Hollow Shell Frames Patents (Class 280/288.3)
  • Patent number: 11453457
    Abstract: A main body frame (100) for an electric motorcycle comprises a front fork support member (101) with a front fork through hole for loading a pivot stem of a front fork (200), the front fork through hole has a pivotal axis arranged in a central plane (P) of the main body frame; the main body frame further comprises a right and a left frame part (102, 105) arranged on opposite sides of the central plane of the main body frame, each having an elongated shape and being formed of an upper part (102a, 102b) and a lower part (102c, 102d), respectively at different sides of an elongation direction changing portion (102e), a first buffer member (120) attached, at opposite sides thereof, to the right and the left frame part, and crossing the central plane. wherein starting from the respective elongation direction changing portions thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Inventor: Christian Kugele
  • Patent number: 11124259
    Abstract: A bicycle comprises a front wheel, a rear wheel, a frame structure including a hollow seat tube. The bicycle further comprises a dropper seat post supported by the hollow seat tube, a loop stay positioned in the frame structure below the dropper seat post, and a control housing positioned in the frame structure for actuating the dropper seat post. The control housing includes a lower loop wrapped around at least a portion of the loop stay. The bicycle may further comprise a motor assembly coupled to the frame structure by a motor fastener, wherein the loop stay is coupled to the frame structure by the motor fastener. The frame structure may further include a top tube and a diagonal tube (e.g., a sided tube) coupling the top tube with the hollow seat tube, and the control housing may be at least partially positioned in the diagonal tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: SPECIALIZED BICYCLE COMPONENTS, INC.
    Inventors: Jan Talavasek, Vincent Patureau, Marco Werner Sonderegger, Marc Pallure
  • Patent number: 10689055
    Abstract: A folded bicycle frame comprising a single and continuous sheet of metal is disclosed. The bicycle frame is formed by cutting the sheet of metal to form a boundary, hydroforming the sheet of metal to create a profile comprising indentations and protrusions along the sheet of metal, and then folding the molded sheet essentially along its axis of symmetry, such that the symmetrical parts of the sheet are positioned next to each other to form the frame with a hollow interior. Holes are precut in the frame so that other bicycle parts may be attached to the frame. The frame is produced without the need for any welding or connecting of individual parts. Thus, it is stronger than conventional bicycle frames which are weaker at such welded connections of their parts. A method for making the folded frame is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Inventor: Alexander Buzov
  • Patent number: 10450027
    Abstract: A golf-bag carrying vehicle is an apparatus that assists a user in transporting their golf bag by either manually push-kicking the apparatus or motorizing the apparatus. The apparatus includes a pair of idle wheels, a stabilizing wheel, a frame, a steering mechanism, a handlebar, and a footboard. The pair of idle wheel arranged at the front end of the frame and the stabilizing wheel arranged at the rear end of the frame are configured into a tricycle configuration, which creates ample space in the center of the apparatus for a rider and/or a payload. The steering mechanism and the handlebar allows a user to steer the apparatus in a desired direction. The footboard allows the user to selectively ride on the apparatus or to manually assist the movement of the apparatus by push-kicking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: COOLRYDE B.V.
    Inventors: Frank Kistemaker, Guido Peters
  • Patent number: 10351200
    Abstract: A box beam bicycle structure (BBBS) having a box section, a right triangular section and a left triangular section. The right and left triangular sections are either integral with the box structure, or the triangular sections are attached to the box structure by riveting, bonding or welding. The box structure is preferably made of a sheet material and the parts that comprise the box structure are attached together by riveting, bonding or welding. The BBBS interfaces with bicycle components to function as a lightweight, strong bicycle frame. Additionally, the BBBS can be manufactured as a one-piece design, or can utilize a hybrid construction design with an internal structure and reinforcing members at areas of high stress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Inventor: James D. Moore
  • Patent number: 9422024
    Abstract: Bicycle frame formed by a half-shell (1) made of a thermoplastic material. The half-shell (1) is fiber-reinforced at least in regions, and includes a cover element (2), which is, at least in regions, connected to the half-shell and preferably closes the half-shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: Rehau AG + Co
    Inventors: Ahmad Al-Sheyyab, Timo Köhler
  • Patent number: 9162725
    Abstract: A frame unit for a bicycle may include a left frame body in which a part of a head tube, a part of a seat tube, a part of a frame, and a left stay are integrally formed, and a right frame body in which a part of the head tube, a part of the seat tube, a part of the frame, and a right stay are integrally formed, wherein the left frame body and the right frame body may be coupled so as to integrally form the head tube, the seat tube, and the frame, and a seat pipe formed to have a cylinder shape by step-by-step press processing may be inserted into the seat tube and then coupled to the seat tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Jungnam Choi, Myungjin Seo
  • Patent number: 9145182
    Abstract: A frame unit for a bicycle may include a left frame body in which a part of a seat tube, a part of a frame, and a left stay are integrally formed, a right frame body in which a part of the seat tube, a part of the frame, and a right stay are integrally formed, and a reinforcing panel disposed within the left and right frame bodies, wherein the left frame body and the right frame body may be coupled so as to integrally form the head tube, the seat tube, and the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventor: Jungnam Choi
  • Patent number: 9108696
    Abstract: A frame unit for a bicycle includes: a left frame body in which a part of a head tube, a part of a seat tube, a part of a frame, and a left stay are integrally formed; and a right frame body in which a part of the head tube, a part of the seat tube, a part of the frame, and a right stay are integrally formed, in which the left frame body and the right frame body are coupled so as to integrally form the head tube, the seat tube, and the frame, flanges are formed to be inclined along edges of the left frame body and the right frame body, respectively, and the left frame body and the right frame body are coupled through the flanges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventor: Jungnam Choi
  • Patent number: 9067635
    Abstract: A frame unit for a bicycle may include a left frame body in which a part of a seat tube, a part of a frame, and a left stay are integrally formed, and a right frame body in which a part of the seat tube, a part of the frame, and a right stay are integrally formed, and wherein the left frame body and the right frame body are joined to each other along edges of the left and right frame bodies so as to integrally form the head tube, the seat tube, and the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventor: Jungnam Choi
  • Patent number: 9027947
    Abstract: Embodiments of a fork brace for a bicycle are disclosed herein. In one aspect, a brace portion is integrally formed along with two tubular fork members and an overlay fits in a mating relationship with the brace portion to create a unitary, tubular brace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.
    Inventors: Mario Galasso, William M. Becker, Andrew Laird
  • Publication number: 20150048591
    Abstract: A frame unit for a bicycle includes: a left frame body in which a part of a head tube, a part of a seat tube, a part of a frame, and a left stay are integrally formed; and a right frame body in which a part of the head tube, a part of the seat tube, a part of the frame, and a right stay are integrally formed, in which the left frame body and the right frame body are coupled so as to integrally form the head tube, the seat tube, and the frame, flanges are formed to be inclined along edges of the left frame body and the right frame body, respectively, and the left frame body and the right frame body are coupled through the flanges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Jungnam Choi
  • Publication number: 20150048589
    Abstract: A frame unit for a bicycle may include a left frame body in which a part of a head tube, a part of a seat tube, a part of a frame, and a left stay are integrally formed, and a right frame body in which a part of the head tube, a part of the seat tube, a part of the frame, and a right stay are integrally formed, wherein the left frame body and the right frame body may be coupled so as to integrally form the head tube, the seat tube, and the frame, and a seat pipe formed to have a cylinder shape by step-by-step press processing may be inserted into the seat tube and then coupled to the seat tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Jungnam CHOI, Myungjin Seo
  • Publication number: 20150048588
    Abstract: A frame unit for a bicycle may include a left frame body in which a part of a seat tube, a part of a frame, and a left stay are integrally formed, a right frame body in which a part of the seat tube, a part of the frame, and a right stay are integrally formed, and a reinforcing stay coupled to inner sides of the left and right stays respectively, wherein the left frame body and the right frame body may be joined to each other along edges of the left and right frame bodies so as to integrally form the head tube, the seat tube, and the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Jungnam Choi
  • Publication number: 20150048586
    Abstract: A frame unit for a bicycle may include a left frame body in which a part of a seat tube, a part of a frame, and a left stay are integrally formed, a right frame body in which a part of the seat tube, a part of the frame, and a right stay are integrally formed, and a reinforcing panel disposed within the left and right frame bodies, wherein the left frame body and the right frame body may be coupled so as to integrally form the head tube, the seat tube, and the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Jungnam CHOI
  • Publication number: 20150048590
    Abstract: A frame unit for a bicycle includes: a left frame body in which a part of a head tube, a part of a seat tube, a part of a frame, and a left stay are integrally formed; and a right frame body in which a part of the head tube, a part of the seat tube, a part of the frame, and a right stay are integrally formed, in which the left frame body and the right frame body are coupled so as to integrally form the head tube, the seat tube, and the frame, and a support ring is installed to the head tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Jungnam Choi, Myungjin Seo
  • Publication number: 20150048587
    Abstract: A frame unit for a bicycle may include a left frame body in which a part of a seat tube, a part of a frame, and a left stay are integrally formed, and a right frame body in which a part of the seat tube, a part of the frame, and a right stay are integrally formed, and wherein the left frame body and the right frame body are joined to each other along edges of the left and right frame bodies so as to integrally form the head tube, the seat tube, and the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Jungnam CHOI
  • Publication number: 20150048592
    Abstract: A frame unit for a bicycle may include a left frame body in which a part of an adjusting portion, a part of a seat tube, a part of a frame, and a left stay are integrally formed; and a right frame body in which a part of the adjusting portion, a part of the seat tube, a part of the frame, and a right stay are integrally formed, in which the seat tube and the frame are integrally formed by adjusting a length of the adjusting portion, and the left frame body and the right frame body are coupled integrally.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Jungnam CHOI
  • Patent number: 8882126
    Abstract: A bicycle including a front wheel, a rear wheel, and a bicycle frame assembly supported on the front and rear wheels. The bicycle frame assembly includes a front fork supported by the front wheel, and a main frame that has a head tube and a down tube extending rearward and downwardly relative to the head tube. The down tube has a front wall, a rear wall, and an internal strut connecting the front wall and the rear wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher P. D'Aluisio
  • Patent number: 8876137
    Abstract: A frame for a bicycle and a bicycle equipped therewith, wherein the frame includes a frame body having a top tube and a down tube, and at least one supporting device connecting the top tube to the down tube. A supporting device includes a flow-through opening through which, when used as intended, at least part of the arriving air flows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Inventor: Morgan Nicol
  • Publication number: 20140191492
    Abstract: Bicycle frame formed by a half-shell (1) made of a thermoplastic material. The half-shell (1) is fibre-reinforced at least in regions, and includes a cover element (2), which is, at least in regions, connected to the half-shell and preferably closes the half shell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Inventors: Ahmad Al-Sheyyab, Timo Köhler
  • Patent number: 8727368
    Abstract: A bicycle including front and rear wheels, a main frame that has a mounting bracket, and a front fork that connects the main frame to the front wheel. The bicycle also includes a rear sub-frame that connects the main frame to the rear wheel and that is movable relative to the main frame, and a shock that is positioned to dampen movement between the main frame and the sub-frame. The shock has a front mount that is secured to the mounting bracket and that defines a space between the front mount and the main frame, and a bicycle accessory is positioned in the space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis John Wrobleski
  • Patent number: 8684388
    Abstract: A bicycle having a first tube with a first tube portion and a first weld portion. The first tube portion has a first tube portion thickness and the first weld portion has a first weld portion thickness. The first weld portion has a first mating surface. A second tube having a second tube portion and a second weld portion. The second tube portion has a second tube portion thickness and the second weld portion has a second weld portion thickness. The second weld portion has a second mating surface. The first mating surface is positioned adjacent to the second mating surface, forming a weld interface between the first tube and the second tube. A weld bead formed along the weld interface coupling the first weld portion and the second weld portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc.
    Inventor: Chuck Teixeira
  • Patent number: 8662519
    Abstract: An internal cable system for a bicycle is disclosed herein. The system is configured such that vibration between one or more cables and a bicycle frame is reduced. As such, riders are able to navigate through rugged terrain without experiencing increased noise due to internal cable vibration against the bicycle frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Niner, Inc.
    Inventor: Steve Domahidy
  • Publication number: 20130130846
    Abstract: A composite sporting implement, such as a ball bat or bat barrel, is formed with layers of continuous structural fibers embedded in a binder material having a high melting point. Such a binder does not undergo a chemical conversion process during forming of the ball bat. The layers are shaped into a preform and placed in a mold. Heat and pressure are applied to bring the binder to its melting point and to cause the binder material to flow between adjacent layers. The mold is then cooled below the binder's melting point to solidify the composite structure. A composite sporting implement formed in this manner exhibits excellent shear strength, toughness, and damping qualities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Inventor: William B. Giannetti
  • Patent number: 8439382
    Abstract: A bicycle frame is provided comprising: two substantially concentric rings connected along a front portion and flared out at a rear portion to enable a rear bicycle wheel to fit there between, the two substantially concentric rings enabled to absorb strain energy received from at least one of the rear wheel and weight from a rider; a seat post for receiving a bicycle seat, the seat post extending from a top portion of the two substantially concentric rings; a rear wheel bracket extending from a bottom rear portion of each of the two substantially concentric rings for supporting the rear wheel between the two substantially concentric rings; a bottom bracket located proximal a bottom front portion of the two substantially concentric rings, the bottom bracket for connecting at least a crank to the bicycle frame; a headtube for receiving a front fork; and, at least one support for the headtube to connect the headtube to the two substantially concentric rings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Inventor: Lucio Tortola
  • Patent number: 8388007
    Abstract: A bicycle construction includes a unitary frame having a “Y” shape formed by a central longitudinal bar, a lower bar and an arcuate medial bar. The central longitudinal bar is bifurcated at its trailing end, forming first and second rear wheel mounting members that are positioned on opposite sides of a longitudinal axis of symmetry of the unitary frame. A first bore formed in the common leading end of the central longitudinal bar and the lower bar accommodates a handlebar tube. A second bore formed in a trailing end of the central longitudinal bar accommodates a seat support tube. A third bore formed in a trailing end of the lower bar accommodates a primary socket wheel axle. Fourth and fifth bores formed in respective trailing ends of the first and second wheel mounting members in cooperatively aligned relation to one another accommodate a secondary sprocket wheel axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Inventor: Juan Carlos Calabresse Muzzi
  • Publication number: 20130009381
    Abstract: A bicycle frame assembly having a number of elongate tubes that are connected to define a shape of the bicycle frame. The assembly includes a passage that is defined by the elongate member, a partition, and a bridge. The partition isolates the passage from an interior volume of the elongate tube. The bridge extends in a direction normal to an elongate direction of the passage and defines an inlet and an outlet of the passage. The inlet, outlet, and bridge are generally flush with an exterior surface of the elongate tube and provide a passage that cooperates with a flexible connector, such as a cable tie, for securing supplemental structures, such as brake and shift control cables, to the elongate tube of the bicycle frame assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2011
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Inventor: James Colegrove
  • Patent number: 8308179
    Abstract: A bicycle including a front wheel, a rear wheel, and a frame supported on the front and rear wheels. The frame includes a hollow frame member having a wall with an opening, and a flexible bladder positioned in the hollow frame member. A stiffening member is positioned along at least a portion of the bladder to facilitate insertion of the bladder through the opening and into the frame member. The bicycle further includes a collar coupled to the open end of the bladder with at least a portion of the collar being positioned on an outer surface of the frame member. The bladder includes a first portion adjacent the open end and generally aligned with a first axis and a second portion distal to the open end and generally aligned with a second axis that is non-parallel to the first axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Cote, Jean-Luc Callahan, Christopher P. D'Aluisio
  • Patent number: 8210554
    Abstract: A bicycle frame assembly that includes at least one joint having a number of steps and laps formed between adjoining frame members. A first frame member includes a male portion of the joint and has at least three steps that are separated by rises between adjacent steps formed on an exterior surface of the first frame member. A second frame member includes a female portion of the joint and has the same number of steps and rises as the first frame member formed on an interior surface of the second frame member. The steps and rises of the first and second frame members are constructed and orientated so that the first frame member slidably cooperates with the second frame member to form a continuous multidirectional joint therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Trek Bicycle Corporation
    Inventors: David Guzik, Christopher Pomering
  • Patent number: 8113530
    Abstract: A bicycle comprises a frame. A portion of the frame includes a substrate and a layer of nano-crystalline material extending over at least a portion of the substrate. A conductive interface is disposed between the substrate and layer of nano-crystalline material for improved adhesion of the layer of nano-crystalline material to the substrate and improved impact performance of the frame portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: PowerMetal Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David Pierick, Herbert Reyes, William F. Davidson, III, Dhananjay Bhatt, Yongkui Wen
  • Patent number: 8070175
    Abstract: A bicycle frame is provided in which the head tube, top tube and down tube are constructed as a single structural unit with the ends of the top tube and down tube left open to allow for ease of molding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Inventor: Philip White
  • Patent number: 7988175
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a storage element, preferably aerodynamic, designed for a bicycle frame, and more particularly a storage element designed in conjunction with the frame so as to increase the volume for storage proximate the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Inventor: Philip White
  • Patent number: 7971892
    Abstract: A unitary monocoque frame is provided for a bicycle including a right half shell having a peripheral edge and a left half shell having a peripheral edge symmetrical with the peripheral edge of the right half shell. The right half shell includes an integrally formed head tube portion and an integrally formed seat tube collar. The left half shell includes a curved surface to join with the head tube portion and a cupped recess to receive the seat tube collar. A tongue extends along at least a portion of the peripheral edge of one of the right and left half shells. A groove extends along at least a corresponding portion of the peripheral edge of the other one of the right and left half shells. The tongue and groove are in mating engagement to join the right and left half shells forming the unitary monocoque frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Bionx International Inc.
    Inventors: Allan Sasnowski, John Schmider, Franco Acacia, Fabio Venier
  • Patent number: 7878521
    Abstract: A bicycle frame having a cavity constructed to receive a sensor device. The cavity has a shape and a contour that generally matches a shape and a contour of the sensor device. Such a configuration maintains the aerodynamic contour of the frame when the sensor device is positioned in the cavity. An optional plug occupies the cavity when the sensor device is not positioned therein. Preferably, the sensor device is constructed to wirelessly communicate bicycle operation information to a receiver that is remotely located relative to the sensor device. More preferably, the cavity is formed in a fork of the bicycle and the sensor device is configured to monitor operation of a front wheel and wirelessly communicate the operation information to the remote receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Trek Bicycle Corporation
    Inventors: David J. Blomme, Dan Dacko, Barry Lewis
  • Patent number: 7854442
    Abstract: A bicycle wire holding arrangement is provided with a hollow frame member, a wire extending axially inside the hollow frame member and a suspending member disposed inside the hollow frame member. The suspending member is coupled to the wire and contacts an interior surface of the hollow frame member to hold the wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Takumi Onogi, Akinobu Uno
  • Patent number: 7837212
    Abstract: A bicycle comprising a frame including a head tube, a fork rotationally coupled to the head tube, and a wheel rotationally coupled to the fork. The fork includes a crown, two legs extending downward from the crown, and a steerer tube extending upward from the crown and through the head tube. A handlebar and brake assembly is detachably secured to the fork. The assembly includes a stem, a handlebar secured to the stem, a clamp secured to an upper end of the steerer tube, a strap secured to the crown, a brake mount supported by the stem, and a brake secured to the brake mount. In one embodiment, the stem is hollow, and the bicycle further includes a brake cable to move the brake. In this embodiment, the brake cable and the brake are at least partially positioned within the hollow stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc.
    Inventor: Chistopher P. D'Aluisio
  • Patent number: 7762586
    Abstract: A motorcycle frame neck cover includes a lower semi-tubular portion that substantially surrounds an outer visible half of a motorcycle frame leg and an upper portion that substantially covers a planar outer surface of a generally rectangular tubular frame member that mounts the front fork of the motorcycle. One or more resilient strips are mounted to an outer surface of the upper cover portion in an area of potential contact by a front fork shroud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Kuryakyn Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew N. Leisch
  • Patent number: 7712758
    Abstract: A bicycle frame is provided in which the head tube, top tube and down tube are constructed as a single structural unit with the ends of the top tube and down tube left open to allow for ease of molding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Inventor: Philip White
  • Patent number: 7699333
    Abstract: In a saddle tube for a bicycle frame, especially a racing bicycle frame, the bottom bracket end (22) of the saddle tube is wider in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction (24) of the frame than in the longitudinal direction (24) of the frame. According to the invention, the saddle tube (18) has a flat portion (32) at the chain ring side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Canyon Bicycles GmbH
    Inventor: Hans-Christian Smolik
  • Patent number: 7654002
    Abstract: A side member for a vehicle is formed by an extruded profile as well as a closed profile which are both constructed as open profiles with an approximately L-shaped cross-section. On the interior side of the extruded profile, a hollow chamber is situated which is removed in sections along the longitudinal course of the side member in order to achieve a targeted compression behavior (folding) of the side member in the event of an impact of the vehicle. Bushes for receiving the chassis components are inserted in the extruded profile. Like the partial weakening of the hollow chamber, the insertion of bushes takes place before the closing of the side member by connecting the profiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Cristian Dragoi, Nils Drecoll
  • Publication number: 20090243256
    Abstract: A bicycle frame includes a head tube, a seat tube and at least one tube connected between the head tube and the seat tube. The at least one tube includes a first longitudinal tube connected to the head tube and a second longitudinal tube connected to the seat tube, a transverse tube is connected between the first and second longitudinal tubes. The transverse tube includes a receiving space in which a lock or a light device is received.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Inventors: Yuan-Chih Cheng, Chun-Hung Lin
  • Publication number: 20090212530
    Abstract: A unitary monocoque frame is provided for a bicycle including a right half shell having a peripheral edge and a left half shell having a peripheral edge symmetrical with the peripheral edge of the right half shell. The right half shell includes an integrally formed head tube portion and an integrally formed seat tube collar. The left half shell includes a curved surface to join with the head tube portion and a cupped recess to receive the seat tube collar. A tongue extends along at least a portion of the peripheral edge of one of the right and left half shells. A groove extends along at least a corresponding portion of the peripheral edge of the other one of the right and left half shells. The tongue and groove are in mating engagement to join the right and left half shells forming the unitary monocoque frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2006
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: MAGNA MARQUE INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Allan Sasnowski, John Schmider, Franco Acacia, Fabio Venier
  • Patent number: 7562890
    Abstract: A front frame for a bicycle includes an upper tube, a lower tube and a head tube all of which are made of fiber reinforced material. The head tube extends integrally from a front end of the upper tube and a front end of the lower tube. The head tube has a chamber communicates with a chamber of the upper tube and a chamber of the lower tube. Two inner tubes are provided in the chamber of the upper tube. The abutted portions of the two inner tubes form a rib such that the structure strength of the upper tube is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Yuan Min An Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kuo-Pin Yu
  • Patent number: 7516970
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are various embodiments, including but not limited to a bicycle that includes, among other features, an elongated down tube and a single elongated seat tube, the longitudinal axis of the seat tube intersecting the longitudinal axis of the down tube at a location substantially intermediate between the first and second ends of the down tube, wherein the distance between the spaced apart side outer surfaces of each of the down tube and the seat tube are less than the distance between the upper and lower outer surfaces of each of the down tube and seat tube; additionally including a seat tube, a seat tube sleeve, a crank assembly and a bottom bracket sleeve for mounting the crank assembly, wherein the seat tube sleeve has an upper end, a lower end, and a longitudinal axis extending from the upper end to the lower end; the seat tube being disposed within the seat tube sleeve, the longitudinal axis of the seat tube sleeve intersecting the bottom bracket sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Inventor: Thomas M. Fritschen
  • Patent number: 7497455
    Abstract: Disclosed are motorcycle frame assemblies comprised of carbon fibers. Methods of making the disclosed motorcycle frame assemblies are also disclosed. In one aspect, the frame assembly of the motorcycle comprises a structural member that includes an engine compartment member, which is adapted to receive an engine on a portion of an inner surface of an opening defined within the engine compartment member. In one further aspect, the structural member comprises a carbon fiber material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Inventor: Michael Kamalian
  • Patent number: 7464950
    Abstract: A continuous fiber reinforced plastic bicycle fork has continuous fibers extending from the tip of the fork blades to the steer tube, formed through optimum compaction, low void molding resulting in precise forming of the fork shell such that a metal steer tube, metal bearing races, metal dropouts and metal brake mount are used to attach metal components such as a headset and star-fangled nut, handlebar stem, wheel and brake thereby eliminating metal component to carbon fiber contact to preserve the integrity of the fiber reinforcements and plastic matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Trek Bicycle Corporation
    Inventors: Brian E. Schuman, Douglas A. Cusack, Sridharan Madhavan, James Colegrove
  • Patent number: 7413207
    Abstract: A front fork for a bicycle includes an upright tube and two arms all of which are made of fiber reinforced material. The two arms extend substantially parallel from a bottom of the upright tube. The two arms each have two inner tubes abutted together and an outer tube sleeved onto the two inner tubes. The abutted portions of the two inner tubes form a rib which is parallel to a plane where the two arms are disposed. Thus, the front fork has strong structure and light weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Yuan Min An Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kuo-Pin Yu
  • Publication number: 20080048412
    Abstract: When combined in a two-wheel pedal powered scooter, the features of the present invention provide a vehicle that is small and compact. The reciprocating pedals allow for a low center of gravity since there is no need to allow for the full turn of regular pedals The incorporation of a shiftable transmission in the scooter body provides the rider with speed when appropriate and power when needed, while eliminating the need for a large front sprockets Since the drive mechanism is substantially fully enclosed by the body of the scooter, there is less of a problem with dirt and debris disturbing the operation of the drive mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2006
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Applicant: A.T.D. - Airwalking Technologies & Development Ltd.
    Inventor: Itay Dror
  • Patent number: RE40200
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are various embodiments, including but not limited to a bicycle that includes, among other features, an elongated down tube and a single elongated seat tube, the longitudinal axis of the seat tube intersecting the longitudinal axis of the down tube at a location substantially intermediate between the first and second ends of the down tube, wherein the distance between the spaced apart side outer surfaces of each of the down tube and the seat tube are less than the distance between the upper and lower outer surfaces of each of the down tube and seat tube; additionally including a seat tube, a seat tube sleeve, a crank assembly and a bottom bracket sleeve for mounting the crank assembly, wherein the seat tube sleeve has an upper end, a lower end, and a longitudinal axis extending from the upper end to the lower end; the seat tube being disposed within the seat tube sleeve, the longitudinal axis of the seat tube sleeve intersecting the bottom bracket sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Inventor: Thomas M. Fritschen