Patents Assigned to Specialized Bicycle Components
  • Patent number: 8727367
    Abstract: A bicycle including a frame that has an elongated hollow frame member, a fork rotationally coupled to the frame, a wheel rotationally coupled to the fork, and a handlebar coupled to the fork for steering the wheel. The frame has an interior surface that defines a longitudinal groove with a groove width. The bicycle also includes a cable that is positioned in the longitudinal groove and that has a cable width less than the groove width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Jan Talavasek, Amber R. Lucas, Ian Hamilton, Robert F. Meyer, Markus Spenninger, Holger Krauss
  • 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: 8720929
    Abstract: A bicycle frame including a head tube and a bottom bracket adapted to support a crankset. The frame also includes a tubular frame member that is coupled to the head tube and that has a concave section disposed on an underside of the frame member and spaced from the head tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher P. D'Aluisio
  • Patent number: 8714052
    Abstract: A bicycle pedal can include a pedal body configured to rotate about a spindle. The pedal can also include one or more bearing systems to reduce friction between the pedal body and the spindle. The spindle can act as the inner bearing race for one or more of the bearing systems. A bearing body can act as the outer bearing race for one or more of the bearing systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc.
    Inventor: Jason L. Chamberlain
  • Patent number: 8702336
    Abstract: An adjustable assembly for a bicycle includes a first support having an interior surface and a second support slidably positioned within at least a portion of the first support. One of the first support and the second support is adapted to attach to a first bicycle portion, and the other of the first support and the second support is adapted to attach to a second bicycle portion. Further, the second support comprises an expansion portion configured to be moved between an expanded position and a retracted position. The expansion portion is configured to engage the interior surface of the first support when the expansion portion is in an expanded position. In addition, the first support is configured to be selectively moved relative to the second support when the expansion portion is permitted to assume a retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael McAndrews, Ron Powers
  • Patent number: 8696007
    Abstract: A frame for a bicycle that has a fork and a handlebar. The frame includes a head tube, a bottom bracket adapted to support a crankset, and a down tube coupled between the head tube and the bottom bracket. The frame also has a fork bumper that is coupled to and is disposed on an underside of the down tube. The fork bumper extends outward from the down tube and includes a base and a resilient outer layer engageable by the fork to prevent contact between the down tube and the fork.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Robb H. Jankura, Brandon D. Sloan, David Allen, Jeffrey D. Juarez
  • 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: 8678416
    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: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Kyle L. Chubbuck, Christopher P. D'Aluisio
  • Patent number: 8678339
    Abstract: A bicycle seat support that resiliently supports a bicycle seat and comprises an upper engagement member adapted to support a bicycle seat, a lower engagement member adapted to engage a bicycle frame, and a compliant support assembly coupling the upper engagement member to the lower engagement member. The compliant support assembly includes a first cantilevered beam cantilevered to the lower engagement member, and a second cantilevered beam cantilevered to the first cantilevered beam. The first and second cantilevered beams define a gap, and a resilient member is positioned in the gap. Preferably, the cantilevered beams include convex surfaces, and the resilient member includes concave surfaces shaped to receive the convex surfaces. The resilient member can include a body portion and a strut (e.g., two struts). The resilient member can also include a side surface and a recess in the side surface (e.g., extending all the way through the resilient member).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher P. D'Aluisio
  • Patent number: 8661935
    Abstract: A bicycle including a frame that has a head tube. The bicycle also includes a fork that is rotationally coupled to the head tube and that has a steerer tube extending upward through the head tube, a wheel rotationally coupled to the fork, a handlebar, and a stem assembly. The stem assembly is coupled to and extends from the steerer tube to attach the handlebar to the fork. The stem assembly includes a stem, a shim that is coupled to the stem, and a clamp contacting both the shim and the handlebar to secure the handlebar to the stem assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Cote, Aaron J. Foley, Christopher P. D'Aluisio
  • Patent number: 8641071
    Abstract: A bicycle frame that supports a front wheel and a rear wheel defining a central plane. The bicycle frame includes a head tube, a bottom bracket configured to support a crank assembly, and a bicycle frame portion. The bicycle frame portion includes a leading edge and a trailing edge oriented such that a chord line between the leading edge and the trailing edge defines an angle of incidence greater than zero degrees relative to the central plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher P. D'Aluisio, Jean-Luc Callahan, Mark Cote
  • 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: 20130313804
    Abstract: A bicycle including a main frame, a front wheel mounted for rotation relative to the main frame. a rear dropout, and a rear wheel mounted for rotation relative to the rear dropout about an axis. The rear wheel defines a center plane of the bicycle and is driven by a chain. The bicycle also includes a seat stay coupling the rear dropout to the main frame. The seat stay has an inner surface facing the rear wheel and an outer surface facing away from the rear wheel. The seat stay includes a steep portion having an outer surface disposed at a steep angle of between about 25 degrees and about 75 degrees relative to the center plane, and at least a portion of the steep portion is disposed outboard of the chain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Jean-Luc Callahan, Christopher P. D'Aluisio
  • Patent number: 8579316
    Abstract: A bicycle frame comprising a first tubular member having a first main portion and a first interface portion (e.g., a rounded taper), and a second tubular member having a second main portion and a second interface portion engaged with the first interface portion to create a joint. The joint includes a peripheral channel defined between the first interface portion and the second interface portion, and a weld is positioned in the peripheral channel. The second interface portion is defined at least partially by a substantially flat face wall. Preferably, the first tubular member includes an open end at the first interface portion, while the flat face wall at the second interface portion is substantially closed. In addition, it is preferred that the face wall lies in a plane that is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the head tube (e.g., within ten degrees of the longitudinal axis).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher P. D'Aluisio, Andrew Frasca
  • Patent number: 8574012
    Abstract: A bicycle including a frame, an electrical circuit including a power source, and an electrical connector. The electrical connector includes a first port defined by a first terminal that has a first configuration, and a second port defined by a second terminal that has a second configuration complementary to the first configuration. The electrical connector further includes a third port that is distinct from the first and second ports, a plurality of passthrough conductors extending from the first port to the second port to connect the electrical connector to the electrical circuit, and at least one lateral conductor providing an electrical connection from the first port to the third port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Jan Talavasek, Ian M. Hamilton, Amber R. Lucas
  • Patent number: 8561500
    Abstract: A crankset for a bicycle that includes a first crank, a second crank, a spindle, a bearing, and a preload mechanism. Each of the first crank and the second crank has an end adapted to engage a pedal. The spindle defines an axis and includes a first end that is coupled to the first crank and a second end that is coupled to the second crank. The bearing positioned around the spindle between the first crank and the second crank to permit rotation of the spindle. The preload mechanism is coupled to the spindle between the bearing and the first crank. The preload mechanism includes a washer that extends circumferentially around the spindle and a cam member that is engageable with the washer to move the washer along the axis to preload the bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher P. D'Aluisio
  • Patent number: 8555609
    Abstract: A chain tool can be used to assemble or disassemble links on a chain, in particular a bicycle chain. The chain tool can be shaped and sized to be received within a component of a bicycle. For example, the chain tool can be received into a steerer tube at the head tube of the bicycle. The chain tool can also serve as a part of a headset, such as being a top cap of the headset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason L. Chamberlain, Colin Alexander Davis Daw
  • Patent number: 8540267
    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 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: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: 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
  • Patent number: 8511445
    Abstract: A damper for a bicycle having a primary unit and a remote unit that, in some arrangements, is substantially entirely outside of the primary unit. The primary unit includes a damper tube, a spring chamber, and a piston rod that supports a main piston. The main piston is movable within the damper chamber of the primary unit. The main piston and the damper tube at least partially define a compression chamber. The remote unit comprises a remote fluid chamber and, in some arrangements, an inertial valve within the remote unit. The inertial valve is preferably responsive to terrain-induced forces and preferably not responsive to rider-induced forces when the shock absorber is assembled to the bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael McAndrews, Anthony Trujillo