Abstract: A seat post assembly for a bicycle arranged to reduce vibrations that originate at either the front or rear wheel of the bicycle and are transmitted to the rider of the bicycle through the frame. Desirably, the seat post assembly is configured to be supported by a bicycle frame and is configured to support a bicycle seat on its upper end. Preferably, an upper portion of the seat post defines a cavity. A damping member comprised of a vibration damping material is positioned within the cavity. Preferably, the cavity passes completely through the seat post in a lateral direction and the damping member is retained within the cavity by a friction fit therebetween.

Abstract: A flexible bike frame includes a top bar assembly, a lower bar assembly having a forward end connected to the top bar assembly and extending downwardly and rearwardly, and a seat bar assembly mounted on the rear end of the top bar assembly and extending downwardly from the top bar assembly toward the lower bar assembly. A shock reducing assembly reduces the amount of force transferred from a riding surface to a user. A plurality of joint assemblies are mounted on the frame for permitting changes in the distance between the ends of the top bar assembly. A first joint assembly is positioned between front and middle sections of the top bar assembly, a second joint assembly is positioned between middle and rear sections of the top bar assembly, and a third joint assembly is positioned on the lower bar assembly adjacent to the sprocket drive assembly.

Abstract: In a bicycle frame of the type wherein front and rear portions of the frame are connected together by a flexible spring member, the spring includes at least two laterally spaced, elongated rods extending between opposed mounting blocks in the front and rear portions of the frame, with the ends of the rods being held in the mounting blocks by a clamping means that can be released to permit removal and replacement of the spring members when desired. A replaceable wire management tube is attached to the side of the crossbar of the bike by adhesive tape and extends at least a portion of the length of the crossbar. The bicycle frame can incorporate a folding mechanism that permits the front and rear portions of the bike to be folded together for easy portability of the bike.

Abstract: A computer controlled suspension system is provided for a bicycle, which can effectively absorb shock and provide stability on rough surfaces regardless of the speed of the vehicle. The suspension system has a control unit, a front suspension, a rear suspension, a front wheel terrain sensor, and a rear controller. The rear suspension is selectively adjustable by the control unit to change stiffness of the rear suspension. When the front suspension hits a bump or a depression in the surface of the ground, a signal is sent to the rear controller so that the rear suspension can react appropriately. In one embodiment, a pedaling torque sensor is operatively coupled to the control unit to input a signal that is indicative of pedaling force, and the rear controller adjusts stiffness of the rear suspension in response to the pedaling force via the control unit.

Abstract: A suspension method for stabilizing a bicycle frame is provided with an elastically deformable damping suspension in order to absorb shocks, wherein said method consists of elastically deforming a suspension device by a torsional effect perpendicularly to the bicycle frame. The suspension device extends over a frame plane and is fitted out to implement the method by providing a damping torsional means arranged about at least one axis contained in a torsional plane perpendicular to the frame plane.

Abstract: A hydraulic suspension unit which is arranged in a supporting pipe has a piston arranged in a cylinder and a piston rod which is coupled with the piston and projected from the cylinder and detachably coupled with a slide pipe edge portion. Coil springs for buffering are further built in the cylinder. Thus, the hydraulic suspension unit can be easily exchanged.

Abstract: A front suspension structure is provided having an axle support arm for connecting a front wheel axle and a front fork lower end that is light in weight and has high rigidity. An axle support arm has a substantially chevron shape when viewed from the side, with a front end section being formed as a two-legged section for connecting to an arm holder for a lower end of a front fork. The two-legged section is rotatably connected to the arm holder via a bolt. A rear end of the axle support arm includes a bearing section provided with a slot. The axle support arm is rotatably connected to an axle via the bearing section. Indentations that open upwardly are formed in a central part of the axle support arm with bearing sections provided on lower ends of the pushrods being fitted in the indentations and a bolt inserted into the bearing sections from a side direction.

Abstract: A rear suspension (10,64) for mountain bikes comprises a rigid link (46,98) pivotally mounted at opposed ends thereof to a lower rear portion of a main bicycle frame (14,74,96) and at a lower front portion of a bicycle swingarm (16,92). The rigid link (46,98) allows for relative displacements between the main bicycle frame (14,74,96) and the bicycle swingarm (16,92) along two degrees of freedom and, more particularly, for displacements in an area defined by the position of the two pivots (P1,P2) with respect to a rear wheel axle (WA), by the spacing between the two pivots (P1,P2) and also by the possible deformation of a spring (48,66) provided between the main frame (14,74,96) and the swingarm (16,92). A leaf spring (48,66) may be used within a shock absorber system which also includes a damper in order to limit relative displacements between the main frame (14,74,96) and the swingarm (16,92) upon impact of the rear wheel with an obstacle.

Abstract: A suspension system for a rear wheel of a multi-wheel vehicle comprises a front structural member that is adapted to be coupled to seat and a front fork. The front structural member has a first pivot point and a second pivot point that is vertically above the first pivot point. A rear structural member is adapted to be operably coupled to an axle of a rear wheel. The rear structural member has a third pivot point that is rearward of the first pivot point. A slideable connector is rigidly coupled to the rear structural member and pivotally coupled to the second pivot point. A link member is pivotally linked to the first pivot point of the front structural member and the third pivot point of the rear structural member.

Abstract: A bicycle cushion device includes a bracket connected to a bicycle frame which is a movable frame. A bladder is connected to the bracket and a casing is mounted to the bladder and movable connected to the bicycle frame. An opening is defined in a top of the casing and a valve of the bladder extends through the opening. The movable frame moves into the casing and compresses the bladder to absorb the shocks transmitted to the bicycle frame.

Abstract: A shock absorber for use with a cycle comprises elongated first and second tubular members and a biasing assembly. The first tubular member is associated with the cycle's frame and has a longitudinal axis. The second tubular member has a lower end portion adapted for connection to foot supports and an opposite upper end portion for connection to the cycle's seat assembly such that the foot supports and the seat assembly are interconnected for common movement. The second tubular member is slidably disposed with respect to the first tubular member for movement along the longitudinal axis away from an initial position as determined by a pre-impact condition.

Abstract: An improved torsion shock absorber has a curved clevis rocker arm and a solid rocker arm. Mounting holes are formed through one rounded end each of the rocker arms and bush holes through opposite rounded ends, each having symmetrical notches respectively machined along the inner circumferences. A torsion shaft of a spring steel is inserted into the bush holes of the rocker arms, and into the holes of corresponding mounting rings and a torque seat, a faced washer and a bushing are placed in the bush hole opening of the solid rocker arm, and a C-shaped circlip is fitted into each of the two ends of the torsion shaft. The mounting holes of the clevis rocker arm and the solid rocker arm are then attached to different force receiving entities.

Abstract: A shock absorber for use with a cycle comprises elongated first and second tubular members and a biasing assembly. The first tubular member is associated with the cycle's frame and has a longitudinal axis. The second tubular member has a lower end portion adapted for connection to foot supports and an opposite upper end portion for connection to the cycle's seat assembly such that the foot supports and the seat assembly are interconnected for common movement. The second tubular member is slidably disposed with respect to the first tubular member for movement along the longitudinal axis away from an initial position as determined by a pre-impact condition.

Abstract: A bicycle frame with a seat tube, whose upper end is designed to hold a seat pillar and at whose lower end is situated a bottom bracket shell, and to a pair of chainstays, which are essentially parallel to each other and at their front end are pivotally mounted at a first pivot point on the seat tube at a distance from the bottom bracket shell, and at their back end are connected with dropouts to hold a rear wheel axle.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to front suspension fork assemblies for bicycles, and provides an improved suspension fork comprising an adjustable compression system for quick and easy adaptation to various types of terrain. The front suspension fork of the present invention comprises a pair of rigidly connected parallel fork legs, with each fork leg having at its bottom end a dropout for connection to the axle of a wheel. Each fork leg further comprises a shock absorber positioned therein and comprising a helical coil spring to urge expansion of the sliding tubes, flow dampers, and damping fluid within the cavities of the sliding tubes to dampen the movement of the sliding tubes in compression and expansion. Each flow damper comprises a flexible shim which opens in compression or expansion to increase the flow of damping fluid. Varying the flexibility of the shims also varies the damping effect of the shock absorber.

Abstract: A cycle adapted to travel in an upright position along a support surface comprises a rigid frame, a plurality of wheels rotatably journaled with respect to the frame, a suspension tube mounted to the frame for reciprocal movement in upward and downward directions, a seat assembly disposed on an upper end portion of the suspension tube, a drive assembly disposed on a lower end portion of the suspension tube for common movement with the seat assembly, a steering mechanism, and a biasing assembly disposed between the frame and the suspension tube. The biasing assembly is operative to bias the suspension tube into a pre-impact position relative to the frame such that movement of the suspension tube in the downward direction is resisted by the biasing assembly through exertion of a restorative force which urges the suspension in a upward direction toward the pre-impact position, thereby cushioning the seat assembly and the drive assembly relative to impacts occurring during operation of the cycle.

Abstract: A bicycle rear suspension system providing rearward relative motion of the rear axle includes a chain stay, seat stay, chain stay link, seat stay link and shock absorber, with those components being assembled to a main front frame. The frame includes a head tube for supporting a front steering fork, a seat tube for supporting a seat, and a bottom bracket for supporting a pedal crank and chain drive mechanism, the seat tube and bottom bracket being supported so that there is a vertical space between them. The components of the rear suspension system are assembled to the frame within the space between the seat tube and bottom bracket. The chain stay link is pivotally attached to the frame so that, upon upward movement of the chain stay, the chain stay link pivots to cause the chain stay and thus the rear axle supported thereon to move slightly rearwardly relative to the frame.

Abstract: A motorcycle has at least one suspension strut, with at least one manually operable adjusting mechanism for changing the spring pretensioning and/or damping properties of the suspension strut. The adjusting mechanism is mounted separately from the suspension strut on the motorcycle. At least one actuating element or member on the adjusting mechanism can be brought into two different positions on the motorcycle, an adjusting position for manually adjusting the adjusting mechanism and a stowage position in which the adjusting member is located so that it does not project beyond a contour of the motorcycle located nearby.

Abstract: Apparatus for shock-absorbingly supporting a bicycle seat on a bicycle frame. A longitudinal beam means is pivotably attached via transverse bearings a first end to the frame, the beam bearings being configured to permit pivot motion only in a plane containing the bicycle frame. The beam is supportive of seat device near an opposite end of the beam. Shock absorbing means, preferably an adjustable gas strut, is disposed below the beam, and is connected at a first strut end to the frame and at an opposite strut end to the beam adjacent the seat device to form a triangular strut shock-absorbing suspension for the seat device wherein the triangle side comprising the strut is variable in length. In a preferred embodiment, the length of the strut may be remotely adjusted by the rider to vary the distance between the seat and the pedals or ground. In a further preferred embodiment, the beam includes a control to adjust the attitude of the seat in accordance with the height thereof.

Abstract: A bicycle frame suspension comprises a single main tube having fore and aft ends and left and right sides with a head tube for rotatably mounting the front steering forks and front wheel secured to said fore end and a seat retention tube for mounting the seat secured to the aft end and bearings attached to either side of the main tube. A rigid rear triangle assembly has a bottom bracket for rotatably mounting the pedal and crank assembly. Left and right chain stay tubes have forward and trailing ends. A wheel fixing dropout is secured to each trailing end, respectively. The forward ends are secured to the bottom bracket. Left and right seat stay tubes have trailing ends secured in the proximity of the trailing ends of the chain stay tube and the dropouts, respectively. Pivot struts have upper and lower ends with the lower ends being secured to the bottom bracket, the upper ends being provided with bearing fittings and spaced apart a distance D and joined to forward ends of the seat stay tubes.

Abstract: A rear suspension bicycle having a rear wheel with an axle, a frame including a seat tube and a down tube having a top and bottom ends, a pair of drop link members, one for either side of the rear wheel, each having a top attachment point and a bottom attachment point, and an axle attachment point for receiving the axle. A seat stay assembly including a front end and a rear end, and having a front pivot point adjacent the front end for pivotal attachment to the down tube defining a first pivot point, and a pair of rear pivot points, each for pivotal attachment to the top attachment point of one of said drop link members, forming together the second pivot point.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydropneumatic shock absorber. This new telescopic system comprises an outer sliding tube, an inner sliding tube having an adjustable braking level of the shock absorber in expansion. Fastened on the base of the outer sliding tube is the bottom of a barrel on which rests counter-acting spring, or other elastic device, which pushes on the inner sliding tube in the expansion stroke. The inner sliding tube carries at its internal end a bell which cooperates with a stop spring when in the expansion stroke. The liquid filled barrel contains an axially movable piston connected to the closure plug assembly of the inner sliding tube by a support tube. The piston contains a first valve, which opens only in the compression phase, and a second valve, which acts as variable throttle and is controlled by the padded end of a screw axially placed within the support tube.

Abstract: A dampener (628) for a shock absorber of a vehicle, such as a bicycle, is mounted within a telescoping front fork including a stanchion tube (116) and a coaxial slide tube (618). The dampener includes an internally received hydraulic fluid sleeve (640) that defines a hydraulic chamber (648) in which a piston assembly (732) is disposed. Movement of the piston assembly through hydraulic fluid within the hydraulic chamber is selectively adjusted by metering the flow of bypass hydraulic fluid to the back side of the piston assembly by adjusting a responsive valve assembly (670) disposed longitudinally within the stanchion tube. The responsive valve assembly includes a piezoelectric bender (702) that is controlled by circuitry (712) to change its biasing relative to a valve member (694) in response to sensed velocity and/or displacement of the piston assembly.

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 cushion device includes two lugs extending from the seat post of the bicycle and two positioning members respectively extend through the two lugs. A connecting member is pivotally connected between the two lugs and has two cone-shaped recesses defined in the two ends thereof Each of the two positioning members has a cone-shaped end which is received in the corresponding cone-shaped recess. A pin extends through the two positioning members and the connecting member with two anti-thrust bearings mounted to the two positioning members. Two ring members are respectively connected to the two lugs and let the two bearings be located between the two ring members and the two positioning members.

Abstract: A seat suspension system for a bicycle comprises an outer generally elongate hollow tube and an inner generally elongate hollow tube telescopingly received within the outer tube. Ball bearing races are provided as by metal forming in the inner and outer tubes, and ball bearings are disposed in the races. The inner tube has an inner end fitted with a bushing such that the bushing is slidingly engaged with the outer tube. A compression spring is disposed between the inner end of the inner tube and a stop pin extending through the outer tube. The bearings and bushing cooperate to permit longitudinal movement of the inner tube within the outer tube but prevent relative lateral and rotational movement of the tubes. By this construction, a seat suspension system can be constructed with standard readily available materials and without costly manufacturing procedures yet will provide a highly functional and reliable product.

Abstract: In a bicycle having a main frame, a wheel support frame pivotally attached to the main frame by a swing arm, and a suspension system coupled to the swing arm and the wheel support frame, a device for inhibiting the operation of the suspension system consisting of a body having a first end and a second end, the first end being pivotally attached to the swing arm and the second end being configured to detachably engage the main frame, such that when the second end of the body is engaged with the main frame, movement of the swing arm is substantially restricted.In the bicycle, a method of inhibiting the operation of the suspension system consisting the steps of providing the body having the first end and the second end; mounting the first end such that the first end is pivotally attached to the swing arm; and, pivoting the body from a disengaged position to an engaged position such that when the second end of the body is engaged with the main frame, movement of the swing arm is substantially restricted.

Abstract: An improved unicycle is disclosed. The unicycle has a forked stem with a pair of tines. A wheel is rotatable mounted on the tines and a seat is connected to the stem. The stem has a first rod extending rearwardly from the stem and a second rod at the end of the first rod opposite the stem. The second rod extends in a direction transverse to the wheel direction of travel and generally parallel to the axle of the unicycle. The second rod has handle at each of the first and second ends.

Abstract: A kind of improved bicycle shock absorption structure, specifically referring to a kind of improved bicycle shock absorption structure featuring a unitary configuration of the bicycle crankset with rider's saddle of the seat cluster that, furthermore, provides direct elastic characteristics upward and downward during operation. Utilizing the force of human physical weight and pedaling power, whenever the wheels are subjected to impact, the unified structure automatically responds by absorbing the shock by elastically rising and falling, the obvious shock absorption effects of which are not only immediately apparent to the rider while seated or standing, but the bicycle does not lose speed, the bicycle frame does not flex and forceful brake application does not adversely affect the effective performance of the shock absorption structure.

Abstract: Flexible frame for bicycles, mopeds or motorcycles, that enables the cycle to absorb road flawness, by means of smooth deformations of the system.

Abstract: An improved rear wheel suspension device for motorcycles is provided. A rectangular open-ended tracking assembly is mounted to the lower aspect of a motorcycle frame or motorcycle engine. The side walls of the tracking assembly have elongated slots. A shock absorber shaft is passed through the open end of the tracking assembly, and two elongated pull rods having bolt eyes at their opposite ends are placed against the exterior of the tracking assembly side walls. The pull rods and shock absorber shaft are movably fixed to the tracking assembly by placing a bolt through the tracking assembly slots. The opposite end of the shock absorber is mounted to a downwardly reflecting bracket fixed to the bottom of the motorcycle frame at predetermined distance from the tracking assembly. The opposite ends of both pull rods are then mounted to the downwardly reflecting vertical portion of an essentially "T"-shaped swing arm.

Abstract: A bicycle, motorcycle or the like is fabricated from a pair of frame sections. A front frame section includes the front fork and wheel, handlebar and steering assemblies and seat. A rear frame section includes the crank assembly, pedal assembly and the rear stays and wheel. A shock absorber resiliently couples the front and rear frames to one another intermediate the crank assembly and seat. The lower terminus of the shock absorber is secured to a center support stay of the rear frame, the upper terminus of the shock absorber being coupled to one plurality of selectable locations on a diagonal support of the front frame. The point of coupling alters the relative stiffness of the suspension to compensate for the load imposed on the bicycle seat. The front and rear frames are coupled to one another by a flexing member which will permit the rear frame to pivot relative to the front frame in a manner which will optimize of the force required to activate the suspension.

Abstract: A suspension and steering linkage for a front wheel of a tricycle type vehicle includes an upper and lower control arms joined by a pivot arm. The control arms are parallel and of the same length and are pivoted at the vehicle so as to move together in vertical arcuate movement with the wheel. A steering linkage engages the pivot arm to rotate the wheel about a near vertical axis. The wheel is mounted to exhibit camber when turned for steering. A shock strut is positioned at a distal end of the upper control arm and moves in reaction to vertical displacement of the wheel. Its position is such as to enable the shock to move through a reduced excursion with respect to that of the wheel.

Abstract: A bicycle frame which includes a strategically-located frame member which is basically a rigid member but which elastically deflects in limited amounts in one direction as it is subjected to increasing compressive forces applied along said direction especially during rough riding conditions but remains rigid and does not deflect when forces normally encountered in the handling and use of a bicycle are applied in other directions to such member. The frame member thus cushions the ride and improves traction while not adding weight or complexity to the frame. In the disclosed embodiment, the frame member is advantageously part of the seatstay and is thus between the seat tube and the rear drop-out. The seatstay incorporating the frame member elastically deflects or deforms under the imposition of sufficient oppositely directed forces of rider weight and ground reaction to absorb part of the force and to maintain traction between the wheel and the ground.

Abstract: A folding bicycle is formed with a front frame and a rear frame connected rotatably with one another by a joint and capable of being completely separated and with a suspension system including a flexible element extending between a sprocket mounted on the second frame and the first frame and pretensioned by a spring which is engaged with the joint.

Abstract: A bicycle shock-absorbing assembly is composed of a connection rod, a position restricting nut, a coil spring, a dustproof jacket, a resilient locating ring, a front reinforcing member, and a rear reinforcing member. The bicycle shock-absorbing assembly is arranged such that it is capable of alleviating the impact force which is transmitted from the bicycle wheels to the top tube, the seat tube, and the down tube of the bicycle.

Abstract: A bicycle frame assembly includes a main frame portion having a steering tube at its forward end and a pedal crankset bracket at its rearward end. An intermediate frame portion is pivotably connected to the main frame portion near the steering tube and extends rearwardly therefrom to a seat tube. A rear frame portion includes a pair of upper arm members and a pair of lower arm members connected at distal ends defining a pair of rear wheel drop outs. The upper arm members angle diagonally upwardly and are connected to the intermediate frame portion through a shock absorber. The lower arm members connect through a first link assembly to a main pivot point provided on the main frame portion above and in closely spaced relation to the crankset bracket. The first link assembly extends forwardly and upwardly from the main pivot point and defines another pivot point for connection to a frame member extending downwardly as part of the intermediate frame portion.

Abstract: A shock vibration transmission reducing suspension device includes an outer tube for mounting to a bicycle frame, a lower guide element having a rectangular bore and stationarily secured in the outer tube between and spaced from an open top end and closed bottom end thereof, an upper guide element having a circular opening and fixedly secured in the outer tube adjacent to its open top end, an inner shaft disposed within the outer tube and extending upwardly through the open top end thereof to support a bicycle seat mounting assembly above the bicycle frame and being received through the lower and upper guide elements such that the inner shaft is disposed and guided to undergo sliding movement axially along the outer tube such that an upper portion of the inner shaft can progressively extend from and retract into the open top end of the outer tube, and a stack of resiliently compressible elastomeric elements disposed in the outer tube below a lower end of the inner shaft so as to support the inner shaft and ab

Abstract: A swing arm is pivoted to the pedal housing of the bicycle frame and extends rearwardly from the seat post. The rear bicycle wheel is carried by the rear end of the swing arm. A follower is guided and is moveable along the seat post for up and down movement. A brace arm interconnects the swing arm rear end and the follower and an elastic tension cord biases the follower towards the pedal housing. The bicycle has also a front suspension. The front wheel carrying fork of the bicycle is telescopic and upward movement of the front wheel causes elongation of an elastic tension cord. A stabilizer system is also provided whereby upward movement of the front wheel causes upward movement of the rear wheel and vice and versa. Finally, a damper prevents any up-and-down oscillation of the bicycle frame.

Abstract: An improved bicycle suspension system wherein the suspension system's characteristics change according to whether a rider is in a standing position or a sitting position. In a standing position, the rider's weight is placed primarily upon the pedal assembly of the bicycle, thereby creating an upward force on the swing arm which places a first compression force upon a shock absorber. In a sitting position, the rider's weight is also placed on a seat of a seat frame. This places a downward force on the seat frame which places a second compression force on the shock absorber. Thus, in the sitting position, the combination of the first and second compression forces, measured as a leverage ratio, is placed upon the shock absorber. In this sitting position situation, the shock absorber is more responsive to irregularities in the road, and provides a softer ride with greater traction and control.

Abstract: A bicycle frame with shock absorbing system is used to eliminate the shocking force occurring on the connecting portion of a seat tube fixedly mounted on a bottom bracket and a down tube. The system includes a shock absorber mounted between the seat tube and the down tube. A pair of brackets are integrally formed with bottom bracket and extend toward the down tube. A pivot is fixedly secured to the brackets. A pivot mounting tube is integrally formed on a rear end of the down tube and pivotably mounted on the pivot.

Abstract: A bicycle having an improved suspension system including a rotary damper and composite springs. Springs which closely control the direction of allowable movement in the suspension preclude rocking, twisting or unwanted lateral deflections.

Abstract: An energy-absorbing apparatus for a bicycle frame maintains critical spatial relationships by allowing the seat and the pedal assembly to move slightly, together as a unit, relative to the bicycle frame proper. A telescoping portion of the apparatus has an inner tube housed inside an outer tube. The inner tube has a seat post connected to its top end and a pedal crank axle housing connected to the bottom end. The outer tube is in a fixed, integral relationship with the other frame members. Any of a number of combinations and variations of adjustable spring/damper means isolate the inner tube from the outer tube. Numerous features, including dust boots and a rider-activated keyway lock, can be incorporated into the frame design. The telescoping design reduces impact forces without causing undesirable changes in frame geometry or undesirable changes in the distance between the seat and pedals.

Abstract: A shock absorbing device for a bicycle, which includes a front fork and two cylinders, the front fork including a frame and two columns each of which has a slot defined therein, the frame having two side plates each of which has at least two rollers rotatably disposed thereto and the column movably disposed and guided between the two rollers by extending a bolt through one end of the cylinder, the slot of the column and being engaged to the side plate, the other end of the cylinder fixedly disposed to the column such that when shocks transferred from a wheel of the bicycle the columns moved upwardly and depress the cylinders to absorb the shocks.

Abstract: A bicycle, motorcycle or the like is fabricated from a pair of frame sections. A front frame section includes the front fork and wheel, handlebar assembly and seat. A rear frame section includes the crank assembly, pedal assembly and the rear stays and wheel. A shock absorber resiliently couples the front and rear frames to one another intermediate the crank assembly and seat. The lower terminus of the shock absorber is secured to a center support stay of the rear frame, the upper terminus of the shock absorber being coupled to one plurality of selectable locations on a diagonal support of the front frame. The point of coupling alters the relative stiffness of the suspension to compensate for the load imposed on the bicycle seat. The front and rear frames are pivotally coupled to one another forwardly from the lower terminus of the shock absorber in a manner which will optimize of the force required to activate the suspension.

Abstract: A bicycle handlebar mounting hardware including a coupling fixed to the stem on the head tube of a bicycle, an extension bar pivoted to the coupling to hold a handle bar and having a downward lug, and a shock absorbing device connected between the downward lug of the extension bar and the coupling to absorb shock waves from the stem, wherein when the shock absorbing device is loosened, the extension bar can be turned relative to the coupling to adjust the elevation of the handlebar; the handlebar is fixed at the adjusted elevation when the shock absorbing device is fixed again.

Abstract: A bicycle frame comprises a tapered nose portion having a front sleeve adapted to receive a front wheel-mounting member, a center portion having a tapered upper arm adapted to support a seat and a tapered lower arm having a bottom sleeve adapted to support a bottom bracket/crank assembly, and a tail portion having a rear sleeve adapted to support a rear wheel. The frame may be modular, and some or all of the portions may be of monocoque construction.

Abstract: A front fork suspension for a bicycle provides a front fork having a pair of fork members with ends that support a front wheel therebetween. A handlebar stem assembly is rotatably mountable in a head tube of a bicycle frame. The stem assembly includes, at an upper end, a forwardly-extending handlebar-supporting portion, or stem, that is substantially transverse to an axis of the head tube. A lower linkage is provided having a first end that is pivotally mounted to a lower end of the stem and an opposing second end that is pivotally mounted to a first location on the front fork. An upper linkage is provided having a first end that is pivotally mounted to the handlebar-supporting portion and a second end that is pivotally mounted to a second location on the front fork.

Abstract: A front swing arm suspension system for a motorcycle is disclosed. The system includes a single one-sided swing arm that extends around one side of the front wheel. The swing arm and an upper control arm are each connected to an upright, to which the wheel is journalled by means of a cantilevered live axle. The upright is oriented generally along the rake angle of the front wheel and extends from the wheel axle upwardly and around the front wheel to a telescopic steering tube. The lower portion of the upright is positioned inside the wheel rim so as to enable a brake disk to be splined to the live axle on the opposite side of the upright from the wheel. The swing arm and the control arm are connected to the upright by universally pivotable joints which accommodate swinging motion of the front wheel during suspension travel while also accommodating steering rotation of the wheel.

Abstract: A pedal cycle is disclosed, which has a rear wheel suspension pivoted to the main frame and a front wheel suspension pivotally and slidably mounted to the main frame. Front and rear suspensions are provided and are interconnected, for example, by a rod to transmit forces between them. Any load on one wheel, tending to lift that wheel by movement of its suspension relative to the main frame, is transmitted to the other suspension thereby tending to lift that suspension relative to the main frame. Further, load placed on the front suspension by a rider pushing downward on a forward pedal causes a force to be transmitted to the rear suspension in opposition to a force applied to the rear suspension by a tension developed in the transmission chain owing to the force applied by the rider to the forward pedal. The interaction between transmission and suspension provides for a cycle with better responsiveness than in a conventional cycle.