System for manipulating a continuously variable transmission

Abstract

A shifter for use with a continuously variable transmission includes a grip portion and a hub portion. Specifically, the shifter is designed for use on a bicycle, but could also be used with any light vehicle. The grip portion is characterized by a rotatable adjuster that is coupled to a cable. The cable is also coupled to a hub portion. As the adjuster is rotated, the cable is pulled, in turn rotating a pulley assembly in the hub portion. As the pulley assembly is rotated, it advances a rod within a continuously variable transmission. The rod adjusts the power adjusters as described above. The grip portion is also unique in its display of information to the rider. The grip portion includes a display showing the ratio of input to output. The display also includes a filament that curves as the ration is adjusted. A high ratio renders the filament flat while the filament takes on a steep curve as the ratio is adjusted to make riding up hills easier.

1 . A shifter comprising: 
 (a) a grip    (b) a hub coupled to the grip portion by a cable; wherein the grip can be rotated to adjust a pulley located in the hub.    
     
     
         2 . The shifter of  claim 1  wherein the grip comprises a display.  
     
     
         3 . The shifter of  claim 2  wherein the display comprises a filament that is moveable from a first position to a second position.  
     
     
         4 . The shifter of  claim 1  wherein the grip comprises an adjuster coupled to the cable, wherein the adjuster can be rotated to adjust the tension on the cable.  
     
     
         5 . The shifter of  claim 1  wherein the hub comprises a case and a pulley assembly within the case.  
     
     
         6 . The shifter of  claim 5  wherein an adjustment in a tension on a cable rotates the pulley assembly.  
     
     
         7 . The shifter of  claim 6  wherein the pulley assembly is operatively coupled to a continuously variable transmission so that an adjustment to the pulley assembly alters a power adjuster in the transmission.  
     
     
         8 . The shifter of  claim 1  wherein an adjustment of the shifter further adjusts a ratio between an input force and an output force.