Abstract: A gas spring suspension system that maximizes the travel of the suspension system. The suspension system includes an outer tube and an inner tube slidable within the outer tube. A piston assembly is slidably mounted in the inner tube to sealingly separate a positive spring and a negative gas chamber. A floating piston is slidably mounted in the inner tube to separate a gas chamber from the negative gas chamber. The positive spring biases the inner and outer tubes apart from each other and the negative gas chamber biases the inner and outer tubes toward each other. The floating piston is configured to slidably displace within the inner tube in response to pressure differentials between the negative gas chamber and the gas chamber.

Abstract: A bicycle including a suspension system operably positioned between the bicycle frame and at least one of the front wheel and rear wheel of the bicycle. The suspension system includes a damping system including a first valve and a second valve, which cooperate to provide desirable damping forces throughout a broad range of relative velocities of the suspension system, while also being relatively lightweight and compact. The first valve includes a first orifice and a first valve body configured to regulate fluid flow through the first orifice. The second valve includes a second orifice. In one arrangement, the second orifice is defined by the first valve body. In another arrangement, the second valve includes a second valve body configured to regulate fluid flow through the second orifice.

Abstract: A bicycle is provided having a unitary steering tube-crown member and a unitary crank arm-spindle member. A multistage aluminum 3D forging process is used to form the unitary members. This may allow the fabrication of components with substantially hollow interior areas to reduce weight, reduce part count while maintaining high strength and ductility. The multistage 3D forging process provided also allows the combination of multiple components into a single unitary part.

Abstract: A spring fork, in particular for bicycles, with a suspension system and a hydraulic damping system, wherein a compression stage damping system (6) is provided for a spring deflection process and a traction stage damping system (5) is provided for a rebound process. At least one piston (3, 16, 27) is provided, which is located in the cylinder (2), and at least one connecting passage (17, 17a) is provided which connects the cylinder chambers located on both sides of the piston and is intended for the overflow of hydraulic medium (21). The compression stage damping system (6) which is activated during the spring deflection process can be blocked by closing the connecting passage (lockout). At least with the compression stage damping system (6) blocked, if appropriate also with the traction stage damping system (5) also blocked, a bypass passage (11, 20, 20a) which has a reduced cross-section in comparison to the connecting passage (17, 17a) is opened.

Abstract: A motorcycle having a forked front wheel support with two rigid fork arms on which a front wheel of the motorcycle is mounted, an upper trailing link provided for supporting wheel support forces connected via an upper joint to an upper area of the wheel support, and lower trailing link provided for supporting wheel support forces situated below the upper trailing link and connected via a lower joint to the lower trailing link, in which at least one of the two joints is elastically connected to its respective upper or lower trailing link and/or to the wheel support.

Abstract: A front fork for easily optimizing an oil quantity in a damper cylinder with a relatively simple structure without affecting operability of a free piston even in an assembled state. An escape portion is formed on an outer periphery of a piston rod at a position where a seal member mounted on a sealing cap faces in an opposed manner when a front fork extends to the maximum.

Abstract: A device for telescopic fork legs, preferably for a motorcycle or bicycle. The device is a compact removable unit that comprises parallel medium flow passages that run between upper and lower sides of the piston. This unit that is simple to adapt to different front fork dimensions and to use as a kit for providing an existing front fork with parallel damping. Parallel damping achieves simple adaptation of the damping characteristics to different types of terrain.

Abstract: A self-locking mechanism includes a first body member that rotates relative to a second body member, a lock lever rotatably coupled to the first body member and a biasing element that biases the rotation of the lock lever in a latching direction. The lock lever includes a cam portion that includes a cam surface configured to interface with a latch element on the second body member. The cam surface slidably engages the latch element and is configured so that the sliding engagement between the cam surface and the latch element causes the body members to be drawn together when the lock lever is rotated in the latching direction.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention comprise a lightweight front wheel drive recumbent road bicycle and an associated frame. A front triangle is provided to which the drive train of a standard road group can be attached and utilized. A telescoping tube assembly is provided in the front triangle to permit the distance of a bottom bracket and crankset from a seat pan to be adjusted for riders of different sizes. The handlebar is coupled to an end of the telescoping tube assembly and no traditional handlebar stem attached to a steering tube is utilized, so that the structure provides maximum stiffness to better capture the input of the arms and upper body when maximum power is required. The seat pan and a seat back are integrated with the main frame truss structure to help ensure the maximum transfer of the rider's energy to the drive train.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lower leg (1) for a suspension fork having two tubes (2, 3) with in each case a receptacle device (4, 5) for receiving a stanchion tube displaceably mounted in the receptacle device and with two stabilizers (6, 7) which connect those end regions of the two tubes which are opposite the dropouts of the tubes to one another, the lower leg (1) having a stiffening device (8, 9) which connects the two stabilizers to one another.

Abstract: A shock-absorbing suspension device includes a mounting rod mounted on a wheeled vehicle frame, a wheel rod mounted on a vehicle wheel axle and forward of the mounting rod, a counteracting member pivotally mounted on the mounting rod and having forward and rearward ends forward of the wheel rod, a primary linking bar disposed to couple one of the forward and rearward ends to the wheel rod so as to permit swinging of the counteracting member, a cantilever arm extending forward from the mounting rod to terminate at a bearing end, and a force transmitting member disposed to couple the bearing end to the other one of the forward and rearward ends to thereby minimize the impact of shock on the mounting rod.

Abstract: A front wheel supporting structure for a motorcycle (1) includes a pair of front forks (10, 20) provided on the right and left sides of a front wheel (2) for supporting the front wheel (2) to a frame (5) of the motorcycle (1). The front forks (10, 20) includes a first front fork (20) which generates a damping force for damping a vibration of the front wheel (2) depending on an amplitude of the vibration, and a second front fork (10) which generates a damping force for damping a vibration of the front wheel not depending on the amplitude of the vibration. By thus combining the front forks (10, 20) having different damping force characteristics, the front wheel supporting structure can absorb vibrations of various velocities and amplitudes.

Abstract: A suspension for a two-wheeled vehicle includes first and second fork legs. Each fork leg includes a dropout. Each dropout has an opening therethrough. At least a portion of one of the openings is threaded. Each of the dropouts includes a split-clamp pinch bearing defining the opening and operable between an open position and a locked position, and a hand operable actuator pivoted to the bearing for operation thereof. The suspension further includes a one-piece axle. The axle is disposed through the openings. The axle has a threaded first end engaged with the threaded portion. The axle has an ergonomic grip formed at a second end. The bearing tightly engages an outer surface of the axle in the locked position, thereby rotationally coupling the axle to the dropout.

Abstract: A bicycle attachment comprises a pair of spaced rotatable wheels for engaging with a support surface, a connecting portion extending between and secured to the wheels, and a securing portion hinged relative to the connecting portion such that the securing portion is able to pivot relative to the connecting portion. The securing portion is adapted to be secured relative to a fork of a bicycle such that swiveling the fork relative to a frame of the bicycle also swivels the wheels and the connecting portion relative to the frame, and such that pivoting the securing portion relative to the connecting portion also pivots the fork relative to the connecting portion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for an adjustable suspension system for a vehicle comprises at least one strut. In one embodiment, the stanchion (or slider) is non-uniform with a major and minor circumferential stiffness and is adjustable relative to a fore and aft axis of the vehicle in order to provide a differing amount of stiffness relative thereto. In another embodiment, a portion of the stanchion is circular and a reinforcement is annularly disposed therearound with axial retention formations, The reinforcement has a non-uniform circumferential characteristic and is rotatable relative to the fore/aft axis of the vehicle.

Abstract: A quick release camming mechanism is used in a bicycle skewer that secures a hub to a fork. Whereas prior art quick release mechanisms have only a single lever, this mechanism has two independent levers. About half the force is required to independently push either lever closed as to push both levers closed simultaneously. Similarly, about half the force is required to open either lever individually as to open them simultaneously. A similar quick release camming mechanism also works well for a quick release seat post clamp with similar advantages. The present invention is not limited to use on bicycle components.

Abstract: A bicycle suspension system is provided with a damping unit and a damping control unit to control movement of upper and lower telescopically connected tubes. A damping force adjustment valve selectively adjusts a fluid flow rate of fluid passed a damping piston. The damping piston has a fluid flow port that is axially spaced with respect to a fluid flow passage of a damping lockout mechanism such that a flow path is formed in an axial direction by the fluid flow port of the damping piston and the fluid flow passage of the damping lockout mechanism when the damping lockout mechanism is in a non-lockout mode. A first actuating member operates the damping force adjustment valve and a second actuating member operates the damping lockout mechanism such that the damping force adjustment valve remains in a set position when the second actuating member is being operated.

Abstract: An improved fork (1), particularly for sport motorcycles, comprising a support group (2) suitable to be connected with the frame of the motorcycle, a pair of shock absorber arms (3, 4), which vary the position of the frame of the motorcycle in respect of the front wheel of the motorcycle itself as a result of the application of a load, each of which connected with the support group (2) and including an outer sheath (5) and a stem of force (6) slidingly and telescopically coupled one with each other, guide and support means (7), interposed between the outer sheath (5) and the stem of force (6) of the shock absorber arms (3, 4), which minimize friction between the stem of force (6) and the outer sheath (5). The guide and support means (7) include rolling means (8), which cooperate by contact with the outer surface (6a) of the stem of force (6) producing a rolling friction between the latter and the guide and support means (7).

Abstract: A suspension fork of a bicycle includes at least one stanchion tube and a slider tube interacting therewith and a wheel receiving space adjacent thereto, and a damper system. The damper system includes a shut-off valve to adjust a lockout in the rebound stage and a shut-off valve to adjust a lockout in the compression stage, and one joint adjusting element. Using the joint adjusting element, the locking of the rebound stage and locking of the compression stage can be adjusted.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A slider tube unit for a suspension fork of a bicycle, including two spaced-apart slider tubes and a wheel receiving space in-between, and at least one connector bracket connecting the two slider tubes above the wheel receiving space. The connector bracket includes a connector body which in its longitudinal extension from the one slider tube to the other slider tube is configured hollow wherein the connector body consists of an open basic profile and a reinforcing device closing the opening of the basic profile.

Abstract: The head cap of a bicycle headset is configured with a shoulder sized to releasably receive an uncrimped bottle crown to cover a headset adjustment bolt in a decorative fashion.

Abstract: A shock-absorbing suspension device includes a mounting rod mounted on a wheeled vehicle frame, a wheel rod mounted on a vehicle wheel axle and forward of the mounting rod, a counteracting member pivotally mounted on the mounting rod and having upper and lower linked ends disposed forward of the wheel rod, upper and lower linking bars coupling the upper and lower linked end to the wheel rod to thereby form a four-bar linkage mechanism, a cantilever arm extending forward from an upper end of the mounting rod to terminate at a bearing end, and a force transmitting member coupled with the four-bar linkage mechanism to thereby minimize the impact of shock to the mounting rod.

Abstract: A bicycle shock absorber and methods for differentiating between rider-induced forces and terrain-induced forces includes a first fluid chamber having fluid contained therein, a piston for compressing the fluid within the fluid chamber, a second fluid chamber coupled to the first fluid chamber by a fluid communication hose, and an inertial valve disposed within the second fluid chamber. The inertial valve opens in response to terrain-induced forces and provides communication of fluid compressed by the piston from the first fluid chamber to the second fluid chamber. The inertial valve does not open in response to rider-induced forces.

Abstract: A shock absorber includes a tube and a piston rod carrying a piston. The piston is configured for reciprocal movement within the tube. A floating piston, or other type of accumulator, is configured to move to accommodate fluid displaced due to successive portions of the piston rod entering the tube during compression of the shock absorber. The shock absorber includes a valve mechanism that utilizes the movement of the floating piston to move the valve between a first and second position, which preferably are open and closed positions.

Abstract: A motorcycle is provided with a fork-like wheel carrier, on the lower end of which a front wheel is supported, a handlebar by which the wheel carrier can be steered in a steering direction to the left or the right during travel, and a transmission unit by which the handlebar is coupled to the wheel carrier. The transmission unit is provided for transmitting steering forces, introduced into the handlebar, to the wheel carrier and bringing same into a corresponding steering position. The wheel carrier is mounted so as to be pivotable with respect to the handlebar, such that for a specified steering position, the wheel carrier can be moved, at least over a certain range, relative to the handlebar in the steering direction.

Abstract: A suspension and steering system for the front wheel of a motorcycle. The system includes an upright extending along one side of the front wheel at a rake angle, to which the wheel is journalled by means of a cantilevered axle extending from one side of the lower end of the upright. The upright includes a lower section that resides within the inner diameter of the wheel rim and an arcuate upper section that extends upwardly and rearwardly around the wheel rim and tire. The upper end of the upright is connected to a telescoping, splined steering shaft that is journalled to an upper subframe and which transmits steering torque from a handlebar assembly through the upright to the front wheel. The upright is pivotably attached to upper and lower swing arms that extend forwardly from the body of the motorcycle. The lower swing arm extends around the side of the front wheel and functions to locate the lower section of the upright.

Abstract: An adjustable axle assembly for the front fork of a motorcycle. In the preferred embodiment, the axle is received within an eccentric axle carrier which in turn is received within mounting holes in the front fork. The mounting holes utilize a pinch bolts as a clamping method to secure the eccentric axle carrier within the fork. In the preferred embodiment, loosening the pinch bolts allows the eccentric axle carrier to be rotated effectively moving the position of the wheel relative to the fork. Moving the wheel forward and backwards changes the trail characteristic of the motorcycle's geometry.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a motorcycle front transmission device structure, which consists of an operating arm, a suspending arm, a support frame, a connecting rod etc. This motorcycle front transmission device connects the front wheel, the handlebar and the body shell together by hinge joint. During driving, the force imposed on the front wheel can be transmitted to the body shell by the suspending arm, the upper connecting block and the damping spring so as to have a reasonable stress distribution. At the same time, the swing angle of the front wheel can be bigger and the control can be easier. The device can also reduce the motorcycle weight and lower production cost.

Abstract: The headset rotationally connects a fork pivoting tube (1) to a steering tube (2) of a cycle frame. It includes a lower roller bearing (3), an upper roller bearing (4), and an element (9, 10) for axially locking the lower and upper roller bearings (3, 4) against a lower or upper end of the steering tube (2). The mechanism for axial locking includes a first element of axial locking that consists of a circular groove (9) that is provided on the outside face of the pivoting tube (1) that works with a second element of axial locking that consists of a rib (10) with an essentially matching shape that is provided on an elastically deformable annular element (11) in a direction that is perpendicular to the axis (A-A) of the pivoting tube (1) and placed above the upper roller bearing (4) so as to exert a thrust against the latter.

Abstract: An adjustable assembly for a bicycle includes a first support having an interior surface and a second support slidably positioned within at least a portion of the first support. One of the first support and the second support is adapted to attach to a first bicycle portion, and the other of the first support and the second support is adapted to attach to a second bicycle portion. Further, the second support comprises an expansion portion configured to be moved between an expanded position and a retracted position. The expansion portion is configured to engage the interior surface of the first support when the expansion portion is in an expanded position. In addition, the first support is configured to be selectively moved relative to the second support when the expansion portion is permitted to assume a retracted position. In some embodiments, the first bicycle portion comprises a bicycle frame and the second bicycle portion comprises a bicycle saddle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing cavitation and its effects in a damper. The damper includes a flow dividing structure. In one embodiment, the structure is disposed in a valve including an annular flow path constructed and arranged to separate fluid into substantially separate streams as the fluid passes through the annular path.

Abstract: A lower fork tube cover is comprised of a first cover member and a second cover member that is connectable to the first cover member. A mounting bracket attaches to an inner surface of the first cover member to mount the first cover member to a front brake caliper mount connected to the lower fork tube. An upper portion of the first cover member is configured to cover a first portion of the lower fork tube and the front brake caliper mount. A lower portion of the first cover member substantially surrounds a rear half of a second portion of the lower fork tube. A base wall extends from the lower portion. The second cover member is configured to substantially surround a front half of the lower fork tube. The second cover member includes a base wall at a lower end that overlaps with and is connectable to the base wall of the first cover member to cover a lower end of the lower fork tube. A front edge of the second cover member overlaps and is connectable to a front edge portion of the first cover member.

Abstract: A bracket attaches rigidly to the steering head tube member at the front of a motorcycle frame, so that the fork steering assembly can be relocated and pivotally attached to the front of the bracket. This bracket permits the fork steering assembly to be mounted in a new position which is ahead of, and higher, or lower than its former, manufacturer's specified position. The steering axis can be positioned such that it is tilted at a greater angle of inclination from the vertical, permitting use of longer fork tubes. The bracket permits any motorcycle to be reversibly modified to have the appearance and handling characteristics of a chopper style motorcycle. No modifications to the motorcycles frame are needed, in order to relocate the fork steering assembly. Thus, the originality and value of the motorcycle, if the owner decides to, later, revert to the original appearance, is maintained.

Abstract: A bicycle fork assembly includes a steering tube configured and arranged to be rotatably mounted to a front part of a frame of a bicycle. A fork crown is secured to a lower end of the steering tube and includes first and second arms that extend laterally in opposite directions from the center portion. First and second suspension systems are secured to the arms of the fork crown and a lighting system is integrated into at least one of the first and second suspension systems. The lighting system preferably includes two lights that are configured such that the respective light beams overlap to provide a single operating beam to illuminate a travel path.

Abstract: A fixed member is non-rotatably attached to a suspension fork, and a rotatably installed movable member is attached to the fixed member so as to be operable in the up-down direction. An index mechanism enables the state of the movable member to be selected from either a state in which the movable member is movable in the up-down direction or a state in which the movable member is not movable in the up-down direction. The index mechanism is adapted so that, in the middle of the states, it cannot hold the relative positional relationship between the fixed member and the movable member. The suspension fork for a bicycle is inexpensive, easy to produce, and has a reliable lock function.

Abstract: A bicycle handlebar shock absorbing assembly includes a core connected with the front fork of a bicycle and a first flat surface is defined in an outside of the core. A bead sleeve is mounted to the core and includes a second flat surface in which a plurality of rollers are embedded. A resilient member has an end rested on a top of the bead sleeve. A driving tube has a recess defined in a first end thereof and a second end of the driving tube is connected with a handlebar. A third flat surface is defined in an inner periphery of the recess. The resilient member and the bead sleeve are received in the recess, the rollers are in contact with the first and third flat surfaces. The core pushes the bead sleeve upward to compress the spring when shocks are transferred from the roads.

Abstract: A bicycle component with a wheel mount at which a wheel with a hub can be received. with the wheel mount including two tube components provided with a mounting device at each of its end portions. At the mounting device of at least one tube component a bushing device is arranged to be exchangeable and to be suitable and intended to receive and support a hub.

Abstract: A vehicle frame assembly includes a forked first frame member coupled to a second frame member via a coupling device. The coupling device includes first and second tab units, and a fastening unit. The first tab unit is mounted on the first frame member, and includes a pair of first tabs, each formed with a first coupling hole and an angle-adjusting hole unit. The second tab unit is mounted on the second frame member, and includes a pair of second tabs, each formed with a second coupling hole and an engaging hole unit to be registered with the first coupling holes and the angle-adjusting hole units, respectively. The fastening unit includes a first fastener extended removably through the first and second coupling holes, and a second fastener extended removably through the angle-adjusting hole units and the engaging hole units.

Abstract: A device is described, for adjusting the inclination of a front fork of a two- or three-wheeled vehicle having a steering assembly (S) including a frame tube (3) and a steering tube (4) rotatable in the frame tube. The adjusting device comprises an upper connecting unit (10a) and a lower connecting unit (10b), for rigidly connecting the steering tube (4) to two substantially parallel fork rods (5). The connecting units (10a, 10b) are prearranged for enabling to vary in an adjustable manner the inclination of the fork rods (5) relative to the steering tube (4), without the need of relative separation or disassembling among the units, the fork rods and the steering tube.

Abstract: A motorcycle or bicycle front end having coaxial steering and suspension components, and having telescopic forks. Swing weight of the forks is dramatically reduced by removing their suspension components to the central location, coaxially within the steering tube. Ride height can be adjusted without loosening the forks in the triple clamps.

Abstract: An apparatus which has an extension arm adapted to mount a handlebar to a steering post of a vehicle. The extension arm having a first end and a second end. A coupling body is provided for pivotally mounting the first end to the steering post. A coupling body is also provided for pivotally mounting the second end to the handlebar. A linkage with a locking pin is provided for locking the handlebar in a selected orientation relative to the mounting arm.

Abstract: An outer tube for a front fork having an FRP pipe body which is subjected to braiding processing using a braider, wherein the FRP pipe comprises a combination of braids interlacing with each other at interlacing angle ±?° with respect to a pipe center axis, a value of an interlacing angle ±?° of the braids during the braiding processing period is varied, and bending rigidity in a longitudinal direction of the FRP pipe is varied in along longitudinal extent.

Abstract: A telescopic steering system for a cycle includes a frame, a handlebar, a guiding piece, a steering column fixed to the frame, a plunger sliding and rotating axially in the steering column, a fork fixed to an end of the plunger, and a front wheel of the cycle positioned on the fork. Additionally, the guiding piece transmits rotational movement from the handlebar to the plunger.

Abstract: A telescopic suspension system that journals a front wheel can be held at a predetermined contracted state when a race is started. A holding device is provided with an automatic release mechanism that automatically releases an extension regulation when the telescopic suspension system is contracted more than the predetermined contraction percentage. A re-regulation prohibiting device prohibits re-regulation during operation after the release of an extension regulation by the operation of the automatic release mechanism. The holding device extend through an outer tube of suspension system and engages an inner tube to maintain the contracted state.

Abstract: A front fork for a bicycle includes an upright tube, a fork crown and two branch tubes. The upright tube is mounted on a bottom end of the upright tube. The branch tubes each have a top connected to the fork crown, and a rib located inside an upper section thereof. Thus, the upper sections of the branch tubes have well structural rigidity for increasing the transmission efficiency of the bicycle. The lower sections of the branch tubes have well flexibility for enhancing the rider's riding comfort.

Abstract: An upper frame of a front fork for a bicycle includes an upright tube and two branch tubes. The upright tube has an axial rib. The two branch tubes extend bilaterally from a bottom end of the upright tube and each have an axial rib parallel substantially to a longitudinal direction of the upright tube and a connecting portion located at an end of the branch tube for connection of a fork tube. Thus, the structure strength of the upright tube can be enhanced by the axial rib thereof, and the structure strength of the branch tubes can be enhanced by the axial ribs thereof to bear stress generated from the fork tubes.

Abstract: A fiber reinforced plastic bicycle fork uses a reinforced crown steer tube junction extending the steer tube through a tapered socket to the brake bolt such that the metal steer tube coacts with the fiber reinforced plastic fork to preserve structural integrity in the event of application of high stress to the fork.

Abstract: A apparatus for a shock absorbing handlebar steering mechanism for vehicles.

Abstract: A bicycle fork and frame assembly comprising a frame having a head tube including an outer dimension, a fork including a fork crown and a steerer tube positioned in the head tube, an upper bearing, and a lower bearing having a diameter. The upper and lower bearings are configured to rotatably support the fork within the head tube. The head tube includes a first end proximal to the fork crown and a second end distal to the fork crown. A ratio is defined by a distance from the first end of the head tube to the lower bearing divided by the diameter of the lower bearing, and the ratio is at least about 0.20, preferably at least about 0.25 and more preferably at least about 0.30. The assembly can further include a transition coupling the fork crown to the steerer tube and defining a transition point between the transition and the steerer tube. The transition has an outer dimension that increases from the steerer tube toward the fork crown, and the lower bearing is located adjacent to the transition point.