Abstract: A torque converter is provided with a lockup device that functions as a clutch and as an elastic coupling mechanism. In one embodiment, the lockup device is configured to eliminate an outer cylindrical portion from its piston. Preferably, a spring holder has an outer portion arranged radially outside the torsion springs, while a drive plate has a cylindrical portion restricting radial movement of the spring holder. In other embodiments, the elastic coupling mechanism is configured with a sufficient number of sets of elastic members that act together in the rotational direction as if they were arranged end to end. The elastic coupling mechanism has one set of springs disposed radially inward of another set of springs. A spring holder connects first and second sets of springs such that the first and second sets of springs act together in the rotational direction as if they were arranged end to end.

Abstract: A suspension fork 10 for a bicycle is provided with a fork portion 40 for supporting a front wheel 12, a sleeve-like first fork stem 41, a sleeve-like second fork stem 42, a coil spring 43, an adjustment bolt 44, and a coupling portion 45. The first fork stem 41 is rotatably supported by a head portion 21, and the second fork stem 42 extends from the fork portion into an interior of the first fork stem 41. The coil spring 43 biases the first fork stem 41 and the second fork stem 42 away from each other. The coupling portion 45 includes a rotation preventing key 51 and an oblong slit 52 for coupling the first fork stem 41 and the second fork stem 42, and allows the first and second fork stems to be movable in an axial direction relative to each other but unrotatable relative to each other.

Abstract: A bicycle is provided with a frame and a drive portion. The frame is at least partially hollow, and at least part of the drive portion is disposed in an interior of the frame. The drive portion includes a crank and a plurality of transmission means, in which one of the transmission means rotates another transmission means at a rotational speed higher than a rotational speed of the crank, which in turn rotates the rear wheel of the bicycle.

Abstract: A clutch cover assembly comprises a pressure plate, a base cover that is provided on the side that is opposite to the pressing face of the pressure plate, a diaphragm spring, urging mechanisms 25, and restraining mechanisms which restrict movement of the base cover towards the diaphragm spring but allow this movement of the base cover in correspondence to the amount of wear of a clutch disk. An urging mechanism 25 having a ring plate 27 which is disposed between the pressure plate and the base cover, a coil spring 33 which is supported by the ring plate 27 and is for the purpose of moving the base cover 20 towards the diaphragm spring, and a guide element 34 which is detachably mounted on the ring plate 27 and guides the coil spring 33.

Abstract: A damper disc assembly is provided for transmitting a torque between an input rotary member and an output rotary member, including a hub, a flange, a first spring member, a support member, a second spring member and an input member. The hub is coupled with the output rotary member. The flange is disposed on an outer circumference of the hub, the flange having, on its outer circumferential portion, first and second spring member receiving portions each extending in a circumferential direction. The first spring member is disposed within the first spring member receiving portion. The support member is retained so as to be non-rotatable relative to the hub for supporting the first spring member in the circumferential direction. The second spring member is disposed within said second spring member receiving portion, and has a higher rigidity than that of the first spring member. The input member is coupled with the flange through the second spring member and capable of being coupled with the input rotary member.