Frames And Running Gear Patents (Class 280/281.1)
  • Patent number: 11975497
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a component by using a carbon fiber composite material capable of absorbing microwaves. The method includes the step of providing a mold made of materials that is penetrated by the microwaves and have a mold cavity inside, cladding the carbon fiber composite material on an inflatable member and placing the inflatable member cladded with the carbon fiber composite material in the mold cavity, softening the carbon fiber composite material by microwave heating, and inflating the softened carbon fiber composite materials through the inflatable member for enabling the softened carbon fiber composite materials to be formed and solidified in the mold cavity to obtain the component. By means of the aforesaid method, the throughput time of manufacturing the component can be effectively shortened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: YMA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Jing-Bin Chiang
  • Patent number: 11957074
    Abstract: A work vehicle including a vehicle body, a pair of left and right driving wheels that movably support the vehicle body, a pair of motors capable of rotatably driving the left and right driving wheels respectively, a pair of maneuvering levers pivotally supported to the vehicle body to be pivotable about a horizontal axis extending in a vehicle body transverse direction and capable of adjusting rotational speeds of the left and right driving wheels respectively, and a pair of solid dynamic vibration absorbing portions supported to respective free end portions of the maneuvering levers and capable of suppressing vibrations of the maneuvering levers, wherein each solid dynamic vibration absorbing portion of the pair of solid dynamic vibration absorbing portions includes a weight within an elastic body, wherein the weight and the elastic body have equal longitudinal lengths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: KUBOTA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yuto Fujii, Justin McCallister, Hideki Aoki
  • Patent number: 11945316
    Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for systems and methods associated with a micromobility transit vehicle battery connection and lock. In accordance with one or more embodiments, a micromobility transit vehicle is provided. The micromobility transit vehicle may include a frame, a battery configured to be received at least partially within the frame, and a battery lock within the frame. The frame may include a downtube having a recess disposed therein. The battery may be configured to be received within the downtube and the recess to establish a continuous surface comprising one or more outer surfaces of the downtube and one or more outer surfaces of the battery. The battery lock may be positioned within the recess and configured to engage the battery to lock the battery in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: Lyft, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam Christopher Bender, Erica Catherine Keenan, Jared Mitchell Kole, Andrew Michael Reimer, Neil Richard Anthony Saldanha
  • Patent number: 11897570
    Abstract: A novel bicycle frameset created from a novel frame assembly and a novel fork assembly, where the components of the frame are joined together via the friction stir welding of the tubular components to partial bracket members and where the joining of the partial bracket members via friction stir welding rigidly connects the tubular components to create the frame, and where the components of the fork are joined together via friction stir welding of tubular components to a fork crown, and where the fork and frame combine form the frameset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Inventor: Michael Eller
  • Patent number: 11820456
    Abstract: An electronic device can be mounted at least partly in a frame of a bicycle and used to monitor operations or properties of the bicycle or one or more components associated with the bicycle. The electronic device may integrate and communicate with a variety of components including sensors to facilitate customization of monitoring by the electronic device. The electronic device can have a relatively minimalist design. The electronic device, in some embodiments, may include a display that does not present alphanumeric characters to an operator, and the display may instead include multiple indicators that individually or in combination present information to the operator, such as the level of charge of one or more batteries or an operating mode of the electronic device or bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: SPECIALIZED BICYCLE COMPONENTS, INC.
    Inventors: Marco Sonderegger, Jan Talavasek, Tero Jakku, Vincent Patureau, Marc Pallure, Jonas Reiter
  • Patent number: 11815156
    Abstract: A shock absorber and a transportation tool. The shock absorber includes a first rotating arm; a second rotating arm pivotally coupled to the first rotating arm; and a torsion bar spring having a first end coupled to the first rotating arm and a second end coupled to the second rotating arm, wherein an included angle between the first rotating arm and the rotating arm has a set value. The shock absorber has a simple structure and good shock absorption effect and adjustable stroke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: NINEBOT (CHANGZHOU) TECH CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ronghui Lv, Huocheng Wei, Can Wang
  • Patent number: 11753099
    Abstract: This leaning vehicle that turns in a leaning posture and has a leaning frame structure made of a material containing fiber-reinforced resin can achieve weight reduction and help reduce changes in ride quality. The vehicle includes a rear structure that leans to the left during a left turn and leans to the right during a right turn with respect to the left-right direction of the vehicle, and is made of a material containing carbon-fiber-reinforced resin, and a leaning frame structure damage notification unit that, when the rear structure receives an impact caused by a fall of the vehicle in the left direction or the right direction, and the impact damages a non-visible part of the rear structure, makes a notification of the damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Ryo Ueno, Akihiro Chiba
  • Patent number: 11753108
    Abstract: A human-powered vehicle control device is configured to control a derailleur in a suitable state. The human-powered vehicle control device includes an electronic controller configured to control a derailleur mounted to a human-powered vehicle based on a change in pressure of a tire detected by a pressure detector detecting the pressure of at least one tire of the human-powered vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Satoshi Idogaki, Tadaharu Kurotobi, Koji Yuasa
  • Patent number: 11724803
    Abstract: A vehicle, includes a main body. A fluid generator is coupled to the main body and produces a fluid stream. At least one tail conduit is fluidly coupled to the generator. First and second fore ejectors are coupled to the main body and respectively coupled to a starboard side and port side of the vehicle. The fore ejectors respectively comprise an outlet structure out of which fluid flows. At least one tail ejector is fluidly coupled to the tail conduit. The tail ejector comprises an outlet structure out of which fluid flows. A primary airfoil element includes a closed wing having a leading edge and a trailing edge. The leading and trailing edges of the closed wing define an interior region. The at least one propulsion device is at least partially disposed within the interior region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Jetoptera, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrei Evulet
  • Patent number: 11667346
    Abstract: A bicycle includes a chainstay protector having an upper surface including a valley, a first peak, and a second peak. The first peak extends upwardly from the valley toward the chain and has a first contact surface positioned to contact the chain a first height above the valley. The second peak extends upwardly from the valley toward the chain and has a second contact surface positioned to contact the chain a second height above the valley. The first contact surface is spaced from the second contact surface by a gap that is at least 5 times the first height. Each of the first and second contact surfaces has a length that is less than the length of the gap and less than two times a pitch of the chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan James McDonald, Jason Scott McDonald, James Michael Stafford
  • Patent number: 11414055
    Abstract: An alignment tool for aligning the handlebars relative to the front fork of a bicycle. The alignment tool provides a handlebar connection point and a fork connection point that simultaneously engages the handlebars and the fork assembly, respectively, spaced apart from the fork assembly. In certain embodiment, the handlebar connection point and the fork connection point are movable relative to each other between a plurality of contracted and extended conditions. The method of using the present invention embodies the alignment tool to engage while adjusting the handlebars relative to the fork assembly in such as ways as to gauge the alignment tool's alignment, and thus the handlebar's assembly, relative to the fork assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Inventors: Scott Robert Respass, Robert Charles DeMao, II
  • Patent number: 11364970
    Abstract: A bicycle comprises front and rear wheels, a frame supported on the front and rear wheels and including a frame mount, and a battery including a battery mount engaged with the frame mount. One of the battery mount and the frame mount includes a depression and the other of the battery mount and the frame mount includes a boss positioned in the depression. Preferably, depression comprises a slot, and the slot can include a resilient material to securely hold the boss. The boss can comprise an eccentric boss. Preferably, the battery mount is positioned adjacent one end of the battery, and an opposite end of the battery includes an opening. In this embodiment, the bicycle further comprises a mounting pin positioned through the opening and through a portion of the frame to secure the opposite end of the battery to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Assignee: SPECIALIZED BICYCLE COMPONENTS, INC.
    Inventors: Jan Talavasek, Vincent Patureau, Marco Sonderegger, Marc Pallure, Brandon Dale Sloan, Joseph Edward Buckley, Daniel Lentz, Jamie Stafford
  • Patent number: 11299236
    Abstract: A method for automatic retraction of a pedal of a bicycle. A first electric actuator is provided on a crank, and the pedal is driven to be retracted by the first electric actuator to complete a first retraction, so that long side of the pedal is changed into a front-rear direction from a left-right direction; a second electric actuator mounted on a bicycle frame drives the crank to idle, and the pedal is gradually straightened in the first retraction process to be parallel with the plane of the bicycle frame to complete a second retraction of the pedal. Using this method, the pedal can be conveniently retracted, and the transverse (left-right) occupying space is minimized, thereby facilitating the automatic storage and saving the storage space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Inventor: Yunbo Song
  • Patent number: 11292540
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a scooter including a wiring structure. The wiring structure is fixedly connected to the handle assembly, the frame assembly, and the front wheel assembly, respectively. The second tubular member sleeves a periphery of the first tubular member and an axis of the first tubular member coincides with an axis of the second tubular member. A first opening and a second opening are respectively provided on the first tubular member and the second tubular member, and the first opening is opposite to the second opening. One end of the third tubular member is fixedly connected to the second tubular member along the second opening. When the first tubular member is rotated relative to the second tubular member there is a gap. The scooter of the present disclosure has the advantage of smoothly guiding the wires without damaging the wires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: X.L.T INTERNATIONAL ELECTRONICS CO., LTD
    Inventor: Antang Liu
  • Patent number: 11235830
    Abstract: An bicycle includes a frame assembly having a head tube and a fork having a steerer tube mounted for rotation in the head tube. The bicycle further includes wheels supporting the frame assembly, and a component line positioned at least partially in the head tube and between the head tube and the steerer tube. The bicycle further includes a protector positioned in the head tube and separating the component line from the steerer tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: SPECIALIZED BICYCLE COMPONENTS, INC.
    Inventors: Robin François Ramon Lechevallier, Jan Talavasek, Marco Werner Sonderegger, David Huwiler, Rudy Megevand
  • Patent number: 11230035
    Abstract: A mold manufacturing method for monocoque bicycle components comprises the steps of i) providing a first female mold comprising a pair of first half molds delimiting first surfaces to circumscribe a first mold cavity to form first component portions; ii) providing a second female mold comprising a pair of second half molds delimiting second surfaces to circumscribe a second mold cavity to form second component portions; and iii) interposing at least part of third female molds between the first and second female molds, so that third surfaces delimited by the third female molds join with continuity the first and the second surfaces, the third surfaces being configured to form third component portions in a single piece with the first and second component portions. Step iii) comprises a sub-step of manufacturing at least part of the third surfaces of the third female molds by rapid prototyping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: Gregario S.R.L.
    Inventor: Salvatore Botrugno
  • Patent number: 11110514
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for joining nodes to tubes with node to tube joints are presented herein. Joining techniques allow the connection of additively manufactured nodes to tubes. In an embodiment, at least one node may be joined to a tube and may be a part of a vehicle chassis. The node to tube joint connection incorporates adhesive bonding between the node to tube to realize the connection. Sealants may be used to provide sealed regions for adhesive injection, which are housed in sealing interfaces co-printed with the additively manufactured nodes. Additionally, seals may act as isolators and reduce galvanic corrosion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: DIVERGENT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: William David Kreig, David Brian TenHouten, Chukwubuikem Marcel Okoli, Kevin Robert Czinger, Broc William TenHouten, Antonio Bernerd Martinez, Narender Shankar Lakshman
  • Patent number: 11090847
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of manufacturing a plastic frame for a two-wheeler having at least one hollow space in the interior by means of plastic injection molding having a series of method steps, wherein a fluid is injected to displace the plastic core from the component cavity after the injection of a preferably thermoplastic plastic melt into a closed injection molding tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: PLASTIC INNOVATION GMBH
    Inventor: Christian Wolfsberger
  • Patent number: 11072387
    Abstract: The swing arm for the saddle riding vehicle that supports a wheel in a swingable manner includes a swing arm main body made of a fiber reinforced resin. The swing arm main body is formed to be hollow, and an embedded member of a material different from the fiber reinforced resin is embedded in such a manner as to make solid at least part of the hollow portion of the swing arm main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yukinori Kurakawa, Yusuke Ueki, Yuji Ishitsuka
  • Patent number: 11046389
    Abstract: An ebike comprises a front wheel, a rear wheel, a frame structure supported on the front wheel and the rear wheel, the frame structure including a hollow tube (e.g., a down tube) having a converging inner surface, and a battery assembly configured to be coupled to the frame structure in an installed position at least partially in the hollow tube. The converging inner surface is configured such that at least a portion of the battery assembly is supported within the hollow tube by the converging inner surface when the battery assembly is at least partially positioned in the hollow tube. In one embodiment, the battery assembly comprises a battery housing and a resilient lateral support, wherein the resilient lateral support resiliently laterally supports a portion of the battery housing in the hollow tube when the battery assembly is positioned in the hollow tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: SPECIALIZED BICYCLE COMPONENTS, INC.
    Inventors: Jan Talavasek, Vincent Patureau, Marco Werner Sonderegger, Marc Pallure
  • Patent number: 11021211
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein include an electric assist bicycle adapted for a both personal and public use, and subcomponents of the bicycle. The electric assist bicycle can include a hollow frame with one or more cables routed within the hollow frame. The hollow frame can be configured with an internal battery compartment. The electric assist bicycle can further include a modular electronic locking system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: NEUTRON HOLDINGS, INC.
    Inventors: Nicholas Foley, Jacob Bouchard
  • Patent number: 11014218
    Abstract: An alignment jig for holding components relative to a bicycle frame during curing, the alignment jig comprising, a spacing axle adapted to hold respective components a selected distance apart; and an alignment wedge coupled to and spaced from the spacing axle, the alignment wedge adapted to fit between and contact the inner surfaces of a pair of stays of a bicycle frame to align the alignment jig relative to the bicycle frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: HED CYCLING PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Gregory Paul Alexander, Michael David Cloutier, Curt Preston Goodrich, Christopher Andrew Edin
  • Patent number: 10946614
    Abstract: The invention relates to a structural member comprising: a core portion that defines at least one anchor point, the core having at least one surface, a fibre tow arranged in a closed loop on the surface of the core portion, the loop defining a boundary of a space which contains the at least one anchor point, and a protective shell formed from a woven fibre sheet material which covers the fibre tow, and in which the core, fibre tow and the protective shell are impregnated and bound together by a cured resin. The invention also relates to a method of constructing a structural member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: WILLIAMS ADVANCED ENGINEERING LIMITED
    Inventor: Iain Bomphray
  • Patent number: 10926489
    Abstract: A method for forming fiber-reinforced composite parts via compression molding, particularly useful for forming parts that include off-axis, out-of-plane, or small, intricate features. In accordance with the method, non-flowing continuous fiber bundles and flowing continuous fiber bundles are placed in a mold, wherein the flowing continuous fiber bundles are disposed proximal to a minor feature. The non-flowing bundle has a length about equal to the length of a major feature of the mold. The flowing bundle has a length that is somewhat longer than the length of the minor feature. Under heat and pressure, resin softens and fibers from the flowing continuous fiber bundles flow into the minor feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: Arris Composites Inc.
    Inventors: Erick Davidson, Ethan Escowitz
  • Patent number: 10882579
    Abstract: A bicycle head structure includes a stem and a detachable cover. The stem is disposed between a handlebar and a head tube of a bicycle, and the stem has a top surface. The detachable cover covers the top surface, and an accommodating space is formed between the top surface and the detachable cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: GIANT MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Bo-Hao Huang, Hua-Chun Huang
  • Patent number: 10868398
    Abstract: A connector module for an electric bicycle is disclosed. The electric bicycle has a first tube and a second tube. The connector module is disposed on intersection between the first tube and the second tube. The connector module includes a first connector and a second connector. The first connector is connected to a first electronic device disposed inside the first tube. The second connector is jointed with the second connector and connected to a second electronic device disposed inside the second tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: DARFON ELECTRONICS CORP.
    Inventor: An-Yi Ma
  • Patent number: 10710670
    Abstract: A bicycle can include a forward frame triangle that can include a top tube, a bottom tube, a bottom bracket, a structural seat tube, a compliant seat tube, and a pair of seat stays. The top tube can have a first end connected to a head tube and a second end. The bottom tube can have a first end connected to the head tube. The bottom bracket can be connected to the bottom tube. The structural seat tube can be connected to the bottom bracket and the top tube. The compliant seat tube can extend in an upward direction from the bottom bracket to the top tube and within the structural seat tube. The compliant seat tube can be coupled to the forward frame triangle such that the compliant seat post can bend within the structural seat tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: Trek Bicycle Corporation
    Inventors: Reggie Lund, Steven Moechnig
  • Patent number: 10625800
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, an adjustable assembly for a bicycle includes a lower tubular support configured to be attached to a bicycle frame; an upper tubular support configured to be attached to a bicycle saddle; an expansion portion support member positioned within an interior space of the lower tubular support; an expansion portion disposed at an upper end of the expansion portion support member; and a resilient member configured to provide an upwardly-directed force to the upper tubular support to provide movement of the upper tubular support away from the lower tubular support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: SPECIALIZED BICYCLE COMPONENTS, INC.
    Inventors: Michael Lawrence McAndrews, Ronald Powers
  • Patent number: 10569825
    Abstract: A bicycle having a wheel height adjustment structure according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes: a bicycle frame; a hanger where a dropout is formed and rotatably coupled to one side of the frame with respect to a hinge; and an adjusting portion that adjusts a height of the wheel that is engaged to the dropout by rotating the hanger at a predetermined angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Jungnam Choi
  • Patent number: 10501143
    Abstract: A bicycle includes a frame, a charging circuit carried by the frame and configured to capture energy associated with movement of the bicycle, a power module carried by the frame, and a switch disposed electrically between the charging circuit and power module. The power module, in response to an indication that the bicycle is travelling downhill, closes the switch to enable energy transfer between the charging circuit and power module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jamel Seagraves, Chih-Wei Tang, Sudipto Aich, Justin Carrus, David Gomez
  • Patent number: 10472015
    Abstract: An electronic device can be mounted at least partly in a frame of a bicycle and used to monitor operations or properties of the bicycle or one or more components associated with the bicycle. The electronic device may integrate and communicate with a variety of components including sensors to facilitate customization of monitoring by the electronic device. The electronic device can have a relatively minimalist design. The electronic device, in some embodiments, may include a display that does not present alphanumeric characters to an operator, and the display may instead include multiple indicators that individually or in combination present information to the operator, such as the level of charge of one or more batteries or an operating mode of the electronic device or bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: SPECIALIZED BICYCLE COMPONENTS, INC.
    Inventors: Marco Sonderegger, Jan Talavasek, Tero Jakku, Vincent Patureau, Marc Pallure, Jonas Reiter
  • Patent number: 10343747
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electric bicycle frame and electric bicycle, the frame comprising a down tube with a housing defined therein into which an electric battery pack is inserted, the housing of the down tube having an insertion opening in its upper part for introducing the electric battery pack, such that the electric battery pack is concealed and protected inside the down tube of the frame with suitable accessibility for removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: BH BIKES EUROPE, S.L.
    Inventors: Francisco Javier Cunado Landa, Javier Beistegui Sagasti
  • Patent number: 10328642
    Abstract: A process includes disposing a mandrel assembly within a mold cavity bounded by mold forming surfaces. The mold is closed, first portions of the mandrel assembly seal against mold forming surfaces, and a continuous volume shaped as a node element is defined between second portions of the mandrel and the mold forming surfaces. A composite material is injected into the mold cavity filling the continuous volume, and cured forming the node element. The mandrel assembly is removed in sections exposing a node element opening. Tube-skeletons are inserted one each into openings of the node element, each tube-skeleton comprises foam core supported glass or carbon fabric materials. A resin material is injected into the mold cavity, such that the resin material permeates through the fabric material into a node element interior via the openings. The injected resin material is cured, thereby forming tube elements joined to the node element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: Magna International Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Deaville, Andrea Pretzler
  • Patent number: 10207765
    Abstract: A bicycle frame element has a seat tube (10). A clamping element (20) is arranged in the seat tube (10), on which element a clamping force is exerted by a clamping means (34) to fix a seat post (30) in the seat tube (10). Further, a bearing element (22) for defining the lateral position of the seat post (30) is arranged in the end portion (16) of the seat tube (10), when in the mounted state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: Canyon Bicycles GmbH
    Inventor: Lars Wagner
  • Patent number: 10179626
    Abstract: The electric bicycle described includes a fork assembly, a seat post, and a main frame including one or more structural members forming the main frame and includes a tube that is at least partially hollow and has an internal battery compartment integrally formed therein. The internal battery compartment adapted to receive a battery therein to power an electric motor of the bicycle. A distal end of the tube has an opening formed therein which communicates with the internal battery compartment. The battery is insertable into the internal battery compartment through the opening. The battery is securable in the internal battery compartment within the tube by at least one of the seat post and an extremity of the fork assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: TECHNOLOGIES BEWEGAN INC.
    Inventor: Dominic Arbour
  • Patent number: 10155559
    Abstract: A bicycle frame (1) including a seat tube (10), characterized in that the seat tube (10) includes a high end portion (15) capable of being inserted into a hollow seat post body (20); and an attachment device (4-8) capable of locking the seat post body (20) on the inside in the area of the high end portion (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: LOOK CYCLE INTERNATIONAL
    Inventor: Pierre Bigard
  • Patent number: 10105916
    Abstract: A bicycle component is provided comprising an elongated body consisting of structural fibers incorporated in a matrix of polymeric material and having, in an end part thereof, a seat for the mechanical coupling of the component with an element of the bicycle. Also provided in the zone between the seat and the end of the body is a continuous layer of structural fibers which surround the seat and which ensure mechanical continuity in the aforementioned zone. The central part of the component comprises at least one first layer formed of continuous structural fibers incorporated in a matrix of polymeric material and at least one second layer formed of small pieces of structural fibers incorporated in a matrix of polymeric material and arranged randomly inside the layer, such layers overlapping each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: CAMPAGNOLO S.R.L.
    Inventors: Giuseppe Dal Prà, Paolo Dettori, Mauri Feltrin
  • Patent number: 9963189
    Abstract: This cable-guide (10) for bicycle handlebars (1), in particular handlebars (1) having a recessed seat (8) for the passage of cables (6, 7) near to a fastening position of controls for the brake and the gearshift (4, 5), comprises a plate (11) for covering the recessed seat (8); the plate (11) is provided with a middle fin (21) projecting from a rear face (13) of the plate (11) intended to face towards the recessed seat (8). The two cables (6,7) are arranged in an optimal manner in the recessed seat (8), without undesired overlapping or movements being able to occur. Therefore, the grip of the hands on that portion of handlebars (1) is more regular and allows the cyclist to keep maximum concentration, without disturbances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: Campagnolo S.r.l.
    Inventor: Mario Meggiolan
  • Patent number: 9944339
    Abstract: An internally illuminated frame for a bicycle or alternatively, a complete bicycle is disclosed. The bicycle comprises at least one frame tube made from a translucent material and containing individually illuminable lighting elements. The complete bicycle includes a controller operable to control individual ones of the lighting elements, a battery, brake lights, a head piece including a display screen, a user interface, an audio speaker, and optionally, forward facing lighting elements. The controller is programmable to control the lighting elements and the audio speaker from stored programming. Programming may be provided wirelessly or by hard wired connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Inventor: Wayne Gerard Poole
  • Patent number: 9879553
    Abstract: Provided are a stator blade assembly advantageous for improving the evacuation performance by shortening the evacuation time, and an exhaust pump provided with such a stator blade assembly. Inner and outer stator blade bases of a plurality of stator blades are supported by frames. A projecting portion protruding from the frame supporting the inner stator blade base, or from the frame supporting the outer stator blade base, or from both of the frames is provided in a gap in the vicinity of the inner or outer stator blade base between one of the supported stator blades and the stator blade transversely adjacent thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: Edwards Japan Limited
    Inventors: Yongwei Shi, Yoshihiro Enomoto, Manabu Nonaka
  • Patent number: 9789928
    Abstract: A bicycle transmission apparatus comprises a base member, a first transmission member, a second transmission member, and a first coupling member. The first transmission member is rotatable relative to the base member about a first rotational axis and is movable relative to the base member in an axial direction parallel to the first rotational axis. The second transmission member is rotatable relative to the base member about a second rotational axis and is stationary relative to the base member in the axial direction. The first coupling member is configured to couple the first transmission member to the second transmission member to transmit rotation of the first transmission member to the second transmission member at a variable speed stage which is variable in accordance with at least one positional relationship among the first transmission member, the second transmission member, and the first coupling member in the axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Atsuhiro Emura, Toshinari Oishi, Yusuke Nishimoto, Sota Yamaguchi, Kohei Obuchi
  • Patent number: 9745019
    Abstract: A battery system assembly for a bicycle is provided. The battery system assembly includes a frame cavity liner, a first cover slideably attached to the frame cavity liner and movable between a first position and a second position with respect to the frame cavity liner, a first magnet interposed between the frame cavity liner and the first cover, a battery container configured to accommodate a rechargeable battery and having a second magnet disposed to face the first magnet, said battery container detachably attached to the frame cavity liner. When the first cover is located at the first position, the frame cavity liner and the battery container are attached one another by magnetic force between an aligned first magnet and second magnet. When the first cover is located at the second position, the first magnet and the second magnet repel each other, thereby detaching the battery container from the frame cavity liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: Far East Electric Bicycle Company Limited
    Inventor: Mark Clifford Evensen
  • Patent number: 9623931
    Abstract: A bicycle transmission apparatus comprises a base member, an input shaft, a first transmission member, a second transmission member, and a first coupling member. The base member is configured to be attached to a bicycle frame as a separate member from the bicycle frame. The first transmission member is rotatable relative to the base member about a first rotational axis different from the input rotational axis. The second transmission member is rotatable relative to the base member about a second rotational axis different from each of the input rotational axis and the first rotational axis. The first coupling member is configured to couple the first transmission member to the second transmission member to transmit rotation of the first transmission member to the second transmission member at a variable speed stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Atsuhiro Emura, Sota Yamaguchi, Toshinari Oishi, Yusuke Nishimoto, Kazuki Koshiyama
  • Patent number: 9598137
    Abstract: A bicycle front fork assembly includes a stem and a front fork. The front fork includes a fork crown, a first fork leg and a second fork leg. The stem is connected to the fork crown. The top end of the first fork leg and the second fork leg are connected to the two ends of the fork crown, respectively. The bottom end of the first fork leg and the second fork leg are connected to two ends of a hub which are opposite to each other, respectively. A disk brake rotor has a center coaxially connected to one end of the hub close to the first fork leg. A disc brake caliper is partially disposed within an accommodating recess formed on a surface of the first fork leg facing the second fork leg and close to the disk brake rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: TEKTRO TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Szu-Fang Tsai, Chia-Wen Hsieh
  • Patent number: 9580141
    Abstract: The present invention provides a bicycle comprising a pivot interface between a battery and a frame. The pivot interface includes a pivot mount defining a recess on one of the frame and the battery, and an eccentric boss on the other of the frame and the battery. The boss has a first boss width that is insertable into the recess when the battery is in a first position, and the boss further has a second boss width larger than the first boss width and creating an interference fit with the recess when the battery is in a second position. At least one of the pivot mount and the boss is resilient in order to accommodate the interference fit. Preferably, the pivot mount is on the frame and the boss is on the battery, and also the pivot mount preferably comprises a resilient material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: SPECIALIZED BICYCLE COMPONENTS, INC.
    Inventors: Jan Talavasek, Vincent Patureau, Marco Sonderegger, Marc Pallure, Brandon Dale Sloan, Joseph Edward Buckley, Daniel Lentz, Jamie Stafford
  • Patent number: 9545971
    Abstract: The invention relates to a bicycle frame made of fiber-reinforced material, particularly of plastic reinforced with carbon fibers, having a rear wheel suspension for supporting the rear wheel. According to the invention, a receptacle is formed on at least one of the two chain stays of the rear wheel suspension, in which a replaceable adapter plate adapted to the hub of each rear wheel to be used is removably fastened, in which the axle of the rear wheel can be supported.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: WINORA-STAIGER GMBH
    Inventor: Ingo Beutner
  • Patent number: 9545975
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to devices and methods of converting a bicycle frame from a mechanical gear-shifting configuration to an electronic gear-shifting configuration and vice versa. In a representative embodiment, a method of converting a bicycle frame from a mechanical gear-shifting configuration to an electronic gear-shifting configuration comprises removing a mechanical cable extending between a mechanical gear-shift actuator and a mechanical gear shifter via a cable stop of a removable bracket member secured to a down tube member of the bicycle frame, and removing the removable bracket member from the down tube member of the bicycle frame. The method further comprises mounting an electronically-actuated gear shifter to the bicycle frame in electrical communication with an electronic gear-shift actuator such that actuation of the electronic gear-shift actuator causes the electronically-actuated gear shifter to shift gears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Inventor: David Rosen
  • Patent number: 9428238
    Abstract: A body frame structure for a saddle type vehicle includes a pair of left and right main frames extending rearward from a head pipe. A down frame extends downward from the head pipe, and a pair of left and right reinforcement members range between the main frame and the down frame. Each of the reinforcement members is formed in a roughly U-shaped form in sectional view, and ranges between the main frame and the down frame in the state where an opening portion of its roughly U-shaped sectional form is oriented inward in the vehicle width direction. Its end portions are welded respectively to the main frame and the down frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shinichiro Ishida, Kota Noguchi
  • Patent number: 9415828
    Abstract: An adjustable rear wheel dropout system includes an over center clamp, toggle clamp or four bar link mechanism to tension a bicycle's chain or belt drive system. A toggle clamp system moves the rear axle as needed to achieve the desired tension in the chain or belt. The over center toggle clamp system is also useful in facilitating the repeatable reinstallation of a rear wheel in a predetermined position. A wheel skewer system secures or locks the adjustable rear wheel dropout in the desired location. The dropout system includes a chain stay adjustment area or void to allow the wheel skewer to be inserted though the dropout. After the end position is secured by the toggle system, the wheel skewer further secures the dropout position as the wheel skewer is tightened to secure the wheel to the bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Inventor: Mark Christopher Norstad
  • Patent number: 9403572
    Abstract: A method of making a portion of a bicycle frame including positioning a low-friction mandrel adjacent a flexible mandrel with a first fibrous material in between. The mandrels are wrapped with second fibrous material, and the mandrels are inserted into a mold. The second fibrous material is cured to produce a cured assembly, the cured assembly is withdrawn from the mold, and the low-friction mandrel is removed from the cured assembly to produce an internal passageway. The flexible mandrel can includes a recess, and the step of positioning can include inserting the low-friction mandrel into the recess of the flexible mandrel. Preferably, the low-friction mandrel has a cross sectional shape that substantially matches a cross-sectional shape of the recess. The invention is also embodied in a portion of a bicycle frame, such as a portion of the frame during the manufacturing process, and having similar features as recited above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: SPECIALIZED BICYCLE COMPONENTS, INC.
    Inventor: Robb H. Jankura