Abstract: A pressurized air supply system for providing pressurized air to an air powered derailleur of a bicycle having a bicycle frame. The system comprises an air pumping mechanism attached to the bicycle frame and adapted to supply pressurized air when actuated. Fluidly connected to the pumping mechanism and to the derailleur is a pressure reservoir of the system. The pumping mechanism is attached to the bicycle frame such that the passage of the bicycle over uneven terrain facilitates the actuation of the pumping mechanism and resultant charging of the pressure reservoir with pressurized air.

Abstract: A bicycle having an independent equilibrium sensing suspension system for its crank assembly. The bicycle comprises a main frame having a rear assembly pivotally connected thereto. Rotatably connected to the rear assembly is an eccentric link, while attached to and extending between the eccentric link and the main frame is a sensing link. Rotatably connected to the eccentric link is the crank assembly of the bicycle which is mechanically coupled to the rear wheel via a chain extending therebetween.

Abstract: A direct drive bicycle comprising a bicycle frame having a housing attached thereto. Rotatably mounted within the housing is a variable rate transmission unit having rotatable input and output shafts. Rotatably connected to the housing is a chain wheel. The chain wheel is mechanically coupled to the input shaft of the transmission unit in a manner wherein the rotation of the chain wheel facilitates the rotation of the input shaft.

Abstract: A bicycle comprising a main frame having a shock absorbing rear assembly pivotally connected thereto. The rear assembly comprises a pair of chain stays, and a pair of drop-outs which are attached to respective ones of the chain stays. The rear assembly further comprises a pair of swingarms which are attached to respective ones of the drop-outs, and a shock mount pivotally connected to and extending between the swingarms and the main frame. Pivotally connected to and extending between the shock mount and the main frame is a shock absorber of the rear assembly.

Abstract: A direct drive bicycle comprising a main frame. Rotatably mounted within the main frame is a variable rate transmission unit having rotatable input and output shafts. Rotatably connected to the main frame is a chain wheel. The chain wheel is mechanically coupled to the input shaft of the transmission unit in a manner wherein the rotation of the chain wheel facilitates the rotation of the input shaft.

Abstract: A flexible joint for a vehicle frame having at least two (2) frame members. The flexible joint comprises a resilient, flexible member defining opposed ends and a longitudinal axis. Attached to respective ones of the opposed ends of the flexible member is a pair of adaptor members. The adaptor members are attachable to respective ones of the frame members such that the flexible member extends between and interconnects the frame members in a manner wherein the resilient bending of the flexible member along its longitudinal axis facilitates the pivotal movement of one of the frame members relative to the other of the frame members. The flexible member is further adapted to resist torsional movement along its longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A bicycle braking system comprising a bicycle frame having a rear wheel suspension mechanism connected thereto. Rotatably connected to the rear wheel suspension mechanism is the rear wheel axle of the bicycle rear wheel which includes a braking surface. Connected to the rear wheel suspension mechanism is a braking assembly which is selectively engageable to the braking surface of the rear wheel. The braking assembly is configured such that the engagement thereof to the braking surface facilitates the transfer of braking force to and the actuation of the rear wheel suspension mechanism in a manner countering the unweighting thereof normally resulting from the braking of the bicycle.

Abstract: A composite bicycle frame comprising a continuous frame tube defining cross bar, down tube, and seat tube portions. The frame tube is formed from a fiber reinforced polymer composite. Integrally connected to the frame tube are seat tube, bottom bracket, and head tube fittings. The cross bar portion of the frame tube extends between the seat tube and head tube fittings, with the down tube portion extending between the bottom bracket and head tube fittings. The seat tube portion itself extends between the seat tube and bottom bracket fittings.

Abstract: A flex joint for a vehicle frame has a flexible member fabricated of a durable material and a body formed upon the flexible member. The body is configured to define a desired bending of the flexible member at a bending site which is surrounded by a longitudinally flexible, substantially non-twistable encasement. Either the flexible member or the body is configured for attachment to two vehicle frame members so as to interconnect the frame members relative to each other and so as to facilitate movement of one of the frame members relative to the other of the frame members substantially according to the desired bending defined by the body and substantially without torsion.

Abstract: A bicycle frame has a seat tube fitting to which a seat is attachable, a head tube fitting to which forks are attachable, and a bottom bracket fitting to which a crank shaft is attachable. A single frame tube of fiber reinforced polymer composite interconnects the seat tube fitting, head tube fitting, and bottom bracket fitting in a manner which provides a lightweight, and durable bicycle frame. The single frame tube is formed by disposing the seat tube fitting, head tube fitting, and bottom bracket fitting within a first mold section, then disposing a bladder covered with polymer impregnated fiber within the first mold section such that the bladder passes through openings in the seat tube fitting, head tube fitting, and bottom bracket fitting. The bladder is then inflated while the polymer impregnated fiber is heated so as to form a fiber reinforced polymer composite which conforms to the shape of the cavity formed within the mold, thereby defining the desired bicycle frame.

Abstract: A flex joint for a vehicle frame has a flexible member fabricated of a durable material and a body formed upon the flexible member. The body is configured to define a desired bending of the flexible member. Either the flexible member or the body is configured for attachment to two vehicle frame members so as to interconnect the frame members relative to each other and so as to facilitate movement of one of the frame members relative to the other of the frame members substantially according to the desired bending defined by the body.

Abstract: A cycling and skating ramp trailer comprises a first trailer portion attachable to a tow vehicle, and a second trailer portion releasably fixed to the first trailer portion. Upper ramps are formed on each of the trailer portions, and lower ramps are pivotally attached to each of the upper ramps. Upon reaching the exhibition site, the second trailer portion is released from the first trailer portion, and positioned such that the upper ramps are substantially opposed. Then, the lower ramps are deployed, and flat sections may be added therebetween, forming a half-pipe ramp. The ramp is easily transportable to the site, and rapidly erectable for use in cycling and skating exhibitions.

Abstract: A bicycle shock absorber which is movable between compressed and uncompressed states, and comprises an elongate, resilient body defining top and bottom ends and a bore extending longitudinally therethrough. Disposed within the body is a position sensitive friction damper which itself comprises upper and lower support members disposed within respective ones of the top and bottom ends of the body. Disposed within the bore and attached to the upper support member is an elongate guide member which defines a slot extending longitudinally therewithin. Disposed within the slot is a dampening member which is slidably movable therewithin, with the slot being sized relative to the dampening member so as to provide frictional resistance to the movement thereof. Also disposed within the bore is an elongate connecting rod having a first end attached to the dampening member and a second end pivotally connected to the lower support member.

Abstract: A bicycle rear suspension linkage system comprising a bicycle frame having an upper link pivotally connected thereto. Also pivotally connected to the bicycle frame are the front ends of a pair of chain stay members, while pivotally connected to the upper link are the upper ends of a pair of seat stay members. The lower ends of the seat stay members are also pivotally connected to the back ends of the chain stay members. The rear suspension linkage system further comprises a shock absorber having a first end connected to the seat stay members and a second end connected to the upper link.

Abstract: A bicycle rear suspension linkage system comprising a bicycle frame having an upper link pivotally connected thereto. Also pivotally connected to the bicycle frame are the front ends of a pair of chain stay members, while pivotally connected to the upper link are the upper ends of a pair of seat stay members. The lower ends of the seat stay members are also pivotally connected to the back ends of the chain stay members. The rear suspension linkage system further comprises a shock absorber having a body portion and a reciprocally movable piston rod extending axially from the body portion. The piston rod defines a distal end which is pivotally connected to the seat stay members, with the body portion being pivotally connected to the upper link.

Abstract: A bicycle rear suspension linkage system comprising an elongate seat tube having an upper pivot mount rigidly attached to the upper end thereof and an axle receiving bracket rigidly attached to the lower end thereof. An upper rocker is pivotally connected to the upper pivot mount with a lower rocker being pivotally connected to a lower pivot mount rigidly attached to the axle receiving bracket. The linkage system further comprises pairs of seat stay and chain stay members, with the upper ends of the seat stay members being pivotally connected to the upper rocker and the front ends of the chain stay members being pivotally connected to the lower rocker. Additionally, the back ends of the chain stay members are pivotally connected to the lower ends of the seat stay members. Also provided is a shock absorber having a body portion and a reciprocal piston rod, the distal end of which is pivotally connected to the upper pivot mount.

Abstract: A bicycle frame having shock absorbing characteristics. The bicycle frame generally comprises a head tube and a seat tube having an elongate crossbar rigidly attached thereto and extending therebetween. Rigidly attached to and extending between the seat tube and the crossbar is a shock absorber. The bicycle frame further includes first and second chain stay members having front ends pivotally connected to the opposed sides of an axle receiving sleeve attached to the lower end of the seat tube and rear ends adapted to support a tire axle therebetween. Additionally, first and second seat stay members are rigidly attached to and extend between the shock absorber and the rear ends of the chain stay members. Upon the exertion of a downward force to the seat tube, the chain stay members are caused to pivot upwardly thereby compressing the shock absorber via the movement of the seat stay members.