Front Forks And Heads Patents (Class 280/276)
  • Patent number: 7270211
    Abstract: A motorcycle lift device is adapted to be fitted to any two of three wheeled motorcycle, the motorcycle lift device having an on board air compression generating device providing compressed air to a pair of air driven pistons placed within the existing front forks of the motorcycle requiring no adaptation to the motorcycle other than a replacement cap through which compressed air lines air run, connecting the pistons to the air compression generating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Inventor: C. Ray Jones
  • Publication number: 20070164535
    Abstract: In two- and three-wheeled vehicles where a telescopic suspension system that journals a front wheel can be held at a predetermined contract percentage when a race is started. The predetermined contraction percentage of the telescopic suspension system is held at a start without requiring a part such as a cable. After the start, the predetermined contraction percentage can be automatically released, and re-regulation during operation after the release of an extension regulation can be prohibited. 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2007
    Publication date: July 19, 2007
    Inventor: Kenji Nakamura
  • Patent number: 7237787
    Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly comprising a bicycle fork (1) and a headset (J) on a steering column (2) of a bicycle frame. According to the invention, the fork is solidly connected to a pivot (3) which extends (3a) beyond the end of the steering column, opposite that comprising the fork, such that a handlebar stem can be fixed thereto using the external screw thread of the pivot. The aforementioned headset (J) comprises a lower bearing (7) and an upper bearing (8) and an adjustment means (M) is provided for the axial clamping of said headset. Moreover, in the area at the end of the steering column opposite that comprising the fork, the outer surface of the pivot (3) contains a zone (B) which is equipped with first connecting means (13), while the above-mentioned pivot extension (3a), which is disposed at the end opposite that comprising the fork (1), has no such connecting means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: Time Sport International
    Inventor: Jean-Marc Gueugneaud
  • Patent number: 7222869
    Abstract: A crown portion for bicycles includes a first tube through which the steerer tube of a front fork extends, and two arms which are connected to the first tube and two second tubes are respectively connected to two distal ends of the two arms so that two leg portions of the front fork extend through the second tubes. Two passages are defined through each of the two arms and a separation ridge is located between the two passages to maintain the structural strength of the arms. The two passages communicate with the first tube so as to define two openings in an inner periphery of the first tube, and communicating with the second tubes so as to define two openings in an inner periphery of the second tubes at the conjunction of the second tubes and the arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Inventor: Hui Hsiung Chen
  • Patent number: 7216881
    Abstract: A cable guide routing a control cable that extends between an actuator and a suspension system having a crown connecting two parallel tubular bodies to a steerer tube. The cable guide includes a housing formed on the crown and having a bore extending therethrough for receiving the control cable. The suspension system includes a spool located on an end of one of the tubular bodies for winding and unwinding the control cable. The housing is configured on the suspension system such that a portion of the control cable extending between the housing and the spool lies substantially in a plane of the spool. So configured, friction is minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: SRAM Corporation
    Inventor: Kevin Wesling
  • Patent number: 7207585
    Abstract: A motorcycle whose front end has a coil-over shock disposed within the head tube and telescopic forks which include linear bearings riding between flats on the outer face of the inner fork tubes and flats on the inner face of the outer fork tubes. The linear bearings ride on hardened steel races, enabling the fork tubes to be e.g. aluminum. Using an odd number of linear bearings in each fork prevents having two linear bearings at 180° opposition which would increase sensitivity to manufacturing tolerance stackups, preload, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: MotoCzysz LLC
    Inventor: Michael Czysz
  • Patent number: 7204502
    Abstract: A steering bearing assembly for a vehicle for connecting a steering tube and a frame of the vehicle is disclosed to include a head tube for mounting on the frame of the vehicle and having a tapered face in one end thereof, a bearing mounted in the head tube and formed of an outer race, an inner race, and a plurality of balls mounted in between the outer race and the inner race, the outer race having a protruded retaining portion pressed on the tapered face of the head tube, and a connecting structure for connecting the inner race of the bearing and the steering tube together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Tange Seiko Taichung Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Satoshi Tange
  • Patent number: 7201391
    Abstract: A front fork of a two-wheeled vehicle or the like is disclosed in which an annular free valve is provided between a taper-like valve seat surface formed in an upper surface of a valve seat member fixed to an inner periphery of a lower end portion of an inner tube and a valve stopper so as to be movable upward and downward such that an annular gap is formed with respect to an outer periphery of a hollow pipe. A leaf spring energizing the free valve to the taper-like valve seat surface is provided in an upper side of the free valve, the leaf spring having an annular portion and a plurality of hook portions extending in a radial direction to an inner periphery of the annular portion, and being formed in a flat shape in a free state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Showa Corporation
    Inventors: Hideaki Takahashi, Toshihide Tachibana, Yousuke Hasumi
  • Patent number: 7195234
    Abstract: A gas spring suspension system that adjusts the spring rate as the travel is adjusted. The suspension system includes a frame, a pressure chamber, a compression piston assembly, an adjustment assembly, a piston tube, and a shaft. The piston tube is operatively connected to the adjustment assembly and the compression piston assembly, and the compression piston assembly is configured to slidably displace along the piston tube to change the pressure in the pressure chamber. The adjustment assembly is associated with the frame and is operable to axially position the piston tube and, in turn the compression piston assembly, relative to the frame to adjust the travel of the suspension system. The shaft is configured to be variably positionable within the pressure chamber in response to axial displacement of the piston tube and the compression piston assembly by the adjustment assembly, the variable positioning of the shaft within the pressure chamber changing the pressure therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: SRAM Corporation
    Inventors: Brian T. Jordan, Christopher A. Shipman, John D. Cheever, Steven J. Olds
  • Patent number: 7185905
    Abstract: A motorcycle whose front end has a coil-over shock disposed within the head tube and telescopic forks which include linear bearings riding between flats on the outer face of the inner fork tubes and flats on the inner face of the outer fork tubes. The linear bearings ride on hardened steel races, enabling the fork tubes to be e.g. aluminum. Using an odd number of linear bearings in each fork prevents having two linear bearings at 180° opposition which would increase sensitivity to manufacturing tolerance stackups, preload, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: MotoCzysz LLC
    Inventor: Michael Czysz
  • Patent number: 7182358
    Abstract: The invention relates to a bicycle adjusting device, in particular an adjusting device for adjusting the height of the front wheel suspension, the rear wheel suspension, the saddle or of the steering mechanism of a bicycle, e.g. of a mountain bike, a bicycle with at least one bicycle adjustment device, as well as a bicycle-steering head bearing system, whereby the adjustment has at least one double-acting piston-cylinder assembly with a first cylinder space (14a, 34a) and a second cylinder space (15a, 35a) in each case, and whereby the two cylinder spaces of the two adjustment devices are interconnectable by means of a fluid duct fitted for that purpose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Inventors: Andreas Felsl, Stephan Albrecht
  • Patent number: 7182357
    Abstract: A motorcycle whose front end has a coil-over shock disposed within the head tube and telescopic forks which include linear bearings riding between flats on the outer face of the inner fork tubes and flats on the inner face of the outer fork tubes. The linear bearings ride on hardened steel races, enabling the fork tubes to be e.g. aluminum. Using an odd number of linear bearings in each fork prevents having two linear bearings at 180° opposition which would increase sensitivity to manufacturing tolerance stackups, preload, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: MotoCzysz
    Inventor: Michael Czysz
  • Patent number: 7178820
    Abstract: A front suspension (1) for a motorcycle, includes a fork (2) with a headstock (8), a sliding unit (3) that slides on the fork (2) in a substantially vertical direction, the unit (3) in turn supporting the motorcycle wheel (4), and an elastic shock absorbing assembly (5) acting on the sliding unit (3). The assembly (5) is centrally mounted within the headstock (8) and is connected to the latter by a quick-release connection (9) so that the assembly (5) can be easily removed directly from the top or bottom of the headstock (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A.
    Inventor: Pierre Terblanche
  • Patent number: 7168725
    Abstract: Displacement bearing, in particular for fork pipes of motorcycle forks, having an inside part which has raceways extending in the direction of fork displacement on its outside part, an outside part which extends around the inside part and is displaceable in relation to the inside part, at least two roller bodies which are arranged in the interior of the outside part and which are mounted so that each can rotate about a respective axis of rotation situated in the interior of the outside part, so that the roller bodies roll on the raceways when there is a displacement of the inside part in the outside part. The roller bodies have a convex shape and the raceways each have a concave shape for transferring forces acting perpendicularly and/or transversely on the raceways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Gerd Vilsmeier
  • Patent number: 7163222
    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 an adjustable valve, sometimes referred to as a pressure-relief or blow-off valve. The adjustable valve is externally adjustable without tools. Furthermore, the adjustable valve and another fluid flow control valve may be adjusted independently of each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.
    Inventors: William M. Becker, Brian Lampman
  • Patent number: 7163223
    Abstract: A suspension system that includes a simplified lockout mechanism and an adjustable blow-off mechanism. The system includes a valve mechanism and a valve actuating assembly, a valve mechanism housing and a resilient member disposed between the valve mechanism and the valve mechanism housing. The valve mechanism is slidably mounted along the valve mechanism housing and it separates a first chamber from a second chamber. The valve actuating assembly operates the valve mechanism between open and closed positions. The resilient member is configured to be deformable by the valve mechanism as the valve mechanism is slidably displaced by an increasing pressure in the first fluid chamber. The sliding valve mechanism is configured to collide against the valve actuating assembly when a blow-off pressure is reached in the first fluid chamber switching the valve mechanism from the closed position to the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Sram Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin F. Wesling, Brian T. Jordan, Christopher A. Shipman, John D. Cheever, Edward Herrington, James Osborne
  • Patent number: 7163224
    Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for providing a riser tube and a riser cap, which when operatively coupled, involve all fasteners providing the coupling to be only visible from an underside of the riser tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Polaris Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael M. Song, David A. Swan
  • Patent number: 7159883
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the front suspension containing elastic (14) and damping (11) elements, for vehicles with front steerable wheel, such as bicycles, motor-bicycles, motorcycles or tricycles. To minimise the total mass of the unsprung suspension elements, by relocating the elastic and the damping elements to the springing side, the suspension contains at least one cable (10) connected at one end to the upper part of the front wheel fork (1), able to shift in relation to the fork column (6) of the handle bar (7), and at the other end to the elastic element (14) and/or the damping element (11), supported on at least one end by the vehicle frame (8), wherein the cable (10) goes through the handle bar (7) steering axis. The cable (10) is preferably led on at least one leading element (16) supported by the vehicle frame. Optionally, the cable (10) may be connected on the other end to the fork (18) of the vehicle rear suspension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Jerzy Mydlarz
  • Patent number: 7147237
    Abstract: A fork is provided for driving a driving wheel and especially the front wheel of a bicycle. Therefore the steerer is fixed to the axle of a wheel and extends at least partially to the rotation plane of the wheel in a parallel direction. Furthermore the steerer is designed generally as a frame square wherein at least two frame legs are arranged generally parallel and with a certain distance. The frame legs are fixed in a certain position by at least two connecting elements and are designed as profiled sticks. In a preferred embodiment of the contour of the profiled sticks has the shape of an aerofoil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Inventor: John Cobb
  • Patent number: 7140627
    Abstract: A suspension system for the front wheel of single wheeled vehicles having a single front wheel, such as bicycles, tricycles and motorcycles. The suspension system consists of a frame with a variable arrangement of the steering points using at least one swingable arm, multiple fork joints at least one of which is designed as a two-part fork joint that provides for variable distances between the steering axis, and a telescopic fork connected to the front wheel and which has at least three parts so that the front wheel is guided through the entire system whether partly or fully sprung.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Inventor: Martin F. Wimmer
  • Patent number: 7137638
    Abstract: A suspension travel adjustment mechanism comprises a housing containing a fluid, and a shaft extending through the housing. A piston is coupled to the shaft to define an upper chamber and a lower chamber within the housing. A fluid passageway extends between the upper chamber and the lower chamber. A mechanism is used for selectively opening and closing the fluid passageway from outside of the housing permit the fluid to flow between the upper chamber and the lower chamber when the fluid passageway is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Maverick American LLC
    Inventor: Paul H. Turner
  • Patent number: 7134534
    Abstract: A front fork for a vehicle includes an upper front fork tube, a lower front fork tube movably coupled to the upper front fork tube, a fluid contained in the upper and lower front fork tubes, and a damper fixedly sealedly mounted inside the upper front fork tube. The damper has a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, a through hole in communication with the fluid inlet, and a blocking member movably mounted in the fluid inlet for regulating upward flowing rate of the fluid from the lower front fork tube into the upper front fork tube through the fluid inlet and the through hole upon movement of the upper front fork tube relative to the lower front fork tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Spinner Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hui-Hsiung Chen
  • Patent number: 7118302
    Abstract: A vehicle clamp which may be a motorcycle clamp includes an elongated body having a pair of spaced fork leg receiving openings and an opening disposed generally between the fork receiving openings for receiving a steering shaft. A pair of spaced handlebar mounts are disposed on opposite sides of the steering shaft opening with each handlebar mount being disposed between a fork receiving opening and the steering shaft opening and a vibration dampening insert interposed between the body and the handlebar mounts. In one embodiment, the vibration dampening insert has a plurality of recesses and a lower portion of the base of the handlebar mounts has a plurality of alternating lands and grooves, with the lands being receivable within the grooves in the dampening insert. The insert serves to dampen engine generated vibrations as well as road created vibrations to minimize transmission of the same to the handlebars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Oberg Industries
    Inventor: Christopher W. Durham
  • Patent number: 7111700
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: Motoczysz LLC
    Inventor: Michael Czysz
  • Patent number: 7090231
    Abstract: An adjustable front fork blade for a stroller includes a sleeve, a base movably mounted in the sleeve, and a connecting tube mounted between the sleeve and the base. Thus, the front fork blade has an adjustable length so that when two front fork blades are mounted on a front wheel, the length of each of the two front fork blades can be adjusted to match each other so as to calibrate and center the position of the front wheel, thereby preventing the front wheel from being oscillated or vibrated due to deflection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Unique Product & Design Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Gordon Liao
  • Patent number: 7073807
    Abstract: A suspension fork assembly is mounted to the front part of a bicycle frame and includes a fork column, a fork shoulder unit, a pair of suspension assemblies, a connector and a lamp mounting unit. The fork column is rotatably mounted to the front part of the frame. The fork shoulder unit is secured at the center thereof to the bottom end of the fork column and extends laterally there from in either direction. Each suspension assembly is secured to a respective end of the fork shoulder unit. The shaft of the front wheel is mounted to the bottom ends of the suspension assemblies. The connector has an arch-like configuration and connects and reinforces the suspension assemblies while avoiding contact with the front wheel. The lamp mounting unit is disposed on a top surface of the connector and a front lamp can be mounted thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Takuji Masui
  • Patent number: 7063343
    Abstract: Disclosed is a front fork damper installed in a bicycle front fork formed of a fork pipe, a bottom case coupled and axially movable relative to the bottom case, and a hydraulic fluid filled in between the bottom case and the fork pipe. The front fork damper is joined to the bottom end of the fork pipe to buffer movement of the bottom case relative to the fork pipe in such a manner that the hydraulic fluid passes upwards through the front fork damper rapidly at a high flow rate, and passes downwards through the front fork damper slowly at a low flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Spinner Industry Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Leo Chen
  • Patent number: 7059619
    Abstract: A steering and suspension system for bicycles and motorcycles that consists of an axle that is pivotally attached to the forward ends of two side rails that are postioned along each side of the vehicle wheel. The rearward ends of the side rails are pivotally attached to the ends of a rear rail that is paralled to the axle and positioned at the rear of the vehicle wheel. The length of the rear rail is large enough to allow sufficient clearance between the vehicle wheel and the side rails during a turn so that an acceptable steering lock is achieved. When viewed from the top, the system forms an isosceles trapezoid with pivots at each corner. The axes of all four pivots are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the axle axis. This restricts movement of the axle and side rails in a plane that is perpendicular to the plane of rotation of the wheel. The vehicle wheel is controlled by applying a longitudinal force to the axle through conventional control rods and ball joints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Inventor: Thomas G. Dom
  • Patent number: 7052028
    Abstract: A head tube for a bicycle frame that accommodates oversized frame tubing and the use of a standard sized head set. Preferably, the head tube includes a body defining a pair of lateral extensions that cooperate with the body to define an outer surface configured to receive at least a portion of a frame tube. In addition, preferably, the head tube defines a wall thickness that is thicker at the bottom of the head tube than the thickness at the top of the head tube. In addition, preferably, the wall thickness is greater at both of the top and the bottom of the head tube than the wall thickness of the middle of the head tube. Preferably, in at least a portion of the head tube, the wall thickness is thicker in a forward side than the thickness in a rearward side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Specialized Bicycle Componets, Inc.
    Inventor: Jason L. Chamberlain
  • Patent number: 7048291
    Abstract: A front fork in a two-wheeled vehicle or the like, wherein an annular groove in which both end portions in an axial direction are closed is formed in an upper inner periphery of an outer tube. An annular bush having a closed gap in a free state is attached to the annular groove. An annular gap between an inner periphery of the outer tube and an outer periphery of the inner tube forms a smaller thickness than the bush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Showa Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuo Wada, Shinichi Oba, Takao Tomonaga, Koichi Nakano
  • Patent number: 7044490
    Abstract: Since a large part of an outer tube is made of light alloy such as aluminum, plating on a surface of the outer tube sometimes peels off. Thus, the surface of the outer tube is generally painted. However, a problem is presented in the external appearance of the outer tube due to painting. A structure of a front fork includes an outer tube into which an inner tube is movably inserted in an axial direction thereof. A stepped part is formed in the outer tube with a third elastic member fitted to the stepped part. A tube cover includes a lower portion which is supported by the third elastic member. Since an outer surface of the tube cover covering the outer tube is plated, the external appearance can be enhanced. Even if the outer tube has a rough surface, light metal castings or forgings can be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinji Ito, Seiji Yamaguchi, Terunari Saiki
  • Patent number: 7017928
    Abstract: A bicycle in one embodiment includes a frame and at least one adjusting device for adjusting at least one of a height of a saddle and a steering stem. The adjusting device includes a double-acting piston/cylinder assembly with a first cylinder chamber and a second cylinder chamber, which are separated from each other by a piston. An area of the piston limiting the first cylinder chamber being larger than the area of the piston limiting the second cylinder chamber. A locking device is proved for locking the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Inventors: Andreas Felsl, Stephan Albrecht
  • Patent number: 7018126
    Abstract: An intermediate device that clamps the front suspension of a two-wheeled and/or motorized vehicle as part of the steering system that attaches to the frame structure and provides a mounting area for the handlebar and controls. This multiple point mounting area comprises of Acrylonitrile/Butadiene polymer or Urethane dampeners positioned above and below the clamp plane. A shoulder bolt passing through from the lower side captures these dampeners against a step washer backed against the lower portion of the threaded handlebar clamp. This assembly provides a contained system of absorption of impact to the operators' forearms and hands while protecting against handlebar position relocation in the event of a collision, crash or aggressive rider input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Inventor: Rob William Henricksen
  • Patent number: 7011325
    Abstract: An improved, lightweight suspension fork for a bicycle with variable travel capability that maintains excellent torsional rigidity. This suspension fork allows for adjustable suspension travel adjusted at the handlebars of the bicycle. The suspension system includes a travel adjustment knob located at the handlebars of the bicycle. The travel adjustment knob is keyed with the main shaft of the suspension system so as to allow turning of the main shaft. Located on the main shaft within the suspension system housing is a length adjuster mechanism. The length adjuster moves linearly with respect to the housing as the main shaft is turned pulling the inner tube member of the suspension housing up or down relative to the outer tube section of the suspension housing, thereby changing the stroke of the suspension system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Inventors: Frederick W. Kinzler, Walker P. Woodworth
  • Patent number: 6994366
    Abstract: A flush mount fork tube cap nut for a triple tree of a motorcycle, having a cap nut that is threadedly engaged to the end of the fork tubes of a triple tree of a motorcycle steering assembly so that the top of the cap nut is flush with the top of the triple tree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Inventor: Peter G. Rambo
  • Patent number: 6988740
    Abstract: A suspension device for disposition between a support post of a bicycle and a suspended member, such as a bicycle seat and bicycle handlebars, having an invertible connector body with a support post mounting, a horizontal median and two shoulder surfaces disposed above the median or below the median. The connector body has at least two sleeves with two slide pins slidably mounted in and passing through the two sleeves, and a top bracket and a bottom bracket fixed to top and bottom ends of said slide pins, with two springs disposed between the shoulder surfaces and the brackets and a seat or handlebar mounting connected to the top bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Inventor: Bert Bobrovniczky
  • Patent number: 6979011
    Abstract: A motorcycle or bicycle suspension having adjustable side-to-side flexibility. The suspension includes a telescopic fork and a fork bottom which couples the fork to the axle of a wheel. The fork bottom and the fork are stiff in the direction of travel, to avoid flexing under heavy braking. The fork bottom is flexible in the lateral direction, to improve the ability of the tire to stay in contact with the ground when leaned over and cornering over irregular, bumpy ground. The lateral flexibility of the fork bottom is adjustable by tightening or loosening a tension cable which is attached to the ends of the fork bottom and stretched over a fulcrum in the middle of the fork bottom. Tightening the tension cable increases sideways thrust of the fulcrum against the fork bottom, reducing the lateral flexibility of the fork bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: MotoCzysz
    Inventor: Michael Czysz
  • Patent number: 6976692
    Abstract: A bicycle fork crown cover including an upper cover and a lower cover connected to the upper cover. The upper cover defines at lease one setting aperture and the lower cover includes at least one flexible setting post dimensioned to engage with the setting aperture, and wherein the lower cover is connected to the upper cover by engaging the flexible setting post with the setting aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Miyoshi, Masao Kojima
  • Patent number: 6974143
    Abstract: In a hydraulic shock absorber for a vehicle in which a slide pipe is slidably provided within a cylinder tube, and a working fluid chamber is provided within the cylinder tube and the slide pipe, a guide bush coated with a polytetrafluoroethylene and an oil seal sealing the fluid chamber are provided in an inner periphery of the cylinder tube so as to be in slide contact with an outer periphery of the slide pipe. An amorphous hard carbon film is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the slide pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: Showa Corporation
    Inventors: Shinichi Oba, Tomoya Toda
  • Patent number: 6974144
    Abstract: A bicycle front fork is configured to reduce the risk that a poor connection occurs in a lead wire connecting an electricity generating mechanism to an electric device for ensuring reliable delivery of electric power to the electric device. The front fork has first and second fork blades, a fork crown, and a fork stem. The first and second fork blades are electrically connected to first and second electrodes, respectively. A front lamp is mounted to the fork crown. The fork crown has a spacer that electrically insulates the first fork blade and the second fork blade. The first fork blade has an attaching part where an end part of a cable extending from the electric device mounted to the fork crown can be attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: Shimano, Inc.
    Inventor: Noriyuki Horiuchi
  • Patent number: 6971493
    Abstract: This invention provides a front fork that can be efficiently be filled with oil when it is manufactured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Kayaba Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tsutomu Yoshimoto
  • Patent number: 6969080
    Abstract: A front fork shock-absorbing damper for use in between an upper front fork tube and a lower front fork tube of a vehicle's front fork for producing a damping effect upon movement of the upper front fork tube relative to the lower front fork tube includes a control rod movable by an external force between a top locking position where the front fork shock-absorbing damper does no work, and a bottom unlocking position where the front fork shock-absorbing damper is functioning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Spinner Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hui-Hsiung Chen
  • Patent number: 6964425
    Abstract: A releasable clamp system for clamping an axle of a wheel to a two wheeled vehicle comprising a frame member and a cover plate that is pivotally coupled to the frame member. The cover plate is movable between a closed portion where the cover plate and the frame member encompass the wheel axle and an open position that permits removal of the wheel axle. A lever is pivotally attached to the cover plate and a hook, member is pivotally attached to the lever. An adjustment system is used to adjust the clamping force applied to the axle by the frame member and the cover plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Assignee: Maverick American LLC
    Inventor: Paul H. Turner
  • Patent number: 6953201
    Abstract: A handlebar shock and vibration damper triple clamp (20) for a motorcycle or a bicycle is taught which comprises a handlebar triple clamp body (22) with a pair of clamps that holds the handlebar in isolation from the body. The body has a pair of integral front fork mounting rings (24) positioned on opposite ends, and a pair of upright cradles (26) adjacent to the rings. A lower handlebar clamp (44) is positioned within each cradle such that the clamp is completely segregated from the triple clamp body. Resilient isolation strips (50) and cylinders (52) engage the upright cradles and lower handlebar clamps, thereby providing a pliant interface therebetween. An upper handlebar bridge clamp (60) is disposed above each lower handlebar clamp such that a handlebar may be inserted and compressably retained therebetween, thus decreasing vibration and shock impulses upon the handlebar during operation of the cycle due to the elastic nature of the interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Inventor: Dennis R. VanDeMortel
  • Patent number: 6942073
    Abstract: An activation device for a damper includes a stopping tube adapted to be securely received in the piston rod and having grooves defined in a peripheral edge of the stopping tube and first teeth formed on the peripheral edge of the stopping tube, a driving tube adapted to be movably received in the piston rod and in the stopping tube and having second teeth formed on a peripheral edge of the driving tube and a rotating tube adapted to be movably received in the piston rod and having third teeth engaged with the second teeth so that the movement of the driving tube is able to drive the rotating tube to rotate an angle to selectively allow a corresponding one of the third teeth to be received in the grooves such that communication between the axial passage and the space is selectively plugged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Inventor: Chin-Sung Tsai
  • Patent number: 6926297
    Abstract: A motorcycle or bicycle having a fork with swappable trail adjustment blocks which hold the front axle to the fork. Trail can be adjusted without removing the forks or even loosening them in the triple clamps, and without altering ride height or rake angle. Brake caliper mounts are swapped when the trail adjustment blocks are swapped, moving the brake calipers the same distance and direction as the axle, to maintain a constant radial distance from the axle to the brake pads. The brake caliper mounts pivot on the forks, enabling the brake calipers to be swung outward so the wheel can be changed without removing the brake calipers from the forks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: MotoCzysz
    Inventor: Michael Czysz
  • Patent number: 6918605
    Abstract: An inverted type front fork in a two-wheeled vehicle or the like, wherein an annular groove in which both end portions in an axial direction are closed is formed in an upper inner periphery of an outer tube, and an annular bush having a closed gap in a free state is attached to the annular groove, and an annular gap between an inner periphery of the outer tube and an outer periphery of the inner tube forms a smaller thickness than the bush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Showa Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuo Wada, Shinichi Oba, Takao Tomonaga
  • Patent number: 6916033
    Abstract: A front fork unit of a bicycle includes a fork body, an outer tube movable relative to the fork body, a shock absorber interposed between and secured to the fork body and the outer tube, an inner tube disposed in the outer tube and secured to the fork body, and a resistance-providing member secured to one of the inner and outer tubes and in sliding and frictional contact with the other of the inner and outer tubes so as to provide a resistance to movement of the outer tube relative to the fork body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: Giant Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Johnson Yih
  • Patent number: 6908092
    Abstract: A front suspension for supporting a front wheel of a vehicle having a frame, the front suspension including a front fork which has a pair of tines, and which is supported by the frame, a pair of supporting arms, a bottom bridge, a cushion arm, a pair of push rods, first and second cushion units which are arranged in the right-and-left direction, and which are arranged between and connected to an upper portion of the front fork and the cushion arm, a single spring for supporting a load exerted on the front wheel; and a single damper for damping a vibration due to the single spring. The single spring is housed in the first cushion unit, and the single damper is housed in the second cushion unit. The structure of each of the cushion units can be simplified, and the diameter of each of the cushion units can be made smaller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignees: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Showa Corporation
    Inventors: Kenji Kofuji, Hirokatsu Kameda
  • Patent number: 6905131
    Abstract: A bicycle suspension assembly is configured with a pair of telescoping struts with one of the struts having an electrical cord located in an interior area of located between upper and lower telescoping members of the strut. The electrical cord located in the interior area with sufficient slack to accommodate expansion and contraction of the telescoping struts. Preferably, only one of the struts includes a dampening unit, while the other strut includes the electrical cord located in an interior area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Noriyuki Horiuchi, Hiroyuki Miyoshi