame portion. Thus, a particular clampband is typically only suitable for clamping around a certain identified tubular frame portion. When the same clampband is mounted to a different tubular frame portion, the contact surface between the clampband and the respective frame portion is mostly reduced to two local contact points, which results in inaccurate positioning. In accordance with the prior art, clampbands, such as those used for seat tubes, are generally intended to mate with relatively large diameters. If such a clampband is to be attached to seat tubes having different sizes, an optional internal adapter must be used to compensate for the diameter differences to achieve optimal installation of the clampband.

However, the known solutions are very expensive, since these adapters have to be produced separately for all possible tubular frame sections of different diameters. Furthermore, such an adapter constitutes a further separate part of the clampband, which results in a more complex structure and therefore also in it becoming more expensive. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved, widely applicable clampband for clamping a tubular portion of a bicycle.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved clampband for clamping a tubular portion of a bicycle, which has a simplified structure, thereby reducing the production costs and making the operation easier.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a clampband for clamping a tubular portion of a bicycle includes a base member, a first clamping member, a second clamping member, and a coupling structure. The first clamp member is pivotally mounted on the base member and has a first surface facing the tubular portion in a clamped condition in which the clampband clamps the tubular portion. The second clamping member is pivotally mounted on the base member and has a second surface facing the tubular portion in the clamped state. The coupling structure couples the first and second clamping members to pivot them relative to each other. The first surface has a plurality of first contact portions configured such that a transition between adjacent first contact portions is discontinuous. The second surface has a plurality of second contact portions configured such that a transition between adjacent second contact portions is discontinuous.

With the clampband according to the first aspect, a clampband may be provided that is suitable for use with a wide range of tubular portions of bicycles having different diameters. Furthermore, this allows for a more simplified structure and a reliable attachment. In particular, by providing a plurality of first contact portions and a plurality of second contact portions with the discontinuous transition of the invention, it is ensured that the first clamping member and the second clamping member may contact the tubular portion of the bicycle with more than one contact point, respectively. Depending on the diameter of the tubular part of the bicycle, the contact points are distributed over the first contact portion and the second contact portion, ensuring that at least enough contact points are always available. Thus, the clampband can be securely mounted to different bicycle tubular portions having different diameters without any optional adapters or the like. An improved clampband is thus provided that allows for a simplified construction and a wide range of applications.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the clampband according to the first aspect is configured such that at least three first contact points are provided on the plurality of first contact portions and the plurality of second contact portions. The first contact point is configured to contact a tubular portion having a first diameter in the clamped state.

With the clampband according to the second aspect, a wide applicability may be improved, allowing a more simplified structure and a reliable attachment. The at least three first contact points allow the clampband to be securely attached to the tubular portion having the first diameter.

According to a third aspect of the invention, the clampband according to the second aspect is configured such that at least three second contact points are provided on the plurality of first contact portions and the plurality of second contact portions. The second contact point is configured to contact a tubular portion having a second diameter different from the first diameter in the clamped state.

With the clampband according to the third aspect, a wide applicability may be improved, allowing a more simplified structure and a reliable attachment. Even if the second diameter of the tubular portion is different from the first diameter, there are at least three second contact points to ensure the required accurate positioning. Thus, the at least three second contact points form a secure connection of the clampband to the tubular section having the second diameter.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a clampband for clamping a tubular portion of a bicycle includes a base member, a first clamping member, a second clamping member, and a coupling structure. The first clamp member is pivotally mounted on the base member and has a first surface facing the tubular portion in a clamped condition in which the clampband clamps the tubular portion. The second clamping member is pivotally mounted on the base member and has a second surface facing the tubular portion in the clamped state. The coupling structure couples the first and second clamping members to pivot them relative to each other. The first surface has a plurality of first contact portions. The second surface has a plurality of second contact portions. At least three first contact points are provided on the plurality of first contact portions and the plurality of second contact portions. The first contact point is configured to contact a tubular portion having a first diameter in the clamped state. At least three second contact points are provided on the plurality of first contact portions and the plurality of second contact portions. The second contact point is configured to contact a tubular portion having a second diameter different from the first diameter in the clamped state.

With the clampband according to the fourth aspect, a wide applicability may be improved, allowing a more simplified structure and a reliable attachment. In particular, by providing a plurality of first contact portions and a plurality of second contact portions, it is ensured that the first clamping member and the second clamping member may contact the tubular portion of the bicycle with more than one contact point, respectively. Since at least three contact points are provided regardless of the diameter of the tubular portion of the bicycle, the clampband may be used for a plurality of different tubular portions having different diameters. Thus, known alternative adapters for compensating for differences in diameters of different bicycle tubular parts, which are usually required, can be omitted. An improved clampband is thus provided that includes a simplified construction and is widely applicable.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the clampband according to one of the first to fourth aspects is configured such that each of the plurality of first contact portions is a first flat contact surface.

With the clampband according to the fifth aspect, a wide applicability may be improved, allowing a more simplified structure and a reliable attachment. In particular, by providing a plurality of first flat contact surfaces inclined to each other, a discontinuous structure of the first surface is achieved.

According to a sixth aspect of the invention, the clampband according to the fifth aspect is configured such that at least four first flat contact surfaces are provided on the first surface.

With the clampband according to the sixth aspect, a wide applicability may be improved, allowing a more simplified structure and a reliable attachment. The at least four first flat contact surfaces ensure that the clampband is securely attached to the tubular portion of the bicycle.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the clampband according to one of the first to sixth aspects is configured such that each of the plurality of second contact portions is a second flat contact surface.

With the clampband according to the seventh aspect, a wide applicability may be improved, allowing a more simplified structure and a reliable attachment. In particular, by providing a plurality of second flat contact surfaces inclined to each other, a discontinuous structure of the second surface is achieved.

According to an eighth aspect of the invention, the clampband according to the seventh aspect is configured such that at least four second flat contact surfaces are provided on the second surface.

With the clampband according to the eighth aspect, a wide applicability may be improved, allowing a more simplified structure and a reliable attachment. The at least four second flat contact surfaces ensure that the clampband is securely attached to the tubular portion of the bicycle.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the clampband according to one of the first to eighth aspects further includes a first pivot shaft disposed on the base member and defining a first pivot axis about which the first clamping member pivots.

With the clampband according to the ninth aspect, a wide applicability may be improved, allowing a more simplified structure and a reliable attachment. In particular, the first pivot allows simplified mounting and adjustment of the clampband with respect to different bicycle tubular portions of different diameters.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, the clampband according to one of the first to ninth aspects further includes a second pivot disposed on the base member and defining a second pivot axis about which the second clamp member pivots.

With the clampband according to the tenth aspect, a wide applicability may be improved, allowing a more simplified structure and a reliable attachment. In particular, the second pivot allows simplified mounting and adjustment of the clampband with respect to different bicycle tubular portions of different diameters. Furthermore, the second pivot is distanced (relieve) from the first pivot due to receiving the generated force induced via the second clamping member. Since the second pivot may be spaced from the first pivot, the fit to any complex structure or tubular portion of different diameter may be improved.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, a bicycle component includes the clampband according to one of the first to tenth aspects.

With the bicycle component according to the eleventh aspect, a wide applicability can be improved, allowing a more simplified structure and a reliable attachment.

In accordance with a twelfth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle component according to the eleventh aspect further includes a movable member movably coupled to the base member.

With the bicycle component according to the twelfth aspect, a wide applicability can be improved, allowing a more simplified structure and a reliable attachment.

In accordance with a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle component according to the twelfth aspect is configured such that the movable member includes a chain retainer configured to be movable relative to the base member.

With the bicycle component according to the thirteenth aspect, a wide applicability can be improved, allowing a more simplified structure and a reliable attachment. In particular, since the chain retainer can move relative to the base member or the tubular portion, the chain retainer can follow or guide the movement of the chain during shifting, such as in a lateral direction.

Drawings

A more complete appreciation of the invention and many of the attendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description of selected embodiments of the invention when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a side view of a bicycle equipped with a bicycle component that incorporates a clampband in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the front derailleur of the bicycle of FIG. 1, including the clampband in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a clampband according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is another perspective view of the clampband of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a top view of the clampband of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the clampband of FIG. 3.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the clampband of FIG. 3.

FIG. 8 is another side view of the clampband of FIG. 3.

FIG. 9 is a front view of the clampband of FIG. 3.

FIG. 10 is a rear view of the clampband of FIG. 3.

FIG. 11 is a top plan view of the clampband of FIG. 3 for the bicycle tubular portion of the first diameter in a clamped condition; and

FIG. 12 is a top plan view of the clampband of FIG. 3 in a clamped condition for a bicycle tubular portion of a second diameter.

Detailed Description

Selected embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding or identical elements throughout the several views. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following descriptions are provided for illustration only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Exemplary embodiments of a bicycle component and a bail

Referring initially to FIG. 1, a bicycle 1 is illustrated. The bicycle 1 includes a bicycle frame 2, a front fork 2A and a drive mechanism 4. The drive mechanism 4 actuates a rear wheel 4B rotatably coupled to the bicycle frame 2. The bicycle 1 also includes a front wheel 4A rotatably coupled to the front fork 2A. In addition, a handlebar 6 and a seat 8 are provided to enable a rider to operate conveniently. The bicycle 1 further includes a shifting device 10. Specifically, the shifting device 10 includes a chain, a front shifting device 10A and a rear shifting device 10B that are respectively attached to the bicycle frame 2. All mentioned components are well known in the art and therefore for the sake of brevity and clarity they are not explained in detail in the present application. Moreover, the bicycle 1 is not limited to the above-mentioned components, but any other components of the bicycle known in the art are contemplated.

The bicycle 1 is also equipped with at least one inventive clampband 20 according to the present invention. While the bicycle 1 is shown in the form of a conventional bicycle, the clampband 20 is not limited to use with such conventional bicycles, but may also be used with other types of bicycles, such as road biking or mountain biking. Here, the clampband 20 is configured to attach at least one bicycle component 12 to the tubular portion 14 of the bicycle 1. In this embodiment, the bicycle component 12 is a front shifting device 10A in the form of a front derailleur and it includes an inventive clamping band 20 for clamping a seat tube of the bicycle 1.

However, the invention is not limited to the described arrangement. The clampband 20 may be used with any other tubular portion of a bicycle. In one example, the bail 20 clamps a portion of the handlebar 6 to rigidly secure any operating element, such as a rod or cycle computer. In another embodiment, the clampband 20 clamps the front fork 2A of the bicycle frame 2 to attach any sensors or lighting devices accordingly. Thus, the described broad applicability also applies to the bicycle component 12 to be attached. Thus, the clampband 20 is a widely available attachment device for any different sized or diameter tubular portion 14 for attaching any type of bicycle component 12 known in the art.

As seen in FIG. 2, the front derailleur 10A includes a clamping band 20 for clamping the tubular portion 14 (i.e., the seat tube) of the bicycle 1. The front derailleur 10A also includes a movable member 16 that provides variable positioning relative to the bicycle 1. Specifically, the movable member 16 is movably coupled to the base member 22 of the clampband 20. The movable member 16 includes a chain holder 18, a first link 19A and a second link 19B. The first and

second links

19A, 19B are pivotally disposed on the base member 22 and the chain retainer 18 to implement a four-bar linkage between the chain retainer 18, the first and

second links

19A, 19B and the bail 20. However, any other movable coupling that does not limit the specific functionality of a given device is contemplated.

The chain retainer 18 is configured to move relative to the base member 22. The chain holder 18 is configured to move the chain in a lateral direction of the bicycle frame 2 to cause a shifting operation. Specifically, the chain retainer 18 moves the chain between adjacent front sprockets. The detailed structure and function of these components are well known in the art. Therefore, they have not been explained in any detail for the sake of brevity and clarity.

Hereinafter, by referring to FIGS. 3 to 10, a specific structure of the clampband 20 according to one embodiment of the present invention is described. Clampband 20 includes a base member 22, a first clamping member 24A and a second clamping member 24B. The first clamping member 24A is pivotally mounted to the base member 22. Likewise, the second clamping member 24B is pivotally mounted to the base member 22. In this case, clampband 20 includes coupling structure 32 that couples first clamping member 24A and second clamping member 24B for pivoting them relative to each other. Due to the pivotal movement of the first and

second clamping members

24A, 24B, the tubular portion 14 of the bicycle 1 disposed between the first and

second clamping members

24A, 24B can be clamped.

The base member 22 of clampband 20 includes a body 26. The body 26 has a rectangular shape and is made of a metal material, such as steel, a steel alloy, or an aluminum alloy. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. In one example, any other aerodynamic, functionally advantageous or attractive shape of the body 26 may be used to meet the requirements of the described invention. In further examples, the base member 22 is made of a different suitable material, such as any known carbon or plastic material that provides the required strength.

The body 26 includes a top 26A and a bottom 26B. According to this embodiment, the base member 22 also includes a recess 28. Specifically, the recess 28 is disposed between the top 26A and the bottom 26B of the body 26 and faces the tubular portion 14 in the clamped state. The recess 28 is configured to receive the first end 24A1 of the first clamping member 24A. The recess 28 is also configured to receive the first end 24B1 of the second clamping member 24B. Thus, the first and

second clamping members

24A, 24B are at least partially disposed between the top and

bottom portions

26A, 26B to allow pivotal arrangement of the first and

second clamping members

24A, 24B relative to the base member 22.

The base member 22 is configured to be coupled to any known bicycle component 12, such as the front derailleur 10A described above and illustrated in FIG. 2. In this case, the body 26 can include any coupling mechanism compatible with attaching to a corresponding component of the bicycle component 12. In this manner, the clampband 20 provides broad applicability with respect to any type of bicycle component 12 to be attached to the tubular portion 14. According to another embodiment, the base member 22 is formed as a unitary member with a portion of the bicycle component 12. Here, to provide an integrated attachment device, the respective arrangement may be considered during the production process of the bicycle component 12.

The clampband 20 also includes a first pivot 30A disposed on the base member 22, the first pivot 30A defining a first pivot axis P1, and the first clamp member 24A pivoting about a first pivot axis P1. Specifically, the first pivot 30A is disposed within the recess 28 between the top 26A and the bottom 26B of the body 26. The first pivot 30A is fixed by its both ends to a portion of the top portion 26A and the bottom portion 26B, respectively. The remainder of the first pivot shaft 30A further passes through the first end 24A1 of the first clamping member 24A enabling the first clamping member 24A to be pivotally mounted.

Similarly, clampband 20 also includes a second pivot 30B disposed on base member 22, with second pivot 30B defining a second pivot axis P2, and with second clamp member 24B pivoting about second pivot axis P2. The second pivot 30B is disposed in the recess 28 between the top 26A and the bottom 26B of the body 26. In addition, the second pivot 30B is also fixed by its both ends to a portion of the top portion 26A and the bottom portion 26B, respectively. The remainder of the second pivot shaft 30B passes through the first end 24B1 of the second clamping member 24B such that the second clamping member 24B can be pivotally mounted.

In the present embodiment, the first pivot shaft 30A and the second pivot shaft 30B are disposed in parallel and spaced apart relation to receive the first end 24A1 of the first clamping member 24A and the first end 24B1 of the second clamping member 24B, respectively. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. In another example, the first and

second clamping members

24A and 24B are attached to the base member 22 by only one pivot. Here, the pivot shafts pass through the first end 24A1 of the first clamping member 24A and the first end 24B1 of the second clamping member 24B, respectively.

In one example, clampband 20 also includes at least one biasing member, such as a spring, for biasing at least one of first clamping member 24A and second clamping member 24B. The biasing force exerted by the biasing member may be directed clockwise or counterclockwise relative to the first pivot axis P1 and the second pivot axis P2. In one embodiment, two biasing members may be provided for biasing the first and

second clamping members

24A, 24B in different directions. Preferably, the first and

second clamping members

24A, 24B are biased to pivot relative to each other about the first and second pivot axes P1, P2.

As shown in fig. 7 and 8, the coupling structure 32 includes a clamping bolt 34A and a clamping nut 34B for adjusting the pivotal movement of the first and

second clamping members

24A and 24B relative to each other. The second clamping member 24B includes a second end 24B2 opposite the first end 24B 1. The second end 24B2 includes an elongated through-hole 36 for receiving a portion of the coupling structure 32. The first clamping member 24A also includes a second end 24A2 opposite the first end 24A 1. The second end 24a2 likewise includes a through hole 38 for receiving another portion of the coupling structure 32. In this embodiment, the head of the clamping bolt 34A abuts the second end 24B2 of the second clamping member 24B. The clamping bolt 34A further extends through the elongated through hole 36 and through the through hole 38 to allow setting of a particular distance between the second end 24A2 of the first clamping member 24A and the second end 24B2 of the second clamping member 24B. The clamping nut 34B is positioned at the second end 24A2 of the first clamping member 24A for engagement with the clamping bolt 34A. In one example, the clamping nut 34B is disposed in a recess in the second end 24A2 of the first clamping member 24A to prevent rotation of the clamping nut 34 relative to the second end 24A 2.

Thus, the clamping bolt 34A may be rotated in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction to adjust the distance between the second end 24A2 of the first clamping member 24A and the second end 24B2 of the second clamping member 24B. Thus, the clampband 20 reaches the clamped state to clamp the tubular portion 14 of the bicycle 1 in view of the corresponding reduction in the distance between the two second ends 24a2 and 24B 2.

Referring to fig. 3-10, first clamping member 24A includes a first surface 40A facing tubular portion 14 in the clamped state where clampband 20 clamps tubular portion 14. Further, the first surface 40A has a plurality of first contact portions 42A configured such that a transition between adjacent first contact portions 42A is discontinuous. Specifically, each of the plurality of first contact portions 42A is a first flat contact surface. In this embodiment, six first flat contact surfaces are provided on the first surface 40A.

In addition, the second clamping member 24B includes a second surface 40B that faces the tubular portion 14 in the clamped state where the clampband 20 clamps the tubular portion 14. The second surface 40B has a plurality of second contact portions 42B configured such that a transition between adjacent second contact portions 42B is discontinuous. Specifically, each of the plurality of second contact portions 42B is a second flat contact surface. In this embodiment, six second flat contact surfaces are provided on the second surface 40B.

The first clamping member 24A and the second clamping member 24B are metallic materials, such as steel, steel alloys, or aluminum alloys. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. In one example, any other material for reducing the weight of the device of the present invention may be used, including carbon or any known plastic material. In another example, the first surface 40A and the second surface 40B are coated with an additional material, such as a non-slip coating, for improving the attachment between the clampband 20 and the tubular portion 14.

As shown in fig. 5 and 6, the outer surfaces of the first clamping member 24A and the second clamping member 24B are semicircular including a continuous structure. However, both second ends 24a2 and 24B2 extend radially outward for receiving the described coupling structure 32. Of course, any other shape or arrangement is possible.

With respect to the first clamping member 24A, the plurality of first contact portions 42A (first flat contact surfaces) are inclined to each other to form a discontinuous structure of the first surface 40A. The same applies to the second clamping member 24B. The plurality of second contact portions 42B (second flat contact surfaces) are inclined to each other to form a discontinuous structure of the second surface 40B. According to further embodiments, the angle of inclination can vary depending on the particular requirements of the clampband 20 provided. In one example, each of the plurality of first contact portions and the plurality of second contact portions is a ribbed surface. Another example considers a rounded surface for realizing a discontinuous structure.

Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, a clampband 20 for two different diameter tubular portions 14 is described in the clamped condition. As shown in fig. 11, the clamping bolt 34A is tightened to move the first and

second clamping members

24A and 24B toward each other to achieve the above-described clamped state. Thus, the first and

second clamping members

24A and 24B pivot relative to each other about the first and second pivot axes P1 and P2, respectively.

Therefore, there are at least three first contact points 44 on the plurality of first contact portions 42A and the plurality of second contact portions 42B. The first contact point 44 is configured to contact the tubular portion 14 having the first diameter D1 in the clamped state. In this embodiment, four contact points 44 are provided on the plurality of first contact portions 42A and the plurality of second contact portions 42B. Thus, the inventive arrangement of clampband 20 ensures that clampband 20 is securely attached to tubular portion 14 having first diameter D1.

Referring to fig. 12, the second diameter D2 of the tubular portion 14 is different from the first diameter D1 of fig. 11. In this embodiment, the second diameter D2 is less than the first diameter D1. In another example, the second diameter D2 is greater than the first diameter D1. The clamping bolt 34A is tightened again to move the first and

second clamping members

24A, 24B toward each other to achieve the clamped state. Thus, the first and

second clamping members

Because the second diameter D2 of tubular portion 14 is less than the first diameter D1, the second end 24A2 of first clamping member 24A is closer to the second end 24B2 of second clamping member 24B. Although the first contact point 44 is described as no longer being present, there are at least three second contact points 46 on the plurality of first contact portions 42A and the plurality of second contact portions 42B that are different from the first contact point 44. The second contact point 46 is configured to contact the tubular portion 14 having the second diameter D2 in the clamped state. In the present embodiment, four second contact points 46 are provided on the plurality of first contact portions 42A and the plurality of second contact portions 42B.

The second contact points 46 are provided on other portions of the plurality of first contact portions 42A and the plurality of second contact portions 42B than the first contact points 44. However, this depends on the particular size of the clampband 20 and the diameter of the tubular section 14 to be clamped. Here, each of the four first contact points 44 is disposed on the outermost first contact portion 42A or second contact portion 42B with respect to the first end 24a1, second end 24a2, and first end 24B1, second end 24B 2. Instead, four second contact points 46 are provided that are located closer to each other on the first and

second surfaces

40A and 40B, respectively. This is evident from a comparison of fig. 11 and 12.

Thus, the clampband 20 of the present invention as described ensures the presence of multiple contact points 44 and 46 for the tubular portions 14 of different diameters D1, D2 of the bicycle 1. Thus, the clampband 20 is widely applicable to tubular portions 14 of different diameters D1, D2 of the bicycle 1. This further ensures a secure attachment and simplified construction of the clampband 20 of the present invention.

Although only one exemplary embodiment has been described in detail to illustrate the present invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that many changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of protection defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A clampband for clamping a tubular portion of a bicycle, the clampband comprising:

a base member;

a first clamping member pivotally mounted on the base member and having a first surface facing the tubular portion in a clamped state in which the clampband clamps the tubular portion;

a second clamp member pivotably mounted on the base member and having a second surface facing the tubular portion in the clamped state; and

a coupling structure that couples the first and second clamping members to pivot relative to each other; wherein

The first surface having a plurality of first contact portions configured such that a transition between adjacent first contact portions is discontinuous;

the second surface has a plurality of second contact portions configured such that a transition between adjacent second contact portions is discontinuous.

2. The clampband of claim 1, wherein,

providing at least three first contact points on the plurality of first contact portions and the plurality of second contact portions, an

The first contact point is configured to contact the tubular portion having a first diameter in the clamped state.

3. The clampband of claim 2, wherein,

providing at least three second contact points on the plurality of first contact portions and the plurality of second contact portions, an

The second contact point is configured to contact the tubular portion having a second diameter different from the first diameter in the clamped state.

4. A clampband for clamping a tubular portion of a bicycle, the clampband comprising:

a base member;

The first surface has a plurality of first contact portions;

the second surface has a plurality of second contact portions;

at least three first contact points are provided on the plurality of first contact portions and the plurality of second contact portions,

the first contact point is configured to contact the tubular portion having a first diameter in the clamped state;

providing at least three second contact points on the plurality of first contact portions and the plurality of second contact portions; and

5. The clampband of any of claims 1-4, wherein,

each of the plurality of first contact portions is a first flat contact surface.

6. The clampband of claim 5, wherein,

at least four first flat contact surfaces are provided on the first surface.

7. The clampband of any of claims 1-6, wherein,

each of the plurality of second contact portions is a second flat contact surface.

8. The clampband of claim 7, wherein,

at least four second flat contact surfaces are provided on the second surface.

9. The clampband of any of claims 1-8, further comprising:

a first pivot disposed on the base member and defining a first pivot axis about which the first clamping member pivots.

10. The clampband of any of claims 1-9, further comprising:

a second pivot disposed on the base member and defining a second pivot axis about which the second clamping member pivots.

11. A bicycle component, comprising:

the clampband of any of claims 1-10.

12. The bicycle component according to claim 11, further comprising: a movable member movably coupled to the base member.

13. The bicycle component according to claim 12,

the movable member includes a chain retainer configured to be movable relative to the base member.