WO2012009683A1

WO2012009683A1 - Remote bike brake

Info

Publication number: WO2012009683A1
Application number: PCT/US2011/044260
Authority: WO
Inventors: James Shapiro; David Liu
Original assignee: James Shapiro; David Liu
Priority date: 2010-07-16
Filing date: 2011-07-15
Publication date: 2012-01-19

Abstract

Described herein are variations of remote brake systems that comprise a hand actuated lever located remotely from the steering controls of a bicycle (e.g., proximal handlebars), thereby enabling a rider to actuate a bicycle brake without fully engaging the steering controls. In certain variations, the remote brake system may be configured to allow attenuated braking, which may help prevent abrupt reductions in speed and/or allow for a smooth deceleration.

Description

REMOTE BIKE BRAKE

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Prov. Appl. No. 61/365,258 filed on July 16, 2010 and U.S. Prov. Appl. No. 61/408,503 filed on October 29, 2010, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Bicycle hand-controlled brakes operate via actuators attached to the handlebars and operated by squeezing a grip. For example, mountain bikes generally have one set of grips located on the outer portion of the handle bars, while road bikes can have both main and auxiliary actuators on the handlebars, e.g., one on the drop portion of the handlebars and another on the straight portion of the handlebars. In the case of the road bike, both actuators operate on the same control cable, so that either actuator may be used to actuate the bike brake(s). Such an arrangement is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 3,776,061 to Yoshigai and U.S. Patent No.

3,977,270 to Cristie. Improvements have related to the activation of the brakes using brake levers located at various positions on the handlebars, as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,901,595 to Ozaki, et al.

BRIEF SUMMARY

[0003] Described herein are remote brake systems where the brake lever is remote from the handlebars. A remote brake lever may be convenient for use while the rider is in only light contact and/or not fully engaged with the handlebars (e.g., when the rider is in an upright or hands-free position). In certain variations, the remote brake system may be configured to allow for attenuated braking, which may help prevent abrupt reductions in speed and/or allow for a smooth deceleration.

[0004] Described herein is one variation of a remote brake system for a bicycle with proximal handlebars, the system comprising a bicycle braking mechanism and a remote hand-actuated brake lever separate from the proximal handlebars. The remote hand- actuated brake lever may be configured to actuate the braking mechanism. Some variations of a remote brake system may comprise a sheath, a cable that is at least partially enclosed in the sheath, and a remote actuation assembly coupled to the sheath and configured to be actuated by the remote brake lever. The cable may be connected to the braking mechanism such that the braking mechanism may be actuated according to the tension on the cable. The remote actuation assembly may be configured to adjust the tension on the control cable by urging the sheath over the cable. In some variations, the remote actuation assembly may comprise a tubular element disposed over the cable, a sheath seat disposed over the cable, where the cable is slidable within a lumen of the tubular element. The sheath may be coupled to the sheath seat. An auxiliary control wire may be interposed between the remote brake lever and the sheath seat such that tensioning the auxiliary control wire slides the sheath seat within the tubular element.

[0005] One variation of a remote brake system may further comprise a bicycle braking mechanism and a remote hand- actuated brake lever separate from the proximal handlebars. The remote hand-actuated brake lever may be configured to actuate the braking mechanism. The system may further comprise a first sheath, a second sheath in alignment with the first sheath and coupled to the braking mechanism, a cable that is at least partially enclosed in the first and second sheaths, and a remote actuation assembly coupled to at least one of the first and second sheaths and configured to be actuated by the remote brake lever. The cable may be connected to the braking mechanism such that the braking mechanism is actuated according to the tension on the cable. The remote actuation assembly may be configured to adjust the tension on the cable by adjusting the distance between the first and second sheaths. In some variations, the remote actuation assembly may comprise a base, a sheath seat rotatably coupled to the base, an auxiliary sheath that is interposed between the hand-actuated lever and a first portion of the base, and an auxiliary control wire that is connected between the hand-actuated lever and the rotatable sheath and at least partially disposed within the auxiliary sheath. The distal portion of the first sheath may be coupled to the sheath seat and the proximal portion of the second sheath may be coupled to a second portion of the base. In other variations, the remote actuation assembly may comprise a plurality of sheath segments disposed over a length of the auxiliary control wire.

[0006] Another variation of a remote brake system may comprise a bicycle braking mechanism and a remote hand- actuated brake lever separate from the proximal handlebars. The remote hand-actuated brake lever may be configured to actuate the braking mechanism. The system may further comprise a first sheath, a second sheath in alignment with the first sheath, and a cable that is at least partially enclosed in the first and second sheaths, where the cable is connected to the braking mechanism such that the braking mechanism is actuated according to the tension on the cable. The second sheath may be coupled to the braking mechanism, and the remote brake lever may be configured to adjust the tension on the cable by adjusting the distance between the first and second sheaths.

[0007] Another variation of a remote brake system for a bicycle may comprise a bicycle braking mechanism and a remote hand-actuated brake lever separate from the proximal handlebars. The remote hand- actuated brake lever may be configured to actuate the braking mechanism. The system may further comprise a cable that is connected to the braking mechanism such that the braking mechanism is actuated according to the tension on the cable, wherein the remote brake lever is configured to adjust the tension on the cable by displacing a portion of the cable orthogonally to the longitudinal axis of the cable.

[0008] Another variation of a remote brake system for a bicycle may comprise a bicycle braking mechanism and a remote hand-actuated brake lever separate from the proximal handlebars. The remote hand- actuated brake lever may be configured to actuate the braking mechanism. The system may further comprise a cable that is connected to the braking mechanism such that the braking mechanism is actuated according to the tension on the cable and a remote actuation assembly configured to be actuated by the remote brake lever. The remote actuation assembly may be configured to adjust the tension on the cable by displacing a portion of the cable along the longitudinal axis of the cable.

[0009] Any of the remote brake systems described herein comprising a remote actuating assembly may further comprise a spring configured to bias the remote actuation assembly to a non-braked configuration. Alternatively or additionally, the remote brake system described herein may comprise a rotary control configured to retain the tension on the cable and a release lever configured to release the tension on the cable. Optionally, a remote brake system may comprise a brake attenuation mechanism configured to limit the tension on the cable.

Alternatively or additionally, a remote brake system may also comprise a hand-actuated lever comprising a pivot and a spring around the pivot such that rotating the hand-actuated lever in a first direction around the pivot increases the cable tension and rotating the hand-actuated lever in a second direction around the pivot decreases the cable tension, and wherein the spring limits the cable tension to a maximum tension. The remote brake lever of any of the remote brake systems described herein may be attached to a bicycle seat and/or bicycle seat post.

[0010] One variation of a remote brake system for a bicycle may comprise a brake control cable with a proximal-most portion and a distal-most portion wherein the cable is at least partially enclosed in a displaceable sheath, and wherein the cable has an adjustable path length, a brake mechanism coupled to the cable, and a hand-actuated lever coupled to the frame of the bicycle at a location that is remote from a proximal handlebar of the bicycle (e.g., the seat post, bicycle seat, etc.), wherein the hand-actuated lever is capable of displacing the sheath to adjust the path length to apply the tension on the brake control cable. The path length of the brake control cable may be adjustable, while the length of the brake control cable may be fixed. The brake mechanism may be configured to be actuated according to the tension of the brake control cable. The braking system may further comprise a brake attenuation mechanism configured to limit the tension of the brake control cable. In some variations, the hand-actuated lever may be coupled to a seat or seat post of the bicycle. Certain braking systems may also comprise a spring that is configured to limit the adjustability of the path length of the brake control cable.

Optionally, the braking system may further comprise a sheath where a proximal portion of the sheath is coupled to the bicycle frame and a distal portion of the sheath is coupled to the hand- actuated lever. The sheath may be made of a flexible material and may have lumen

therethrough, where a cable passes through the lumen to attach to the hand-actuated lever.

[0011] In some variations of a remote brake system, the hand-actuated lever comprises a pivot such that rotating the hand-actuated lever in a first direction around the pivot increases the tension on the brake control cable and rotating the hand-actuated lever in a second direction around the pivot decreases the tension on the brake control cable, and wherein the spring limits the brake control cable tension to a maximum tension. Remote brake systems may also comprise a rotary control that may be capable of retaining the brake control cable tension and may optionally comprise a release lever capable of releasing the retention of the rotary control to reduce the tension on the brake control cable. The hand-actuated lever may be located such that it extends in a direction that is proximal to the seat post and may be at an oblique angle with respect to the seat post. In other variations, the hand-actuated lever may be located such that it extends in a direction that is distal to the seat post and may be at an oblique angle with respect to the seat post, or it may be offset to the side of the seat post and extend distally. In still other variations, the hand-actuated lever may be located such that it extends in a direction that is to the side to the seat post and may be at an oblique angle with respect to the seat post.

[0012] Another variation of a bicycle braking control system may comprise an outer sheath comprising a proximal portion and a distal portion, a brake control cable that is at least partially enclosed in the proximal and distal portions of the outer sheath, a handlebar lever connected to the proximal portion and configured to adjust the brake control cable tension, a remote hand lever interposed between the proximal and distal portion of the outer sheath, where the remote hand lever is located such that it is actuatable while the rider is partially disengaged from the handlebars (e.g., only lightly contacting the handlebars), or fully disengaged from the handlebars (e.g., where the rider is in an upright hands-free position, wherein the hands are removed from the handlebars). The proximal and distal portions of the outer sheath may be capable of moving with respect to each other, and the remote hand lever may be configured to move the distal and/or proximal portion to adjust the distance between them. The remote hand lever may be coupled to a proximal end of the distal portion of the sheath, and/or the distal end of the proximal portion of the sheath. Optionally, the braking control system may comprise a ratchet mechanism configured to retain a constant distance between the proximal and distal portions of the outer sheath. Certain braking systems may also comprise a spring that is configured to limit the movement of the proximal and distal portions with respect to each other.

[0013] Another variation of a bicycle braking control system may comprise a bicycle braking mechanism, an outer sheath that is coupled to the braking mechanism, a brake control cable that is at least partially enclosed in the outer sheath where a distal portion of the brake control cable is connected to the braking mechanism such that the braking mechanism is actuated according to the tension on the brake control cable, a remote actuation assembly coupled to a proximal portion of the outer sheath, and a hand-actuated lever that is remote from the handlebars of the bicycle. The remote actuation assembly may be configured to move the outer sheath and adjust the tension on the brake control cable to actuate the braking mechanism. In some variations, the remote actuation assembly may comprise a first arm, a second arm that is rotatably coupled to the first arm, an auxiliary sheath that is interposed between the hand-actuated lever and a first portion of the second arm, and an auxiliary control wire that is connected between the hand- actuated lever and the first arm. The auxiliary control wire may be at least partially disposed within the auxiliary sheath, and the proximal portion of the outer sheath may be coupled to a second portion of the second arm. The braking control system may also comprise an elongate member that at least partially encloses the auxiliary control wire, where a distal portion of the elongate member is connected to the remote actuation assembly and a proximal portion of the elongate member is connected to the hand-actuated lever. The elongate member may be made of a flexible material and may have lumen therethrough, where the auxiliary control wire passes through the lumen to attach to the hand-actuated lever. The braking system may further comprise a brake attenuation mechanism configured to limit the tension of the brake control cable. In some variations, the hand-actuated lever may be coupled to a seat or seat post of the bicycle. Optionally, the remote actuation assembly may further comprise a spring interposed between the first arm and second arm that biases the remote actuation assembly to a certain configuration. Certain braking systems may also comprise a spring that is configured to limit the displacement of the sheath. In some variations of a braking system, the hand-actuated lever comprises a pivot such that rotating the hand-actuated lever in a first direction around the pivot increases the tension on the brake control cable and rotating the hand-actuated lever in a second direction around the pivot decreases the tension on the brake control cable, and wherein the spring limits the cable tension to a maximum tension. Braking systems may also comprise a rotary control that may be capable of retaining the brake control cable tension and may optionally comprise a release lever capable of releasing the retention of the rotary control to reduce the tension on the cable. The hand-actuated lever may be located such that it extends in a direction that is proximal to the seat post and may be at an oblique angle with respect to the seat post. In other variations, the hand-actuated lever may be located such that it extends in a direction that is distal to the seat post and may be at an oblique angle with respect to the seat post. In still other variations, the hand-actuated lever may be located such that it extends in a direction that is to the side to the seat post and may be at an oblique angle with respect to the seat post, or it may be offset to the side of the seat post and extend distally.

[0014] In some variations, a remote braking control system may comprise a bicycle braking mechanism, an outer sheath that is coupled to the braking mechanism, a brake control cable that is at least partially enclosed in the outer sheath where a distal portion of the inner cable is connected to the braking mechanism such that the braking mechanism is actuated according to the tension on the brake control cable, a remote actuation assembly coupled to the braking system and coupled to a distal portion of the outer sheath, and a hand-actuated lever that is remote from the handlebars of the bicycle. The remote actuation assembly may be configured to move the outer sheath and adjust the tension on the brake control cable to actuate the braking mechanism. In some variations, the remote actuation assembly may comprise a first arm, a second arm that is rotatably coupled to the first arm, an auxiliary sheath that is interposed between the hand- actuated lever and a first portion of the first arm, and an auxiliary control wire that is connected between the hand-actuated lever and the second arm. The auxiliary control wire may be at least partially disposed within the auxiliary sheath, and the distal portion of the outer sheath may be coupled to a second portion of the second arm.

[0015] Other variations of a braking system for a bicycle may comprise a cable comprising an outer sheath with a proximal portion and a distal portion, and a brake control cable at least partially enclosed by the outer sheath, a brake mechanism coupled to the brake control cable where the brake mechanism is configured to be actuated according to the tension of the cable, and a hand-actuated lever coupled to the frame of the bicycle at a location that is remote from a proximal handlebar of the bicycle, where the hand-actuated lever is capable of displacing a length of the brake control cable to adjust the tension on the brake control cable.

[0016] Another example of bicycle braking control system may comprise an outer sheath comprising a proximal portion and a distal portion that are capable of being moved with respect to each other, a brake control cable that is at least partially enclosed in the proximal and distal portions of the outer sheath, and a remote actuation assembly interposed between the proximal and distal portion of the outer sheath, where the remote actuation assembly may be configured to adjust the distance between the proximal and distal portions of the outer sheath. In some variations, the remote actuation assembly may comprise a remote lever located such that it is actuatable while a rider is in light contact with the handlebars or at least partially disengaged from the handlebars. The remote actuation assembly may further comprise a first arm, a second arm rotatably coupled to the first arm, an auxiliary sheath connecting the remote lever to the first arm, and an auxiliary control wire disposed within the auxiliary sheath connecting the remote lever to the second arm. Certain variations of a remote actuation assembly may additionally comprise a spring interposed between the first arm and the second arm. [0017] Yet another variation of a braking system for a bicycle may comprise a proximal handlebar, a cable comprising an outer sheath with a proximal portion and a distal portion, and an brake control cable at least partially enclosed by the outer sheath where a proximal portion of the cable is attached to the proximal handlebar, e.g., a brake control lever on the proximal handlebar, and the distal portion of the brake control cable comprises a first segment and a second segment that joins the first segment at an intersection, a brake mechanism comprising a first arm and a second arm coupled to the first arm at a pivot where the first segment of the brake control cable is attached to the first arm and the second segment is attached to the second arm, where the brake mechanism is configured to be actuated according to the displacement of the first and second segment, an actuating wire where a distal portion of the actuating wire is attached to the brake control cable at or near the intersection of the first and second segments, and a hand-actuated lever coupled the frame of the bicycle at a location that is remote from a proximal handlebar of the bicycle. A proximal portion of the actuating wire may be connected to the hand-actuated lever such that the hand-actuated lever is capable of applying tension on the actuating wire to adjust the displacement of the first and second segments. In some variations, the distal portion of the brake control cable may bifurcate to form a first segment and the second segment, where the distal portion of the actuating wire may be attached to the brake control cable at or near the bifurcation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] FIG. 1 is an elevational view of one variation of a bicycle braking system.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a partial elevational view of one variation of a bicycle with one example of a remote brake system.

[0020] FIG. 3 A is a side view of a variation of a remote brake system; FIGS. 3B and 3C is a component view of a remote brake lever assembly used in FIG. 3A.

[0021] FIG. 4A depicts another variation of a remote brake system; FIG. 4B depicts an example of a remote brake lever assembly that may be used with the remote brake system of FIG. 4A. [0022] FIG. 5A depicts an example of a remote actuation assembly that may be used with the remote brake lever system of the remote brake system of FIG. 5B.

[0023] FIG. 6A depicts an example of a remote actuation assembly that may be used with the remote brake lever system of the remote brake system of FIG. 6B.

[0024] FIG. 7 A illustrates another variation of a remote brake system for a bicycle; FIGS. 7B- 7D depict side, back, and top views of possible locations of a remote brake lever that may be used with the remote brake system of FIG. 7A.

[0025] FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of a ratchet mechanism coupled to a remote braking lever that may be used with a bicycle braking system.

[0026] FIG. 9A depicts an enlarged side view of a remote actuation assembly that may be used with the remote brake lever system of the remote brake system of FIG. 9B.

[0027] FIG. 10 illustrates a side perspective view of one example of a remote brake lever assembly.

[0028] FIG. 11 A is a side view of a mechanism that may be used to attenuate the tension created in an auxiliary control wire used to actuate the remote actuation assembly of FIG. 11B.

[0029] FIGS. 12A-120 are various side and top views of various positions and locations away from the handlebars of a bicycle for a remote brake lever assembly.

[0030] FIG. 13 is a side view of one example of a remote brake lever assembly with a mechanism that may help prevent over-braking.

[0031] FIGS. 14A-14C schematically depict other variations of a remote actuation assembly of a remote brake system.

[0032] FIGS. 15A-15C are perspective component views of another variation of a remote actuation assembly of a remote brake system. FIGS. 15D and 15E are cross-sectional views of various components of the remote actuation assembly of FIGS. 15A-15C. FIG. 15F is a partial cutaway view of the remote actuation assembly of FIGS. 15A-15C. FIGS. 15G and 15H are partial cutaway views of various configurations of the remote actuation assembly of FIGS. 15A- 15C.

[0033] FIG. 16A is a top view of another variation of a remote actuation assembly of a remote brake system. FIG. 16B is a cross-sectional view of the remote actuation assembly of FIG. 16A taken along the line 16B-16B. FIG. 16C is a cross-sectional view of another variation of a remote actuation assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Bicycles may have one or more braking systems that can be actuated with levers at different locations as may be desirable for ready bicycle rider access. Bicycles may have a main brake system that comprises an actuating lever located on the steering controls of a bicycle (e.g., the handlebars). The actuating lever may be configured to control front brakes and/or rear brakes. Certain bicycles may additionally have an auxiliary brake system that may be used to control the front brakes and/or rear brakes using a second actuating lever on the steering controls of a bicycle. FIG. 1 depicts one example of a main brake system for a bicycle (100). As shown there, the bicycle (100) has a proximal handlebar (101) with a lever (102) that may be used to control the main brake system. The main brake system may comprise a brake control cable (103) which may extend from the lever (102) through a curved proximal sheath (104) to a proximal sheath seat (105), then along the main frame tube (106) to a distal sheath seat (107) where it again runs inside of a curved distal sheath (108). The distal sheath (108) terminates at a brake assembly, e.g., a caliper brake assembly (109). Applying tension to the control wire (103) actuates the caliper brake assembly (109). The path length of the brake control cable (103) from the lever (102) to the caliper brake assembly (109) may be determined by the curvature of the proximal sheath (104), the length of the main frame tube (106) between the proximal sheath seat (105) and distal sheath seat (107), and the curvature of the distal sheath (108). The curved sheaths and the straight main frame tube shape the path of the brake control cable (103) between the lever (102) and the caliper brake assembly (109). Squeezing the handlebar lever (102) pulls the proximal end of control wire (103), and due to the fixed length of the control wire, transmits a tensioning force at the caliper brake assembly (109), thereby forcing the caliper brake assembly (109) to rub against a wheel (110) and inhibit its rotation. The brake assembly may be of any suitable type, for example, it may have one of several configurations, such as "side pull," "center pull," disc or drum, with the common feature that tension transmitted from the proximal handlebar lever (102) actuates the braking mechanism. While the braking systems described herein actuate a side pull caliper brake assembly, other types of braking mechanisms suitable for use with a bicycle may also be used with the braking systems described herein.

[0035] In the main brake system of FIG. 1, the tension on the brake control cable (103) is increased by actuating the lever (102) which pulls the control wire. Other types of braking systems may increase the tension on a brake control cable by adjusting the path length of the control wire. As described above, the path length of the control wire may be determined in part by the length of the proximal and/or distal sheaths. For example, extending the length of the proximal and/or distal sheaths may increase the tension on the brake control cable to activate the caliper brake assembly. Additionally or alternatively, displacing any one of several sheaths in the path of a control wire may increase the path length of the control wire, thereby actuating the brake assembly. A second braking system that does not interfere with the operation of the main brake system may adjust the tension on the control wire by altering the path length of the control wire.

[0036] Described herein are remote brake systems that comprise a remote brake lever that may be actuated while a bicycle rider is not fully engaged with the steering controls, e.g., handlebars. The remote braking systems disclosed herein may not interfere with the main brake system. Under some circumstances, the rider may prefer to ride in a position where the rider is not fully engaged with the handlebars and/or only lightly contacting the handlebars. For example, when the rider is coasting on downhill portion of a ride, the rider may find it desirable to at least partially disengage from the handlebars, and/or ride in a substantially upright position. While partially or fully disengaged from the handlebars and/or riding in an upright position, the rider may not be able to decelerate or slow down without leaning over and reengaging the handlebars. Since the downhill portions of a ride may be a desirable time for rest, it may be useful to provide a braking system that may be accessible and actuated by a rider whose hands are not fully engaged with the handlebars. In some circumstances, such as when stopped on a slope, a rider may wish to stop the bike from rolling without having to be fully engaged with the handlebars.

[0037] A bicycle rider may be considered to be "fully disengaged" from the steering controls of the bicycle, e.g., the handlebars, if the rider is not in contact with the steering controls. For example, in the "fully disengaged" position, the rider is unable to readily actuate the handlebar brake lever. In some cases, when the bicycle rider is "fully disengaged" from the handlebars, none of the weight of the rider may be supported by the handlebars, and the body of the rider may be substantially perpendicular with respect to the ground (e.g., around 90°). In some cases, when the bicycle rider is "fully disengaged" from the handlebars, he is no longer able to steer the bicycle with the handlebars.

[0038] A bicycle rider may be considered to be "partially disengaged" from the steering controls, e.g., handlebars, or "lightly contacting" the steering controls if the rider is contacting a portion of the steering controls, but may not be able to grip a brake actuation lever mounted on the steering controls. In some cases, little or none of the weight of the rider may be supported by the handlebars, and the body of the rider may have a greater angle with respect to the ground. In the "partially disengaged" position, the rider may be in contact with a portion of the handlebars to provide some stability and control, but may not be able to stably grip the handlebar brake control. For example, the rider may use a partially disengaged position to attain greater stability and control than he can have when fully disengaged but still allow a relatively more relaxed or varied posture than would be possible when fully engaged with the handlebars. The remote bicycle braking systems described herein may be actuated by a rider who is at least partially disengaged or fully disengaged from the handlebars.

[0039] A remote bicycle braking system may comprise a remote brake lever assembly comprising a remote hand-actuated brake lever. A remote hand-actuated brake lever may be attached at various locations that are separate from the handlebars of a bicycle. In some variations, the hand-actuated brake lever may be attached at a location that is readily accessible to a rider who is partially disengaged or fully disengaged from the proximal handlebars. FIGS. 12A-120 depict examples of where a remote hand-actuated brake lever may be attached. Any of the remote brake assemblies and hand-actuated brake levers depicted here may be used with any of the remote brake systems and/or remote actuation assemblies described below. In some variations, a remote brake lever assembly may be coupled to the seat and/or seat post and the brake lever may extend in a direction that is proximal or distal to the seat or seat post, or to the side of the seat and/or seat post. The remote brake lever may extend from the seat or seat post at an oblique angle, as may be desirable and suitable for a bicycle rider. The example shown in FIG. 12B comprises a remote brake lever assembly on one side and an auxiliary handlebar below a bicycle seat on another side, where the auxiliary handlebar has both a handle-grip on one side. The remote brake lever assembly may work in conjunction with the auxiliary handlebar to provide the rider with a stable fixture for gripping to further steady himself when at least partially disengaged from the proximal handlebars, e.g., when the rider is in the upright position with his hands off the proximal handlebars. The configuration in FIG. 12B also permits placement of other control elements such as a gear shift control or additional brake controls, on the auxiliary handlebar. Each of examples depicted in FIGS. 12C, 121, 12K, and 12M shows a remote brake lever assembly projecting proximally from an attachment point below the bicycle seat; FIG. 12D shows such an assembly projecting obliquely proximally; FIGS. 12A, 12E, 12F, 12G, 12H, and 121 show variations of remote brake lever assemblies disposed distally from the seat. In each of the examples depicted in FIGS. 12A, 121, 12K, 12L, and 12M, a remote brake actuation assembly may swivel from side to side or up and down or in some combination thereof to accommodate the most comfortable position for the rider while remaining out of the way when not in use, and may include stops to prevent the remote brake handle assembly from swiveling beyond a set distance. FIGS. 12N and 120 depict a side and top view of another variation of a remote brake lever assembly (1200). The remote brake lever assembly (1200) may comprise a base (1202) that is configured to be attached to the bicycle seat post (1208) and a hand-actuated lever (1204) rotatably attached to the base (1202). A brake actuating cable (1210) may be attached to the hand- actuated brake lever (1204) by a set screw (1211). The brake actuating cable (1210) may be directly coupled to the brake control cable such that tensioning the brake actuating cable (1210) displaces and tensions the brake control cable to actuate the bicycle brake. In some variations, the brake actuating cable (1210) may be an auxiliary wire that is coupled to an intermediate mechanism such that tensioning the auxiliary cable causes the intermediate mechanism to tension the brake control cable. The remote brake lever (1204) may be rotatably attached to the base (1202) by a pivot (1212) (e.g., a fulcrum pivot). Pulling the remote brake lever (1204) in the direction of the arrow (1205) may cause the brake lever to rotate around the pivot (1212), which may in turn increase the tension on the cable (1210) to actuate the bicycle brake. The hand-actuated brake lever (1204) may curve around the seat post (1208) as illustrated in FIG. 120, which may help prevent a rider's legs from contacting the brake lever. The curvature of the hand- actuated brake lever (1204) may wrap around the front or the back of the seat post (1208), as may be desirable. While the remote brake lever assemblies depicted in FIGS. 12A-120 may be attached to the seat post, it should be understood that they may alternatively be attached directly to the seat (e.g., at the base of the seat).

[0040] FIGS. 7B-7D illustrate three orthogonal views (side, top and rear) that illustrate the location and orientation of another variation of a remote hand-actuated brake handle (725). The remote brake handle may be disposed below the outer edge of the bicycle seat, which may help a bicycle rider to actuate the handle while stabilizing his hand on the edge of the seat, thereby increasing his level of control. The remote brake handle may also be offset to the side of the seat and/or seat post, and extend in a direction that is distal to the seat or seat post. The remote brake handle may be positioned to one side of the centerline of the bicycle, which may provide additional room for an underseat storage bag or rack, for instance. Furthermore, the position of the remote brake handle relative to the bottom of the bicycle seat may determine the maximum distance that the brake handle may be displaced upon actuation, thus limiting the potential for over-braking.

[0041] In some variations, a remote brake assembly may be attached to other parts of the bicycle that are separate from the proximal handle. For example, FIG. 10 illustrates one variation of a remote brake system comprising a remote brake lever assembly and an elongate member attached along the main frame tube of a bicycle. The remote brake lever assembly (1021) may be disposed at the end of an elongate member (1039), which may be pivotally attached to a remote actuation assembly (1000) that is interposed between a proximal sheath (1004) and a proximal sheath seat (1005). The remote brake lever assembly (1021) may be configured to actuate the remote actuation assembly (1000) in order to adjust the tension on the control wire (1003), using any of the mechanisms described below. The elongate member (1039) may be rigid, flexible or semi-rigid, and may articulate or rotate with respect to the remote actuation assembly (1000) in an unlimited or limited way. The rotation or articulation of the elongate member (1039) with respect to the remote actuation assembly (1000) may be limited by, for example, a stopped hinge, which may help to prevent the elongate member (1039) and the remote brake lever assembly (1021) from falling below a main frame tube (1006), or from moving from side to side. A clip (1026) may be used to store the remote brake lever assembly (1021) when not in use. It should be noted that any of the remote brake levers described herein may be used with any remote actuation assemblies and/or remote brake systems. The illustrated figures merely portray examples of possible combinations of remote actuation assemblies and remote brake levers. The location of a remote brake lever may be adjusted depending on the type of remote actuation assembly that is used so that the remote actuation assembly does not interfere with the actuation of the brake lever.

[0042] The remote brake lever assemblies described above may be used to control the tension on the brake control cable by altering the path length of the control wire (e.g., by adjusting the curvature and/or position of sheaths through which the control wire is threaded) and/or by displacing a portion of the brake control cable (e.g., by pulling the control wire along or orthogonally to the longitudinal axis of the wire). In some variations, the remote brake lever assembly may be configured to actuate an intermediate mechanism which in turn adjusts the tension on the brake control cable. For example, pressing or rotating the hand-actuated brake lever of a brake lever assembly may pull an auxiliary wire that actuates a remote actuation assembly that in turn pulls the brake control cable (e.g., using a pivoting element or sliding mechanism, etc.) or adjusts the position of a sheath to tension the brake control cable. In other variations, the remote brake lever may be configured to directly adjust the tension on the brake control cable. For example, pressing or rotating the brake lever of a brake lever assembly may directly pull the brake control cable or directly shift the position of a sheath to tension the control cable.

[0043] A remote brake system may be assembled on a bicycle without interfering with the actuation of the main brake system by the handlebars. In some variations, a remote brake system may be installed over the main brake system without disengaging the main brake system from the braking mechanism. The components of a remote brake system may comprise slotted apertures, set screws, sheath stops, and the like for installing the remote brake system over the wires, sheaths, cables, etc. of the main brake system. Examples of various types of remote brake systems are described below.

[0044] Some variations of remote brake systems comprise an intermediate mechanism configured to adjust the sheath(s) along the path length of a brake control cable to adjust the tension on the control cable, thereby actuating the braking mechanism. In some variations, the intermediate mechanism may be separate from the brake mechanism and coupled to the brake mechanism (e.g., via a sheath or tube), while in other variations, the intermediate mechanism may be integrated with the brake mechanism (e.g., components of the intermediate mechanism and brake mechanism may be integrally formed). The intermediate mechanism may be actuated by any of the remote brake lever assemblies described above. One example of a remote brake system comprising an intermediate mechanism that adjusts the position of one or more sheaths along the path length of a brake control cable is depicted in FIGS. 14A-14C. A remote brake system may comprise a remote actuation assembly (1400) comprising a main body (1413) with a first arm (1401) and a second arm (1402) that is joined to the first arm at an angle, and a rotating member (1417) rotatably attached to the main body (1413) by a pivot (1405). The remote actuation assembly (1400) may be installed over the existing main brake system of the bicycle. The main brake system may comprise a brake control cable (1407) that may extend from a proximal portion of the bicycle (e.g., proximal handlebars, a distal sheath seat) to the braking mechanism, e.g., a caliper brake (not shown). The main brake system may also comprise an intermediate sheath (1411), where at least a portion of the path length of the brake control cable (1407) may be enclosed in the intermediate sheath. The remote actuation assembly (1400) may be configured to displace the intermediate sheath (1411) to adjust the path length of the control wire to adjust the tension on the brake control cable (1407). In some variations, the intermediate sheath (1411) may be coupled to the rotating member (1417) such that rotating the rotatable member (1417) may in turn displace the intermediate sheath (1411), thereby increasing or decreasing the tension on the brake control cable (1407). Any of the remote brake lever assemblies described above may be configured to actuate the remote actuation assembly (1400) to apply a force on the rotatable member (1417).

[0045] In the variation of the remote actuation assembly (1400) depicted in FIGS. 14A-14C, the control cable (1407) may extend through the intermediate sheath (1411), through a first sheath seat (1412) of the rotating member (1417), and through the second sheath seat (1418) of the second arm (1402), to the braking mechanism. The first sheath seat (1412) may be located on a first portion (1404) of the rotating member (1417) such that the first sheath seat (1412) is in alignment with the second sheath seat (1418). The intermediate sheath (1411) may be coupled to the first sheath seat (1412) of the rotating member (1417). Rotation of the rotating member (1417) about the pivot (1405) may adjust the path length of the brake control cable (1407) by moving or displacing the intermediate sheath (1411) away from the second arm (1402). [0046] The rotatable member (1417) may be actuated by a remote brake lever assembly using a variety of mechanisms. For example, the rotating member (1417) may comprise a second portion (1403) to which an auxiliary control wire (1422) from a remote brake lever may be attached. The auxiliary control wire (1422) may be attached to the second portion (1403) by any suitable method, for example, using a set screw, adhesive bonding, welding, soldering, and the like. The first arm (1401) may have an auxiliary sheath seat (1419). The auxiliary control wire (1422) may be attached to the remote brake lever such that actuating the lever may tension the auxiliary control wire (1422) and in turn rotate the rotating member (1417) by pulling on the second portion (1403) of the rotating member. In the remote actuation assembly (1400), the auxiliary control wire (1422) may be enclosed in an auxiliary sheath (1420) that is seated in the auxiliary sheath seat (1419). Optionally, a spring (1425) may be interposed between the first arm and the rotating member (1417). For example, the spring (1425) may be disposed over the auxiliary control wire (1422) as it extends from the auxiliary sheath seat (1419) to the second portion (1403). The spring (1425) may bias the remote actuation assembly (1400) in a non- braked configuration by pressing the second portion (1404) into contact with the second arm (1402), i.e., as shown in FIG. 14A. To transition the remote actuation assembly (1400) into a braked configuration, the auxiliary control wire (1422) may be pulled in the direction of arrow Al, which may compress the spring (1425) and rotate the rotating member (1417) in the direction of arrow A3.

[0047] The rotating member (1417) may form an angle (1424) with the first arm (1401) of the main body (1413) where the angle (1424) may change as the remote actuation assembly (1400) is actuated from a non-braked configuration to a braked configuration. The angle (1424) may be larger in the non-braked configuration than in the braked configuration. The length of the spring (1425) in its compressed configuration may restrict the degree to which the angle (1424) may be reduced, thereby affecting the degree to which the brake control cable (1407) path length may be changed. Coiled springs with different spring constants may be used provide a greater range of rotation of the rotating member (1417), e.g., allow for a greater reduction in the angle (1424). Alternatively, other types of springs may also be used. For example, FIG. 14B depicts one variation of the remote actuation assembly (1400) comprising a leaf spring (1426). The leaf spring (1426) may provide a greater range of rotation for the rotating member (1417). In some variations, using the leaf spring (1426) instead of the spring (1425) may result in a smaller angle (1424) when the remote actuation assembly (1400) is in the braked configuration. That is, when the auxiliary control wire (1422) is tensioned, the leaf spring (1426) may allow for a greater reduction in the angle (1424) than the spring (1425) may allow. Different types of springs may be selected according to the desired range of motion of the rotating member.

[0048] The distance Dl between the first sheath seat (1412) and a second sheath seat (1418) may be selected such that the length of the intermediate sheath (1411) of the main brake system as provided with the bicycle does not need to be altered in order to accommodate the remote brake system, e.g., installing and using the remote actuation assembly may not require shortening or lengthening the intermediate sheath. For example, the distance Dl may be minimized such that installation of the remote actuation assembly may not require much, if any, adjustment of the brake control cable. For example, the distance Dl may be from about 1/32 in to about 1 in, e.g., ¼ in, ½ in, etc. In some variations, the intermediate sheath (1411) may be an existing sheath that is provided with the bicycle as part of the main brake assembly, which may be retained by the first sheath seat (1412). The second sheath seat (1418) may be configured to engage directly with a sheath seat on the existing brake assembly. Alternatively, the second sheath seat (1418) may be configured to engage a distal-most brake sheath, or tubing of the braking mechanism (e.g., a metal tube, flexible tube, etc.), as may be desirable. In other variations, the second sheath seat (1418) may not interface with a distal tube or sheath. In still other variations, the remote actuation assembly may be integrated with (e.g., built into) the brake mechanism. For example, the second sheath seat may be integrally formed with a component of the brake mechanism, e.g., a sheath, tube, etc.

[0049] The wire and/or sheath connection between the remote brake lever assembly and the remote actuation assembly may be flexible and/or bendable. This may allow the positions of the brake lever assembly and/or the remote actuation assembly to be adjusted relative to each other (e.g., according to the height or preference of the rider) without generating a torque force on the auxiliary control wire. This may help prevent deflection of the remote brake lever assembly and/or remote actuation assembly towards an undesired location. For example, while the remote actuation assembly (1400) may be controlled by a remote brake lever assembly using an auxiliary control wire and a continuous flexible sheath (1420) as depicted in FIGS. 14A and 14B, other flexible and/or bendable mechanisms may also be used. For example, the sheath (1420) may be a standard bicycle sheath, but may alternatively be any construct that provides a fixed path length for the auxiliary control wire. This may include a series of short sheath segments, beads, or other similar means to allow the auxiliary control wire to follow a flexible path. For example, as depicted in FIG. 14C, the actuation assembly (1400) may comprise an auxiliary control wire (1432) comprising one or more beads (1434) slidably disposed along the segment of the wire between the remote brake lever assembly and the main body (1413). The auxiliary control wire may alternatively comprise a plurality of sheath segments slidably coupled thereto. An auxiliary control wire comprising beads or sheath segments may have greater flexibility than an auxiliary control wire enclosed in a sheath. The flexibility of the auxiliary control wire and/or sheath may be adjusted by selecting materials with varying degrees of flexibility. Increased flexibility of the auxiliary control cable may be desirable for enabling varying spatial orientations of the remote actuation assembly and the remote brake lever assembly. This may allow the remote brake lever assembly to be positioned at a location on the bicycle that is readily accessible to a bicycle rider who is partially or fully disengaged from the handlebars. For example, a flexible auxiliary control wire may allow the remote brake lever assembly to be adjusted higher or lower along the seat post, and/or allow the remote actuation assembly to be positioned and attached at a desired location with respect to the remote brake lever, without introducing a force that would torque the brake lever assembly and/or the remote actuation assembly in an undesired position.

[0050] Another example of a remote brake system comprising an intermediate mechanism such as a remote actuation assembly is depicted in FIGS. 5 A and 5B. A remote actuation assembly (500) may be positioned between a remote hand-actuated brake lever (523) and a brake control cable (503) such that the path length of the brake control cable (503) may be adjusted by activating the remote actuation assembly. The remote actuation assembly (500) may have a first arm (513) with a protruding proximal element (512) that is sized and shaped to fit into a distal sheath seat (507). The brake control cable (503) extends through the distal sheath seat (507), through the protruding proximal element (512) and then into a second arm (517) pivotally attached to the first arm (513), where it again enters a distal sheath (508) seated in a sheath seat (518), leading to a brake assembly, e.g., a caliper brake assembly. The remote actuation assembly (500) may be actuated by applying tension to an auxiliary control wire (522), which runs from the remote brake lever (523) through the auxiliary sheath (520) attached to the second arm (517) by a sheath seat (518), and to a set screw (524) in the first arm (513). Actuation of the remote brake lever (523) applies tension to the auxiliary control wire (522), causing the sheath seat (518) to move away from the first arm (513), thereby applying tension to the brake control cable (503) and actuating a brake. A spring (525) may be attached between the second arm

(517) and the first arm (513) to bias the remote actuation assembly in a non-braked position. Note that remote actuation assembly (500) may be configured so that the distance from the proximal protruding element (512) to the sheath seat (518) may be short enough such that the remote actuation assembly (500) may be added to a bicycle without replacing the distal sheath (508), for instance the proximal protruding element (512) may be less than 1 inch in length and the path through the second arm (517) to the sheath seat (518) may be less than ½ inch in length. Note also that the path from the proximal protruding element (512) through the sheath seat

(518) may have a narrow slot allowing placement of the remote actuation assembly (500) on the brake control cable (503) without temporarily removing the brake control cable (503). Note further that the auxiliary sheath (520) may include a strain relief configuration, such as helical winding or looping, which may allow the adjustment of seat height without adjustment of the length of the auxiliary sheath (520) or the auxiliary control wire (522). It should be noted that such a strain relief configuration may be used with any of the remote actuation assemblies described herein.

[0051] Another example of a remote brake system where the brake lever is configured to actuate an intermediate mechanism which in turn adjusts the sheath(s) to alter the path length of the brake control cable is depicted in FIGS. 6 A and 6B. A remote actuation assembly (600) may be positioned between an intermediate sheath (611) and a distal sheath (608). A brake control cable (603) extends through the distal sheath seat (607), through the intermediate sheath (611) and then into a first arm (613) of the remote actuation assembly (600), then into a second arm (617) pivotally attached to the first arm (613), where it again enters the distal sheath (608) leading to a brake assembly. The distal portion of the intermediate sheath (611) may be retained in a first sheath seat (612) on the first arm (613), and the proximal portion of the distal sheath (608) may be retained in a second sheath seat (618) on the second arm (617). The first arm (613) may also comprise an auxiliary sheath seat (619), into which fits an auxiliary sheath (620) that leads to a remote brake lever assembly (621). An auxiliary control wire (622) may extend from the remote brake lever (623) through the auxiliary sheath (620), the first arm (613) and to a set screw (624) in the second arm (617). Actuation of remote brake lever (623) applies tension to the auxiliary control wire (622), causing sheath seat (618) to move away from the first arm (613), thereby applying tension to the brake control cable (603) and actuating a brake. An interposing spring (625) may be attached between the second arm (617) and the first arm (613) to bias the remote actuation assembly in the non-braked configuration. A clip (626) may be located on the main frame tube and used to store the remote brake lever assembly (621) when not in use. In some variations, distal sheath seat (618) may be configured to interface directly with the brake assembly, or with the sheath connector leading to the brake assembly, such that the remote actuation assembly (600) may be added to a bicycle without changing the distal sheath (608). For example, the distal sheath (608) may extend from distal sheath seat (607) to the first sheath seat (612). In some variations, the distal sheath (608) may be an existing sheath that is provided with the bicycle as part of the main brake assembly. The distal sheath seat (618) may be configured to engage directly with a sheath seat on the existing brake assembly.

Alternatively, the distal sheath seat (618) may be configured to engage a distal-most brake sheath, or tubing of the braking mechanism (e.g., a metal tube, flexible tube, etc.), as may be desirable. In other variations, the distal sheath seat (618) may not interface with a distal tube or sheath. In some variations, the remote brake system may not have an intermediate sheath (611), and the distal sheath seat (618) may directly interface with the distal sheath seat (607), as may be desirable. In still other variations, the remote actuation assembly may be integrated with (e.g., built into) the brake mechanism. For example, the distal sheath seat may be integrally formed with a component of the brake mechanism, e.g., a sheath, tube, etc.

[0052] While the remote brake lever assembly (621) may be attached to the frame of the bicycle via an auxiliary sheath (620) and/or retained by the clip (626), the remote brake lever assembly may be directly attached to the bicycle frame. For example, FIG. 7A depicts another variation of a remote brake system comprising an intermediate mechanism that is configured to adjust the sheath(s) along the path length of a brake control cable, where the intermediate mechanism is actuated by a remote brake lever assembly that is directly attached to the bicycle seat post. A remote actuation assembly (700) is positioned between an intermediate sheath (711) and a distal sheath (708), and is controlled by a remote brake lever assembly (721). The remote brake lever assembly (721) may be attached to the frame of the bicycle, e.g., to the seat post, using any suitable mechanism. In some variations, the remote brake lever assembly (721) may be coupled to a ring that may circumscribe the seat post and may be secured using a screw. A brake control cable (703) extends through the distal sheath seat (707), through the intermediate sheath (711) and then into a first arm (713) of the remote actuation assembly (700), then into a second arm (717) pivotally attached to the first arm (713), where it again enters a distal sheath (708) leading to a brake assembly. The distal portion of the intermediate sheath (711) may be retained in a first sheath seat (712) on the first arm (713), and the proximal portion of the distal sheath (708) may be retained in a second sheath seat (718) on the second arm (717). The first arm (713) contains a auxiliary sheath seat (719), into which fits an auxiliary sheath (720) that leads to a remote brake lever assembly (721). An auxiliary control wire (722) may extend from a remote brake lever (723) through the auxiliary sheath (720), the auxiliary sheath seat (719) and to a set screw (724) in the second arm (717). Actuation of the remote brake lever (723) applies tension to the auxiliary control wire (722), causing second sheath seat (718) to move away from first arm (713), thereby applying tension to the brake control cable (703) and actuating a brake. In some variations, a spring (e.g., a coiled spring, leaf spring, etc.) may be interposed between the first arm (713) and the second arm (717) to bias the remote actuation assembly (700) in a desired configuration. In other variations, the auxiliary control wire (722) may not be enclosed in a continuous sheath, but instead may comprise a series of short sheath segments, beads, or other similar means to allow the auxiliary control wire to follow a flexible path. In some variations, the distal sheath (708) may be an existing sheath that is provided with the bicycle as part of the main brake assembly. The distal sheath seat (718) may be configured to engage directly with a sheath seat on the existing brake assembly. Alternatively, the distal sheath seat (718) may be configured to engage a distal-most brake sheath, or tubing of the braking mechanism (e.g., a metal tube, flexible tube, etc.), as may be desirable. In other variations, the distal sheath seat (718) may not interface with a distal tube or sheath. In still other variations, the remote actuation assembly may be integrated with (e.g., built into) the brake mechanism. For example, the distal sheath seat may be integrally formed with a component of the brake mechanism, e.g., a sheath, tube, etc.

[0053] The remote actuation assemblies described above comprise a pivotable member, however, other variations may utilize other mechanisms to adjust the tension on the brake control cable. One example of a remote actuation assembly that may comprise a slidable member configured to adjust the sheath(s) along the path length of a brake control cable is depicted in FIGS. 15A-15H. A remote brake system may comprise a remote actuation assembly that may be configured to act on the sheath in a direction that is substantially parallel to the brake control cable, e.g., by urging the sheath parallel to the brake control cable. A remote actuation assembly may comprise an outer body (1502) with a lumen (1504) that opens to an aperture (1505), an inner body (1506) that is slidably disposed within the lumen (1504), and a cap (1508) that is shaped to fit over the aperture (1505) to retain the inner body (1506) within the outer body (1502). The slidable inner body (1506) may comprise a sheath lumen (1510) and an auxiliary control wire lumen (1512). The sheath lumen (1510) may be positioned such that when the inner body (1506) is retained within the outer body (1502), the sheath lumen is aligned with a distal sheath connecter (1514). Additionally, the inner body (1506) may also comprise an inner body slit (1513) extending from the outer surface of the inner body (1506) to connect with the sheath lumen (1510). The slit (1513) may be wide enough for a brake control cable to pass through, but too narrow for a sheath to pass through. The cap (1508) may comprise a sheath through-hole (1516) and an auxiliary control wire through-hole (1518). When the remote actuation assembly is fully assembled, the sheath through-hole (1516) of the cap (1508) may be in alignment with the sheath lumen (1510) of the inner body, and the auxiliary control wire through-hole (1518) of the cap (1508) may be in alignment with the auxiliary control wire lumen (1512) of the inner body, such that a cable or wire may pass through the through holes in the cap (1508) and into the respective lumens in the inner body (1506). Additionally, the cap (1508) may also comprise a cap slit (1520) that is connected with the sheath through-hole (1516). The outer body (1502) may also have an outer body slit (1522) that extends along the entire length of the top edge of the outer body and along the distal sheath connector (1514). When assembled together, the outer body slit (1522), cap slit (1520), and inner body slit (1513) may be aligned such that a control wire may be cable through all the slits into a continuous lumen formed by the sheath through-hole (1516) and sheath lumen (1510). This may allow the braking system to be installed onto the existing brake control cable of the braking system of a bicycle without cutting or adding any wires, cables, or sheaths. The slits of the outer body, cap, and/or the inner body may have the same width, or different widths. For example, outer body slit may be wide enough for a sheath to pass through, while the inner body slit may be wide enough for a cable or wire to pass through, but not a sheath. [0054] FIG. 15D is a cross-sectional view of the inner body (1506) with a brake sheath (1530) seated in the sheath lumen (1510) and a brake control cable (1532) within the sheath (1530). The brake control cable (1532) may extend through the sheath (1530) and through the length of the inner body (1506) to the distal braking assembly, e.g., a caliper brake. As depicted in FIG. 15D, the diameter of the sheath lumen (1510) may vary across the length of the inner body (1506). For example, a first portion (1540) of the sheath lumen (1510) may have a diameter that is larger than the diameter of the sheath (1530), and a second portion (1542) of the sheath lumen (1501) may have a diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the sheath (1503), but large enough for the brake control cable (1532) to pass through. The auxiliary control wire lumen (1512) may have a narrow portion (1544) and a wide portion (1546), where the narrow portion (1544) has a diameter that is large enough for an auxiliary control wire (1534) to pass through. The auxiliary control wire (1534) may have a ball or crimp (1536) at its distal end to retain the auxiliary control wire within the auxiliary control wire lumen (1512).

[0055] FIG. 15E is a cross-sectional view of the cap (1508). The sheath through-hole (1516) may have a diameter that is larger than the diameter of a brake sheath, e.g., may have the same diameter as the sheath lumen (1510). The auxiliary control wire through-hole (1518) may have a wide portion (1548) and a narrow portion (1550), where the wide portion (1548) may have a diameter suitable for retaining a sheath, while the narrow portion (1550) may have a diameter suitable for passing the auxiliary control wire therethrough, but not wide enough for a sheath to pass through. FIG. 15F depicts a partial cutaway of the remote actuation assembly (1500) of a remote braking assembly. The auxiliary control wire through-hole (1518) may be aligned with the auxiliary control wire lumen (1512), the sheath through-hole (1516) in the cap (1508) may be aligned with the sheath lumen (1510) of the inner body (1506), and the sheath lumen (1510) may be aligned with the distal sheath connector (1514).

[0056] FIGS. 15G and 15H are partial cutaway view of the remote actuation assembly (1500) in a non-braked and braked configuration, respectively. The brake sheath (1530) may extend through the sheath through-hole in the cap (1508), across the length of the outer body (1502), and into the sheath lumen of the inner body (1506). The brake control cable (1532) may be located within the sheath (1530), and may extend through the sheath, through the cap (1508), across the outer body (1502), through the inner body (1506), and through the distal sheath connector (1514). In some variations, the brake control cable may then pass within a distal sheath (not shown) to the distal braking mechanism. In other variations the distal sheath seat (1514) may be configured to engage directly with the brake assembly such that no sheath is needed between the remote brake system (1500) and the brake assembly. The auxiliary control sheath (1533) may extend from a remote braking lever through the auxiliary wire through-hole in the cap (1508). The auxiliary control wire (1534) may be located within the auxiliary control wire sheath (1533), and may extend through the auxiliary control wire sheath (1533) from a remote brake lever, through the cap (1508), across the outer body (1502), and into the inner body (1506), where it is retained within the wire lumen by the crimp (1536) or other suitable means. In the non-braked configuration depicted in FIG. 15G, the inner body (1506) may be located at the distal portion (1501) of the remote actuation assembly (1500). When a remote brake lever is actuated, tension may be applied to the auxiliary control wire (1534) such that it is pulled in the direction of arrow A2. The inner body (1506) may slide across the length of the outer body (1502) in accordance with the force applied on the auxiliary control wire (1534). Accordingly, the brake sheath (1530) is also displaced in the direction of arrow A2, altering the path length of the brake control cable (1532) which may in turn activate the braking mechanism. For example, displacing the brake sheath may apply tension to the brake control cable (1532). FIG. 15H depicts the location of the inner body (1506) in the braked configuration, where the inner body (1506) may be located at a proximal portion (1507) of the outer body (1502). In some variations, a spring (e.g., a coiled spring, leaf spring, etc.) may be interposed between the inner body (1506) and/or the cap (1508) or wall of the outer body (1502) that may bias the inner body to a desired position, e.g., to the non-braked configuration. The distal sheath connector (1514) may be configured to engage directly with a sheath seat on the existing brake assembly.

Alternatively, the distal sheath connector (1514) may be configured to engage a distal-most brake sheath, tubing of the braking mechanism (e.g., a metal tube, flexible tube, etc.), as may be desirable. In other variations, the distal sheath connector (1514) may not interface with a distal tube or sheath. In still other variations, the remote actuation assembly may be integrated with (e.g., built into) the brake mechanism. For example, the distal sheath seat may be integrally formed with a component of the brake mechanism, e.g., a sheath, tube, etc. In some variations, the auxiliary control wire (1534) may not be enclosed in a continuous sheath, but instead may comprise a series of short sheath segments, beads, or other similar means to allow the auxiliary control wire to follow a flexible path. [0057] Another example of a remote brake system comprising a remote actuation assembly with a sliding member that adjusts the sheath(s) along the path length of a brake control cable is depicted in FIGS. 16A-16C. Remote actuation assembly (1600) may comprise a body (1602) with a first rail (1604) and a second rail (1606) that each extend along the length of the body (1602), and a slidable member (1608) configured to slide over the first and second rails. The body (1602) may have a first through-lumen (1610) and a second through-lumen (1612) on a first end of the body, and a sheath connector (1614) on a second end of the body (1602). The first and second through-lumens (1610, 1612) may be sized and shaped to retain a brake sheath and/or wire therethrough. The sheath connector (1614) may have a wire lumen (1616) therethrough, and may be configured to interface with a distal sheath seat (1615). As illustrated in the cross-sectional view in FIG. 16B, the slidable member (1608) may comprise a central aperture (1618), a first aperture (1620) and a second aperture (1622), where the central aperture (1618) may be sized and shaped to accommodate a sheath, and the first and second apertures (1620, 1622) may be sized and shaped such that they are capable of sliding over and along the first and second rails (1604, 1606).

[0058] The central aperture (1618) may be aligned with the second through-lumen (1612) such that a brake sheath (1632) extending through the second through-lumen may be inserted into and retained within the central aperture. A brake control cable (1633) that may be within the bicycle sheath (1632) may extend through the entire length of the remote brake system body (1602), through the cable lumen (1616) to the braking mechanism. The sheath (1632) may be retained within the central aperture (1618) by any suitable method, such as friction fit, adhesive bonding, set screw, or the like. Alternatively, the distal end (1636) of the sheath (1632) may be retained by a sheath seat in the slidable member.

[0059] An auxiliary control wire (1630) that may be within an auxiliary control wire sheath (1631) may extend from a remote brake lever (not shown) and through the first through-lumen (1610). The auxiliary control wire sheath (1631) may extend into the first through-lumen (1610) such that the sheath (1631) is retained in the first through-lumen (1610) and the auxiliary control wire (1630) may extend through the lumen (1610), and attach to the slidable member (1608). The auxiliary control wire (1630) may be attached to the slidable member (1608) by welding, set screw, adhesive bonding, or any method that may provide a sufficiently tight contact between the control wire and the slidable member such that pulling the control wire will cause the slidable member to be slid along the rails. Optionally, there may be a spring element that is interposed between the slidable member (1608) and a portion of the body (1602) which may bias the slidable member in a desired configuration. For example, there may be a return spring interposed between the slidable member and one end of the body that opposes the pulling force from the auxiliary control wire. The return spring may act to retract the slidable member to a desired initial configuration in the absence of a pulling force on the auxiliary control wire. The sheath connector (1614) may be configured to engage directly with a sheath seat on the existing brake assembly. Alternatively, the sheath connector (1614) may be configured to engage a distal-most brake sheath, tubing of the braking mechanism (e.g., a metal tube, flexible tube, etc.), as may be desirable. In other variations, the sheath connector (1614) may not interface with a distal tube or sheath. In still other variations, the remote actuation assembly may be integrated with (e.g., built into) the brake mechanism. For example, the sheath connector may be integrally formed with a component of the brake mechanism, e.g., a sheath, tube, etc. In some variations, the auxiliary control wire (1630) may not be enclosed in a continuous sheath (1631), but instead may comprise a series of short sheath segments, beads, or other similar means to allow the auxiliary control wire to follow a flexible path.

[0060] FIG. 16C depicts another variation of a slidable member (1650) may be used with a slidable mechanism for a remote brake system. The slidable member (1650) may comprise an elongate tubular member with a first slot (1651) on one side and a second slot (1653) on the opposite side. These slots may extend along the length of the body of the remote actuation assembly, and be configured to accommodate the wings of a collet (1652) that retains the sheath (1632). The wings of the collet may be positioned across from each other and may be slidable in the slots.

[0061] In other variations of a remote brake system, the remote brake lever assembly may directly adjust the tension of a brake control cable without an intermediate mechanism (e.g., a remote actuation assembly). For example, a remote brake lever assembly may comprise a remote hand-actuated brake lever configured to directly adjust the path length of the brake control cable to actuate the brake mechanism. FIG. 2 depicts one example of a remote brake system (230) that is configured to actuate a brake assembly (209) by adjusting the path length of a brake control cable between the proximal portion of a first curved sheath and the distal portion of a second curved sheath (208). In this example, the main brake system may comprise a brake control cable (203) that extends from a hand-actuated lever (202) on a proximal handlebar (201), through a proximal sheath (204) to a proximal sheath seat (205), then along then along a main frame tube (206) to the distal portion of the bicycle. There, the control cable (203) may extend into a first distal sheath seat (207), where it may be at least partially enclosed inside a first curved sheath (211) that is attached to the distal sheath seat (207). The brake control cable (203) and the first sheath (211) may interface with a remote brake lever assembly (214) and may extend to a second distal sheath seat (212) in a housing (213) of a remote brake lever assembly (214), where the brake control cable (203) again exits the sheath, extends through a first longitudinal lumen (215) in the housing (213) of the remote brake lever assembly (214) and a second longitudinal lumen (216) in a remote brake lever (217) which is pivotally mounted to the housing (213) and interposed between the first sheath (211) and a second sheath (208). The second longitudinal lumen (216) in the remote brake lever (217) extends to a third sheath seat (218), where the brake control cable (203) enters a second curved sheath (208), which terminates at a brake assembly (209). The remote brake lever (217) may be any suitable lever that may be actuated by hand. For example, a remote brake lever may be actuated by twisting, squeezing, pushing, pulling, turning, pressing, pinching, and the like. While remote brake levers may be described as being actuated by one hand motion, it should be understood that other types of brake levers that may be actuated by other hand motions may also be used, and that any of the various levers may be used with any of the remote brake systems and/or remote actuation assemblies described herein.

[0062] The length of first and second sheaths (211) and (208) may be selected so that they may be used with a standard length brake control cable (203), for example, the first sheath (211) may be from about 6 inches to about 9 inches, and the length of the second sheath (208) may be from about 4 inches to about 15 inches, for example, 6 inches to about 9 inches or about 8 inches to aboutl4 inches. Either or both of the first and second sheaths (211) or (208) may be the sheath that is originally part of the bicycle brake system. The path length of the brake control cable (203) from the lever (202) to the brake assembly (209) is determined in part by the length of the first sheath (211), the first longitudinal lumen (215) through the housing (213) of the remote brake lever assembly (214), the second longitudinal lumen (216) through the remote brake lever (217), and the length of the second sheath (208). Actuating the remote brake lever (217) may move the first sheath (211) and/or the second sheath (208) with respect to each other. For example, the remote brake lever (217) may be configured to move the second sheath (208) away from the first sheath (211), which may increase the path length of the control wire (203) from proximal handlebar lever (202) to brake assembly (209), resulting in tension applied to the brake assembly (209) by the control wire (203) and causing it to inhibit rotation of wheel (210). The remote brake lever (217) may move the second sheath (208) such that the distance between a proximal end (232) of the second sheath (208) and the distal end (234) of the first sheath (211) is increased. Remote brake lever (217) may be actuated by moving it toward the rear of the bicycle, which may help to prevent further actuation of the brake (209) should the bicycle rider be biased forward as the brake is applied.

[0063] FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate another example of a remote brake system comprising a brake lever assembly that may be used to directly adjust the tension on a brake control cable without an intermediate mechanism. The remote brake lever assembly may comprise a remote brake lever that is accessible by a rider who is at least partially disengaged from the handlebars. As depicted there, a brake control cable (403) from a proximal main brake assembly as described previously may extend through a first sheath (411) and a second sheath (432) to a caliper brake assembly (not shown). A remote brake lever assembly may be affixed, for example, to a seat or seat post (430) of the bicycle. A remote brake lever (417) may be pivotally attached to a brake lever assembly main body (413). Actuation of the remote brake lever (417) may adjust the path length of the control cable (403), and may increase the path length by moving a first sheath seat (412) apart from a second sheath seat (418). FIGS. 4A and 4B depict one example of a remote brake lever assembly (414) that may be used to adjust the position of a first and second sheath in order to adjust the path length of a control wire that is at least partially enclosed in the sheaths. The remote brake lever (417) may be coupled to the main body (413) by a pivot (434). In the example shown here, the first sheath seat (412) in the remote brake lever (417) is substantially opposite to the second sheath seat (418) in the main body (413). When the remote brake lever (417) is gripped such that it is moved towards the main body (413), the first sheath seat (412) is pivoted away from the second sheath seat (418). This increases the path length of the enclosed brake control cable (not shown here) which effectively tensions the control cable to actuate the caliper brake assembly. Alternatively, the first sheath seat (412) or the second sheath seat (418) may be configured to interface directly with the distal sheath seat or brake assembly, respectively, which may allow the remote brake lever assembly (414) to be added to a bicycle without changing the existing sheath.

[0064] Some remote brake lever assemblies may comprise an attenuation mechanism that may limit the braking force as the brake lever is actuated. FIG. 13 illustrates an example of a remote brake lever assembly that may be used to control any of the remote brake systems described herein, where the remote brake lever assembly (1314) is configured to limit the braking force applied so that accidental over-braking may be avoided. For example, a brake control cable (1303) may extend through a sheath (1311), into the remote brake lever assembly (1314), through a remote brake lever (1317), and into a sheath (1308) that runs to a brake assembly. The remote brake lever assembly further comprises a fixed member (1345) which may couple the remote brake lever assembly (1314) to a bicycle, a pivoting segment (1313) pivotally attached to the fixed member (1345) at pivot (1346), with a biasing member (1347) positioned such that the biasing member (1347) biases the pivoting segment (1313) in a first direction, and a stop (1348) on the fixed member (1345) configured to limit the movement of the pivoting segment (1313) in a second direction. Actuation of the remote brake lever (1317) moves the sheath (1308) away from the sheath (1311), creating tension on the brake control cable (1303) and actuating the brake. When the force required to increase braking by further actuation of the remote brake lever (1317) exceeds the force required to displace the biasing member (1347), the pivoting segment (1313) is displaced around pivot (1346) in a second direction such that braking force is not increased. When enough force is applied to the remote brake lever (1317), the pivoting segment may contact the stop (1348), where the pivoting segment cannot displace further around pivot (1346) and further movement of sheath (1308) from sheath (1311) occurs, increasing braking.

[0065] While certain remote brake systems may apply tension to the brake control cable by adjusting the position of one or more sheaths along the brake cable path length, other remote brake systems may apply tension by displacing a length of the brake control cable in order to actuate the brake mechanism. A brake mechanism may be actuated by tension transmitted by a brake control cable either by a main brake system (e.g., FIG. 1), or by a remote brake system described herein, which may lengthen the path of a control cable and thus transmits tension to the brake assembly, resulting in its actuation. FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate a mechanism of creating tension on a control cable using a remote brake lever assembly that creates tension in the brake control cable by displacing the control cable orthogonally to the longitudinal axis of the control cable. The proximal segments of the bicycle depicted in FIG. 3A are understood to be similar to those depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, so that FIG. 3 A begins its depiction at the distal portion of the main frame tube. The variation of a remote brake lever assembly depicted in FIGS. 3A-3C shows a brake control cable (303) as it passes into a distal sheath seat (307) where it extends inside a curved sheath (311). The sheath (311) runs to a sheath seat (312) in a main body (313) of a remote brake lever assembly (314), where the cable again exits the sheath, extending through a channel (315) in the main body (313) of the remote brake lever assembly (314) and a channel (316) in a remote brake lever (317) which is pivotally mounted to the remote brake lever main body (313). As illustrated in FIGS. 3B and 3C, the channel (315) in the remote brake lever main body extends from one side to the other, with one part of the channel (315) on a first side of the remote brake lever (317) and another part of the channel (315) on a second side of the remote brake lever (317). The channel in the remote brake lever main body extends to a sheath seat (318), where the cable enters a more distal sheath (308), which terminates at a brake assembly (309). Applying tension to the control cable (303) actuates the brake assembly (309). As in the example depicted in FIG. 2, tension may be applied to the control cable by squeezing a proximal handlebar brake lever. Alternatively, operating the remote brake lever (317) to the position (317') shown in FIG. 3C, displaces channel (316) relative to channel (315) which in turn displaces a length of the control cable (303) orthogonally to the longitudinal axis. This may create tension on the control cable (303) and actuate the brake assembly (309). It should be understood that the mechanism shown in FIGS. 3A-3C may also be configured in a remote actuation assembly, such as the remote actuation assemblies shown in FIG. 5B, 6B, or 7A, etc..

[0066] The remote brake lever assembly may also transmit tension to a brake control cable by longitudinally displacing the control cable. FIGS. 9A and 9B depict another example of a mechanism that may be used to transmit tension to a brake control cable by longitudinally displacing the brake control cable. A brake control cable (903) enters a housing (931) where it passes through a proximal sliding compression arm (932) and then attaches to a proximal sliding terminal block (933) by a set screw (934), where the brake control cable (903) terminates. At the distal end of the housing, a brake control cable (903') attaches to a distal sliding terminal block (935) by a set screw (936) and continues through a distal sliding compression arm (937) and out of the housing (931). The brake control cable (903) then continues to distal sheath seat (907), through a distal sheath (908) and to a brake assembly. An auxiliary control wire (922) may extend from a remote brake lever (923), through an auxiliary sheath (920), through the distal sliding compression arm (937) and to the proximal sliding compression arm (932), where it is attached by a set screw (938). Actuation of the auxiliary brake lever (923) results in tension on auxiliary control wire (922), and relative movement of proximal sliding compression arm (932) toward distal sliding compression arm (937). Such displacement produces relative motion on brake control cable (903) toward brake control cable (903'), resulting in braking. It should be understood that the mechanism shown in FIG. 9A may be actuated by any suitable remote brake lever, such as the remote brake lever depicted in FIGS. 4A and 4B.

[0067] Certain variations of a remote brake system may include a brake force control mechanism to adjust the rate of deceleration of the bicycle. In some variations, the brake force control may be a brake attenuation mechanism which limits the rate of deceleration to avoid sudden lurches or throwing a rider forward during the braking process. The brake force control mechanisms described below may be used with any of the remote brake systems described herein. FIG. 8 shows an example of a remote brake lever assembly (800) comprising a rotary control mechanism that may help to provide incremental braking. A remote brake lever (823) is pivotally attached to a main body (826) of the remote brake lever assembly. Actuating the remote brake lever (823) causes a ratchet wheel (827) to advance, in this example, in an anticlockwise direction, moving a sheath seat (828) away from another sheath seat (829), lengthening the path between them and therefore a pathway for a control wire running between them. Successive actuations of the remote brake lever (823) further advances ratchet wheel in the anticlockwise direction, increasing the tension on a control wire running between sheath seats (828) and (829). Actuating ratchet release lever (830) causes the ratchet wheel to return to its original position, releasing tension on a control wire running between sheath seats (828) and (829). The ratcheting function may provide several desirable effects. First, it may help to prevent application of too much braking force too rapidly, and may help the bicycle rider to maintain control. Second, it allows the bicycle rider to apply a constant braking force without touching the remote brake lever (823). Third, it allows application of a constant braking force to provide a persistent resistance and extra exercise or training for the bicycle rider. Although the above description relates to a remote brake lever assembly that is interposed between sheaths, it may also be applied to a remote brake lever assembly connected by a single sheath to a remote actuation assembly (such as in FIGS. 7A-7D).

[0068] FIGS. 11 A and 1 IB illustrate a mechanism (1100) that may be used to attenuate the tension created in an auxiliary control wire (1122), in order to prevent excessive sudden braking via actuation of a remote brake lever (1123). A proximal auxiliary sheath (1120) fits into a sheath seat (1140) at one end of an attenuation housing (1141). A distal auxiliary sheath (1120') fits into a sliding sheath seat (1142) at the other end of the attenuation housing (1141). Sliding sheath seat (1142) is retained in the attenuation housing (1141) by a sheath seat stop (1143), and is biased there-against by a spring (1144). When the remote brake lever (1123) is actuated, remote actuation assembly (1113) actuates brake control cable (1103) in any of the manners described above. As tension increases in auxiliary control wire (1122), spring (1144) compresses, thereby allowing sheath (1120') to move closer to sheath (1120), reducing the force that auxiliary control wire applies to remote actuation assembly (1113), in turn attenuating the braking force created at the brake assembly. Such attenuation may be desirable to prevent loss of control by the bicycle rider.

[0069] The sheath seat(s) described herein may have any geometry that is suitable for retaining a sheath or tube or any of a variety of sheath connectors that may be used with a bicycle. Particularly as it relates to the distal-most sheath seats in the various actuation mechanisms described herein, a sheath seat may also be configured to couple directly to the brake assembly itself, or the sheath connector leading to the brake assembly, eliminating the need for a further intermediate sheath. For example, a sheath seat may be configured to interface with a sheath connector leading to a brake assembly, where the sheath connector may have a tear-drop or rounded tapered geometry. Other variations of sheath seats may be configured to interface with a cylindrical sheath connector, while still other sheath seats may be configured to interface with a sheath connector with a ridged or multi-lobular geometry. It should be understood that sheath seats may have any geometry suitable for interfacing with bicycle sheath connectors or sheath seats of any generally available geometry.

[0070] As briefly described above, the remote brake systems above may have slits that may allow the remote braking mechanism to be installed over existing bicycle brake control cables without cutting, unthreading, and/or otherwise disengaging the sheath(s) or wire from the bicycle. In some variations, the tension on the brake control cable may be reduced so that the wire and the sheath may be maneuvered more readily into the remote brake system, and then tensioned to help retain the sheath and the wire within the remote brake system. A slit may be provided along any portion of the remote brake system so that it may be installed over the existing braking system. For example, the remote actuation assembly (1400) may have one or more slots or slits along the bottom of the rotating member (1417) and the main body (1413) such that the slits transect the first sheath seat (1412) and the second sheath seat (1418). This may allow the brake control cable (1403) and the intermediate sheath (1411) to be slipped into the remote brake system (1400). Referring to FIG. 16 A, a slit may be provided along the top and bottom portions of the body (1602) and slidable member (1608) so that the remote actuation assembly (1600) may be installed over the brake control cable (1633). It should be noted that any of the remote brake systems described herein may have slits (e.g., along the sheaths, sheath seats, tubes, etc.) to facilitate installation over existing bicycle control cables without unthreading, cutting, and/or otherwise disengaging the sheath(s) or wire(s) or cable(s) from the bicycle. Alternatively or additionally, any of the remote brake systems described herein may be installed with an existing bicycle brake system by modifying the existing control cables by cutting or other means to facilitate insertion of the various elements of the remote brake system. Alternatively or additionally, installation of a remote brake system may be facilitated by adding or replacing the existing sheath(s), wire(s) or cable(s) of a bicycle. In some variations, one or more components of a remote brake system (e.g., a remote actuation assembly, auxiliary wires, levers, etc.) may be integrally formed with one or more components of the main brake system (e.g., integrated and/or installed during the initial manufacture of the bicycle).

[0071] As described herein, displacing any one of several sheaths in the path of a control wire may increase the path length of the control cable, thereby actuating a brake assembly.

Displacement of a sheath in order to alter the path length of the control cable may be accomplished in any suitable manner. For example, mechanisms may move a sheath by pulling or pushing it away from a fixed point on a bicycle frame, such as a sheath seat. Alternatively, sheath moving mechanisms may alter a control cable path length by moving two sheaths relative to one another, and may be interposed between two lengths of sheath, either at a pre-existing division between sheaths, at a division created in an existing sheath or a division created by adding a sheath to the path of the control cable. Further, a sheath moving mechanism may engage a sheath by any suitable method, such as retaining the ends in recesses or gripping the sheath with an assembly such as a collet, set screw/collar or friction fit collar. Further still, sheath displacement mechanisms may be interposed at any point along the path of a control cable, such as distal to a first sheath and proximal to a second sheath or between a distal sheath and a braking mechanism or sheath connector leading to a braking mechanism. It should be understood that any of the various sheath displacement mechanisms, sheath engagement mechanisms, and sheath displacement mechanisms described herein may be used in combination with other components described herein, or in combination with any other suitable components for the same effect. Further, any of these sheath displacement mechanisms, sheath engagement mechanisms, and sheath displacement mechanisms, alone or in combination, may used with any of the remote actuation lever configurations described herein.

[0072] Kits for installing a remote brake system are also described herein. In some variations, a kit may comprise a remote brake lever assembly, one or more clamps or brackets configured to attach the remote brake lever assembly to a bicycle, and one or more lengths of an outer sheath. The remote brake lever assembly may be any of the brake lever assemblies described herein. Some variations may optionally comprise a brake control cable. In some variations, a kit for installing a remote braking assembly may also comprise a remote actuation assembly, such as any of the remote actuation assemblies described herein. Kits may also comprise an instruction manual that may provide step-by-step instructions for installing and/or assembling the remote brake system. Optionally, tools that may be useful for installing and/or assembling the remote brake system may be included. For example, tools that may be included with a kit may comprise one or more of the following: screw drivers, wrenches, wire cutters, sheath cutters, pliers, etc. Any useful pivoting elements, screws, pins, and the like may also be included in the kit.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed as new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent of the United

1. A remote brake system for a bicycle with proximal handlebars

comprising: a bicycle braking mechanism; a remote hand-actuated brake lever that is separate from the

proximal handlebars of the bicycle, wherein the remote brake lever is

configured to actuate the braking mechanism.

2. The remote brake system of claim 1, further comprising: a sheath; a cable that is at least partially enclosed in the sheath, wherein the

cable is connected to the braking mechanism such that the braking

mechanism is actuated according to the tension on the cable; and a remote actuation assembly coupled to the sheath and configured

to be actuated by the remote brake lever, wherein the remote

actuation assembly is configured to adjust the tension on the cable by

urging the sheath over the cable.

3. The remote brake system of claim 1, further comprising: a first sheath; a second sheath in alignment with the first sheath, wherein the

second sheath is coupled to the braking mechanism; a cable that is at least partially enclosed in the first and second

sheaths, wherein the cable is connected to the braking mechanism such that the braking mechanism is actuated according to the tension on the cable; and a remote actuation assembly coupled to at least one of the first and second sheaths and configured to be actuated by the remote brake lever, wherein the remote actuation assembly is configured to adjust the tension on the cable by adjusting the distance between the first and second sheaths.

4. The remote brake system of claim 1, further comprising: a first sheath; a second sheath in alignment with the first sheath, wherein the second sheath is coupled to the braking mechanism; a cable that is at least partially enclosed in the first and second sheaths, wherein the cable is connected to the braking mechanism such that the braking mechanism is actuated according to the tension on the cable, and wherein the remote brake lever is configured to adjust the tension on the cable by adjusting the distance between the first and second sheaths.

5. The remote brake system of claim 1, further comprising: a cable that is connected to the braking mechanism such that the braking mechanism is actuated according to the tension on the cable, wherein the remote brake lever is configured to adjust the tension on the cable by displacing a portion of the cable orthogonally to the longitudinal axis of the cable.

6. The remote brake system of claim 1, further comprising: a cable that is connected to the braking mechanism such that the braking mechanism is actuated according to the tension on the cable; and a remote actuation assembly configured to be actuated by the remote brake lever, wherein the remote actuation assembly is configured to adjust the tension on the cable by displacing a portion of the cable along the longitudinal axis of the cable.

7. The remote brake system of claim 3, wherein the remote actuation assembly comprises a base, a sheath seat rotatably coupled to the base, an auxiliary sheath that is interposed between the hand- actuated lever and a first portion of the base, and an auxiliary control wire that is connected between the hand-actuated lever and the rotatable sheath seat and at least partially disposed within the auxiliary sheath, wherein the distal portion of the first sheath is coupled to the sheath seat and the proximal portion of the second sheath is coupled to a second portion of the base.

8. The remote brake system of claim 3, wherein the remote actuation assembly comprises a base, a sheath seat rotatably coupled to the base, an auxiliary control wire connected between the hand- actuated lever and the rotatable sheath seat, and a plurality of sheath segments disposed over a length of the wire, wherein the distal portion of the first sheath is coupled to the sheath seat and the proximal portion of the second sheath is coupled to the base.

9. The remote brake system of claim 2, wherein the remote actuation assembly comprises a tubular element disposed over the cable, a sheath seat disposed over the cable and slidable within a lumen of the tubular element, wherein the sheath is coupled to the sheath seat, and an auxiliary control wire is interposed between the remote brake lever and the sheath seat such that tensioning the auxiliary control wire slides the sheath seat within the tubular element.

10. The remote brake system as in any one of claims 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, and 9, wherein the remote actuation assembly further comprises a spring configured to bias the remote actuation assembly to a non- braked configuration.

11. Any one of the remote brake systems of claims 2-9, further

comprising a rotary control configured to retain the tension on the cable and a release lever configured to release the tension on the cable.

12. Any one of the remote brake systems of claims 2-9, further

comprising a brake attenuation mechanism configured to limit the tension on the cable.

13. Any one of the remote brake systems of claims 2-9, wherein the hand-actuated lever comprises a pivot and a spring around the pivot such that rotating the hand- actuated lever in a first direction around the pivot increases the cable tension and rotating the hand- actuated lever in a second direction around the pivot decreases the cable tension, and wherein the spring limits the cable tension to a maximum tension.

14. Any one of the remote brake systems of claims 2-9, wherein the remote brake lever is attached to a bicycle seat.

15. Any one of the remote brake systems of claims 2-9, wherein the remote brake lever is attached to a bicycle seat post.