Yielding Patents (Class 280/275)
  • Patent number: 11814129
    Abstract: The present invention is in connection with the field of the cycling industry, and in particular it refers to a front suspension system of a bicycle, of the single-stem type, thus adapted to be arranged inside the steering head tube and specially conceived, thanks to its compactness, to equip road “racing” bikes but not exclusively intended for this category of bicycles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: HIRIDE SUSPENSION S.R.L.
    Inventors: Domenico Borgese, Luca Ceresoli, Fabio Noce
  • Patent number: 11787491
    Abstract: A control device includes an actuation lever, a bearing mounted in the actuation lever, an axle extended through the bearing, and a base supported by the axle, whereby the actuation lever is rotatably coupled with the base, via the bearing and the axle, for rotation relative to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: Wolf Tooth Components, LLC
    Inventor: Michael W. Pfeiffer
  • Patent number: 11772738
    Abstract: A rear wheel linkage system for connecting a rear wheel of a chain wheeled vehicle to a frame of the chained wheel vehicle, the chained wheeled vehicle having a front side, a rear side, and lateral sides, and comprises a pair of upper links, a pair of lower links, and a coupler link. The upper links are configured to be hingedly joined to first locations of the frame, at a rear of the frame above or near a top of the rear wheel. The lower links are configured to be hingedly joined to second locations of the frame, ahead of the rear wheel. The coupler link is configured to be hingedly joined to both sides of an axle of the rear wheel, the coupler link has an upper side, a lower side, and a front side and to be hingedly joined to upper links, the lower links, and the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Inventor: Michael Joe Roseborrough
  • Patent number: 11738823
    Abstract: A bicycle comprises a front wheel; a rear wheel; a frame comprising a main frame portion and an articulating frame portion, the articulating frame portion comprising: a lower arm pivotally supported at a first axis by the main frame portion; an upper frame link pivotally supported at a second axis by the main frame portion; an upper arm pivotally coupled to the upper frame link at a third axis; an upper shock link pivotally coupled to the upper frame link and the upper arm at the third axis; and a lower shock link pivotally coupled to the main frame portion and the lower arm at the first axis; and a shock absorber having a first end pivotally supported at a fourth axis by the main frame portion, and a second end pivotally supported at a fifth axis by the upper shock link and the lower shock link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: SPECIALIZED BICYCLE COMPONENTS, INC.
    Inventors: Jason Loy Chamberlain, Brian Daniel Robinson, Etienne Warnery, Jeffrey Keith Bowers
  • Patent number: 11292550
    Abstract: A fork assembly including a steerer tube and a crown, wherein the steerer tube is fixedly aligned to the crown in a predefined orientation at a time of manufacture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.
    Inventors: William O. Brown, IV, Daniel McCormick, Joshua Coaplen, Christopher Otterness
  • Patent number: 11034409
    Abstract: A suspension assembly for a vehicle includes a swing arm having a proximal end configured to be pivotally connected to a frame of the vehicle, and a distal end configured to support a ground-engaging member of the vehicle. The suspension assembly also includes a rocker link pivotally connected to the swing arm about a rocker link pivot axis from which first and second portions of the rocker link extend in divergent directions. The suspension assembly also includes a linking arm configured to be pivotally connected to the frame, and pivotally connected to the first portion of the rocker link. The suspension assembly also includes a shock absorber that is at least one of: pivotally connected to the linking arm, and configured to be pivotally connected to the frame. The shock absorber is pivotally connected to the second portion of the rocker link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventors: Sebastien Hebert, Emile Maltais-Larouche
  • Patent number: 10850796
    Abstract: A bicycle comprises a front wheel; a rear wheel; a frame comprising a main frame portion and an articulating frame portion, the articulating frame portion comprising: a lower arm pivotally supported at a first axis by the main frame portion; an upper frame link pivotally supported at a second axis by the main frame portion; an upper arm pivotally coupled to the upper frame link at a third axis; an upper shock link pivotally coupled to the upper frame link and the upper arm at the third axis; and a lower shock link pivotally coupled to the main frame portion and the lower arm at the first axis; and a shock absorber having a first end pivotally supported at a fourth axis by the main frame portion, and a second end pivotally supported at a fifth axis by the upper shock link and the lower shock link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason L. Chamberlain, Brian D. Robinson, Etienne Warnery, Jeffrey K. Bowers
  • Patent number: 10850798
    Abstract: A bicycle includes a front wheel; a rear wheel; a frame including a main frame portion and an articulating frame portion, the articulating frame portion including an upper frame link pivotally supported at a first axis by the main frame portion; and a lower shock link pivotally coupled to the main frame portion at a second axis; and a shock absorber having a first end pivotally supported by the main frame portion, and a second end pivotally supported by one or both of an upper shock link and the lower shock link, wherein, when the bicycle is positioned on a horizontal surface with the articulating frame portion in a relaxed configuration, the second axis is positioned forward of the first axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Loy Chamberlain, Brian Daniel Robinson, Jeffrey Keith Bowers
  • Patent number: 10766560
    Abstract: A folding frame and a folding vehicle are provided. The folding frame includes a cross beam, a pillar, and a supporting column; the cross beam includes a front beam and a rear beam. A rear-end bottom of the front beam is rotationally connected to a front-end bottom of the rear beam so that the two can be vertically folded. An angle between a rotational axis of the front beam and a central axis of the rear beam is an acute angle. The supporting column includes a front column and a rear column, the front column is inserted in the front beam to cooperate, the front column is rotationally connected to the rear column, and the rear column is rotationally connected to the pillar. The front beam and the rear beam are vertically folded, and then they will not spontaneously rotate to fold in the riding process, possessing relatively good reliability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: SHENZHEN BSTCAR TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jianjun Cai
  • Patent number: 10752316
    Abstract: A suspended two-wheeled vehicle frame and a corresponding two-wheeled vehicle, in particular a bicycle, are disclosed, in which the swing-arm bearing seat comprises a recess for providing clearance or free space for a rear wheel of the suspended two-wheeled vehicle frame. The yoke of said two-wheeled vehicle frame, which extends from the first to the second chainstay, extends below the swing-arm bearing seat provided with a recess. An opening can be arranged at the base of the recess of the swing-arm bearing seat so as to allow the line to be guided through the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Inventor: Jochen Klieber
  • Patent number: 10618594
    Abstract: A swing arm structure for a saddle riding vehicle including: a pivot section swingably supported by a vehicle body frame of the saddle riding vehicle; an arm section extending from the pivot section toward a rear side of a vehicle body of the saddle riding vehicle and configured to support an axle of a rear wheel of the saddle riding vehicle at a rear section; and a first reinforcement section formed of a carbon fiber reinforced resin in which carbon fibers are oriented uniformly in a vehicle body forward/rearward direction, wherein the first reinforcement section is installed on a lower surface of the arm section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kunihiro Mizuno, Shimpei Shikanai
  • Patent number: 10150530
    Abstract: A bicycle can include a forward frame triangle that can include a top tube, a bottom tube, a bottom bracket, a structural seat tube, a compliant seat tube, and a pair of seat stays. The top tube can have a first end connected to a head tube and a second end. The bottom tube can have a first end connected to the head tube. The bottom bracket can be connected to the bottom tube. The structural seat tube can be connected to the bottom bracket and the top tube. The compliant seat tube can extend in an upward direction, from the bottom bracket to the top tube and within the structural seat tube. The compliant seat tube can be coupled to the forward frame triangle such that the compliant seat post can bend within the structural seat tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: Trek Bicycle Corporation
    Inventors: Reggie Lund, Steven Moechnig
  • Patent number: 10024357
    Abstract: A cable decoupling mechanism is provided for a bicycle having an unfolded state and a folded state. The cable decoupling mechanism includes a housing; a shifter pulley arranged at least partially within the housing and configured to receive a shifter cable coupled to a shifter of the bicycle; and a gear pulley arranged at least partially within the housing and configured to receive a gear cable coupled to a gear mechanism of the bicycle. The shifter pulley and the gear pulley are mechanically engaged together in the unfolded state such that the shifter cable is mechanically coupled with the gear cable for mutual actuation, and the shifter pulley and the gear pulley are mechanically disengaged from one another in the folded state such that the shifter cable and the gear cable are mechanically decoupled for independent movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Martin Juhas
  • Patent number: 9919759
    Abstract: An inverted tube bike frame with bottle opener gusset system is a bicycle frame with the top tube and down tube having a heightened profile with concave sidewalls and a bottle opener gusset strengthening the joint between the seat tube and the top tube. The top tube has a downwardly curved design for added mechanical strength. Other tube-members of the frame have an elongated elliptical cross-section for increased strength and impact damage resistance. The wheel base is wider than that of a standard bicycle adding to forward movement stability and rider comfort. The design of the frame provides added strength and increased frame life with rugged service.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Inventor: Scott Kump
  • Patent number: 9394023
    Abstract: A motorcycle seat is provided, the seat being aligned in the longitudinal direction of the motorcycle and having a spring-damper system under the seat surface that absorbs and reduces impacts and vibrations of the motorcycle on the rider or passenger. The seat may include regulating/control electronics that adjust the damper of the spring-damper system to the present riding situation in conjunction with a sensor placed near the front wheel. The spring-damper system is arranged between a seat top plate and a seat floor plate or in the level of one of the two seat plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Christoph Dohmen
  • Patent number: 8998234
    Abstract: On a revolving frame (5), an operating oil tank (15) located on the front side of an engine (8) is provided, and a fuel tank (16) located on the front side of the operating oil tank (15) is arranged. A mounting member (17) is provided on the lower side of the fuel tank (16) across a part of a swing cylinder (14). Between the operating oil tank (15) and the mounting member (17), a vertical restraining element (20) for restraining the fuel tank (16) in a front-rear direction and a vertical direction and a lateral restraining element (25) for restraining the fuel tank (16) in a left-right direction are detachably provided. Therefore, the fuel tank (16) can be restrained in two directions, that is, in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Makoto Motozu, Teruo Irino, Kouhei Urase, Yuuki Umizaki, Toshihiro Sako
  • Patent number: 8991848
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, an improved bicycle frame according to one embodiment of this invention has a top tube that allows the wheel base to lengthen by resiliently flexing or pivotally deflecting vertically while resisting torsional flex This feature is combined with a resilient, flexible, arcuate down tube extending between the bottom bracket of the bicycle and the bicycle head tube or the intermediate connection points The down tube has at least one arc and springs back to its original position from forces of tension as well as compression The combination of the two flexing members gives the bicycle a smoother ride and may also enhance the delivery of pedal” power to the rear wheel The down tube is replaceable in order to modify the flex characteristics of the frame and physical characteristics, such as head tube and seat tube angle, wheel base, and bottom bracket height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Alter Cycles, Ltd.
    Inventor: Mark L. Groendal
  • Patent number: 8931793
    Abstract: The invention relates to the guiding of lines, or cables, on a two-wheeled vehicle frame. The guiding is carried out with a guide device on a frame element on which an additional frame element is movably supported in such a way that the line essentially intersects the rotational axis of the bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Inventor: Jochen Klieber
  • Patent number: 8888115
    Abstract: A bicycle seat tube assembly and seat post can be arranged to reduce vibrations that originate at the bicycle wheel and are transmitted to the rider of the bicycle. Desirably, a saddle is configured to be supported by a seat post which connects to a bicycle frame at the seat tube assembly. An open cavity can be formed between the seat tube assembly and the seat post. The open cavity can be configured to allow the system to act as a spring. Further, spring stiffness can be adjusted to reduce vibrations and increase damping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc.
    Inventor: Kyle L. Chubbuck
  • Patent number: 8888116
    Abstract: A suspension device for a handcycle has a first frame member and a second frame member pivotally coupled to the first frame member. A shock absorber is disposed between the first and second frame members. A lever assembly is disposed between the first and second frame members to transfer motion of the second frame member into the shock absorber. The lever assembly includes a lever pivotally coupled to the first frame member. The lever includes first and second arms coupled at an angle which allows motion of the second frame member to be directed into the shock absorber. The lever assembly is configured to transfer a vertical motion of the second frame member into non-vertical motion directed into the shock absorber. The suspension device further includes a third frame member. The first and second frame members are rotationally coupled to the third frame member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Lasher Sport, LLC.
    Inventor: William J. Lasher, III
  • Patent number: 8864159
    Abstract: A bicycle frame having a first frame section carrying a handle bar assembly and a front wheel assembly; a second frame section carrying a crank unit and a rear wheel assembly; a first primary connecting arm carried by said first frame section being received into a second primary connecting arm carried by said second frame section, wherein said first primary connecting arm is telescopically carried by said second primary connecting arm for extending and retracting said first frame section relative to said second frame section; a mounting plate included in said second frame section extending over said rear wheel assembly; a plate suspension member included in said second frame section connecting said mounting plate to said rear wheel assembly for controlling relative motion between said mounting plate and said rear wheel assembly. A rider platform is carried by said mounting plate for accommodating a rider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Zike, LLC
    Inventor: Nathan Scolari
  • Patent number: 8851498
    Abstract: A bicycle rear wheel suspension system having a number of movable suspension links includes a pair of adjustable eccentric pivot assemblies that connect respective members of the movable linkage to the underlying fixed shape portion of the bicycle frame assembly. Each adjustable eccentric pivot assembly is preferably infinitely adjustable within a range of rotation of the respective pivot assembly relative to the underlying bicycle frame to manipulate an orientation of an axis of rotation of the respective movable link relative to the underlying bicycle frame assembly. The pair of adjustable eccentric pivot assemblies is coupled to one another in a manner that creates a dependency between the orientations of the respective eccentric pivot assemblies thereby providing various geometric configurations of the moveable members of the suspension system without changing the leverage ratio provided by the suspension system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Trek Bicycle Corporation
    Inventor: Edward Alsop
  • Patent number: 8833784
    Abstract: A vibration dampening bicycle fork assembly includes a pair of fork legs that sweep in a forward direction relative to a longitudinal axis of a steerer tube that extends in an opposite direction from a fork crown. A dropout is secured to a distal end of each fork leg and a dampener formed of an elastomeric material wraps about at least a portion of an exterior surface of each dropout. A passage extends through the dropout, is offset from the respective fork leg and is aligned with a pair of openings formed in opposite lateral sides of the dampener. An optional fastener cooperates with the passage and the openings and has a mass that is selected to further counteract vibration of the respective fork leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Trek Bicycle Corporation
    Inventor: Steven Moechnig
  • Publication number: 20140225347
    Abstract: This invention relates to a vehicle suspension system where two or more flexible members are arranged in a non-planar way with a distance there between. These flexible members are being rigidly mounted between a frame structure of a vehicle and a wheel structure of the vehicle and the arrangement of the flexible members is so as to provide guided suspension and being resistive against forces other than those in the intended direction of the suspension movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2012
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: LAUF FORKS EHF
    Inventor: Benedikt Skûlason
  • Patent number: 8783704
    Abstract: The invention broadly includes a suspension system for a vehicle that includes a vehicle frame, at least one pair of shock absorbers attached to the frame and having piston stems extending from the shock absorbers and attached to extension arms pivotally attached to the frame. The extension arms are attached to the tire axles optionally attached to support arms. The support arms are also attached to the pivot connection. The pivot connection is between the axle and the shock absorber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Inventor: Dennis P. Richards
  • Patent number: 8777250
    Abstract: A shock-absorbing seat stay for a bicycle includes a seat tube connecting mount having a first coupling portion with a first through hole, an extension member, a shock-absorbing member and a fastening unit. The extension member has a second coupling portion with two connecting lugs each having a second through hole in alignment with the first through hole. The shock-absorbing member is made of elastic material and clamped between the first and second coupling portions. The shock-absorbing member is a U-shaped member having two arms each having a third through hole. The fastening unit is inserted in the first through hole, the second though holes and the third through holes to connect the first coupling portion, the second coupling portion and the shock-absorbing member together. The seat stay is light weight and has a proper shock-absorbing function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventor: Kuo-Pin Yu
  • Patent number: 8740237
    Abstract: A bicycle assembly can include a front or rear suspension system with a shock absorber. A front suspension system can be a suspension fork. A rear suspension system can include a rear shock absorber. The shock can have a shock body and a pressurized main air chamber within the shock body to act as an air spring. The shock can also have a valve configured to receive a pump for adding air to the main air chamber. A secondary air chamber and a control member can be used to reduce the pressure within the main air chamber by venting the secondary air chamber to the atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael McAndrews, Robb Jankura, Brian Lampman
  • Patent number: 8727081
    Abstract: A restraint device for being secured on a telescopic suspension comprising a first portion, which may be a fork band comprising a first restraining hook, a second portion comprising a body, a trigger, at least one magnetic member, and a second restraining hook, wherein the first restraining hook and the second restraining hook are configured to selectively engage one another to secure the suspension in a compressed position, and wherein the at least one magnetic member is configured to retract the second restraining hook when the device is disengaged to permit normal operation of the suspension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Works Connection, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric Phipps
  • Publication number: 20140117643
    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: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: SPECIALIZED BICYCLE COMPONENTS, INC.
    Inventor: Dennis John Wrobleski
  • 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: 8657321
    Abstract: To obtain vibration characteristics suited to a plurality of operating modes. A first member is mounted on at least one of a left side frame of a vehicle and a right side frame of the vehicle. The first member extends towards the right frame or the left frame. A second member is mounted to at least one of the right side frame of the vehicle and a left side frame. The second member extends towards the left frame or the right frame. A vibration insulating member is provided between the first member and the second member and elastically couples the first and second members to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mikio Kashiwai, Konomu Hoshi, Takeshi Kimishima
  • Patent number: 8651214
    Abstract: A two-wheeled vehicle is disclosed. The two-wheeled vehicle may include highway bars. The two-wheeled vehicle may include a steering axis which is tilted relative to a fork axis. The two-wheeled vehicle may be configured in a faring configuration and in a non-fairing configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Scott A. Orpen, Mark W. Chevalier, James Arthur John Holroyd
  • Patent number: 8641022
    Abstract: In a front fork, a throttle flow path is provided between a hole which is provided in an inner tube and is communicated with an annular gap chamber, and a lower oil chamber in an outer periphery of a hollow pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Inventors: Osamu Nagai, Kazuhiro Miwa
  • Publication number: 20140015220
    Abstract: A bicycle frame can have a main frame, a sub-frame and a shock. The sub-frame can move in relation to the main frame and the shock can be used to regulate that relationship. A linkage can also be used to regulate the relationships and control the rotation. The shock can further have a pair of extension arms to span a seat tube which is part of the main frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Inventor: Jan Talavasek
  • Patent number: 8543291
    Abstract: A wheel suspension system for a three-wheeled motorcycle or “trike” includes parallel wheels mounted on vertically pivoting suspension arms governed by hydraulic pistons. The pistons have upper liquid reservoirs that are interconnected through a valve system, which interconnects the upper reservoirs when the trike is in motion, allowing opposing vertical wheel movements when banking through turns, and prevents liquid exchange when the trike is stopped, thereby holding the motorcycle upright, Embodiments include a manual and/or automatic valve control. A threshold switching speed for an automatic controller can be factory set and/or user adjustable. The pistons can include directly interconnected lower fluid reservoirs. A shock-absorbing reservoir can allow transient vertical movement of both wheels to absorb shocks. A cover system can emulate the appearance of saddle bags and can appear to be covering only a single wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Inventor: Steven P Young
  • Patent number: 8454044
    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: January 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Kyle L. Chubbuck, Christopher P. D'Aluisio
  • Patent number: 8439383
    Abstract: A bicycle frame can have a main frame, a sub-frame and a shock. The sub-frame can move in relation to the main frame and the shock can be used to regulate that relationship. A linkage can also be used to regulate the relationships and control the rotation. The shock can further have a pair of extension arms to span a seat tube which is part of the main frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc.
    Inventor: Jan Talavasek
  • Patent number: 8382136
    Abstract: A bicycle rear suspension system includes a main frame and a rear wheel suspension system. The main frame generally comprises a seat tube, a down tube, a top tube, and a head tube. The rear wheel suspension system comprises a first linkage member, a rear wheel swingarm, and a second linkage member. The first linkage member is shorter than 15 mm from its pivotal connection to the main frame and its pivotal connection to the rear wheel swingarm, and changes its direction of rotation as the rear wheel is articulated generally vertically. The rear wheel suspension system allows for a preferential rear wheel axle travel path that provides for increased rates of chainstay lengthening in the first part of the vertical rear wheel travel with a rapid change to reduced chainstay lengthening in the latter part of the vertical rear wheel travel so that the overall change in chainstay length is small relative to the amount of vertical rear wheel travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Sotto Group LLC
    Inventors: Luther M. Beale, David M. Earle
  • Patent number: 8262115
    Abstract: A variable height seat bicycle suspension seat post assembly for bicycles that descends at an angle toward the rear of the bicycle while providing a suspension component to the seat post. The downward angle at which the seat post assembly travels lowers the rider's center of gravity and improves the balance, stability, handling characteristics, and traction of the bicycle while at the same time absorbing shocks and other impacts caused by rough terrain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Inventor: Joshua D. Mackenroth
  • Patent number: 8256787
    Abstract: An adjustable bicycle suspension system includes a first stroke adjustment unit and a second stroke adjustment unit. The first stroke adjustment unit is configured to adjust a stroke of a suspension by changing a position of the suspension at a first position or a second position. The second stroke adjustment unit is configured to change the position of the suspension at the second position independently from the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Jun Inoue, Toyoto Shirai
  • Publication number: 20120126506
    Abstract: A bicycle includes a frame having a longitudinal axis, a first member, and a first pivot link assembly including a first link configured to rotate around a first pivot point. The first pivot point may have a first axis of rotation that is non-orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the first frame, and the first frame may be coupled with the first member through the first pivot link assembly. Some examples also include a second pivot link assembly including a second link configured to rotate around a second pivot point having an axis of rotation that is non-orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: YETI CYCLING, LLC
    Inventor: Peter Zawistowski
  • Patent number: 8152191
    Abstract: A suspension system may include a front frame connected to a front wheel, a shock absorber pivotally connected to the front frame, and a rear frame connected to a rear wheel supported by a ground contact point. The shock absorber may include a preset pressure substantially equal to a pressure caused by a body weight of a rider. The suspension system may be structurally configured to maintain an instantaneous center point of movement of the rear frame relative to the front frame within an angle range of about 45°±15° relative to the ground contact point when the rear frame moves relative to the front frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Giant Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hua-Chun Huang, Owen Chang
  • Patent number: 8152189
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Cannondale Bicycle Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher Philip Dodman, Torgny Fjeldskaar
  • Patent number: 8136829
    Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of a mountain bike frame and method of making a mountain bike frame where a rear suspension shock absorber is configured to compress when a rear triangle moves upwardly with respect to a force channelling top tube and a seat tube. At least portions of forces generated by upward movement of the rear triangle with respect to the force channelling top tube and the seat tube are transmitted through elongated front and rear torque conversion devices to the shock absorber, a shock absorber mount and the force channelling top tube. An upper portion of the front torque conversion device and a rear portion of the rear torque conversion device, when the mountain bike frame is viewed from a right side view, each rotate in a clockwise direction when the rear triangle moves upwardly with respect to the force channelling top tube and the seat tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Inventors: Alan H. Kang, Ted K. Tanouye
  • Patent number: 8033558
    Abstract: A bicycle rear suspension system includes a front part including a top tube, a down tube, a head tube and a seat tube. A rear part of the bicycle rear suspension system includes two seat stays and two chain stays. The seat stays have first ends pivotally connected to the dropouts on the first ends of the chain stays and two second ends pivotally connected to a first end of a connection member at a first pivot point. Two second ends of the chain stays are pivotally connected to a bridge between the down tube and the seat tube. A second end of the connection member is pivotally connected to the top tube. A cylinder has a first end pivotally connected to the bridge and a second end pivotally connected to a mediate portion of the connection member at a second pivot point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: A-Pro Tech Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: David Earle
  • Patent number: 7997603
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus may permit the mounting of bicycle components (16) such as seats, handlebars, and the like, to bicycles. A bicycle component mount (3) may be isolated from the structure of a bicycle. Forces generated at various points on the bicycle's structure may be substantially impeded or eliminated from transmission through an isolated bicycle component mount (3). Multidimensional motion of a bicycle component mount (3) may include rotational, translational, and rototranslational motion with progressive elastomeric resistance in multiple directions. A bicycle component mount (3) may exhibit movement about its own center of mass (12). Motions of a rider on a bicycle may be biomechanically compensated for by a bicycle component mount (3) to facilitate rider comfort, promote efficient transfer of rider motion to the operation of a bicycle, and decrease wear on bicycle components (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Inventors: Thomas H. Petrie, Ross Shafer
  • Patent number: 7963540
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Felt Racing, LLC
    Inventor: Timothy Saul Lane
  • Patent number: 7934739
    Abstract: A twenty-nine inch wheel bicycle frame includes substantially rigid front and rear triangles that are pivotally connected to one another by a pair of linkages. The frame is designed so that chain tension urges the linkages to pivot in opposite directions, while bumps urge the linkages to pivot in the same direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Niner, Inc.
    Inventor: Steve Domahidy
  • Patent number: 7918472
    Abstract: A dual-lever compression system comprising a shock absorber, a first lever, and a second lever. The shock absorber first end is pivotally coupled to a frame. The shock absorber second end is pivotally coupled to a first lever first end and the first lever second end is coupled to the frame. The second lever first end is pivotally coupled to the shock absorber second end and the second lever second end is coupled to a swing- arm. The compression performance control provided by embodiments of the dual-lever compression system is directly related to the incorporation of dual levers coupled to the shock absorber; that is, the first lever and the second lever. Angles, position, and pivotal rotations of the dual levers provide for controlled shock absorption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Dual Lever Suspension, LLC
    Inventor: Kris Devin Peterson
  • Patent number: 7909347
    Abstract: A bicycle rear suspension system that includes a main frame and a rear wheel suspension system, the main frame generally is comprised of a seat tube, a down tube, a top tube, and a head tube. The rear wheel suspension system consists of a first linkage member, a rear wheel swingarm, and a second linkage member. The rear wheel suspension system allows for a preferential linear decrease in rate of chainstay lengthening combined with a preferential linear decrease in rate of acceleration anti-squat with the value of 100% anti-squat occurring at the statically weighted sag point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: A-Pro Tech Co., Ltd
    Inventor: David Earle