Front Forks And Heads Patents (Class 280/276)
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Patent number: 9862452Abstract: A quick release mechanism for at least partially muscle-powered two-wheeled vehicles such as bicycles having a through axle extending in the axial direction, a clamping device at a first end of the through axle and a fastener at the second end of the through axle and with a clamping mechanism for clamping the clamping device. The clamping device includes an engaging section for applying a clamping force from the clamping mechanism to the clamping device and a clamping section with an annular pressure area for clamping. The clamping device has a tubular mounting section extending from the clamping section in the direction of the second end of the through axle and to which the through axle is attached.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2014Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: DT SWISS INC.Inventors: Stefan Spahr, Jerome Hoffmann
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Patent number: 9849933Abstract: A front suspension structure includes a head pipe radially internally supporting a shaft portion forming a steering axis such that the shaft portion is rotatable about the steering axis; a front fork connected to a lower end portion of the shaft portion on a lower side of the head pipe, the front fork supporting an axle of a steering wheel; a link member having one end portion connected rotatably on an upper side of a turning member having the shaft portion, and having another end portion connected rotatably on a side of handlebars; the head pipe disposed so as to be separated frontward from a vehicle body frame; and a rocking arm having a front end portion rockably supported by the head pipe, and having a rear end portion rockably supported by the vehicle body frame.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2015Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Naoki Kuwabara, Jun Ishikawa
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Patent number: 9828057Abstract: A cushion member is swingable with respect to a main frame about a fourth rotation axis to be expanded and compressed according to a movement of a front wheel. A first arm is swingable with respect to a front fork supporting member about a fifth rotation axis and with respect to the main frame about a sixth rotation axis. A second arm is swingable with respect to the front fork supporting member about a seventh rotation axis, with respect to the cushion member about an eighth rotation axis, and with respect to the main frame about a ninth rotation axis. The fourth to ninth rotation axes are substantially parallel to one another. The fourth rotation axis is provided to be substantially perpendicular to a plane including a second rotation axis about which the front fork is turnable.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2016Date of Patent: November 28, 2017Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventor: Koji Aoki
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Patent number: 9821878Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 23, 2016Date of Patent: November 21, 2017Assignee: SPECIALIZED BICYCLE COMPONENTS, INC.Inventors: Michael McAndrews, Robb Jankura, Brian Lampman
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Patent number: 9815515Abstract: A steering apparatus with forward extended fork legs includes left and right fork legs that extend from a wheel axle all the way up to a handlebar. Top fork portions support a handlebar in a more forward location. A mid-fork portion of each fork leg is positioned in front of the steering column to provide more clearance room for the rider's knees. The top ends of the fork legs are positioned a forward distance in front of the vertical axis defined by the steering column. Each fork leg may be tilted forward with respect to the steering column and may also include a forward bend to direct portions of each fork leg towards the front.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2017Date of Patent: November 14, 2017Inventor: Shinji Marui
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Patent number: 9758210Abstract: A compression assembly/system for a front suspension fork for a bicycle is disclosed. The compression assembly/system of the front suspension fork may comprise a combination of improved functional assemblies including a hydraulic bottom-out assembly/mechanism and a low-speed compression assembly/mechanism and a high-speed compression assembly/mechanism. The compression assembly/system of the front suspension fork may comprise an externally-adjustable hydraulic bottom-out mechanism; and substantially co-located external adjustment controls for bottom-out mechanism and low-speed compression mechanism and high-speed compression mechanism. The compression assembly/system may also comprise an axially-oriented (compression) mechanism configured to transmit movement/adjustment radially from inner components to outer components of the mechanisms to be adjusted.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2014Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: HAYES BICYCLE GROUP, INC.Inventors: Nicholas William Pye, Edward Charles Kwaterski
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Patent number: 9738117Abstract: A one-piece axle comprised of three cylindrical parallel sections: a large end, a center section, and a small end concentric with the large end. The three sections are separated by an eccentric large step, and an eccentric small step. The center section is located between the two steps and is offset from the large and small ends. The center section locates and supports a front wheel of a cycle. The axle is connected to a first split axle housing and a second split axle housing located at the bottom of each of a first fork and a second fork of a cycle respectively, whereby said housings are pinched to form direct rigid and rotationally secured connections between the respective split axle housings and the large and small ends. The position of the front wheel axis of rotation relative to the forks is adjusted by rotating the axle in the split axle housings before the housings are pinched. The axle allows quick and easy adjustments of the front wheel, affecting cycle steering and handling characteristics.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2015Date of Patent: August 22, 2017Inventor: Brent Lorscheider
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Patent number: 9688344Abstract: A linkage front wheel suspension system for two-wheeled vehicles comprising of a control arm hinged with the body of the vehicle, fork member, and steering member. An upper ball joint connects said steering member to the body of the vehicle and a lower ball joint connects the outer end of said control arm with said fork member. Fork member extends upwards and rearwards from said lower ball joint to hinge with said steering member. Steering member extends upwards and forwards from this pivot point to said upper ball joint. A method of steering control connects with said steering member. Means of springing/dampening connects with at least one of the said steering/suspension members. Said suspension system can utilize a lighter design of main frame, provide superior road-holding and can have reduced compression when front wheel braking.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2013Date of Patent: June 27, 2017Assignee: FORMCEPT TECHNOLOGIES AND SOLUTIONS PRIVATE LIMITEDInventor: Robert Rae
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Patent number: 9669891Abstract: A bicycle (1,51,61,81,91) for children that can “grow” with the child. The bicycle comprises a frame (3,53,63,83,93) having a seat-tube (5). The frame has a front wheel (11), a rear wheel (13), a pair of handlebars (19), and a saddle (15) having a seat-post (17) for insertion into the seat-tube. The bicycle comprises a detachably mounted drivetrain (27) for releasable engagement of the frame to allow conversion of the bicycle to a balance bicycle or a pedal bicycle. Furthermore, the bicycle frame itself is height-adjustable to allow adjustment of the seat tube's (5) height above ground and reach-adjustable to allow adjustment of the distance between the saddle (15) and the handlebars (19). By providing such a bicycle, the bicycle will be convertible from a balance bicycle to a pedal bicycle and will also have a frame that is adjustable in height and reach. This bicycle will be suitable for a wide range of child heights and cycling abilities.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2014Date of Patent: June 6, 2017Inventor: Simon Peter Evans
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Patent number: 9656716Abstract: The systems and methods described herein relate to cycling. More specifically, the systems and methods described herein relate to an integrated cycling tool. The cycling tool may be integrated into the bicycle components to reduce the external modifications to a bicycle. This may enable a cyclist to carry a tool with them without the worry of carrying the tool, or the tool falling off the bicycle. The cycling tool may comprise multiple components and may be used to fix various parts of a bicycle. The cycling tool may fit within the confines of the bicycle and provide minimal to no impact to the rider or the functionality and performance of the bicycle.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2015Date of Patent: May 23, 2017Inventor: Evan J. DeGray
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Patent number: 9599182Abstract: Methods and apparatus for lubricating suspension seals by pumping fluid to the seals using a compression or rebound action of a suspension component.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2014Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.Inventors: Mario Galasso, David Haugen
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Patent number: 9567030Abstract: A device for shortening the spring path of a suspension fork for bicycles includes a cable; a fixing device for fixing the cable to the suspension fork tubes, which can be moved relative to the bicycle frame; and a cable clamping device, which can be secured in the region of the handlebar, preferably on the front-end section, for detachably fixing the cable, wherein the spring path is shortened in an infinitely variable manner. Thus, an infinitely variable lowering device is produced which is independent of a suspension fork.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2013Date of Patent: February 14, 2017Inventor: Marzell Maier
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Patent number: 9404552Abstract: Disclosed is a damping cartridge with a rebound stage damping unit and a compression stage damping unit as well as an compensating volume for a damping medium. According to the present invention the compression stage unit is made up of a three-way unit with a high-speed-, a mid-speed- and a low-speed flow path. Furthermore the compensating volume is made up of a tube bladder, which at least partially encompasses the compression stage unit.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2014Date of Patent: August 2, 2016Assignee: B-Labs AGInventors: Stefan Sack, Andreas Felsl
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Patent number: 9388878Abstract: A suspension device intervenes between a vehicle body and a wheel in a vehicle. The suspension device includes an outer tube coupled to the vehicle body, an inner tube inserted into the outer tube so as to allow the inner tube to advance and retreat, and a wheel-side bracket that includes a tubular holding portion into which an end portion on the wheel side of the inner tube is inserted and couples the inner tube to the wheel. The holding portion includes an annular ring disposed on the outer tube side and having an inner peripheral surface standing along an outer peripheral surface of the inner tube. The ring includes an outer peripheral tapered surface formed on an outer peripheral surface of the ring continuously from the end portion on the outer tube side of the inner peripheral surface and having a diameter gradually expanded to the holding portion side.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2013Date of Patent: July 12, 2016Assignee: KYB CorporationInventors: Kazuto Shindou, Hideaki Ogura
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Patent number: 9359037Abstract: A front suspension structure includes a head pipe; an upper arm portion having a front end portion connected to the head pipe rockably about a first coupling axis and a rear end portion connected to a vehicle body frame rockably about a second coupling axis; and a lower arm portion disposed below the upper arm portion, and having a front end portion connected to the head pipe rockably about a third coupling axis and a rear end portion connected to the vehicle body frame rockably about a fourth coupling axis. The structure includes a cushion unit making a lower end portion perform a stroke as the lower arm portion rocks; the lower end portion supported in front of a middle point of a segment connecting the third coupling axis to the fourth coupling axis, and an upper end portion supported in a rear of the second coupling axis.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2015Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Naoki Kuwabara, Jun Ishikawa, Munehiro Toda
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Patent number: 9227662Abstract: Motorcycles are provided which include a frame, two front steering wheels, a steering pipe rotatably connected to the frame and rigidly connected to two supporting assemblies, one for each front steering wheel and a steering group consisting of two pairs of transversal arms—upper front, lower front, upper rear and lower rear—arranged inverted at the opposite sides of a central steering pipe and laterally connected through two lateral posts. On each of the supporting assemblies the fixed portions of two telescopic elements may be constrained. Each pair of telescopic elements may be cantilever-mounted with respect to the steering wheel.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2011Date of Patent: January 5, 2016Assignee: PIAGGIO & C. S.p.A.Inventors: Stefano Bartolozzi, Luca Bernardi, Marco Profeti, Walter Rosellini
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Patent number: 9169889Abstract: The invention is generally directed to the field of fluid pressure operated devices such as air springs and fluid dampers and more specifically directed to the field of such devices having externally mounted structures. In particular, one of the mounting elements, such as a mounting hole for mounting the device between sprung and un-spring masses can be reoriented relative to the device and its externally mounted structures. Therefore, the reorientation of the mounting element may be achieved: using ordinary maintenance techniques and tools, without accessing the inside of the device and especially the fluid contained within the device, and/or without changing the length of the device.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2007Date of Patent: October 27, 2015Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.Inventor: Jason Miyamoto
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Patent number: 9156325Abstract: A method and apparatus for a vehicle suspension system gas spring. In one embodiment, a vehicle suspension system gas spring includes a compressible main gas chamber and an additional volume combinable with the main chamber to change a gas spring rate of the system. In one embodiment, a low friction piston seal is created by a flexible seal member.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2011Date of Patent: October 13, 2015Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.Inventors: Mario Galasso, Josh Yablon, Andrew Laird, William M. Becker, Joseph Franklin, Dennis K. Wootten
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Patent number: 9132882Abstract: A steering and suspension mechanism for a motorbike, scooter, bicycle, skateboard or other two wheeled, in-line, vehicle, incorporating a steering axis rake that is inclined to the vertical, in a direction that is upwards and forwards from the ground in the normal direction of travel, together with a trailing radial arm suspension, in combination. Steering may be effected via a push rod attached to the handlebars, which in turn pivot on the main chassis. A brake calliper may be pivoted on the wheel axle, with a link to the steering head assembly to prevent rotation of the calliper with the brake disc under braking. This link may be parallel or nearly parallel to the radial arm. The exact angle can be chosen to control ‘dive’ due to weight shift under braking.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2014Date of Patent: September 15, 2015Inventor: Robert Christopher Walton
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Patent number: 9114845Abstract: In a mobile vehicle 1A having a front wheel 3f and a rear wheel 3r, the steered wheel 3f can be steered by an actuator 8. A control device 15 controls the actuator 8 so as to stabilize the inclination angle ?b in the roll direction of the vehicle body 2 and the steering angle ?f of the steered wheel 3f. The control device 15 causes the sensitivity of the steering of the steered wheel 3f to the change in observed value of the inclination angle ?b to be changed in accordance with the steering angle of the steered wheel 3f.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2013Date of Patent: August 25, 2015Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Toru Takenaka, Kazushi Akimoto
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Patent number: 9051022Abstract: A suspension assembly including a core member; and a skin member bonded on said core member. The skin member having a higher strength than the core member.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2012Date of Patent: June 9, 2015Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.Inventor: Mario Galasso
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Patent number: 9039023Abstract: In an outer tube for a front fork, a metal upper collar to which an upper vehicle body attaching bracket is connected is fitted and attached to an upper end portion of the plastic pipe, a metal sleeve is fitted and attached between an intermediate portion and a lower end portion of the plastic pipe, and the sleeve is provided with a lower collar to which a lower vehicle body attaching bracket is connected, and a seal case for inserting and supporting the inner tube.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2012Date of Patent: May 26, 2015Assignee: Showa CorporationInventor: Tomoya Toda
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Publication number: 20150137476Abstract: A vehicle suspension system includes a spring, a neck assembly, and a rod. The neck assembly has an outer shell housing a hollow stem having an upper end and a lower end. The stem is rotatable respect to outer shell. The upper end is coupled to an upper bracket having a control arm pivotally coupled thereto. The lower end is coupled to a lower bracket having a linkage pivotally connected thereto. The rod has a first end coupled to the spring and a second end coupled to the linkage. The rod extends through the hollow stem. The linkage is further coupled to a wheel assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 16, 2015Publication date: May 21, 2015Applicant: AMERICAN DESIGN AND MASTER-CRAFT INITIATIVE, LLCInventor: James Thomas Nesbitt, III
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Patent number: 9027947Abstract: Embodiments of a fork brace for a bicycle are disclosed herein. In one aspect, a brace portion is integrally formed along with two tubular fork members and an overlay fits in a mating relationship with the brace portion to create a unitary, tubular brace.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2009Date of Patent: May 12, 2015Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.Inventors: Mario Galasso, William M. Becker, Andrew Laird
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Patent number: 9010789Abstract: A head parts assembly for a bicycle includes two bowls, a plurality of inserting members, two bead nests, and two end caps. The two bowls each are a circular structure and include a pipe-inserting hole, and a plurality of cable-inserting holes around the pipe-inserting hole. Each of the bowls further includes a receiving cavity in communication with the pipe-inserting holes, and the two bowls are disposed at two ends of the front frame pipe. The inserting members each are a hollow tubular structure with a cable hole for insertion of cables of the bicycle, and are screwed in the cable-inserting holes. The bead nests are rotatably disposed in the receiving cavities and abutted against the close ends, respectively. The two end caps are disposed in the open ends of the receiving cavities, and capable of rotating by abutting against the balls of the bead nests.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2014Date of Patent: April 21, 2015Assignee: Neco Technology Industry Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yu-Hsin Wang
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Patent number: 9004516Abstract: A bicycle fork includes a pair of fork leg assemblies, each of the leg assemblies having an upper leg telescopingly engaged with a lower leg. A damping assembly is provided in at least one of the legs. The damping assembly includes lock-out and blow-off compression circuits. These compression circuits are externally adjustable without tools. Furthermore, these two compression circuits may be adjusted independently of each other.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2014Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Fox Factory Inc.Inventors: William M. Becker, Brian Lampman
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Patent number: 8998231Abstract: A bicycle suspension system of the invention generally includes at least two bicycle suspensions and a hydraulic control assembly. The hydraulic control assembly includes a pair of fluid pumps, and a fluid responder and a fluid path for each of the bicycle suspensions. The fluid pumps are mountable to a bicycle handlebar and form part of the hydraulic control assembly. A fluid responder is mountable each of the bicycle suspensions. The fluid paths link the fluid pump to a respective fluid responder. Each fluid responder is operatively connected to one of the bicycle suspensions to operate the bicycle suspension system between first and second suspension settings in response to fluid displacement between each fluid pump and each of the fluid responders.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2013Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: SRAM, LLCInventor: Eric Neeley
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Patent number: 8998234Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 10, 2012Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.Inventors: Makoto Motozu, Teruo Irino, Kouhei Urase, Yuuki Umizaki, Toshihiro Sako
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Publication number: 20150091271Abstract: A first front fork includes an outer tube, an inner tube, a tubular cylinder provided inside the outer tube and the inner tube, a rod member moving relatively in an axial direction of the cylinder and having a space portion inside, which is formed in the axial direction, a piston fixed to an end portion of a wheel side of the rod member and sectioning a space in the cylinder into part of a rebound air spring chamber and an inner air spring chamber and a rod guide fixed to an end portion of a vehicle-body side of the cylinder and sectioning a space in the inner tube into part of the rebound air spring chamber and an outer air spring chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2014Publication date: April 2, 2015Applicant: SHOWA CORPORATIONInventor: Daisuke IKEDA
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Patent number: 8991543Abstract: In a straddle type vehicle having front forks, the left front fork is in an elliptical shape portion whose axial cross section is formed so as to be wider in the width direction of the vehicle as compared to a length in the front and rear direction at the portion located in front of the brake caliper. The brake caliper is disposed so as to be overlapped with the elliptical shape portion, viewed from the front direction of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2013Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Akira Nagakubo
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Patent number: 8973937Abstract: The present invention provides a shock absorber with compliant members. Shock absorption is provided by the bending and rebound of curved, flexible arms. The deflection and the damping capabilities of the shock absorber are determined by the dimensions, curvature, and material modulus of elasticity of these compliant members. The shock absorber with compliant members technology may be applied to a bicycle front fork shock absorber and a rear shock absorber, both described herein. The benefits of a shock absorber with compliant members are that it is light-weight, it is simple in design, it has few movable joints, it can be designed to have precise flexion and damping characteristics, and it is resilient in harsh conditions.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2011Date of Patent: March 10, 2015Inventor: David Delon Williams
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Publication number: 20150054253Abstract: A compression assembly/system for a front suspension fork for a bicycle is disclosed. The compression assembly/system of the front suspension fork may comprise a combination of improved functional assemblies including a hydraulic bottom-out assembly/mechanism and a low-speed compression assembly/mechanism and a high-speed compression assembly/mechanism. The compression assembly/system of the front suspension fork may comprise an externally-adjustable hydraulic bottom-out mechanism; and substantially co-located external adjustment controls for bottom-out mechanism and low-speed compression mechanism and high-speed compression mechanism. The compression assembly/system may also comprise an axially-oriented (compression) mechanism configured to transmit movement/adjustment radially from inner components to outer components of the mechanisms to be adjusted.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 15, 2014Publication date: February 26, 2015Applicant: Hayes Bicycle Group, Inc.Inventors: Nicholas William Pye, Edward Charles Kwaterski
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Publication number: 20150054251Abstract: A suspension device intervenes between a vehicle body and a wheel in a vehicle. The suspension device includes an outer tube coupled to the vehicle body, an inner tube inserted into the outer tube so as to allow the inner tube to advance and retreat, and a wheel-side bracket that includes a tubular holding portion into which an end portion on the wheel side of the inner tube is inserted and couples the inner tube to the wheel. The holding portion includes an annular ring disposed on the outer tube side and having an inner peripheral surface standing along an outer peripheral surface of the inner tube. The ring includes an outer peripheral tapered surface formed on an outer peripheral surface of the ring continuously from the end portion on the outer tube side of the inner peripheral surface and having a diameter gradually expanded to the holding portion side.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2013Publication date: February 26, 2015Applicant: KAYABA INDUSTRY CO., LTD.Inventors: Kazuto Shindou, Hideaki Ogura
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Publication number: 20150054252Abstract: Disclosed is a vehicle having a structure in which a handle connecting frame is attached to an upper end of a front fork section in a state in which the front fork section is connected thereto, and a front wheel rotatably supported by the front fork section is able to be steered, characterized in that a main rotary shaft of the front wheel functions as a main body and a support member and is fixed at two places to simultaneously tilt two handles leftward or rightward, the main rotary shaft of the front wheel is mounted on a footrest section, and a high elasticity compound recovery member is connected between the footrest section and a rear wheel rotary shaft in a longitudinal direction to be turned leftward or rightward to correspond to a centrifugal force about the rear wheel rotary shaft when tilting occurs during runningType: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2012Publication date: February 26, 2015Applicants: GREENTRACK CO., LTD.Inventor: Kook Hwan Lee
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Publication number: 20150054250Abstract: A one-piece connector for a shock-absorbing frame of a bicycle is manufactured by casting, forging or high pressure hydraulic forming means, is made of aluminum and formed as a single piece without welding, and has a bottom bracket shell, a connecting tube, a pivot and a linking joint. The connecting tube is formed on and protrudes from a top surface of the bottom bracket shell. The pivot is formed with the connecting tube near the bottom bracket shell. The linking joint is formed on an upper end of the connecting tube. The bottom bracket shell, the connecting tube, the pivot and the linking joint are formed with each other to form the one-piece connector without welding to simplify the production process, to improve the precision, quality and appearance of the one-piece connector, and to reinforce the structural strength of the one-piece connector.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2013Publication date: February 26, 2015Inventor: Samuel HU
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Patent number: 8960701Abstract: In a two-wheeled motor vehicle having a pair of right and left front forks for supporting a front wheel so that the front wheel is rotatable, a top bridge for supporting upper ends of the pair of right and left front forks, a handle post provided to the top bridge, and a bar-shaped handle secured to the hand post, the handle is provided above the front forks with respect to an axial line direction of the front forks, each front fork is provided with an air valve for sealingly filling air in the front fork and a projection on the upper surface thereof, and the projection is formed to be higher than the air valve.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignees: Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Kayabe Industry Co., Ltd.Inventors: Akimi Watanabe, Nobuhiro Noguchi, Satoshi Kamiya
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Patent number: 8960700Abstract: A pair of bicycle tire levers comprising: an outside lever, the outside lever having a main body and a tapered end on one end of the main body, the outside lever comprising: an unthreaded compressed gas cartridge clearance hole located on the main body, and an inside lever, the inside lever having a main body and a tapered end on one end of the main body; the inside lever comprising: a threaded compressed gas cartridge hole located on the main body and configured to allow a compressed gas cartridge to screw into the hole. A compressed gas accessory holder comprising: a main orifice body; a threaded main orifice located in the main orifice body, where the threaded main orifice is configured to allow a compressed gas cartridge to screw into the main orifice; a slotted body attached to the main orifice body, the slotted body comprising: a main slot.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2013Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Inventor: David Ellis
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Patent number: 8955863Abstract: A bicycle operating device is basically provided with a base member, a first operating member and an electrical switch. The base member is configured to be attached to a bicycle. The first operating member is movably supported on the base member to perform a first signal. The electrical switch is detachably disposed on the first operating member to move with the first operating member with respect to the base member and to perform a second signal.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2013Date of Patent: February 17, 2015Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Kentaro Kosaka, Yoshimitsu Miki
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Patent number: 8939458Abstract: A vehicle suspension system includes a spring, a neck assembly, and a rod. The neck assembly has an outer shell housing a hollow stem having an upper end and a lower end. The stem is rotatable respect to outer shell. The upper end is coupled to an upper bracket having a control arm pivotally coupled thereto. The lower end is coupled to a lower bracket having a linkage pivotally connected thereto. The rod has a first end coupled to the spring and a second end coupled to the linkage. The rod extends through the hollow stem. The linkage is further coupled to a wheel assembly.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2013Date of Patent: January 27, 2015Assignee: American Design and Master-Craft Initiative, LLCInventor: James Thomas Nesbitt, III
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Patent number: 8939459Abstract: A suspension fork for a bicycle has a tube system with an inner tube and an outer tube that are movable relative to one another. A damper system with a field-sensitive damping fluid is provided within the tube system. The damper device has a damper chamber that is partitioned to form a first chamber and a second chamber by a movable piston attached to a piston rod. A first throttle valve with a first field generating device and a second throttle valve with a second field generating device enable influencing the first and second throttle valves. First and second switching valves are provided. The first and second throttle valves and the first and second switching valves are interconnected such that in the compression stage there is flow only through the first throttle valve while in the rebound stage the first and second throttle valves are connected in series.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2013Date of Patent: January 27, 2015Assignee: DT Swiss, Inc.Inventors: Stefan Battlogg, Martin Walthert, Michael Kieber, Juergen Poesel
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Publication number: 20140367942Abstract: A vehicle suspension system includes a spring, a neck assembly, and a rod. The neck assembly has an outer shell housing a hollow stem having an upper end and a lower end. The stem is rotatable respect to outer shell. The upper end is coupled to an upper bracket having a control arm pivotally coupled thereto. The lower end is coupled to a lower bracket having a linkage pivotally connected thereto. The rod has a first end coupled to the spring and a second end coupled to the linkage. The rod extends through the hollow stem. The linkage is further coupled to a wheel assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2013Publication date: December 18, 2014Inventor: James Thomas Nesbitt, III
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Patent number: 8910963Abstract: A damper device for a bicycle suspension fork has a magneto-rheological damping medium. A piston partitions a damper chamber into first and second chambers that are connected via a return duct, an adjustable throttle valve, and a transfer duct. A field-generating device generates a magnetic field in a damping duct of the throttle valve. A one-way circuit is provided for the damping medium, with two one-way valves disposed to cause a same direction of circulation of the damping fluid both when the piston rod plunges into and retracts from the damper chamber. A first one-way valves in the piston allows a flow of the damping medium from the second into the first chamber. A second one-way valve in the transfer duct allows a damping medium flow from the transfer duct into the second chamber. The adjustable throttle valve control the plunge and the retraction of the piston rod.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2013Date of Patent: December 16, 2014Assignee: DT Swiss, Inc.Inventors: Stefan Battlogg, Martin Walthert, Michael Kieber, Juergen Poesel
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Patent number: 8905409Abstract: A stroke detection device includes a stem shaft which is formed of a conductor in a shape of a cylinder, in which a center line of the cylinder is located in parallel to center lines of inner tubes and outer tubes of front forks coupled to a bracket, and which serves as a steering center axis of handlebars of a motorcycle, and a coil which is formed of a conductor and provided so as to be movable in a direction along the center line of the cylinder of the stem shaft with movement in a direction along the center line of the inner tubes and the outer tubes of the front forks, in which a variation in inductance of the coil based on change in length in which the coil and the cylinder of the stem shaft overlap each other is output.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2013Date of Patent: December 9, 2014Assignee: Showa CorporationInventor: Yosuke Murakami
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Patent number: 8899368Abstract: A steering apparatus for a two-wheeled motor vehicle includes a handlebars-side steering shaft supported by a head pipe, a wheel supporting cylindrical shaft supported by a front axle and over which a hub is fitted, and a steering link mechanism. First and second link members of the link mechanism are connected to each other in a plurality of articulations such that the link members can angularly move. An amount of angular movement is limited to a predetermined range, and a distance between a front wheel-side end and the steering shaft-side end of the steering link mechanism can be changed. The front wheel-side end of the steering link mechanism is connected to the wheel supporting cylindrical shaft through a brake caliper bracket member.Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 2013Date of Patent: December 2, 2014Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hiroshi Ishii, Daisuke Saeki
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Patent number: 8894083Abstract: A bicycle air shock absorber assembly that includes a hollow piston rod that is telescopically associated with a hollow compression rod. The piston rod and compression rod are positioned within the casing of the shock assembly. A piston is supported by the piston rod and divides the volume of the compression rod to form a negative air spring chamber and a positive air spring chamber that includes the volume of the piston rod. An optional coil spring is positioned within the casing and contributes in parallel with the positive air spring chamber to resist compression of the shock assembly.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2013Date of Patent: November 25, 2014Assignee: Trek Bicycle CorporationInventors: Jose L. Gonzales, Gregory Paul Buhl, James Colegrove
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Patent number: 8888116Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 28, 2013Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Assignee: Lasher Sport, LLC.Inventor: William J. Lasher, III
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Patent number: 8881858Abstract: A front wheel supporting structure for a vehicle includes a front arm for supporting a front axle and a suspension mechanism for resiliently suppressing vertical swinging motion of the front arm. The suspension mechanism includes a damper member disposed along a lateral direction between a head pipe and the front arm, and a connecting member for connecting the front arm with the damper member such that vertical swinging motion of the front arm is converted into lateral motion of the damper member.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2013Date of Patent: November 11, 2014Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hiroshi Ishii, Daisuke Saeki
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Patent number: 8876137Abstract: A frame for a bicycle and a bicycle equipped therewith, wherein the frame includes a frame body having a top tube and a down tube, and at least one supporting device connecting the top tube to the down tube. A supporting device includes a flow-through opening through which, when used as intended, at least part of the arriving air flows.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2010Date of Patent: November 4, 2014Inventor: Morgan Nicol
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Publication number: 20140319789Abstract: A stroke detection device includes a stem shaft which is formed of a conductor in a shape of a cylinder, in which a center line of the cylinder is located in parallel to center lines of inner tubes and outer tubes of front forks coupled to a bracket, and which serves as a steering center axis of handlebars of a motorcycle, and a coil which is formed of a conductor and provided so as to be movable in a direction along the center line of the cylinder of the stem shaft with movement in a direction along the center line of the inner tubes and the outer tubes of the front forks, in which a variation in inductance of the coil based on change in length in which the coil and the cylinder of the stem shaft overlap each other is output.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2013Publication date: October 30, 2014Applicant: SHOWA CORPORATIONInventor: Yosuke MURAKAMI
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Patent number: RE45503Abstract: A suspension structure includes a pair of right and left cushion units. The right cushion unit is constituted of a compression coil spring and a right damper, and the left cushion unit is constituted of only a left damper having an outer diameter smaller than a diameter of the compression coil spring and larger than a diameter of the right damper. The left cushion unit is constituted of only the left damper and does not include the compression coil spring and hence, the suspension structure can be simplified. Further, in the left cushion unit, the left damper does not slide relative to the compression coil spring in performing a stroke and hence, no friction is generated.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2012Date of Patent: May 5, 2015Assignee: Honda Motor Co., LtdInventors: Tomohiro Fuse, Kazuhiko Gogo