Abstract: Systems and methods that facilitate a quadrotor drone with an improved thrust to weight ratio. The quadrotor drone includes an assembly of vertically oriented arms, i.e., the length and thickness of the arms extend along x and y axes forming faces along the arms generally in an x-y plane and generally facing a direction parallel to an axis of each of the motors, while the width extends along the z axis form forming faces along the arms generally in an x-z and y-z planes and generally facing directions orthogonal to an axis of each of the motors. The arms are preferably formed from a material comprising a continuous fiber from end to end such as, e.g., a carbon fiber material. The arms are mechanically inter-locked at the center of the arms with the longitudinal axes of the arms crossing one another.

Abstract: A method for forming a bicycle frame comprising the initial step of placing a hollow core formed from a semi-rigid material and having a polymer impregnated fiber material applied thereto into a first mold section. A second mold section is then mated to the first mold section such that a cavity having a desired frame shape is defined therebetween. The core and the polymer impregnated fiber material applied thereto are then heated to a temperature level sufficient to make the core pliable. The core is then inflated so as to cause the polymer impregnated fiber material applied thereto to substantially conform to the shape of the cavity.

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 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 flexible joint for a vehicle frame having at least two (2) frame members. The flexible joint comprises a resilient, flexible member defining a longitudinal axis. Attached to 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 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 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 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 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 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.