Rear Forks Patents (Class 280/284)
  • Patent number: 8919799
    Abstract: A rear wheel suspension for a vehicle, in particular a two-wheeled vehicle, specifically a bicycle (2) which is designed for a particularly great spring travel, comprises a pivot element (18) which is connected to a frame element (12) of the vehicle via a principal swivel joint (16), a swing arm rear suspension (6) which is connected to the pivot element (18) via an auxiliary pivot (20), a deflection element (46) which is pivotally mounted on a frame element (12), a hock absorber/spring element (52) which is mounted on the one hand on a frame element (14) and on the other hand on the deflection element (46), wherein the deflection element (46) is kinematically coupled to the swing arm rear suspension (6) via a pivotally mounted connecting element (38) and to the pivot element (18) via a pivotally mounted coupling element (60) in such a way that the end of the pivot element (18) facing the swing arm rear suspension (6) is pulled upwards on deflection of the rear wheel (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: MZ Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Martin Wimmer
  • Publication number: 20140361512
    Abstract: A saddle-ride type vehicle may include a rear cushion that extends upward while one end thereof in a longitudinal direction is connected to a swing arm and that elongates and contracts in the longitudinal direction according to swinging of the swing arm to generate damping force with respect to the swinging of the swing arm, and a rear cushion supporting portion that is provided to a center upper cross frame provided in an upper portion of a vehicle and that supports the other end of the rear cushion in the longitudinal direction. The center upper cross frame is positioned on an extension line of the rear cushion in the longitudinal direction, an opening that penetrates through a horizontal direction is formed in a pivot plates, and in a side view, a rear cushion supporting portion is positioned inside of the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shinichiro ISHIDA, Yoshiyuki IMAI
  • Patent number: 8882127
    Abstract: A bicycle frame assembly having a number of rotatable members configured to absorb shocks and impacts associated with operation of the bicycle. The assembly includes a frame constructed to support a rider and a chain stay having a rearward end that extends toward a wheel hub and a forward end that is pivotably connected to the frame. An absorber is pivotably connected to the forward end of the chain stay and extends to a rocker arm that is pivotably connected to the frame. A seat stay is pivotably connected to a rearward end of the rocker arm and extends to the rearward end of the chain stay. The rearward ends of the seat stay and the chain stay are pivotably connected to rotate about a common axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Trek Bicycle Corporation
    Inventors: James Colegrove, Dylan Howes, Jose Gonzalez, Michael Hammond
  • Publication number: 20140312592
    Abstract: A bicycle may include a rear suspension system to absorb forces impacting on the bicycle by allowing a rear wheel of the bicycle to be displaced relative to the bicycle frame. The rear suspension system may be adjusted in some versions to affect the travel path of the rear wheel as well as the leverage ratio curve to suit the rider's preference.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: Yeti Cycling, LLC
    Inventor: Steven W. Hoogendoorn
  • Patent number: 8864159
    Abstract: A bicycle frame having a first frame section carrying a handle bar assembly and a front wheel assembly; a second frame section carrying a crank unit and a rear wheel assembly; a first primary connecting arm carried by said first frame section being received into a second primary connecting arm carried by said second frame section, wherein said first primary connecting arm is telescopically carried by said second primary connecting arm for extending and retracting said first frame section relative to said second frame section; a mounting plate included in said second frame section extending over said rear wheel assembly; a plate suspension member included in said second frame section connecting said mounting plate to said rear wheel assembly for controlling relative motion between said mounting plate and said rear wheel assembly. A rider platform is carried by said mounting plate for accommodating a rider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Zike, LLC
    Inventor: Nathan Scolari
  • Patent number: 8857842
    Abstract: Rear suspension for a bicycle which includes a rear swing arm (15) which carries the hub (19) of the rear wheel (20) and pivots via at least two pivot points (23, 24) on a frame (1) carrying a bottom bracket (12). The swing arm (15) pivots about an instantaneous center of rotation (25) located close to the stretch upper length of the chain (21), or to the straight line extending on from it, in a position of static equilibrium. The instantaneous center of rotation moves inside a horizontal band (27) in such a way that the instantaneous center of rotation (25) moves horizontally and forwards when the swing arm (15) moves upwards as the wheel goes over an obstacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Inventor: Emmanuel Antonot
  • Patent number: 8851498
    Abstract: A bicycle rear wheel suspension system having a number of movable suspension links includes a pair of adjustable eccentric pivot assemblies that connect respective members of the movable linkage to the underlying fixed shape portion of the bicycle frame assembly. Each adjustable eccentric pivot assembly is preferably infinitely adjustable within a range of rotation of the respective pivot assembly relative to the underlying bicycle frame to manipulate an orientation of an axis of rotation of the respective movable link relative to the underlying bicycle frame assembly. The pair of adjustable eccentric pivot assemblies is coupled to one another in a manner that creates a dependency between the orientations of the respective eccentric pivot assemblies thereby providing various geometric configurations of the moveable members of the suspension system without changing the leverage ratio provided by the suspension system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Trek Bicycle Corporation
    Inventor: Edward Alsop
  • Patent number: 8851222
    Abstract: A motorcycle is disclosed. The motorcycle includes a link member, a coupling rod, a first lever and a second lever. The link member is rotatably connected to a second end of a rear suspension via a first shaft, and is rotatably connected to a rear arm via a second shaft. A second end portion of the coupling rod is connected to a third shaft so as to rotate together with the third shaft. The first lever is connected to the third shaft so as to rotate together with the third shaft. The second lever is rotatably connected to the second shaft, and restricts the rotation of the first lever when engaged with the first lever. The second lever is provided with a torsion spring for providing a force for rotating the second lever around the second shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takehisa Katsura, Toshiharu Nakajima
  • Publication number: 20140284128
    Abstract: A motorcycle is disclosed. The motorcycle includes a link member, a coupling rod, a first lever and a second lever. The link member is rotatably connected to a second end of a rear suspension via a first shaft, and is rotatably connected to a rear arm via a second shaft. A second end portion of the coupling rod is connected to a third shaft so as to rotate together with the third shaft. The first lever is connected to the third shaft so as to rotate together with the third shaft. The second lever is rotatably connected to the second shaft, and restricts the rotation of the first lever when engaged with the first lever. The second lever is provided with a torsion spring for providing a force for rotating the second lever around the second shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2013
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takehisa KATSURA, Toshiharu NAKAJIMA
  • Publication number: 20140265208
    Abstract: The vehicle includes a frame member to be suspended relative to the ground. The suspension of the invention includes an arm (such as a swingarm), a slide link, and a control link. The arm having a first end and a second end; it extends between the frame generally at the first end and the ground-engaging member generally at the second end. The slide link is coupled between the frame and the arm. The slide link is rotationally fixed to the arm to rotationally move therewith. It is pivotally secured to the frame. The control link is also coupled to the frame and to the arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Darrell W. Voss
  • Publication number: 20140265231
    Abstract: The present invention provides a bicycle comprising wheels and a frame supported on the wheels. The frame includes a seatstay assembly defining a seatstay axis and including a spring assembly having a spring member (e.g., a leaf spring) at an angle of at least 5 degrees relative to the seatstay axis. The spring member has a width that is at least 4 times larger than its thickness. The present invention also provides a bicycle comprising a frame that includes a seat tube and a seatstay assembly defining a seatstay axis. The seatstay assembly includes a spring member offset from the seatstay axis and non-parallel to the seatstay axis. In one embodiment, the seatstay assembly further includes a seatstay tube, and the spring member includes a rear portion secured to the seastay tube. The spring member can also include a front portion secured to a seat tube of the bicycle frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Christopher P. D'Aluisio, Samuel Pickman, Christopher M. Meertens
  • Patent number: 8801023
    Abstract: A bicycle assembly can include a bicycle frame that can have a main frame, a sub-frame and a shock absorber. The sub-frame can move in relation to the main frame and the shock can be used to regulate that relationship. A extension body can be used to establish a rear pivot point of the shock absorber. In some embodiments, the extension body can also be used to adjust the length of the combined shock absorber and extension body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc.
    Inventor: Jason L. Chamberlain
  • Publication number: 20140217697
    Abstract: A rear suspension system for bicycles, such as freeride, downhill and trail-style mountain bikes. The suspension system includes a rear suspension for coupling the rear wheel of the bicycle to the bicycle frame, a rear shock absorber disposed entirely in front of the seat tube of the frame and a linkage for operatively coupling the rear suspension to the rear shock absorber. The linkage intersects the longitudinal axis of the seat tube for transmitting rear suspension forces around the seat tube to the rear shock absorber. The seat tube is preferably continuous and is disposed so that the bicycle seat is adjustable over a full range of seat positions. Additionally, the seat tube and rear suspension system are configured so that the rear wheel and rear suspension will not contact the seat tube, seat, or bicycle rider even when the rear suspension system is in a fully compressed, forward position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Inventor: Noel Buckley
  • Patent number: 8777250
    Abstract: A shock-absorbing seat stay for a bicycle includes a seat tube connecting mount having a first coupling portion with a first through hole, an extension member, a shock-absorbing member and a fastening unit. The extension member has a second coupling portion with two connecting lugs each having a second through hole in alignment with the first through hole. The shock-absorbing member is made of elastic material and clamped between the first and second coupling portions. The shock-absorbing member is a U-shaped member having two arms each having a third through hole. The fastening unit is inserted in the first through hole, the second though holes and the third through holes to connect the first coupling portion, the second coupling portion and the shock-absorbing member together. The seat stay is light weight and has a proper shock-absorbing function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventor: Kuo-Pin Yu
  • Patent number: 8770608
    Abstract: A bicycle including a bicycle frame that has a main frame and a rear frame coupled to the main frame for pivotal movement about a pivot axis, and a derailleur mount that is coupled to the bicycle frame. The derailleur mount has a first mounting portion that is concentric with the pivot axis and defining a plane, a second mounting portion that is secured to the rear frame at a location spaced laterally from the plane, and a support portion. A derailleur is attached to the support portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc.
    Inventor: Jason L. Chamberlain
  • Publication number: 20140183837
    Abstract: To provide a swingarm supporting structure which can prevent rigidity of a case from becoming excessive and which can improve a degree of freedom of design. The swingarm supporting structure comprises: a case (3) in which a power unit is stored; and a bracket (4) for freely pivotally supporting a swingarm (5) up and down through a pivot shaft (10), the swingarm (5) supporting an axle, wherein the bracket (4) is detachably fixed to the case (3) from a fixed direction (DF) intersecting the pivot shaft (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hiroshi ISHII, Daisuke SAEKI
  • Publication number: 20140183838
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a suspension system for a motorcycle and to frames incorporating such a suspension system. The suspension system includes a swing arm arranged for pivotal movement about a first pivot axis. The swing arm is also arranged for connection at a second location via respective axle plates to a rear wheel axle of the motorcycle. The swing arm is arranged for connection at a third location to a suspension arrangement in the form of a shock absorber arrangement. The first pivot axis is located between the second and third locations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Inventor: Andrew Offe
  • Publication number: 20140175771
    Abstract: A shock-absorbing seat stay for a bicycle includes a seat tube connecting mount having a first coupling portion with a first through hole, an extension member, a shock-absorbing member and a fastening unit. The extension member has a second coupling portion with two connecting lugs each having a second through hole in alignment with the first through hole. The shock-absorbing member is made of elastic material and clamped between the first and second coupling portions. The shock-absorbing member is a U-shaped member having two arms each having a third through hole. The fastening unit is inserted in the first through hole, the second though holes and the third through holes to connect the first coupling portion, the second coupling portion and the shock-absorbing member together. The seat stay is light weight and has a proper shock-absorbing function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Inventor: KUO-PIN YU
  • Patent number: 8757652
    Abstract: A valve is particularly suited for a movement damping apparatus. The valve has a field-generating device, such as a magnet unit, and a fluid that is subjected to the field, such as a magnetorheological fluid, is pressed through a flow path forming a bottleneck. At the bottleneck the fluid is subject to the field and it changes its flow characteristics in response to the field. The flow path is divided into at least two flow tracks by a partition that forms one or more additional friction surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: INVENTUS Engineering GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Battlogg, Jürgen Pösel Poesel, Gernot Elsensohn
  • Publication number: 20140167385
    Abstract: A rear-wheel suspension system for a two-wheeled vehicle includes a pair of right- and left-side center frames; a swing arm; and a shock absorber, wherein the shock absorber includes a tubular buffer and a spring, wherein the intake system part is a curved tubular member, wherein a position of the spring is shifted downwardly so that the intake system part are moved toward an interior of the vehicle body by a dimension corresponding to the spring, wherein a lower end of the intake system part is above the upper end of the spring, wherein a part of the intake system part is closer than an outer end of the spring to the center of the tubular buffer, and wherein the shock absorber and the intake system part are disposed between a pair of right- and left-side center frames.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2014
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuhiko GOGO, Tomohiro FUSE, Mikio UCHIYAMA, Eiji ADACHI, Taichi HONDA
  • Patent number: 8755969
    Abstract: A bicycle suspension control apparatus includes a user operating device and a control device. The control device is operatively coupled to the user operating device to selectively control a front bicycle suspension between a plurality of operating states and a rear bicycle suspension between a plurality of operating states. The control device is configured to selectively change the operating states of both the front and rear bicycle suspensions to different ones of the operating states in response to a single operation of the user operating device. The control device controls the front and rear bicycle suspensions such that a first operating state change operation of one of the front and rear bicycle suspensions occurs later than a second operating state change operation of the other of the front and rear bicycle suspensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Tadashi Ichida, Hideki Ikemoto, Toyoto Shirai
  • Publication number: 20140159338
    Abstract: A vehicle frame, in particular a mountain bike frame or a trekking bicycle frame, comprises main frame element. A rear frame is pivotably connected with the main frame element. A damping element is provided between the rear frame and the main frame element. A first connection point of the damper element is connected with the rear frame and a second connection point of the damping element is connected with the main frame element. For the purpose of changing the frame characteristics, a displacing element is provided for the displacement of the first connection point. The locking of the displacing element is done with the help of an actuator element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: Canyon Bicycles GmbH
    Inventor: Vincenz Thoma
  • Patent number: 8733774
    Abstract: A bicycle comprises a bicycle frame and a rear wheel suspension system that is attached to the frame. The rear wheel suspension system comprises a rear wheel swingarm and a shock absorber that is coupled to the swingarm. A change in vertical wheel travel (?VWT) of the rear wheel is related to a change in the length of the shock absorber (?SL), providing a shock rate (SR). The shock rate (SR) changes throughout the vertical wheel travel of the rear wheel, such that the change in the shock rate dSR/dVWT has a change in sign as the rear wheel travels through its vertical wheel travel. In each case, the rate of change of the shock includes a change in sign, from positive to negative or from negative to positive. In some embodiments, the swingarm may be attached to the frame at a single pivot point or through a linkage system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Santa Cruz Bicycles, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph E. Graney, Nicholas Anderson
  • Publication number: 20140103617
    Abstract: A bicycle assembly can include a bicycle frame that can have a main frame, a sub-frame and a shock absorber. The sub-frame can move in relation to the main frame and the shock can be used to regulate that relationship. A extension body can be used to establish a rear pivot point of the shock absorber. In some embodiments, the extension body can also be used to adjust the length of the combined shock absorber and extension body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: SPECIALIZED BICYCLE COMPONENTS, INC.
    Inventor: Jason L. Chamberlain
  • Patent number: 8696008
    Abstract: A bicycle may include a rear suspension system to absorb forces impacting on the bicycle by allowing a rear wheel of the bicycle to be displaced relative to the bicycle frame. The rear suspension system may be adjusted in some versions to affect the travel path of the rear wheel as well as the leverage ratio curve to suit the rider's preference. The bicycle may include a frame and a rear suspension system including a swingable member configured for operative association with the frame and including a rear frame including a bottom member and a top member extending upwardly from the bottom member, such that the top member of the rear frame does not move relative to the bottom member of the rear frame when the swingable member moves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Yeti Cycling, LLC
    Inventor: Steven W. Hoogendoorn
  • Publication number: 20140091552
    Abstract: A motorcycle includes a seat supported on a pair of seat frames of a vehicle body frame. A rear wheel is disposed under the pair of seat frames in a side view of the motorcycle, and is swingable in an up-down direction. A damper includes a hydraulic jack to adjust the vehicle height. The pump unit includes a hydraulic pump to feed oil to the hydraulic jack and a vehicle height adjusting motor to drive the hydraulic pump. The vehicle height adjusting motor is located under the seat, and disposed between the pair of seat frames in a plan view of the motorcycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicants: Kayaba Industry Co., Ltd., YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Shuji TOMINAGA, Yuki AMANO
  • Publication number: 20140091539
    Abstract: An electric suspension device includes a cylinder, a sub-tank, a first oil passage and a second oil passage, a damping force adjusting valve, and a damping force adjusting motor. The cylinder is rotatable about a mounting axis. The first oil passage connects a first inner oil chamber and an outer oil chamber. The second oil passage connects the first inner oil chamber of the cylinder and an oil chamber of the sub-tank. The first and second oil passages are disposed outside an inner tube and an outer tube, and share a portion with each other. The first and second oil passages are entirely disposed on the same side with respect to a reference plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicants: Kayaba Industry Co., Ltd., YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Shuji TOMINAGA, Yuki AMANO
  • Patent number: 8684124
    Abstract: A suspension system for use with a motorcycle includes a device for producing a supply of pressurized air. The suspension system is operably disposed between a frame member and a wheel frame member of the motorcycle. The suspension system comprises at least one double-acting pneumatic cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: AirFX, LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey R. Schwindt
  • Publication number: 20140084565
    Abstract: A two-wheeled motor vehicle has a rear cushion unit that includes a damper cylinder having one end part linked to a swing arm, a sub-tank connected to the damper cylinder and an adjustment mechanism for adjusting a damping force in response to operation of the operation element is provided between a vehicle body frame and the swing arm. A cylinder body of the damper cylinder, a bottomed housing tube part housing the adjustment mechanism having on an upper end part an operation face on which the operation element is disposed, and the sub-tank are integrally and connectedly provided. The operation face is inclined obliquely upward so that the operation element that faces a region bounded by the seat frame, the pillion step holder mounted on the seat frame and the swing arm when viewed from the side can be operated from obliquely above on the outside.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hironori Nakamura, Taisuke Nimura, Akihiro Nakajima
  • Patent number: 8672106
    Abstract: A self-regulating suspension includes a first suspension member movable relative to a second suspension member, a fluid reservoir having a volume, the volume variable in response to a relative movement between the first and second suspension members, and a fluid flow circuit having a first end in fluidic communication with the fluid reservoir and a second end in fluidic communication with an isolated suspension location, the fluid flow circuit comprising a first valve, a second valve and a third valve, wherein said first and third valves are in parallel with each other and the second valve is in series with each of the first and third valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Laird, William Becker
  • Publication number: 20140070516
    Abstract: The invention broadly includes a suspension system for a vehicle that includes a vehicle frame, at least one pair of shock absorbers attached to the frame and having piston stems extending from the shock absorbers and attached to extension arms pivotally attached to the frame. The extension arms are attached to the tire axles optionally attached to support arms. The support arms are also attached to the pivot connection. The pivot connection is between the axle and the shock absorber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Inventor: Dennis J. Richards
  • Publication number: 20140042726
    Abstract: A suspension system for supporting a frame of a vehicle on at least one wheel that is coupled via a chain to a chain ring on the frame. The suspension system includes a structural member supporting an axle of the wheel, a first linkage arm connecting the structural member to the frame, a second linkage arm connecting the structural member to the frame, and a shock absorber coupled between the frame and one of the structural member, the first linkage arm and the second linkage arm. Additionally, the center of curvature (CC) of the axle of the wheel is located within a predetermined radius of a tangent contact point between a tension segment of the chain and the chain ring throughout a range motion of the suspension system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Inventors: Christopher Canfield, Lance Canfield
  • Patent number: 8646797
    Abstract: A rear suspension system for bicycles, such as freeride, downhill and trail-style mountain bikes. The suspension system includes a rear suspension for coupling the rear wheel of the bicycle to the bicycle frame, a rear shock absorber disposed entirely in front of the seat tube of the frame and a linkage for operatively coupling the rear suspension to the rear shock absorber. The linkage intersects the longitudinal axis of the seat tube for transmitting rear suspension forces around the seat tube to the rear shock absorber. The seat tube is preferably continuous and is disposed so that the bicycle seat is adjustable over a full range of seat positions. Additionally, the seat tube and rear suspension system are configured so that the rear wheel and rear suspension will not contact the seat tube, seat, or bicycle rider even when the rear suspension system is in a fully compressed, forward position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Inventor: Noel Buckley
  • Publication number: 20140035256
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle suspension system with a chassis, with a front hydraulic cylinder (4), a rear hydraulic cylinder (5) and a first hydraulic connection (6) connecting the front hydraulic cylinder (4) and the rear hydraulic cylinder (5), as well as a first compensation chamber (7) and a second compensation chamber (8) related to one another such that a change of volume ?V1 of a hydraulic fluid in the first compensation chamber entails a change of volume ?V2 of a hydraulic fluid in the second compensation chamber, ?V2=k*?V1, k>0. Furthermore, the system comprises a second hydraulic connection (71) connecting the front hydraulic cylinder (4) and the first compensation chamber (7), and a third hydraulic connection (81) connecting the rear hydraulic cylinder (5) and the second compensation chamber (8).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: FUNDACION TEKNIKER
    Inventor: Mikel Zubieta Andueza
  • Patent number: 8641072
    Abstract: A bicycle comprises a bicycle frame and a rear wheel suspension system that is attached to the frame. The rear wheel suspension system comprises a rear wheel swingarm and a shock absorber that is coupled to the swingarm. A change in vertical wheel travel (?VWT) of the rear wheel is related to a change in the length of the shock absorber (?SL), providing a shock rate (SR). The shock rate (SR) changes throughout the vertical wheel travel of the rear wheel, such that the change in the shock rate dSR/dVWT has a change in sign as the rear wheel travels through its vertical wheel travel. In each case, the rate of change of the shock includes a change in sign, from positive to negative or from negative to positive. In some embodiments, the swingarm may be attached to the frame at a single pivot point or through a linkage system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Santa Cruz Bicycles, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph E. Graney, Nicholas Anderson
  • Publication number: 20140015220
    Abstract: A bicycle frame can have a main frame, a sub-frame and a shock. The sub-frame can move in relation to the main frame and the shock can be used to regulate that relationship. A linkage can also be used to regulate the relationships and control the rotation. The shock can further have a pair of extension arms to span a seat tube which is part of the main frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Inventor: Jan Talavasek
  • Patent number: 8622411
    Abstract: A bicycle assembly can include a bicycle frame that can have a main frame, a sub-frame and a shock absorber. The sub-frame can move in relation to the main frame and the shock can be used to regulate that relationship. A extension body can be used to establish a rear pivot point of the shock absorber. In some embodiments, the extension body can also be used to adjust the length of the combined shock absorber and extension body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc.
    Inventor: Jason L. Chamberlain
  • Publication number: 20130341886
    Abstract: A bicycle assembly can include a bicycle frame that can have a main frame, a sub-frame and a shock absorber. The sub-frame can move in relation to the main frame and the shock can be used to regulate that relationship. A extension body can be used to establish a rear pivot point of the shock absorber. In some embodiments, the extension body can also be used to adjust the length of the combined shock absorber and extension body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventor: Jason L. Chamberlain
  • Patent number: 8590914
    Abstract: A bicycle frame includes substantially rigid front and rear triangles that are pivotally connected to one another by a pair of pivoting linkages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Niner, Inc.
    Inventor: Steve Domahidy
  • Patent number: 8585070
    Abstract: A shock-absorbing bicycle frame includes a front frame, a rear frame, and a shock-absorbing unit. The rear frame includes a seat stay and a chain stay interconnected to form an angle therebetween. The shock-absorbing unit includes a first flexible member connected removably to the chain stay and the front frame, and a second flexible member connected between the chain stay and the front frame and disposed directly above the first flexible member. The first and second flexible members are deformable in first and second directions, respectively. The first direction intersects the second direction. As such, when subjected to an external force, the first and second flexible members are deformed to absorb shock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: A-Pro Tech Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Luke Beale
  • Patent number: 8584711
    Abstract: An outer tube for a front fork having an FRP pipe body which is subjected to braiding processing using a braider, wherein the FRP pipe comprises a combination of braids interlacing with each other at an interlacing angle ±?° with respect to a center axis of the pipe and warp fibers having an angle 0° with respect to the pipe center axis, rigidity of the plurality of warp fibers disposed at positions in a circumferential direction of the pipe is varied depending upon the positions in the circumferential direction of the pipe, and bending rigidity of the FRP pipe in the longitudinal direction is varied in the circumferential direction of the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Showa Corporation
    Inventors: Tomoya Toda, Makoto Hayashi, Masao Hirukawa
  • Publication number: 20130285346
    Abstract: A rear wheel suspension for a vehicle, in particular a two-wheeled vehicle, specifically a bicycle (2) which is designed for a particularly great spring travel, comprises a pivot element (18) which is connected to a frame element (12) of the vehicle via a principal swivel joint (16), a swing arm rear suspension (6) which is connected to the pivot element (18) via an auxiliary pivot (20), a deflection element (46) which is pivotally mounted on a frame element (12), a hock absorber/spring element (52) which is mounted on the one hand on a frame element (14) and on the other hand on the deflection element (46), wherein the deflection element (46) is kinematically coupled to the swing arm rear suspension (6) via a pivotally mounted connecting element (38) and to the pivot element (18) via a pivotally mounted coupling element (60) in such a way that the end of the pivot element (18) facing the swing arm rear suspension (6) is pulled upwards on deflection of the rear wheel (8).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2010
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: MZ MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Martin Wimmer
  • Publication number: 20130264794
    Abstract: A bicycle damping system is arranged to reduce vibrations that originate at the bicycle wheel and are transmitted to the rider of the bicycle. Desirably, a front fork assembly is configured to be supported by a bicycle frame and includes a pair of fork legs, which extend in a downward direction along opposing sides of a front wheel of the bicycle. Preferably, the fork legs are configured to support the front wheel at their lower ends. Each of the fork legs can define a cavity and a damping member is positioned within the cavity. The damping member can be forced into contact with a surface of the fork leg. Seat stays, chain stays, the seat post and other components of the bicycle can also include a damping system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Inventors: Kyle L. Chubbuck, Christopher P. D'Aluisio
  • Publication number: 20130249188
    Abstract: A rear suspension bicycle in which a lower linkage member between the front triangle and the rear wheel swingarm of the bicycle extends a significant distance backward toward the rear wheel. Rear suspension configurations according to the present teachings may exhibit one or more of the following characteristics: (i) the center of curvature of the rear wheel axis of rotation and the instant center of the bicycle may be substantially equidistant from the pedaling axis when the shock absorber is fully compressed, (ii) as the shock absorber is compressed from a fully uncompressed state to a fully compressed state, a rate of change of chainstay length may decrease substantially linearly, and (iii) as the shock absorber is compressed from a fully uncompressed state to a fully compressed state, the acceleration anti-squat value may decrease from a value substantially equal to 100% to a value of substantially equal to zero.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: Sotto Group LLC
    Inventor: Luther M. BEALE
  • Publication number: 20130249187
    Abstract: A bicycle damping system is arranged to reduce vibrations that originate at the bicycle wheel and are transmitted to the rider of the bicycle. A portion of a bicycle frame and/or bicycle fork can include define a cavity and a damping member is positioned within the cavity. The damping member can be forced into contact with a surface of the cavity. Fork legs, seat stays, chain stays, the seat post are all examples portions of the bicycle frame that may include a damping system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: SPECIALIZED BICYCLE COMPONENTS, INC.
    Inventors: Kyle L. Chubbuck, Christopher P. D'Aluisio
  • Patent number: 8534693
    Abstract: A bicycle having a wheel and a frame supported by the wheel. The frame includes a wheel support and a stay extending from the wheel support. A stay protector engages the stay, and a chain guide member is coupled to the stay protector to support and align the chain. The chain guide member comprises a guide mount and a guide carriage. The guide mount is secured to the stay protector, and the guide carriage is supported by the guide mount. The bicycle chain passes through a channel formed on the guide carriage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Brandon Dale Sloan, David Allen, Jan Talavasek, Joseph Edward Buckley
  • Publication number: 20130214507
    Abstract: A bicycle frame set includes a main frame, a rear wheel suspension pivotally attached to the main frame, and a double eccentric cam assembly disposed within one or more pivot joints between the main frame and the rear wheel suspension. The double eccentric cam assembly includes inner and outer eccentric cams removably fastened together and retained in place within the pivot joint by a removable fastener passing through an aperture in the inner eccentric cam and defining a pivot axis. The aperture is eccentric relative to a perimeter of the inner eccentric cam. The inner cam is received within a correspondingly shaped opening in the outer cam which opening is itself eccentric relative to a perimeter of the outer eccentric cam. A rotational position of each of the cams is thus adjustable, so as to change a relative location of the pivot axis of the pivot joint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: INDUSTRIES RAD INC.
    Inventor: INDUSTRIES RAD INC.
  • Publication number: 20130200591
    Abstract: A valve is particularly suited for a movement damping apparatus. The valve has a field-generating device, such as a magnet unit, and a fluid that is subjected to the field, such as a magnetorheological fluid, is pressed through a flow path forming a bottleneck. At the bottleneck the fluid is subject to the field and it changes its flow characteristics in response to the field. The flow path is divided into at least two flow tracks by a partition that forms one or more additional friction surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: INVENTUS ENGINEERING GMBH
    Inventor: INVENTUS ENGINEERING GMBH
  • Patent number: 8496083
    Abstract: A rear wheel suspension device of a motorcycle has rear end portions of an upper arm member and a lower arm rotatably joined to a knuckle member, which pivotally supports a rear wheel. The rear wheel suspension device can obtain a progressive cushion property while avoiding an increase in the number of parts. At the same time, the rear wheel suspension device can make the acquisition of extra rigidity of the vehicle body frame unnecessary. One end of a rear cushion unit is joined to one of an upper arm member and a lower arm member. A rear end portion of another of the upper arm member and the lower arm member is rotatably joined to a knuckle member in front of a rear wheel support portion of the knuckle member. Another end of the rear cushion unit is joined to one of another arm member and knuckle member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Makoto Igarashi, Toshiaki Takamura, Shinji Takayanagi
  • Patent number: 8459680
    Abstract: A bicycle assembly can include a bicycle frame that can have a main frame, a sub-frame and a shock absorber. The sub-frame can move in relation to the main frame and the shock can be used to regulate that relationship. A extension body can be used to establish a rear pivot point of the shock absorber. In some embodiments, the extension body can also be used to adjust the length of the combined shock absorber and extension body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc.
    Inventor: Jason L. Chamberlain