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.

Abstract: A bicycle lighting system for transmitting light from a fixed position on a bicycle to a separate remote reflector positioned on the bicycle. The bicycle lighting system comprises a lighting assembly adapted to be fixedly secured to the bicycle frame, an electrical energy source electrically coupled to the lighting assembly for providing power to selectively illuminate the lighting assembly; a light conduit extending longitudinally between a first end coupled to the lighting assembly and a second opposite end adjacent the reflector for transferring light emitted from the lighting assembly to the remote reflector, and a light transmitting lens coupled to the second end of said light conduit for transmitting light to the remote reflector mounted to the bicycle.

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.

Abstract: A power assist module includes a battery powered motor mounted on a manually operated vehicle, such as a bicycle. The power assist module is fixedly mounted on the bicycle and can be easily removed without the need for tools, so that the bicycle can be manually operated in a conventional manner when so desired without carrying the extra weight of the power assist module. The power assist module includes a motor assembly which is operated through a gear reduction assembly to drive a crank drive gear mounted in conjunction with a crank arm of the bicycle.

Abstract: A bicycle lighting system for transmitting light from a fixed position on a bicycle to a separate remote reflector positioned on the bicycle. The bicycle lighting system comprises a lighting assembly adapted to be fixedly secured to the bicycle frame, an electrical energy source electrically coupled to the lighting assembly for providing power to selectively illuminate the lighting assembly; a light conduit extending longitudinally between a first end coupled to the lighting assembly and a second opposite end adjacent the reflector for transferring light emitted from the lighting assembly to the remote reflector, and a light transmitting lens coupled to the second end of said light conduit for transmitting light to the remote reflector mounted to the bicycle.

Abstract: A power assist module includes a battery powered motor mounted on a manually operated vehicle, such as a bicycle. The power assist module is fixedly mounted on the bicycle and can be easily removed without the need for tools, so that the bicycle can be manually operated in a conventional manner when so desired without carrying the extra weight of the power assist module. The power assist module includes a motor assembly which is operated through a gear reduction assembly to drive a crank drive gear mounted in conjunction with a crank arm of the bicycle.

Abstract: A bicycle is equipped with a rear wheel suspension having a swing arm with one or more generally cantilevered side arms, which are capable of withstanding bending and torsional loads and isolating said loads from the rider. A bottom portion of the bicycle frame includes a pedal sleeve. A pedal or crank assembly rotates within the pedal sleeve about a rotational axis with a fixed location relative to the frame. The swing arm is pivotally secured to the frame for movement about the rotational axis. A shock-absorbing element is connected between the swing arm and the frame.

Abstract: A bicycle is equipped with a rear wheel suspension having a swing arm with one or more generally cantilevered side arms, which are capable of withstanding bending and torsional loads and isolating said loads from the rider. A bottom portion of the bicycle frame includes a pedal sleeve. A pedal or crank assembly rotates within the pedal sleeve about a rotational axis with a fixed location relative to the frame. The swing arm is pivotally secured to the frame for movement about the rotational axis. A shock-absorbing element is connected between the swing arm and the frame.

Abstract: A replaceable blade skate comprises inexpensive, light, easily changed blades adapted to fit to multiple rocker curvatures. A torque limiting device provides for easy replacement and adjustment of blades by consumers. Replaceable toe and heel caps provide protection and color-coding. The sometimes undesirable gap between the boot and blade portion of the skate can be eliminated with the construction of the skate of the invention.

Abstract: A hinge fastening structure and method of creating a hinge to box-section pillar joint which includes a fastener extending from the pillar outer panel to the pillar inner panel wherein the fastener includes first and second threaded portions of substantially identical pitch but different diameters adjacent to the head and the tip thereof respectively. The fastening structure and method may also be applicable for attaching other forms of hardware to box-section structures.

Abstract: A track assembly including a fixed track engaged with a movable track slidable with respect to the fixed track, the movable track having disposed therewith anchoring portions for securing a load to the moveable track, the fixed track having first and second engaging portions disposed integrally therewith, the moveable track having third and fourth engaging portions disposed integrally therewith for interengagement with the first engaging portions of the fixed track disposed substantially between the third and fourth engaging portions of the moveable track, the first and second engaging portions of the fixed track for interengagement with the third engaging portion of the moveable track disposed substantially between the first and second engaging portions of the fixed track; whereby when a force is exerted upon the track assembly through the anchoring portions in a direction tending to separate the tracks, the second engaging portion of the fixed track will engage the third engaging portion of the moveable tra