Abstract: A structure for a bicycle frame system is described by using multiple composite tubes bonded to one another, wherein apertures, or “ports,” are molded between the tubes to improve the stiffness, strength, aerodynamics and comfort of bicycle frame component.

Abstract: Bicycle with reduced air resistance, which bicycle is provided with a frame and a fork made of tubes which are provided with a smooth finishing layer, characterized in that the finishing layer is provided with a non-smooth structure for reducing the air resistance in select places.

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 resiliently engages the stay. In one embodiment, the stay comprises a tubular-shaped member having an exterior surface, and the stay protector is contoured to substantially match the exterior surface.

Abstract: An aerodynamic racing bicycle is provided. The racing bicycle may have a rear rim brake positioned below a drive portion of a chain and above a chain stay for reducing the aerodynamic drag on the bicycle.

Abstract: A motorcycle that has improved maneuverability and stability at high speed while retaining the external features of an American cruiser motorcycle. A front upper surface of a seat is formed in generally a straight line LU and inclines upward as the front upper surface extends toward the front. A fuel tank is formed such that the straight line LU generally extends to the front along a top surface of the fuel tank. A bottom end section is formed to incline upward as it extends toward the rear.

Abstract: A bicycle frame is disclosed that includes a set of tubes connected together. At least a portion of one of the tubes comprises at least three layers of materials. For example, in one embodiment, the seat tube includes an inner layer of carbon fiber, a middle layer of aluminum (or other metal), and an outside layer of carbon fiber.

Abstract: A motorcycle with an increased rigidity portion for supporting a storage box. A body frame includes a main frame extending rearward and obliquely downward from a head pipe. Left and right seat rails are connected to the rear portion of the main frame and extend rearward and obliquely upward. Left and right backstays extend between and are connected to the left and right seat rails and the rear end of the main frame. A storage box is disposed such that its bottom is positioned above a connection part of the main frame and the backstays, and the storage box has front and rear attachment parts secured to the seat rails. The front and rear attachment parts are separately disposed, respectively, forward and rearward of a vertical line that passes through the connection part.

Abstract: A bicycle front end assembly is provided which is configured to reduce aerodynamic drag. In particular, an axis shaft of a fork may be mounted to a head tube of a bicycle frame. A fork head may be disposed in front of the head tube for providing a front end assembly which is aerodynamically configured while providing an increased moment of inertia compared with traditional designs to reduce drag of the bicycle and increase steering stiffness. Also, the handlebar may be attached to the fork head such that when the bicycle is steered to the left, the fork head is rotated toward the left and when the bicycle is steered to the right, the fork head is rotated toward the right. In this manner, the fork head is alignable to the travel direction of the bicycle.

Abstract: A seat support structure of a bicycle comprises a seat supporting tube; a seat supporting rod received in the seat supporting tube; a lower lateral side of the seat supporting rod having a first inclined surface; the seat supporting rod being formed with an upper hole and a lower tapered hole; a tightening assembly received in the seat supporting tube; the tightening assembly having a tightening unit, an embedding unit; and a stud; in assembly, a screw post of a stud passes through the upper hole, the lower tapered hole, the stud hole of the tightening assembly and the embedding hole of an embedding hole so as to combine the tightening assembly to the seat supporting rod; then the seat supporting rod and the tightening assembly are placed within the seat supporting tube.

Abstract: An outwardly deploying airbag system can maintain the internal pressure of an airbag for a required period without vainly increasing the maximum internal pressure of the airbag during inflation. When a sensor detects a collision with a pedestrian, an inflator performs a first gas injection step. An airbag is thereby deployed into a final deployment shape. Subsequently, when the internal pressure of the airbag falls to a predetermined pressure because of leakage of gas through vent holes, and a sensor predicts or detects a collision with a pedestrian, the inflator performs a second gas injection step. Consequently, the internal pressure of the airbag remains high for a long period, and the airbag sufficiently absorbs an impact whenever the pedestrian hits the airbag. The pressure and amount of gas injected in the first gas injection step can be made smaller than in related art, and the required airbag strength is reduced.

Abstract: An airbag device for pedestrian is structured to inflate plural airbags side by side to suppress the impact to the pedestrian hit by the automobile at the area around the abutment portion between the adjacent airbags. An airbag 5L inflates to cover left half side of a rear edge portion of a hood 3, a cowl top 2 and a windshield 6 from the center of the automobile in a width direction, and an airbag 5R inflates to cover right half side. In the inflation state, the airbags 5L and 5R are brought into abutment around the center of the automobile in the width direction. Recess portions 10F and 10R are formed as cut portions of a front wall portion 8b and a rear wall portion 8c of an airbag storage case 8 from upper edge portions below the abutment portion between the airbags 5L and 5R.

Abstract: A motorcycle frame has an improved front and rear suspension system incorporating two horizontally placed air bag suspension mechanisms, the motorcycle frame comprising an upper support member having a front backbone tube attached to two rear backbone tubes, a lower support member having a descending front downtube attached to two lower frame rails, an upper support brace attached between the front backbone tube and the descending front downtube, a head tube steering member pivotally attached to the descending front downtube, two rear upright frame members attached between each rear backbone tube and each lower frame rail and a rear axle frame member pivotally attached between the two rear upright frame members to the two lower frame rails.

Abstract: A seat tube for a bicycle includes an upright tube, a head and an inner tube all of which are made of fiber reinforced material. The upright tube has an inserting portion at a top thereof. The head has an inside chamber and a sleeve portion at a bottom thereof. The sleeve portion of the head is sleeved onto the inserting portion of the upright tube such that the inside chamber of the head is communicated with an inside of the upright tube. An outer wall of the inserting portion of the upright tube is a taper face converging upward. The inner tube is disposed at a junction of the upright tube and the head and interconnected with the upright tube and the head. Thus, the seat tube has strong structure with light weight.

Abstract: A motorcycle features a frame that includes a center tubing member that has front and rear end portions, a lower part in between the front and rear portions, the center tubing member having an overall length and occupying a plane. A plurality of laterally extending tube sections each have a length that is shorter than the length of the center tubing member, each shorter tube section having first and second ends that are connected to the center tubing member at spaced apart positions. The laterally extending tube sections include a first and a second plurality of shorter tube sections, the first plurality being connected to the center tube at a position in front of the second plurality of the shorter tube sections. A steering assembly includes a front fork, the steering assembly being pivotally attached to the front end portion of the center tube at a provided pivotal connection. A front wheel is carried by the front fork.

Abstract: A rear frame for a bicycle is disclosed to include two tubes and a connecting portion. The tubes are respectively made of fiber reinforced material and have at least one rib therein. The connecting portion is connected between the tubes. By means of the aforesaid arrangement, the rear frame has a high mechanical strength and light weight.

Abstract: Kits for decorating a bicycle frame are provided. In one embodiment, the kits may comprise a decal, a bicycle frame, and an attachment point disposed on the frame wherein the decal is adopted to be removably attached to the bicycle frame at the attachment point. Alternatively, the kits may comprise a bicycle frame, and a decorable surface affixed to the bicycle frame wherein the surface is adopted to receive removable decorations.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bicycle frame including a base frame and at least one device which is mounted on the base frame, provided in the form of a brace structure, and has an accommodating area for accommodating a wheel. The invention also relates to a bicycle fork and to a method for producing a bicycle frame.

Abstract: A bicycle frame includes a front section and a rear section. The front section includes a front frame portion having a front coupling configured to receive a front wheel support member and to allow rotation between the front coupling and the front wheel support member, the front frame portion defining a central vertical plane of the frame. The rear section includes a drive link case having an upper tube, a lower tube, a rear hub housing, and a front sprocket housing all integrally arranged with each other to form a rigid drive link case having an opening disposed between the upper and lower tubes, the drive link case being connected to the front frame portion via the front sprocket housing. The drive link case is disposed eccentric to the central vertical plane and is cantilevered rearward from the front sprocket housing. The front frame portion extends forward from the front sprocket housing.

Abstract: Disclosed are motorcycle frame assemblies comprised of carbon fibers. Methods of making the disclosed motorcycle frame assemblies are also disclosed. In one aspect, the frame assembly of the motorcycle comprises a structural member that includes an engine compartment member, which is adapted to receive an engine on a portion of an inner surface of an opening defined within the engine compartment member. In one further aspect, the structural member comprises a carbon fiber material.

Abstract: A passenger detection system is provided for a vehicle Which includes at least one opening to allow passengers to enter and exit the vehicle and a door positioned within the at least one opening. The door has a closed position and an open position. A first infrared sensor is located proximate to the door. The first infrared sensor has a first sensing area for detecting whether a passenger is within the first sensing area. The first sensing area is within the vehicle proximate to the door. A second infrared sensor is located proximate to the door. The second infrared sensor has a second sensing area for detecting whether a passenger is within the second sensing area. The second sensing area is within the vehicle when the door is closed and is outside of the vehicle proximate to the door when the door is open.

Abstract: A head pipe is disposed in a front side of a vehicle frame. Left and right main pipes extend from the head pipe toward a rear side of the vehicle frame. The Left and right main pipes are welded to the head pipe. A down tube extends from the head pipe toward the rear side and welded to the head pipe. The head pipe includes: a head pipe main body supporting a steering shaft; a main pipe connection portion disposed in a rear upper portion of the head pipe, the main pipe connection portion to which a front ends of the left and right main pipes are welded; and a down tube connection portion disposed in a rear lower portion of the head pipe. The head pipe main body, the main pipe connection portion and the down tube connection portion are integrally formed with one another by a casting or a forging.

Abstract: A motorcycle fork rake extension kit provides an increased fork rake without welding and maintains a favorable trail. The extension kit includes an upper adapter block fixedly attached to an upper end of a steering head of a motorcycle frame and a lower adapter block fixedly attached to a lower end of the steering head of the motorcycle frame. Triple trees are rotatably attached to triple tree ends of the adapter blocks through steering head bearings. The triple tree ends of the adapter blocks are spaced away from the frame, the lower adapter block having a greater spacing to increase fork rake. The lower triple tree may further space the fork tubes forward to further increase fork rake. In a preferred embodiment, approximately 45 degrees of rake is provided with favorable trail.

Abstract: A bicycle frame part having a disproportionally enlarged end section and a method for making the same. The tube may be used as a bicycle frame part, and it may include a first section having a thickness, a second section configured to be forged from a first shape having a thickness that is different from the thickness of the first section to a second shape having a thickness that is less than the thickness of the first shape. The second shape of the second section may be proportionally enlarged relative to the first shape of the second section.

Abstract: An adjustable-height bicycle seat post assembly comprises a hollow seat post for supporting a bicycle seat slidably on plastic guides or shims inside a hollow tube. The hollow tube clamps into the frame of a bicycle. A mainspring forces the post upward, but a locking mechanism interconnects the post with the tube in various fixed positions relative to the tube. The locking mechanism includes a housing, which supports a plunger for reciprocating movement into and out of engagement with holes on the post. The locking mechanism is affixed to the outside of the tube to bear shearing forces on the plunger. An endcap on the locking mechanism and a topcap on the tube protect the assembly from foreign debris. The locking mechanism may be manipulated remotely using a magnetic switch assembly or manually using a mechanical assembly.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention comprise assemblies for converting an upright-style bicycle into a recumbent bicycle. Additionally embodiments comprising the converted bicycle are also described.

Abstract: A wheel securing adapter is provided in a bicycle fork to attach a skewer of a wheel securing axle thereto. The wheel securing adapter is disposed in an axle mounting opening of the fork. The wheel securing adapter has an internally threaded bore and an external surface configured and arranged to cooperate with the axle mounting opening to prevent at least one of relative axial movement and relative rotational movement of the wheel securing adapter within the axle mounting opening. The fork includes a pair of fork legs having upper ends coupled to the fork stem and lower ends with axle mounting openings. Preferably, a cutout surrounds one of the axle mounting openings on an inner side surface that faces the other fork leg to form the mounting opening for the wheel securing adapter.

Abstract: A stabilizer includes a base and a shaft rotatively mounted to the base. An arm attached to the shaft is able to swing about the axis of rotation defined by the shaft in response to centrifugal force. In one possible application, the stabilizer can be incorporated into a vehicle. The vehicle includes a first frame and a second frame pivotally connected to the first frame, wherein the frames pivot with respect to one another about an axis of rotation. The second frame includes an outwardly extending support arm having a seat mounted thereon. The arm swings in response to centrifugal force so as to laterally displace the seat relative to the first frame. In one aspect, the seat is located below the axis of rotation.

Abstract: A tube connection assembly of a bicycle frame includes a bi-forked portion formed by a hollow rectangular tube; one end of the rectangular tube being bi-forked as two halves; each half having a positioning groove; and a combining portion formed by two plates which are connected as a shape corresponding to that of the positioning groove and the bi-forked portion so that in assembly the combining portion is assembled to the bi-forked portion; and connection area of the bi-forked portion and combining portion being welded.

Abstract: A bicycle frame assembly including a down tube and a monolithic down tube support. The down tube support preferably defines a pocket configured to receive an end portion of the down tube such that the tube support overlaps at least a portion of a side surface of the end portion of the down tube. In one embodiment, a weld bead joins both of the tube support and the down tube. Preferably, the down tube support also defines an opening configured to receive and support a pedal crank assembly relative to the bicycle frame. Furthermore, preferably the down tube support also includes a pivot mount portion configured to rotatably support a sub-frame of the frame assembly or a rear shock absorber.

Abstract: A bicycle frame includes a head tube, a top tube, a down tube, a pair of chainstays, a pair of seatstays, and a rear wheel fender providing structural support to the bicycle frame. A seat tube is provided that does not extend to a bottom bracket of the bicycle. For example, the seat tube can be attached only to the top tube. The bottom bracket can be an integral component of the down tube. Bicycles are also described that include the present bicycle frames.

Abstract: The present invention includes a front fork assembly for a cycle. The assembly includes a steering tube, front furcations fixed to the steering tube, and a drop-out bracket device fixed to a distal end of each front furcation. The drop-out bracket device has a tubular member having multiple drop-out brackets directed towards a front side of the cycle, a back side of the cycle, or both. Each drop-out bracket has a substantially planar fastening member and an opening.

Abstract: A front frame for a bicycle includes an upper tube, a lower tube and a head tube all of which are made of fiber reinforced material. The head tube extends integrally from a front end of the upper tube and a front end of the lower tube. The head tube has a chamber communicates with a chamber of the upper tube and a chamber of the lower tube. Two inner tubes are provided in the chamber of the upper tube. The abutted portions of the two inner tubes form a rib such that the structure strength of the upper tube is improved.

Abstract: In a frame structure of a small vehicle, an abutting surface abutting against a first frame member is provided on a second frame member constituting a part of a vehicle frame together with the first frame member. The second frame member is welded to the first frame member by an outer periphery of the abutting surface. The two frame members constituting a part of the vehicle frame are also welded together by the outer periphery of the abutting surface formed on the second frame member so as to abut against the first frame member. This achieves a decrease in the size and weight of the second frame member while sufficiently ensuring joining strength thereof. An opening portion open to an abutting surface is provided in a second frame member to expose a part of a first frame member. The second frame member is welded to the first frame member by a periphery of the opening portion.

Abstract: In a rear wheel support structure for a motorcycle or a three-wheeled vehicle in which a proximal end portion of a swing arm is vertically tiltably supported on a vehicle body frame by way of a tilting support shaft, a rear wheel is rotatably supported on the swing arm by way of a rear axle, and a rear shock absorber is interposed between the swing arm and the vehicle body frame. The comfort of the ride is enhanced by ensuring a sufficiently long effective stroke of the rear shock absorber with respect to a stroke of the rear wheel. A tilting support shaft of a swing arm is arranged behind a rear axle in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

Abstract: A two-piece bicycle frame pivotably attached together at a pivot point with a biasing mechanism adjacent to the point of attachment. The bias mechanism bears an angle of between 30° to 60° relative to true horizontal. Each frame section has a relative plane which planes in relation to one another bear an angle exceeding 180° when no weight is on the bicycle.

Abstract: To maintain the width of a vehicle body structure for a motorcycle wherein the rigidity of a vehicle body may be increased without increasing the width of the vehicle. Alternatively, to enable to restrain an increase in the weight of the vehicle body by realizing a vehicle body structure for a motorcycle in which the problem wherein the weight of the vehicle body increases when the rigidity of the vehicle body is increased. In a motorcycle including main pipes extending rearwardly from a head pipe, a pair of left and right down tubes are provided that extend from the head pipe obliquely downwardly. The down tubes are formed to be tapered from the head pipe toward an engine when viewed from the side of the vehicle body and to be constant in width from the head pipe toward the engine when viewed from the front of the vehicle body.

Abstract: A wheel support portion for a bicycle, such as a front fork assembly, arranged to reduce vibrations that originate at the bicycle wheel and are transmitted to the rider of the bicycle through the wheel support. Desirably, the 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 defines a cavity and a damping member is positioned within the cavity. Also disclosed is a preferred method of manufacturing the wheel support.

Abstract: A wheel support portion for a bicycle, such as a front fork assembly, arranged to reduce vibrations that originate at the bicycle wheel and are transmitted to the rider of the bicycle through the wheel support. Desirably, the 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. An intermediate portion of each of the fork legs defines a cavity. A damping member comprised of a vibration damping material is positioned within the cavity. Preferably, the cavity passes completely through each fork leg in a lateral direction and the damping member is retained within the cavity by a friction fit therebetween.

Abstract: A bicycle designed to reduce the transfer of vibrations to the rider. The bicycle includes a seatpost assembly comprising an inner member, an outer member at least partially surrounding a portion of the inner member, and a damping member disposed between the inner member and the outer member. The damping member provides vibration damping between the frame and the seat. Preferably, the inner member includes a necked portion positioned within the damping member. In addition, the damping member can include a body portion positioned inside the outer member and a head portion positioned longitudinally adjacent the outer member. The concepts of the present invention are also applicable to frame members of the bicycle frame, such as the chainstays, the seatstays, and the fork.

Abstract: A metal and fiber reinforced plastic composite combines a welded metal tube spine with a reinforced plastic composite seat assembly, top tube and seat stays.

Abstract: A bicycle including a frame member provided with a front wheel mounted on a shaft and a rear wheel mounted on a shaft, a saddle provided with a stepped tube for adjustably receiving the saddle to a rear portion of the frame member, a handlebar assembly rotatably attached to a front portion of the frame member, a fork assembly extending through the front portion of the frame member, said fork assembly being connected at one end to the handlebars and at the other end to the front wheel, a front fender and rear fender operatively associated with the frame member and extending over the front and rear wheels, respectively, a pair of pedals extending from opposite sides of the frame member, sprocket wheels connected to the pedals and the rear wheel, a drive chain for engaging the sprocket wheels, wherein the front portion of the frame member terminates in a tubular end that receives the fork assembly and the handlebars, and a lower portion of the frame member separates into two leg members which extend along opposi

Abstract: Bicycle retractable security cable device comprising a cable disposed within a first frame member and within an opened ended housing extending along a second frame member, the cable comprising an external cable portion extending from the first frame member and terminating to a first looped end and an internal cable portion removably coupled to a spring disposed in and removably coupled to the housing for providing an external cable portion having a length grater than the spring length when the cable is in a stowed position such that the spring can be decoupled from and pulled through an open end of the housing a length greater than the spring length for spring repair or replacement. A coupling means couples the first looped cable end to the bicycle such that the cable loops up and forms a cable loop complemental in shape to other bicycle cables.

Abstract: There is provided a bicycle frame comprising a first tube; a second tube extending transversely from an upper region of the first tube; a third tube extending transversely and downwardly from a lower region of the first tube, and towards the same direction as the second tube; and a two-part tube joining the respective ends of the second and third tubes, the two-part tube having a straight upper part and a curved lower part, the straight upper part being substantially vertical and the curved lower part being curved longitudinally towards the first tube such as to conform to the curvature of a bicycle wheel. The upper part of the two-part tube is adapted to receive a post member therein, and a first and a second set of tubes extend at the respective ends the two-part tube and are each attached to drop.

Abstract: A bicycle front fork is configured to reduce the risk that a poor connection occurs in a lead wire connecting an electricity generating mechanism to an electric device for ensuring reliable delivery of electric power to the electric device. The front fork has first and second fork blades, a fork crown, and a fork stem. The first and second fork blades are electrically connected to first and second electrodes, respectively. A front lamp is mounted to the fork crown. The fork crown has a spacer that electrically insulates the first fork blade and the second fork blade. The first fork blade has an attaching part where an end part of a cable extending from the electric device mounted to the fork crown can be attached.

Abstract: A vehicle convertible between a bicycle and a scooter includes a frame constructed of a rigid material. The frame comprises a laterally extending post, a pair of spaced apart support tubes formed onto the post, and a footboard fixedly mounted onto the support tubes. Each support tube includes a first section which extends down and forward from the post at an angle of approximately 20 degrees and a second section which extends horizontally forward from the first section. A front fork is mounted onto the frame and supports a handlebar assembly. A front wheel is rotatably mounted onto the front fork and a rear wheel is rotatably mounted onto the frame, each wheel being approximately 12 inches in diameter. A seat assembly is mounted onto the frame and is capable of being pivotally displaced. A pedal assembly is mounted onto the post and serves to rotatably drive the rear wheel.

Abstract: A head tube for a bicycle frame that accommodates oversized frame tubing and the use of a standard sized head set. Preferably, the head tube includes a body defining a pair of lateral extensions that cooperate with the body to define an outer surface configured to receive at least a portion of a frame tube. In addition, preferably, the head tube defines a wall thickness that is thicker at the bottom of the head tube than the thickness at the top of the head tube. In addition, preferably, the wall thickness is greater at both of the top and the bottom of the head tube than the wall thickness of the middle of the head tube. Preferably, in at least a portion of the head tube, the wall thickness is thicker in a forward side than the thickness in a rearward side.

Abstract: A sports bicycle, especially a training bicycle, with handlebars, especially triathlon handlebars, which can be slipped onto the front supporting tube of the frame, with a carrying tube, the height of which can be adjusted and fixed at different levels, and with handle legs which are directed towards the front and connected by a U-shaped bracket, with a reversing module with an intermediate carrying tube, which can be inserted into the supporting tube and to which a clamp mounting for the carrying tube of the handlebars is disposed transversely for achieving a steeply upwardly directed position of the handle legs, the clamp mounting preferably being constructed as a mounting sleeve.

Abstract: An ox horn shape bicycle handle is capable of being combined with another handle. The ox horn shape bicycle handle comprises two rear retaining seats; and two front retaining seats; each front retaining seat being positioned in front of the rear retaining seat. One side of the front retaining seat being combined to the positioning groove of the rear retaining seat. The front retaining seat has a plurality of second positioning threaded holes at positions corresponding to first positioning threaded holes. Thereby, the front retaining seat and the rear retaining seat are engaged by using studs to engage the first positioning threaded holes and the second threaded holes. A bottom end of the front retaining seat has a retaining seat. The retaining seat has a through hole. One side of the front retaining seat has a third threaded hole. Thereby, the second holding portion is locked to the retaining seat.

Abstract: A handlebar for two-wheeled vehicle has a channel portion and two bent internal tubes wherein the channel portion has an internal diameter and the two bent internal tubes each have an external diameter slightly smaller than the internal diameter of the channel portion, the two bent internal tubes being disposed within the hollow portion with surfaces of the bent internal tubes in contact with the surface of the channel portion, whereby the thickness of the handlebar is increased in order to enhance the strength thereof.

Abstract: A motorcycle frame assembly arranged to have a desirable amount of rigidity in both transverse and vertical directions. The frame assembly desirably includes a head pipe configured to support a front wheel and associated suspension assembly. A main tube and down tube extend in a rearward direction from the head pipe. Desirably, the main tube is elliptical in cross-section, with the longer dimension being arranged generally horizontally and the shorter dimension being arranged generally vertically. Preferably, the main tube is arcuate along its length and defines a convex outer surface portion opposing a concave outer surface portion. Preferably, the main tube is arranged such that the convex outer surface portion faces the down tube. Desirably, the main tube also extends from the head pipe such that the main tube is lower than perpendicular with respect to the head pipe.