Rear Forks Patents (Class 280/284)
-
Patent number: 7690667Abstract: A bicycle shock absorber and methods for differentiating between rider-induced forces and terrain-induced forces includes a first fluid chamber having fluid contained therein, a piston for compressing the fluid within the fluid chamber, a second fluid chamber coupled to the first fluid chamber by a fluid communication hose, and an inertial valve disposed within the second fluid chamber. The inertial valve opens in response to terrain-induced forces and provides communication of fluid compressed by the piston from the first fluid chamber to the second fluid chamber. The inertial valve does not open in response to rider-induced forces.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2009Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc.Inventor: Michael McAndrews
-
Patent number: 7690666Abstract: A shock absorber includes a tube and a piston rod carrying a piston. The piston is configured for reciprocal movement within the tube. A floating piston, or other type of accumulator, is configured to move to accommodate fluid displaced due to successive portions of the piston rod entering the tube during compression of the shock absorber. The shock absorber includes a valve mechanism that utilizes the movement of the floating piston to move the valve between a first and second position, which preferably are open and closed positions.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2006Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc.Inventor: Michael McAndrews
-
Patent number: 7677347Abstract: A motorcycle shock system has a shock body formed at least partially of aluminum and an air compressor that provides pressurized air to the shock body when necessary. A piston held within the shock body defines a rear air chamber and a forward air chamber on the opposite side of the piston. Four electrically controlled air valves include a first air valve that when actuated opens a passage to allow air to flow into the forward chamber, a second air valve that when actuated opens a passage to allow air to flow out of the forward chamber to the atmosphere, a third air valve that when actuated opens a passage to allow air to flow out of the rear air chamber, and a fourth air valve that when actuated opens a passage to allow air to flow into the rear air chamber.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2007Date of Patent: March 16, 2010Inventor: J. D. Brawn
-
Publication number: 20100059965Abstract: A bicycle rear suspension system that includes a main frame and a rear wheel suspension system, the main frame generally is comprised of a seat tube, a down tube, a top tube, and a head tube. The rear wheel suspension system consists of a first linkage member, a rear wheel swingarm, and a second linkage member. The rear wheel suspension system allows for a preferential linear decrease in rate of chainstay lengthening combined with a preferential linear decrease in rate of acceleration anti-squat with the value of 100% anti-squat occurring at the statically weighted sag point.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2008Publication date: March 11, 2010Inventor: David Earle
-
Patent number: 7661503Abstract: A wheel suspension system having under powered acceleration a stable squat magnitude response.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2005Date of Patent: February 16, 2010Assignee: Orion Dynamics, Inc.Inventor: David Weagle
-
Patent number: 7658394Abstract: A rear suspension system includes a bottom bracket integrally connected between two respective first ends of two chain stays and the bottom bracket is engaged with a recess defined between two lugs on the conjunction end of the seat tube and the down tube. The chain stay unit includes two first pivot points and two second pivot points. A first link unit has a first end pivotably connected to the first pivot points and a second end of the first link unit is pivotably connected to one of the two lugs. A second link unit has a first end pivotably connected to the second pivot points and a second end of the second link unit is pivotably connected to the other one of the two lugs. The distance between the bottom bracket and the rear wheel axle is not changed when the rear suspension system is activated.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2009Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Inventor: Stephen Huang
-
Patent number: 7654549Abstract: An improved semi-recumbent bicycle seat includes a frame having a main seat support tube and a steering mechanism including a front tire support fork. Front and rear wheels are mounted on the front tire support fork and on the frame. A bicycle seat is mounted above and forwards of the rear wheel, the bicycle seat including a bicycle seat frame, a seat base and a seat cushion. A seat back is adjustably mounted on the bicycle seat frame for adjustment of the height and spacing of the seat back relative to the seat base, and the seat cushion includes a generally flat planar front face and a forwardly tilted top surface which is tilted from horizontal between two and thirty degrees (2° and 30°). The bicycle seat frame is adjustably mounted on the main seat support tube free of any other support connection to the bicycle frame.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2007Date of Patent: February 2, 2010Assignee: Day 6 Bicycles, LLCInventor: Kelly Hutson
-
Publication number: 20100007113Abstract: A rear suspension system for bicycles includes a front triangle, a rear triangle and a shock absorbing unit pivotably connected between the front and rear triangles to allow the rear triangle to move at a regulated rate with regard to the front triangle. The seatstays of the rear triangle have two dropouts and two extension portions on two opposite ends thereof. The two dropouts each have a notch for engaging with a rear wheel shaft. The extension portions are pivotably connected to the shock absorbing unit and the front triangle. The chainstays have two respectively first ends thereof pivotably to the dropouts at two pivot points and two respective second ends pivotably connected to the seat tube. The pivot points are located above or on a line between a center of the bottom bracket and a center of the notches in the dropouts.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 10, 2009Publication date: January 14, 2010Inventors: David Earle, Luther Beale
-
Publication number: 20090322055Abstract: A suspension system for a bicycle comprising a rear wheel mounting member (4), a chassis member (2), an upper linkage (6) pivotally connected to the rear wheel mounting member and the chassis member at first (P1) and second (P2) pivot points respectively and a lower linkage (8) pivotally connected to the rear wheel mounting member and the chassis member at third (P3) and fourth (P4) pivot points respectively thereby forming a four-bar linkage system, characterised in that the length of the upper linkage (6) between the first and second pivot point and the length of the lower linkage (8) between the third and fourth pivot points are both are greater than the separation between the second and fourth pivot points. An embodiment includes a jockey wheel or idler pulley which provides a tensioned portion of chain which passes through the instant centre of rotation (IC).Type: ApplicationFiled: August 21, 2007Publication date: December 31, 2009Inventor: Luis Arraiz
-
Patent number: 7637341Abstract: An apparatus capable of temporarily limiting travel of the rear suspension system of a motorcycle for the purpose of obtaining better traction when accelerating. The apparatus includes a device having a first base secured to at least one frame member of the motorcycle at a location above a rear suspension member of the motorcycle, and a second base secured to the rear suspension member at a location in proximity to the first base. A post is pivotally mounted to the first base to have first and second positions. In the first position, the post extends toward the second base an engages a retention feature in the second base to prevent movement of the rear suspension member and frame member toward each other. In the second position, the post is disengaged from the retention feature and pivoted away from the second base to permit movement of the rear suspension member and frame member toward each other.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2007Date of Patent: December 29, 2009Inventor: Edward Daniel Schnick
-
Publication number: 20090315296Abstract: A rear wheel suspension for bicycles has a link connecting the chainstay, or swingamm, to the lower damper or shock absorber mount. This link allows the requirements of the rider to manipulate the suspension and geometry available for various conditions. In this way, the suspension characteristics, such as spring rate, rising rate, and wheel travel, will automatically change in accordance with the rider's needs.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2008Publication date: December 24, 2009Applicant: KONA USA, INC.Inventor: Brian David Berthold
-
Patent number: 7635141Abstract: A bicycle rear wheel suspension system includes an upper link and a lower link both pivotally attached to the frame and to a rear stay member. An instantaneous center of rotation of the rear stay member is defined at an intersection between an upper axis extending through first and second pivots of the upper link and a lower axis extending through third and fourth pivots of the lower link. Throughout a travel distance of a shock absorber of the suspension system, the instantaneous center of rotation remains below an average chain torque line of the bicycle, the lower axis remains above an axle axis extending through the rear wheel axle, and a portion of the lower axis defined between the third and fourth pivots extends below the average chain torque line.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2008Date of Patent: December 22, 2009Assignee: Rocky Mountain Bicycles - a division of Procycle Group Inc.Inventor: D'Arcy O'Connor
-
Publication number: 20090283986Abstract: A rear fork for a rear suspension bicycle having a ground link, the rear fork has a front frame, a rear frame, input links, a shock absorber, coupler links, follower links, a brake mount and a connecting shaft. The input links are mounted pivotally on the ground link and are connected to the shock absorber that is mounted on the ground link. The coupler links are connected to the input links and terminate in dropouts being mounted thereon. The followers are mounted rotatably on the dropouts and pivotally to at least one link mount being connected to the ground link. The brake mount is pivotally mounted adjacent to a non-drive side dropout and has a caliper mounted thereon. The connecting shaft is connected to the ground link and the brake mount to prevent a shock absorbing force of the rear fork from interfering with a braking force of the caliper.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2008Publication date: November 19, 2009Inventor: Jurgen Falke
-
Publication number: 20090278331Abstract: The present invention is a bicycle including a bicycle frame and a rear wheel suspension system that is attached to the frame. The rear wheel suspension system includes a rear wheel swingarm and a shock absorber that is engaged to the swingarm to control the motion of a rear wheel of the bicycle. A change in the 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) according to the relationship: SR=?SL/?VWT. 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. The shock rate may at first decrease in value and subsequently increase, or initially increase in value and subsequently decrease throughout the vertical wheel travel of the rear wheel.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 20, 2009Publication date: November 12, 2009Applicant: Santa Cruz Bicycles, Inc.Inventor: Joseph E. Graney
-
Publication number: 20090261556Abstract: A bicycle rear suspension system includes a main frame and a rear wheel suspension system. The main frame generally comprises a seat tube, a down tube, a top tube, and a head tube. The rear wheel suspension system comprises a first linkage member, a rear wheel swingarm, and a second linkage member. The first linkage member is shorter than 15 mm from its pivotal connection to the main frame and its pivotal connection to the rear wheel swingarm, and changes its direction of rotation as the rear wheel is articulated generally vertically. The rear wheel suspension system allows for a preferential rear wheel axle travel path that provides for increased rates of chainstay lengthening in the first part of the vertical rear wheel travel with a rapid change to reduced chainstay lengthening in the latter part of the vertical rear wheel travel so that the overall change in chainstay length is small relative to the amount of vertical rear wheel travel.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2009Publication date: October 22, 2009Inventors: Luther M. Beale, David M. Earle
-
Publication number: 20090261557Abstract: A bicycle comprising a front triangle, a rear wheel suspension system and a rear wheel in articulating relation thereto, wherein said rear wheel suspension system articulates said rear wheel along a non-arcuate travel path such that said rear wheel suspension system compression causes a shock rate, as defined by a change in shock length over a change in rear wheel travel distance, to vary such that the rate of change of said shock rate changes sign at least twice and varies by no more than 15% and the overall rate of chainstay lengthening for the bike is at least 10% of overall vertical wheel travel.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2009Publication date: October 22, 2009Inventors: Luther M. Beale, David M. Earle
-
Publication number: 20090250897Abstract: An innovated rear suspension system for mountain bikes that includes five structural tubes—a force channeling tube, a front stabilizing tube, a rear stabilizing tube, a top tube, and a seat tube—connected to form an irregular polygon; reinforced with gussets, a torque conversion device pivotally connected to a compression strut, a shock-absorbing element and the force channeling tube, which transfers force or shock from the compression strut to the shock-absorbing element. The shock-absorbing element pivotally connected at the front to a pair of shock mounts attached to the force channeling tube absorbs and compresses force from the torque conversion device and transfers the force to the force channeling tube. The upward and forward direction of the force channeling tube guides the force along the force channeling tube propelling the bicycle and the rider forward, reducing jacking and efficiently utilizing pedal forces.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2008Publication date: October 8, 2009Inventors: Ted K. Tanouye, Alan Kang
-
Patent number: 7591475Abstract: A simplified rear suspension for a bicycle or the like comprises a wishbone seatstay structure. The wishbone structure is provided with a first extension extending toward the seat junction. A low friction guide component, for example a spherical element, is provided at the distal end of the extension. A second extension is provided at the seat junction, with a hollow interior for receiving the guide component. The guide component slides with little friction and play within the hollow interior. A stop member may also be provided within the hollow interior, stopping travel of the guide component under load. Motion of the rear wheel (via dropout) relative to the main frame (e.g., from the terrain) is translated into motion of the guide component within the hollow interior. The chainstays, in a pivotless arrangement, provide a moment which acts as a spring, resisting the motion of the dropouts and providing shock absorption and/or damping for improved ride and control.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2008Date of Patent: September 22, 2009Inventor: Craig Calfee
-
Patent number: 7581743Abstract: The present invention is a bicycle including a bicycle frame and a rear wheel suspension system that is attached to the frame. The rear wheel suspension system includes a rear wheel swingarm and a shock absorber that is engaged to the swingarm to control the motion of a rear wheel of the bicycle. A change in the 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) according to the relationship: SR=?SL/?VWT. 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. The shock rate may at first decrease in value and subsequently increase, or initially increase in value and subsequently decrease throughout the vertical wheel travel of the rear wheel.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2005Date of Patent: September 1, 2009Assignee: Santa Cruz Bicycles, Inc.Inventor: Joseph E. Graney
-
Publication number: 20090212528Abstract: A bicycle shock absorber and methods for differentiating between rider-induced forces and terrain-induced forces includes a first fluid chamber having fluid contained therein, a piston for compressing the fluid within the fluid chamber, a second fluid chamber coupled to the first fluid chamber by a fluid communication hose, and an inertial valve disposed within the second fluid chamber. The inertial valve opens in response to terrain-induced forces and provides communication of fluid compressed by the piston from the first fluid chamber to the second fluid chamber. The inertial valve does not open in response to rider-induced forces.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2009Publication date: August 27, 2009Applicant: SPECIALIZED BICYCLE COMPONENTS, INC.Inventor: Michael McAndrews
-
Patent number: 7566066Abstract: A bicycle rear suspension system has a virtual pivot point that is close to a junction between a chain and a front driving sprocket when a piston rod travels relative to a cylinder body by ¼ to ? of a maximum displacement value, and that moves rearwardly when a rear wheel moves upwardly away from the ground. A line interconnecting an instant center of a rear triangular frame and a contacting point between a rear wheel and the ground forms an angle of about 45° with respect to a horizontal line.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2004Date of Patent: July 28, 2009Assignee: Giant Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Owen Chang, Leo Wu
-
Patent number: 7559566Abstract: A swing arm suspension for reducing the number of parts to thereby reduce the number of man-hours for assembly, the weight and the cost. The swing arm suspension includes a pivot plate provided with a pivot shaft, a swing arm having a rear end portion supporting a rear wheel that is swingably mounted at a front end portion to the pivot shaft and a shock absorber that is mounted at an upper end portion to the swing arm and connected at a lower end portion through a link mechanism to a portion of the pivot plate at a lower level than the pivot shaft. An exposing portion is provided for exposing a shock absorber arrangement space to an upper space above the swing arm. At least one of a subtank and an adjuster as functional components of the shock absorber is located in the exposing portion.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2004Date of Patent: July 14, 2009Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Masayuki Fujita
-
Patent number: 7559396Abstract: 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 swing arm of the motorcycle. The suspension system comprises a double-acting pneumatic cylinder.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2006Date of Patent: July 14, 2009Inventor: Jeffrey R. Schwindt
-
Patent number: 7556275Abstract: A saddle type vehicle includes a down tube extending downward from a head pipe for supporting a front fork, a rear wheel pivot unit provided on the down tube, and a rear wheel suspension device for supporting a rear wheel of the vehicle such that the rear wheel can pivot substantially upward and downward around the rear wheel pivot unit. The rear wheel pivot unit is disposed before an engine in the advancing direction of the vehicle. The engine is attached to the rear wheel suspension device such that the engine can pivot with the rear wheel suspension device.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2005Date of Patent: July 7, 2009Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Toru Horiuchi
-
Patent number: 7556276Abstract: A Bicycle Rear Wheel Suspension Chassis for a Bicycle. Improved performance, low center of gravity, and ground clearance result from a Front Triangle Frame 1 with Steering Housing 25 and Crank Shaft Housing 20, a Link 2 with forward most end pivotally attached to Lower Pivot 22, a Swingarm Chassis 24 pivotally attached to rearward most end of said Link 2, and a rear wheel pivotally attached at Rear Axle Location 19 to said Swingarm Chassis 24. The Shock Absorber 7 attached to said Swingarm Chassis 24 provides means for suspension spring rate and damping for isolating a bicycle rider from trail impacts with the rear wheel. Performance and handling advantages result from a low center of gravity system, a Link 2 at the Lower Pivot 22 that provides better control by reacting to travel over trail objects, and a moving instant center that reacts optimally to impacts of varying magnitude and frequency.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2006Date of Patent: July 7, 2009Inventor: Charles Emet Dunlap
-
Patent number: 7527119Abstract: A swing arm support structure is provided in a motorcycle, in which first and second support arm portions are provided on a front portion of a swing arm. The support arm portions are pivotally supported by a power unit through first and second pivot shafts, so that rigidity and strength of the paired support arm portions is ensured. A flange is formed on the first pivot shaft, which extends at least partially up to an outer edge of a power unit case and projects radially outwardly from an end portion of the first pivot shaft adjacent the case. The flange portion is removably attached to the case. An outer end of an output shaft extends through and is supported by the first pivot shaft, and this outer end projects outwards of the first support arm portion. A drive gear is fixed to the outer end portion of the output shaft.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2005Date of Patent: May 5, 2009Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Chikashi Iizuka, Hiroyuki Tanaka
-
Publication number: 20090102158Abstract: Rear suspension for a bicycle comprising a rear swing arm (15) which carries the hub (19) of the rear wheel (20) and pivots via at least two pivot means (23, 24) on a frame (1) carrying a bottom bracket (12), the swing arm (15) pivoting about an instantaneous centre of rotation (25) corresponding to the intersection of the straight lines (d1, d2) passing through the axes of rotation (23a, 23b; 24a, 24b) of the respective pivot means of the swing arm (15); said instantaneous centre of rotation (25) is 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 and moves inside a horizontal band (27) in such a way that said instantaneous centre of rotation (25) moves horizontally and forwards when the swing arm (15) moves upwards as the wheel goes over an obstacle.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2007Publication date: April 23, 2009Inventor: Emmanuel Antonot
-
Patent number: 7520360Abstract: A rear motorcycle suspension for a motorcycle frame pivotally attaching to the rear portion of a motorcycle frame, having an air shock horizontally affixing an upper suspension arm of the rear suspension frame member to the motorcycle frame to absorb the upward vibrational movement and shock upon the rear wheel of the motorcycle without transfer to the motorcycle frame, the rear suspension frame member pivotally attaching between the frame components of the modified motorcycle frame.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2007Date of Patent: April 21, 2009Inventor: Aaron L. Glenn
-
Patent number: 7516971Abstract: The invention relates to a bicycle frame including a base frame and at least one device which is mounted on the base frame, provided in the form of a brace structure, and has an accommodating area for accommodating a wheel. The invention also relates to a bicycle fork and to a method for producing a bicycle frame.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2002Date of Patent: April 14, 2009Assignee: Storck Bicycle GmbHInventor: Markus Storck
-
Patent number: 7516972Abstract: A bicycle rear frame includes a mandrel, a hub mounted on the mandrel, a freewheel secured on the hub, two rear fork end members each mounted on the mandrel and each formed with a first tapered face, two rear stays each mounted on a respective rear fork end member, two press members each mounted on the mandrel and each formed with a second tapered face rested on the first tapered face of a respective rear fork end member, and two locking nuts each screwed onto the mandrel and each rested on a respective press member. Thus, the second tapered face of each of the press members presses the first tapered face of the respective rear fork end member to prevent the freewheel and the hub from being pulled forward by the chain, thereby preventing the chain from becoming loosened.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2007Date of Patent: April 14, 2009Inventor: Wu-Hsiung Liao
-
Patent number: 7506884Abstract: A bicycle suspension assembly having an inertia valve is described. A blow-off valve that permits fluid flow through the suspension assembly when the fluid pressure in the suspension assembly exceeds a predetermined threshold may be included.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2007Date of Patent: March 24, 2009Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.Inventor: Robert C. Fox
-
Patent number: 7494146Abstract: A bicycle frame has a front frame, a mounting bracket assembly, a rear frame and a shock absorbing device. The front frame has a head tube, a down tube, a top tube, a bottom bracket shell and a seat tube. The seat tube is connected to bottom bracket shell, is connected to the rear end of the top tube and has an upper bracket seat, a connecting bracket and a lower bracket seat. The mounting bracket assembly is connected pivotally to the front frame and has two front mounting brackets and a rear mounting bracket. The rear frame is connected pivotally to the mounting bracket assembly and the front frame and has an upper fork, a lower fork and two dropouts. The shock absorbing device is connected to the front frame, the rear frame and the mounting bracket assembly and has a first shock absorber and a second shock absorber.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2007Date of Patent: February 24, 2009Assignee: Merida Industry Co., Ltd.Inventor: Ting-Huang Tseng
-
Publication number: 20090045601Abstract: A bicycle derailleur assembly that is mounted concentrically with an axle of a rear wheel assembly. The derailleur is constructed to be mounted to the bicycle such that the derailleur is pivotable about a common axis with the rear wheel and such that the rear wheel can be removed from the bicycle without interfering with the connection of the derailleur to the bicycle. The derailleur system provides a derailleur that is robust and reduces interference of the derailleur with the performance of bicycle maintenance.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2007Publication date: February 19, 2009Inventors: James Colegrove, Dylan Howes, Jose Gonzalez
-
Publication number: 20090026728Abstract: A twenty-nine inch wheel bicycle frame includes substantially rigid front and rear triangles that are pivotally connected to one another by a pair of linkages. The frame is designed so that chain tension urges the linkages to pivot in opposite directions, while bumps urge the linkages to pivot in the same direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 6, 2008Publication date: January 29, 2009Applicant: NINER, INC.Inventor: Steve Domahidy
-
Patent number: 7472918Abstract: A releasable clamp system for clamping a wheel component to a vehicle includes a frame member and a cover plate that is pivotally coupled to the frame member. The cover plate is movable between a closed portion where the cover plate and the frame member encompass the wheel component and an open position that permits removal of the wheel component. A lever is pivotally attached to the cover plate and a hook member is pivotally attached to the lever. An adjustment system is used to adjust the clamping force applied to the wheel component by the frame member and the cover plate.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2005Date of Patent: January 6, 2009Assignee: Blackglass LLCInventor: Paul H. Turner
-
Patent number: 7467803Abstract: This application relates to 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. The seat tube orientation ensures that the seat is movable between optimum biomechanical positions for both uphill pedaling and aggressive downhill freeriding.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2004Date of Patent: December 23, 2008Inventor: Noel Buckley
-
Publication number: 20080303242Abstract: A bicycle rear wheel suspension system includes an upper link and a lower link both pivotally attached to the frame and to a rear stay member. An instantaneous center of rotation of the rear stay member is defined at an intersection between an upper axis extending through first and second pivots of the upper link and a lower axis extending through third and fourth pivots of the lower link. Throughout a travel distance of a shock absorber of the suspension system, the instantaneous center of rotation remains below an average chain torque line of the bicycle, the lower axis remains above an axle axis extending through the rear wheel axle, and a portion of the lower axis defined between the third and fourth pivots extends below the average chain torque line.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2008Publication date: December 11, 2008Inventor: D'Arcy O'Connor
-
Publication number: 20080258427Abstract: This application relates to 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. The seat tube orientation ensures that the seat is movable between optimum biomechanical positions for both uphill pedaling and aggressive downhill freeriding.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2008Publication date: October 23, 2008Inventor: Noel Buckley
-
Publication number: 20080252040Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2007Publication date: October 16, 2008Inventors: James Colegrove, Dylan Howes, Jose Gonzalez
-
Patent number: 7434645Abstract: A structure for supporting a swing arm in a motorcycle is provided in which a power unit swingably supports a front portion of the swing arm via a first pivot of a cylindrical shape that is coaxial with an output shaft of the power unit and a second pivot that is coaxial with the first pivot. The number of parts used are reduced and the removal and installation of the swing arm is facilitated. An output shaft, an outer end portion of which projects outwardly of a swing arm, is connected to a final transmission member of a reduction transmission and is capable of removal or insertion in an axial direction, while being incapable of relative rotation about an axis. A first pivot is removably mounted on a power unit. A second pivot is removably secured to the power unit PA or the swing arm.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2005Date of Patent: October 14, 2008Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Chikashi Iizuka, Hiroyuki Tanaka
-
Publication number: 20080238031Abstract: A bicycle frame has a front frame, a mounting assembly, a rear frame and a shock absorber. The front frame has a head tube, a down tube, a top tube, a bottom bracket shell and a seat tube. The seat tube is connected to bottom bracket shell, is connected to the rear end of the top tube and has an upper bracket seat, a connecting bracket and a lower bracket seat. The mounting assembly is connected pivotally to the front frame and has two mounting brackets. The rear frame is connected pivotally to the mounting assembly and front frame and has an upper fork, a lower fork and two dropouts. The shock absorber is connected to the front frame and the mounting assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2007Publication date: October 2, 2008Inventor: Ting-Huang Tseng
-
Publication number: 20080238030Abstract: A bicycle frame has a front frame, a mounting bracket assembly, a rear frame and a shock absorbing device. The front frame has a head tube, a down tube, a top tube, a bottom bracket shell and a seat tube. The seat tube is connected to bottom bracket shell, is connected to the rear end of the top tube and has an upper bracket seat, a connecting bracket and a lower bracket seat. The mounting bracket assembly is connected pivotally to the front frame and has two front mounting brackets and a rear mounting bracket. The rear frame is connected pivotally to the mounting bracket assembly and the front frame and has an upper fork, a lower fork and two dropouts. The shock absorbing device is connected to the front frame, the rear frame and the mounting bracket assembly and has a first shock absorber and a second shock absorber.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2007Publication date: October 2, 2008Inventor: Ting-Huang Tseng
-
Patent number: 7427077Abstract: A rear suspension for a vehicle such as a bicycle or motorcycle that includes a frame, a swinging arm integral with the frame carrying the axle of a drive wheel hub and a shock absorber whose ends are secured to the frame and to the swinging arm, the swinging arm being secured to said frame by at least two articulation means so that the swinging arm pivots about an “instantaneous centre of rotation” that is movable when the hub is displaced on either side of its reference position corresponding to the position of the hub axle when the vehicle is in a static equilibrium position, characterized in that the instantaneous centre of rotation is displaced upwards along a parabolic path, the asymptote of which is oriented towards the rear free end of the swinging arm carrying the axle of the hub when said hub is displaced above its reference position.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2005Date of Patent: September 23, 2008Assignee: Cycles LapierreInventors: Philippe Lesage, Emmanuel Antonot
-
Publication number: 20080210203Abstract: A fuel pump layout structure in a motorcycle, including an engine, a fuel pump for the supplying fuel to the engine, a frame for supporting the engine and the fuel pump, and a rear suspension damper disposed behind the frame with a swing arm being swingably suspended from the rear suspension damper, wherein said fuel pump is disposed on one side of said rear suspension damper.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2008Publication date: September 4, 2008Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventor: Eiji SUGIYAMA
-
Publication number: 20080196960Abstract: A swingarm and swingarm assembly for a rear wheel suspension are provided for a motorcycle or other two-wheeled vehicles, the swingarm having a pair of side spars attached to a cross member, the cross member having a seat formed therein to receive at least one of a plurality of mounting blocks having a yoke thereon for attachment to a shock absorber to provide a configurable swingarm assembly. Each mounting block has a different attachment point for the shock absorber to change the force vectors for the swingarm creating a softer or stiffer suspension for the rear wheel.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 20, 2008Publication date: August 21, 2008Inventors: Duane Brown, Chris Brown, Brent Brown, Kurt Hall
-
Patent number: 7413208Abstract: A bicycle frame has a front frame, a lower bracket assembly, an upper bracket assembly, a rear frame and a shock absorber. The front frame has a head tube, a down tube, a bottom bracket shell and seat tube. The lower bracket assembly is connected pivotally to the bottom bracket shell and has a lower connecting bracket. The upper bracket assembly is connected pivotally to the seat tube and has two upper connecting brackets. The rear frame is connected pivotally to the upper connecting brackets and the lower connecting bracket of the upper and lower bracket assemblies and has an upper fork, a lower fork and two dropouts. The shock absorber is mounted pivotally between the upper connecting brackets and the lower connecting bracket.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2006Date of Patent: August 19, 2008Assignee: Astro Engineering Co., Ltd.Inventor: Ming-Chien Weng
-
Patent number: 7395892Abstract: A two phase bicycle rear suspension assembly. The two phases allow for maximum suspension travel over very uneven terrain. The arrangement is such that when a bicycle fitted with the assembly is being pedalled, the second phase is locked out and lost pedalling energy due to pedal-induced lobbing is avoided, while at the same time the first suspension phase remains active.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2005Date of Patent: July 8, 2008Inventor: Rolando Cruz Alonzo
-
Publication number: 20080156565Abstract: A rear arm for a straddle-type vehicle that satisfies rigidity requirements and is manufactured more easily. The rear arm includes a pair of arms that support end sections of a wheel axle, and a cross member that connects the arms. The cross member is formed by bending a singular tabular member. A rear end section of the cross member has a recessed shape that is recessed toward pivot members.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2007Publication date: July 3, 2008Applicant: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Kazushige AOKI
-
Patent number: 7392874Abstract: A rear wheel suspension system for a motorcycle has a swing arm with a pivot axis at a forward end and a wheel axis at a rear end. A wheel axle is slide mounted in a direction of travel substantially parallel to the motorcycle fork. A pair of springs mounted within the swing arm biases the wheel axle in forward neutral position and pulls the wheel axle to forward neutral position when the wheel is forced backward.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2005Date of Patent: July 1, 2008Inventors: Charles Koistra, Yunes A. Nabilsi
-
Patent number: 7393125Abstract: A recess is defined in one of the top tube, the down tube and the seat tube of a bicycle frame and a power supply unit is engaged with the recess. The power supply unit includes an engaging frame engaged with the recess and a battery is removably engaged with a main space defined in the engaging frame. The engaging frame includes a chamber defined in an end thereof and a control box is received in the chamber so as to be electrically connected with the control box. The top surface of the battery is in flush with the one of the top tube, the down tube and the seat tube. An ON/OFF switch is installed on a top of the engaging frame and an indication bulb is installed on a top of the battery for convenience of observation by the user.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2007Date of Patent: July 1, 2008Assignee: Ideal Bike Corp.Inventor: Chih-Hsiung Lai