Independent Wheel Mounting Patents (Class 280/277)
  • Patent number: 11801911
    Abstract: A trailing link suspension for a bicycle includes at least one fork arm. The fork arm including a proximal end and a distal end defining a non-linear portion disposed between generally straight portions such that the distal end is at an angle of approximately 70°˜90° relative to the proximal end. The fork arm is rotatably fixed to a bicycle frame. The suspension includes a shock absorber comprising a first end and a second end, defining a length therebetween. The first end of the shock absorber rotatably fixed to the non-linear portion. The suspension includes a link including a first end and a second end defining a length therebetween. The second end of the shock absorber is rotatably fixed to the link, the first end of the link fixed to the second end of the fork arm and the second end of the link fixed to an axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: Stuart Jackson Consulting, LLC
    Inventor: Stuart Jackson
  • Patent number: 11718364
    Abstract: A pair of elongated housings are positioned generally parallel to each other for connection of a wheel to a vehicle. An elongated member comprising a plurality of rollers is positioned within each of the housings. Spring biasing urges the elongated members downwardly, with the spring biasing absorbing shocks received at the wheel and conveyed to the elongated members, causing movement of the elongated members within the housing. The series of rollers on each of the elongated members traverse the housing to reduce friction between the housing and the elongated member as the elongated members traverse the housing. At least one vehicle wheel is mounted to the elongated members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Inventor: Henry Sanders
  • Patent number: 11524744
    Abstract: A suspension assembly for a cycle includes a plurality of links pivotably connected to one another by a plurality of pivots. A rotation sensor measures an angular relationship between two links and a setpoint of the suspension assembly is adjusted based on the angular measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc.
    Inventor: David Weagle
  • Patent number: 11390351
    Abstract: A powered handlebar adjustment assembly adapted for use with a vehicle having first and second forks aligned in a parallel relation along a first longitudinal axis, first and second triple tree supports aligned in a second axis transverse to the first axis, and a set of handlebars mounted parallel to the first and second triple trees and transverse to the first and second forks. The assembly includes a first and second telescopic supports, each having a first section thereof mounted between and in parallel with the first axis of the first and second forks and between and transverse to the axis of the first and second triple tree supports. A second section is mounted between the first triple tree and the handlebars at a proximal end of the second section and concentric with the first section at a distal end of the second section for translation relative thereto between the first and second forks and parallel thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Inventor: Paul Oravecz
  • Patent number: 11084552
    Abstract: A suspension assembly for a cycle having improved stability includes a steering fork having a first arm and a second arm, each of the first arm and the second arm having a fixed pivot and a shock pivot, the space between the first arm and the second arm defining a wheel opening. A shock link has a shock link fixed pivot and a shock link floating pivot. A shock absorber has a shock gas spring comprising a shock spring body a shock gas piston having a first gas piston area, a spring unit having a spring gas spring comprising a spring body and a spring gas piston having a second gas piston area. A gas pressure inside the shock gas spring is equal to a predetermined pressure for a user's body weight to produce optimal ride conditions for the user's body weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: SPECIALIZED BICYCLE COMPONENTS, INC.
    Inventor: David Weagle
  • Patent number: 10765915
    Abstract: A stationary jumping and trick bike is disclosed. An example device includes a frame assembly having a handlebar on a forward portion of the frame assembly and a seat on the frame assembly. A leg member including a leaf spring is connected to the frame assembly by a bracket having a plurality of ports selectable for pivotably attaching the leg member to the frame assembly to adjust pitch and/or angle of attachment of the leg member. A plurality of tensioners are connected between the leg member and the frame assembly. A foot rest is provided on the frame assembly. A standing and/or seated user holding the handlebar on the frame assembly can practice jumps and tricks by lifting and landing a lower portion of the leg member on a solid surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Inventor: Matthew James Howard
  • Patent number: 10518836
    Abstract: A trailing link, multi-link, suspension assembly for a cycle having improved stability includes a first arm having a first arm fixed pivot and a first arm shock pivot. A shock link has a shock link fixed pivot and a shock link floating pivot. A shock absorber has a first shock mount and a second shock mount. A wheel carrier has a wheel carrier first pivot and a wheel carrier second pivot spaced apart from one another, and a wheel mount that is adapted to be connected to a wheel. A control link has a control link floating pivot and a control link fixed pivot, the control link floating pivot being pivotably connected to the wheel carrier second pivot, and the control link fixed pivot being pivotably connected to the first arm control pivot. A mechanical trail distance increases as the suspension assembly compresses relative to a fully extended state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: TRVSTPER, INC.
    Inventor: David Weagle
  • Patent number: 10464628
    Abstract: A steering apparatus with forward extended fork legs includes left and right fork legs that extend from a wheel axle all the way up to a handlebar. Top fork portions support a handlebar in a more forward location. A mid-fork portion of each fork leg is positioned in front of the steering column to provide more clearance room for the rider's knees. e top ends of the fork legs are positioned a forward distance in front of the vertical axis defined by the steering column. Each fork leg may be tilted forward with respect to the steering column and may also include a forward bend to direct portions of each fork leg towards the front.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Inventor: Shinji Marui
  • Patent number: 10057071
    Abstract: A component for connecting to a data bus wherein the component implements at least one cryptographic functionality. Also disclosed is a method for implementing a cryptographic functionality in such a component. The implementation of the cryptographic functionality is based on a specified selection of cryptographic functions, methods and protocols adapted to the performance of the component, wherein minimum lengths are defined for the respectively used cryptographic keys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Volkswagen AG
    Inventor: Alexander Tschache
  • Patent number: 9889903
    Abstract: Various examples are provided for adaption of a front fork of a motorcycle. In one example, an adapter includes a slot extending inward from a proximal end of the adapter; axle openings on opposite sides of the adapter; and access openings extending inward from a distal end of the adapter to the slot. The slot can be configured to align with an end of a fork leg assembly of a motorcycle and the axle openings can be configured to align with an axle channel of the fork leg assembly. The access openings can provide access to fasteners of the fork leg assembly. In another example, a method includes positioning an adapter on the end of the fork leg assembly, inserting an axle into an axle channel through axle openings of the adapter, and securing the end cap onto the axle using fasteners accessible through openings of the adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Inventors: Misty Michelle McNeeley, Dennis Eugene McNeeley
  • Patent number: 9592881
    Abstract: A springer front end assembly for a motorcycle is provided. The assembly is generally universal in that it can be incorporated with substantially any make and/or model of a motorcycle to replace the front end suspension of the motorcycle with a springer front end suspension. Few to no modifications are made to the motorcycle. A spring retainer is added to the components of the front end of a motorcycle, and springs or other resilient members are included to provide the suspension for the springer front end. A method of replacement is also included, wherein the existing front end of a motorcycle is replaced with a springer assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Inventor: Dana Menefee
  • Patent number: 9533728
    Abstract: A three wheeled scooter comprises a chassis having forward and aft ends with a front wheel non-pivotally mounted to the forward end and a pair of rear wheels coaxially mounted to the aft end. The chassis defines a longitudinal axis and includes a support assembly and a handle assembly extending upwardly from the support assembly. The rear wheels are configured to be angularly yawable relative to the longitudinal axis between a neutral position and a yawed position. Steering of the scooter is thereby effectuated by angular yawing of the rear wheels relative to the longitudinal axis such as by asymmetric loading of one of opposing sides of the support assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: SBYKE USA LLC
    Inventor: Bradley E. Wernli
  • Patent number: 9375989
    Abstract: A vehicle suspension system is provided where two or more flexible members are arranged in a non-planar way with a distance there between. These flexible members are being rigidly mounted between a frame structure of a vehicle and a wheel structure of the vehicle and the arrangement of the flexible members is so as to provide guided suspension and being resistive against forces other than those in the intended direction of the suspension movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: LAUF FORKS EHF.
    Inventor: Benedikt Skûlason
  • Patent number: 9308962
    Abstract: A rear motorcycle suspension enhances the performance of the bike without compromising the appearance. Two pairs of nested springs are connected between a spring plate secured to the motorcycle chassis and a pair of triangularly-shaped rockers which support the axle of the rear wheel providing shock absorption for that wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Inventor: Daniel A. Gentile
  • Patent number: 9248883
    Abstract: The present invention provides a bicycle comprising front and rear wheels, a frame supported on the front and rear wheels and including a front fork. The front fork comprises a steerer tube defining a steering axis, a fork blade coupled to and extending downward relative to the steerer tube, and a fork tip coupled between the fork blade and the front wheel. The fork tip includes a first arm extending at an angle of 40-85 degrees relative to the steering axis, a second arm extending at an angle of 70-120 degrees relative to the steering axis, and an axle support coupled between the second arm and the front wheel. In one embodiment, the first arm and second arm define a gap, and the fork tip further includes a resilient member positioned in the gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: SPECIALIZED BICYCLE COMPONENTS, INC.
    Inventor: Christopher P. D'Aluisio
  • Patent number: 9145184
    Abstract: A front wheel supporting structure for a straddle-type vehicle includes a front arm which supports a front axle and which extends rearward from the front axle to a location behind a front wheel, and a pair of upper and lower link members which are turnably connected to two vertically separated portions of a rear end of a front arm. The link members extend rearward from the rear end of the front arm. Rear ends of the link members are turnably connected to a vehicle body-configuring member. The front wheel supporting structure includes a front suspension mechanism which suppresses turning motion of the front arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hiroshi Ishii, Daisuke Saeki
  • Patent number: 9079628
    Abstract: The present invention is a bicycle having a frame capable of flexing under downward force so that when downward force is applied a front spring assembly and a rear spring assembly are able to store and release the energy allowing the bike to jump in the air. The spring assemblies of the present invention use bow springs made from fiberglass/epoxy, graphite/epoxy, or fiberglass/nylon instead of traditional coil springs. The bow springs allow the spring assemblies to return a greater amount of energy than their coil spring counterparts while keeping overall weight of the spring assembly down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Inventor: David O'Neil
  • Patent number: 8998234
    Abstract: On a revolving frame (5), an operating oil tank (15) located on the front side of an engine (8) is provided, and a fuel tank (16) located on the front side of the operating oil tank (15) is arranged. A mounting member (17) is provided on the lower side of the fuel tank (16) across a part of a swing cylinder (14). Between the operating oil tank (15) and the mounting member (17), a vertical restraining element (20) for restraining the fuel tank (16) in a front-rear direction and a vertical direction and a lateral restraining element (25) for restraining the fuel tank (16) in a left-right direction are detachably provided. Therefore, the fuel tank (16) can be restrained in two directions, that is, in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Makoto Motozu, Teruo Irino, Kouhei Urase, Yuuki Umizaki, Toshihiro Sako
  • Patent number: 8991279
    Abstract: Disclosed is a steering column for a vehicle. By the steering column, a manipulation convenience of the driver can be increased by performing a tilting or telescoping operation by using a pressure of air or oil without using an adjusting lever. Further, the number of components and manufacturing costs can be significantly reduced by easily adjusting an operating force of the actuator using a pressure of air or oil and an operating force of the lever according to the type of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Mando Corporation
    Inventor: Sung Hun Park
  • Patent number: 8979109
    Abstract: Shock absorbers for a bicycle has at least a pair of front suspensions and at least a pair of rear suspensions. The shock absorbers have a light weight and simple structure. The vibration, which occurs on the front and rear wheels can be absorbed by compression or expending movement of the suspensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Inventor: Wei-Ting Lin
  • Patent number: 8931363
    Abstract: A steering column is configured for positional adjustments in first and second directions and comprises a position lock for selectively resisting movement of the steering column. The position lock comprises a stationary bracket disposed about the steering column. A control shaft is coupled to the steering column, approximately perpendicular to the first and second directions, so as to couple movement of the steering column with translation of the control shaft. Movable lock plates are arranged on the control shaft for rotation about a central axis of the control shaft and for translation with the control shaft. Each of the movable lock-plates is positioned adjacent at least one stationary lock-plate that is retained in a substantially fixed position with respect to the stationary bracket. The one or more stationary lock-plates are configured so as to selectively provide resistance to relative movement of the one or more movable lock-plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Melvin L. Tinnin, Michael P. Anspaugh
  • Patent number: 8893842
    Abstract: A technique capable of suppressing a rise in the temperature of a shock-absorber. A motorcycle includes a swing arm having a front end swingably supported by a body frame. A shock-absorber includes a rear end supported by the swing arm via a link and an upper end supported by the body frame via a support hole. A cylindrical reserve tank is connected to the shock-absorber for reserving the hydraulic operating fluid flowing into the shock-absorber, the reserve tank is arranged such that an axis thereof is positioned above the axis of the support hole provided in the upper end of the shock-absorber and extends in the width direction of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yotaro Mori, Yusaburo Tani, Akihiko Matsukawa, Tatsuya Sasaki
  • Patent number: 8888116
    Abstract: A suspension device for a handcycle has a first frame member and a second frame member pivotally coupled to the first frame member. A shock absorber is disposed between the first and second frame members. A lever assembly is disposed between the first and second frame members to transfer motion of the second frame member into the shock absorber. The lever assembly includes a lever pivotally coupled to the first frame member. The lever includes first and second arms coupled at an angle which allows motion of the second frame member to be directed into the shock absorber. The lever assembly is configured to transfer a vertical motion of the second frame member into non-vertical motion directed into the shock absorber. The suspension device further includes a third frame member. The first and second frame members are rotationally coupled to the third frame member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Lasher Sport, LLC.
    Inventor: William J. Lasher, III
  • Patent number: 8827295
    Abstract: A front end device (1) for a vehicle comprising: a steering shaft (2) capable of being connected to a steering column (3) of the chassis of the vehicle by a connection having a degree of freedom in rotation, an upper fork crown (4) connected to the steering shaft, a lower fork crown (5) connected to the steering shaft, an upper fork arm (6a, 6b) fixed to said upper and lower fork crowns, a lower fork arm (7a, 7b), connected to the upper fork arm, by means of a deformable parallelogram-type connection, by means of one upper middle arm (8) and two lower middle arms (9a, 9b), articulated at their two ends on said upper fork arm and the lower fork arm, respectively, a single steered front wheel (10), rotatably mounted on the lower fork arm, suspension means (11) providing a damped elastic connection between the lower fork arm and the upper fork arm, the articulated upper middle arm (8) and the articulated lower middle arm (9a, 9b) being arranged below the lower fork crown (5) and extending to the front of said
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: EXCENT France
    Inventor: Vincent Lavabre
  • Patent number: 8825322
    Abstract: A bicycle component controlling includes at least a first sensor and a controller. The first sensor detects a first operating condition, whether a rider is sitting on a bicycle seat. A second sensor is provided that detects a second operating condition. The sensors output signals indicative of the respective operating conditions. The controller is operatively connected to at least the first sensor and possibly the second sensor. The controller is configured to generate a component control command to control a bicycle component based on at least the first signal and the possibly the second signal. The bicycle component is a component other than an automatic transmission and a suspension when the second sensor is not provided. If the second sensor is provided, a suspension and automatic transmission is controlled, or components other than an automatic transmission and a suspension is controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Hideki Ikemoto, Tadashi Ichida, Nobukatsu Hara, Toyoto Shirai
  • Patent number: 8746721
    Abstract: A steering mechanism may include a four-bar linkage having a ground link, a coupler link, and a pair of follower links. The ground link may be connected to a vehicle having a wheel defining a wheel centerline. The coupler link may be connected to the wheel and may be located aft of the ground link. The pair of follower links may pivotally connect the ground link to the coupler link. The follower links may extend aftwardly from the ground link at converging angles and may define a steering axis located aft of the wheel centerline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Inventor: Jean-Michel Thiers
  • Publication number: 20140145412
    Abstract: Shock absorbers for a bicycle has at least a pair of front suspensions and at least a pair of rear suspensions. The shock absorbers has a light weight and simple structure. The vibration occurs on the front and rear wheels can be absorbed by compression or expending movement of the suspensions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Inventor: Wei-Ting Lin
  • Patent number: 8684387
    Abstract: A steering system for a cycle that facilitates the placement of a horizontal cargo platform above and in close proximity to the front wheel. The steering system may be applied to numerous types of cycles including bicycles, electric bicycles, scooters, motorcycles, three wheeled vehicles, etc. The steering system comprises a fork assembly that is rotatably mounted to the frame near the top of said fork. The fork is supported in its lower portion by pushrods that both steer and structurally support the fork assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: NTS Works, Inc.
    Inventor: Neal Tate Saiki
  • Patent number: 8543291
    Abstract: A wheel suspension system for a three-wheeled motorcycle or “trike” includes parallel wheels mounted on vertically pivoting suspension arms governed by hydraulic pistons. The pistons have upper liquid reservoirs that are interconnected through a valve system, which interconnects the upper reservoirs when the trike is in motion, allowing opposing vertical wheel movements when banking through turns, and prevents liquid exchange when the trike is stopped, thereby holding the motorcycle upright, Embodiments include a manual and/or automatic valve control. A threshold switching speed for an automatic controller can be factory set and/or user adjustable. The pistons can include directly interconnected lower fluid reservoirs. A shock-absorbing reservoir can allow transient vertical movement of both wheels to absorb shocks. A cover system can emulate the appearance of saddle bags and can appear to be covering only a single wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Inventor: Steven P Young
  • Patent number: 8534692
    Abstract: A front wheel suspension for a single-track vehicle, wherein a front wheel is rotatably supported on a fork-like wheel carrier and the wheel carrier is coupled to a frame and a steering bar of the vehicle connected to a handlebar, wherein the steering bar is coupled to the wheel carrier by a lever connection. The wheel carrier is coupled to at least one frame bar by an articulated connection, and the articulated connection has a substantially vertical pivot axis. The steering bar is comprised of a fork bar partially encompassing the front wheel, which fork bar is coupled to the wheel carrier via the lever connection. Thereby a front wheel suspension having improved characteristics in regard to the suspension, the direct handling of the steering, and a reduction of the load of the frame can be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Inventor: Martin Trebichavsky
  • Patent number: 8489278
    Abstract: A bicycle is disclosed having a control system with a user interface and an active suspension system. The control system includes a one or more sensors arranged to measure and transmit a signal indicative of the terrain over which the bicycle is being ridden. The active suspension system includes a valve box that is fluidly coupled to each chamber of the lower cylinder. An orifice in the valve box is changed in size in response to a signal from a sensor associated with the front wheel that changes the response of the suspension system due to changing terrain conditions. The user interface includes a selection device mounted to the handlebars that allows the user to change parameters of the active suspension system during operation of the bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Cycling Sports Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Stanley Song, Stephen R. Extance
  • Patent number: 8448970
    Abstract: A suspension system for a steerable front wheel of a vehicle such as a motorcycle has two substantially identical, straight, elongate, tubular members that extend forwardly and downwardly from the vicinity of a handlebar of the vehicle along opposite sides of a lower rear quadrant of the front wheel and have open front end regions that at least partially enclose compressible coil suspension system springs. Elongate arms are pivotally connected to brackets that are rigidly secured either above or below the open front end regions of the elongate members, define surfaces that extend across the open front ends of the front end regions to be pressed against by the suspension system springs, and have upper end regions that support opposite ends of a front wheel's axle that extends between the two elongate arms. By adjusting the extent to which the suspension springs are compressed, the ride provided by the suspension system is adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Inventor: Douglas L. Vardon
  • Patent number: 8386127
    Abstract: A bicycle is disclosed having a control system with a user interface and an active suspension system. The control system includes a one or more sensors arranged to measure and transmit a signal indicative of the terrain over which the bicycle is being ridden. The active suspension system includes a valve box that is fluidly coupled to each chamber of the lower cylinder. An orifice in the valve box is changed in size in response to a signal from a sensor associated with the front wheel that changes the response of the suspension system due to changing terrain conditions. The user interface includes a selection device mounted to the handlebars that allows the user to change parameters of the active suspension system during operation of the bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Cycling Sports Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Stanley Song, Stephen R. Extance
  • Patent number: 8286982
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a suspension system for a bicycle of the type that comprises: a frame (1); a front fork (6) comprising a front damper (8); a swing arm (16) hinged to the frame (1) and a rear damper (25); and at least one shock sensor (30), said sensor (30) being connected to a monitoring unit (28) controlling the front damper (8) and/or rear damper (25) on the basis of the signal sent by said sensor (30); said system is noteworthy in that the front damper (8) and/or rear damper (25) is a variable-compression damper that has at least three positions, an open position in which compression is greatest, a closed position in which compression is zero, and a so-called medium position; and in that it has, as a minimum, means for detecting pedaling called pedaling sensors (29) connected to the monitoring unit (28) which, when pedaling is not detected by the pedaling sensor (29), sets the damper (8, 25) compression command to the open position and, when pedaling is detected by the pedaling sensor (29)
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Cycles Lapierre
    Inventors: Pierre-Geoffroy Plantet, Emmanuel Antonot, Remy Gribaudo
  • Publication number: 20120181774
    Abstract: The invention relates to a front wheel suspension for a single-track vehicle, wherein a front wheel is rotatably supported on a fork-like wheel carrier and the wheel carrier is coupled to a frame and a steering bar of the vehicle connected to a handlebar, wherein the steering bar is coupled to the wheel carrier by means of a lever connection. Furthermore the wheel carrier is coupled to at least one frame bar by means of an articulated connection, and the articulated connection has a substantially vertical pivot axis. Moreover the steering bar is comprised of a fork bar partially encompassing the front wheel, which fork bar is coupled to the wheel carrier via the lever connection. Thereby a front wheel suspension having improved characteristics in regard to the suspension, the direct handling of the steering, and a reduction of the load of the frame can be provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Inventor: Martin Trebichavsky
  • Patent number: 8181978
    Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, an ultra-light weight suspension fork for bicycles that provides smooth action of the suspension system that hitherto has been unachievable. This fork assembly contains a telescoping mechanism located in the head tube of the bicycle that uses linear roller bearings to reduce stiction and prevent torsional losses, but limits weight by only using two such bearings. Side-to-side load is eliminated by the use of two longitudinal members in close proximity to the inner tube of this telescoping mechanism. The telescoping mechanism is coupled to the wheel via an arched single-sided fork crown designed to maintain torsional and braking stiffness. The arched crown contains arches in two dimensions. The fork crown is coupled to the wheel via a shaped fork tube whose wall is thickened while the outside diameter is reduced so that the connection point to the axle mechanism has the same outside diameter as the fork tube thereby enabling significant strengthening of the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Inventors: Frederick W. Kinzler, Walker P. Woodworth, Luigi J. Toffolo
  • Patent number: 8162342
    Abstract: A shock-absorbing suspension device includes a mounting rod adapted to be mounted on a frame of a wheeled vehicle, a wheel rod adapted to be mounted on a wheel axle to transmit a shock force generated as a result of movement of the vehicle over an uneven road surface, a counteracting member pivotally mounted on the wheel rod, upper and lower linking bars connected to the mounting rod and the counteracting member to form a four-bar linkage mechanism so as to dampen the shock force, and first and second arms pivotally connected to each other and respectively connected to the wheel rod and the mounting rod so as to stabilize movement of the mounting rod in an upright direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Inventor: Hsueh-Yi Chen
  • Publication number: 20110187077
    Abstract: A modular bicycle comprising a first section having a front frame section and a first tire, a second section being couplable to the first section and comprising a central frame, and a third section being couplable to the second section and the first section, with the third section comprising a rear frame section, a second tire, and a handle bar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Inventor: HARRY APPLEMAN
  • Publication number: 20110095507
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a suspension system for a bicycle of the type that comprises: a frame (1); a front fork (6) comprising a front damper (8); a swing arm (16) hinged to the frame (1) and a rear damper (25); and at least one shock sensor (30), said sensor (30) being connected to a monitoring unit (28) controlling the front damper (8) and/or rear damper (25) on the basis of the signal sent by said sensor (30); said system is noteworthy in that the front damper (8) and/or rear damper (25) is a variable-compression damper that has at least three positions, an open position in which compression is greatest, a closed position in which compression is zero, and a so-called medium position; and in that it has, as a minimum, means for detecting pedaling called pedaling sensors (29) connected to the monitoring twit (28) which, when pedaling is not detected by the pedaling sensor (29), sets the damper ((8, 25) compression command to the open position and, when pedaling is detected by the pedaling sensor (29
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2009
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Inventors: Pierre-Geoffroy Plantet, Emmanuel Antonot, Remy Gribaudo
  • Patent number: 7887077
    Abstract: A steering mechanism for a wheel of a vehicle defining a wheel centerline comprises a four-bar linkage. The four-bar linkage includes a ground link, a coupler link and a spaced pair of follower links. The ground link is connected to the vehicle. The coupler link is connected to the wheel and is located aft of the ground link. The follower links pivotally interconnect the ground link to the coupler link. Each of the follower links defines a link axis. The follower links extend aftwardly from the ground link at diverging angles such that the link axes intersect one another at a steering axis which is positioned forward of the wheel centerline. The steering mechanism may be fitted to a motorcycle having front and rear wheels wherein the four-bar linkage is housed within a wheel hub of the front wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Inventor: Jean-Michel Thiers
  • Patent number: 7857339
    Abstract: A reverse braking system for a commercial vehicle including sensors (102) for detecting an object in the path of the vehicle when reversing such that a park brake air supply (108) is connected to the brake chambers (111) to apply the brakes automatically when an object is detected. The brakes can only then be released when the vehicle parking brake has been applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Sentinel Systems Limited
    Inventor: William Charles Paulson
  • Patent number: 7721835
    Abstract: A wheel with a self-contained drive mechanism is provided to propel (or assist in propulsion of) bicycles, tricycles, and similar vehicles. The wheel preferably takes the form of a shock absorbing detachable wheel, which is readily received within the dropouts of a bicycle frame or fork to be attached therein by a standard quick-release mechanism. Thus, the wheel may be added to (or removed from) preexisting standard bicycles and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Inventor: Jeffrey L. Radtke
  • Patent number: 7690668
    Abstract: A powered vehicle is disclosed including a chassis and a plurality of wheels. At least one of the wheels is coupled to the chassis with an axle that is coupled to the chassis with a clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Polaris Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: James A Holroyd
  • Patent number: 7637520
    Abstract: A lower fork tube cover is comprised of a first cover member and a second cover member that is connectable to the first cover member. A mounting bracket attaches to an inner surface of the first cover member to mount the first cover member to a front brake caliper mount connected to the lower fork tube. An upper portion of the first cover member is configured to cover a first portion of the lower fork tube and the front brake caliper mount. A lower portion of the first cover member substantially surrounds a rear half of a second portion of the lower fork tube. A base wall extends from the lower portion. The second cover member is configured to substantially surround a front half of the lower fork tube. The second cover member includes a base wall at a lower end that overlaps with and is connectable to the base wall of the first cover member to cover a lower end of the lower fork tube. A front edge of the second cover member overlaps and is connectable to a front edge portion of the first cover member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Kuryakyn Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Madden
  • Patent number: 7547030
    Abstract: A support section structure for a swing arm provides a well-balanced state for the weight of the vehicle in a widthwise direction and for efficiently increasing the rigidity of a vehicle body frame without inviting a significant increase in the weight of the vehicle body. A swing arm is provided for supporting a rear wheel Wr for rotation and is supported for a rocking motion on a center frame. An output power shaft of a power source is transmitted to the rear wheel Wr through a drive shaft. A left outer side frame and a intermediate frame, which support a front end portion of the swing arm for pivotal motion, are provided on the center frame. A right outer side frame disposed on the outer side in the vehicle widthwise direction with respect to the drive shaft on the intermediate frame is provided integrally against removal on the center frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hidetoshi Toyoda, Yutaka Nakanishi
  • Patent number: 7520522
    Abstract: The frame includes at its rear portion two bases (12, 13) extending substantially horizontally rearwardly so as to define between them a space for the reception of a rear wheel, and two stays (14, 15) extending obliquely toward one respective end of the bases (12, 13) and being connected thereto at an acute angle by connection elements, a pair of recesses for a rear wheel axle being disposed substantially at the intersection of the stays (14, 15) with the bases (12, 13) . Each recess of the pair of recesses has a first notch with a semicircular bottom (23) provided at one flattened end of a base and a second notch with a semicircular bottom (24) provided at a flattened end of a stay and disposed facing the first notch (23) such that the semicircular bottoms will be aligned with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Look Cycle International
    Inventors: Eric Julliard, Jean-Pierre Couturet
  • Patent number: 7425009
    Abstract: In a front fork apparatus of a two-wheeled vehicle or the like in which left and right front fork constituted by vehicle body side tubes and tire wheel side tubes which are slidably fitted to each other, are provided in both left and right sides of a front wheel, and a brake apparatus is attached only to the front fork in one side of the left and right sides, a thickness of the tire wheel side tube of the front fork in the one side to which the brake apparatus is attached, is made larger than a thickness of the tire wheel side tube of the front fork in the other side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Assignee: Showa Corporation
    Inventors: Eitaro Namazue, Yousuke Hasumi
  • Patent number: 7425008
    Abstract: A steerable leveraged suspension suitable for a bicycle or electric Bicycle of motorized wheel hub design. Comprising of a vertical fork, which attaches to a bicycle frame front neck tube. The lower portion of said vertical fork is curved at its bottom to the rear of the frame neck head tube centerline, so as to improve steering trail geometry. The bottom of the curved fork is a pivot point to which pivot arms are attached. To the pivot arms the front wheel is attached forward of the pivot points by means of slots to which the front wheel Axel shaft fits into. Also two leveraging pivot arm extensions are attached. The leveraging arms provide a means of suspension leverage and a mounting point for brakes. For the purpose of suspension are rubber cord (bungee cord) and a compression damping spring of gas charge type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Inventor: David Frank Pokrywka
  • Patent number: 7311321
    Abstract: A cycle that has two fixed frame arms extending down on each side of the head tube axis, and a steering arm rotatably mounted in the head tube extends down between the frame arms and has a laterally off-set lower portion. A mounting member is fixed to the lower end of the steering arm and has a hollow cylindrical wheel support section which carries the inner portion of a bearing or bearings for the front wheel, allowing this wheel to rotate while being steerable by the steering arm. A fixed pedal axle extends freely through the hollow wheel support section and is rotatably supported by lower ends of the frame arms, this axle being connected by drive means to one of the cycle's front or rear wheels. Parts of the mounting member have an enlarged interior space relative to that in the wheel support section to accommodate steering movement of the mounting means relative to the pedal axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Inventor: Gerd Rutkowski
  • Patent number: 7263056
    Abstract: The methods described herein are directed at securing information in storage media such as optical discs, magnetic disks or a combination thereof. In particular the methods describe embedding a first stream of data in a second stream of data by modulating the location of transition edges in the second stream of data. A method for writing data to a storage medium includes the steps of representing the raw (first) data to be written to the storage medium as a sequence of bits in a format appropriate for writing to a storage medium; representing second data (supplemental data) as a second sequence of bits and writing the first sequence of bits to the storage medium as a corresponding sequence of pits along a track, wherein the location of the pits along the track represents the stored first data, and while writing the first sequence of pits, modulating the locations at which transition edges of the sequence of pits are written to embed the second data in the sequence of pits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventor: Daniel J. Allen