Front Forks And Heads Patents (Class 280/276)
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Patent number: 6896276Abstract: The forks of a bicycle are carried by a head tube shaft and are angled forward and comprise two outer support tubes, one on either side of the wheel. An inner suspension tube is telescopically housed in the outer tube and connects to the wheel axle. A suspension spring within the outer tube urges down. A torque reaction arm is journalled on the axle and carries a brake calliper within which passes a brake disc. At the rear end of the arm, a rear link is pivotally connected and leads up to an upper pivot point on the outer tube. Application of braking torque causes the rear link to act upwards on the outer tube, providing anti-dive.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 1999Date of Patent: May 24, 2005Assignee: Ultimate Sports Engineering LimitedInventor: Roger Lionel David Sparrow
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Patent number: 6893037Abstract: An improved telescopic front suspension system is disclosed for use with vehicles having a front wheel, such as bicycles and motorcycles. The assembly includes a steering tube mounted in a head tube of the vehicle frame and connected to a stem and handlebar above the head tube and to a fork crown below the head tube. The crown is attached to a pair of stanchions which slide axially inside of a pair of sliders mounted to each side of the axle for the front wheel. The stanchions and sliders have a cross-sectional shape that is a non-round, smooth curve, such as an ellipse. The upper end of the sliders provides a mounting for an external bushing whose inner shape matches the outer shape of the stanchions. The lower end of the stanchions provides a mounting for an internal bushing whose outer shape matches the inner shape of the sliders.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2002Date of Patent: May 17, 2005Inventor: Mario Galasso
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Patent number: 6860500Abstract: A handlebar assembly including a pair of handgrip portions extending outwardly from a mounting portion and configured for generally vertical, arcuate movement relative to the mounting portion. One or more shock absorbing arrangements may be provided to produce a force tending to resist downward movement of the handgrip portions. Desirably, the handgrip portions are adjustable in height relative to the mounting portion.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2002Date of Patent: March 1, 2005Assignee: FASST CompanyInventor: Dan Hissam
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Patent number: 6837508Abstract: A shroud is disclosed that disguises the particular type of motorcycle fork blade to which it's attached, thereby making the fork blade appear to be that of a different type. As disclosed, a motorcycle fork comprises a fork blade and a shroud. The fork blade comprises an upper support member telescopically received within a lower support member. The shroud is fixedly attached to the upper support member and the lower support member is telescopically received in the lower portion of the shroud. Thus, the invention provides a method of disguising motorcycle forks by attaching the shroud to the motorcycle fork. A method of assembling the shroud to a fork assembly is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2003Date of Patent: January 4, 2005Assignee: Midwest Motorcycle Supply Distributors Corp.Inventors: Kenneth A. Francis, William G. Allemann
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Patent number: 6837507Abstract: A modular suspension strut apparatus provides a bicycle with a relocatable center of gravity to adjust the bicycle to the rider and to terrain conditions. The combined center of gravity of a bicycle and rider is adjustable by moving and clamping a strut within a strut tube. A crank axle housing at the bottom of the strut and a seat post at the top are shifted vertically, while maintaining a fixed seat axle distance. The strut is resiliently mounted within the strut tube by an internal or external spring or springs to absorb shocks. Spring force is adjusted by adjusting an air pressure with an external air pump or on board pumps. Spring forces may be adjusted while seated or in motion by turning knobs or handwheel rings and/or by other means. Strut movement within the strut tube is limited to axial reciprocation in a preset range. Elastomeric rings prevent shock at limits of the strut movements. The strut tube is made of three joined parts, a center tube and top and base guides.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2002Date of Patent: January 4, 2005Inventor: H. P. McJunkin
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Publication number: 20040262879Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2004Publication date: December 30, 2004Inventors: Frederick W. Kinzler, Walker P. Woodworth
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Patent number: 6824154Abstract: A telescoping fork for the front wheel of a two wheel vehicle comprises a pair of outer tubes that each have a bottom end and a top end. An upper structural member and a lower structural member connect the outer tubes. Further, each outer tube tapers outwardly, both externally and internally, in a direction from the bottom end toward the lower structural member and from the top end toward the lower structural member. The structural members may attach to a top and bottom of a steering column.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2003Date of Patent: November 30, 2004Assignee: Maverick American LLCInventor: Paul H. Turner
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Publication number: 20040207171Abstract: A shroud is disclosed that disguises the particular type of motorcycle fork blade to which it's attached, thereby making the fork blade appear to be that of a different type. As disclosed, a motorcycle fork comprises a fork blade and a shroud. The fork blade comprises an upper support member telescopically received within a lower support member. The shroud is fixedly attached to the upper support member and the lower support member is telescopically received in the lower portion of the shroud. Thus, the invention provides a method of disguising motorcycle forks by attaching the shroud to the motorcycle fork. A method of assembling the shroud to a fork assembly is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2003Publication date: October 21, 2004Inventors: Kenneth A. Francis, William G. Allemann
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Publication number: 20040201198Abstract: A motorcycle including a frame and a triple clamp supported by the frame for rotation relative to the frame. The motorcycle includes an engaging member, a triple clamp fastener, and a cover. The engaging member includes a first engagement portion and is positioned between the triple clamp fastener and the surface of the triple clamp. The cover includes a second engagement portion that engages the first engagement portion to cover at least a portion of the triple clamp fastener.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2003Publication date: October 14, 2004Applicant: Harley-Davidson Motor Company Group, Inc.Inventors: Eric R. Buckhouse, Jeff W. Hughes
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Patent number: 6802407Abstract: A front suspension device includes an inner tube fixedly connected to the crown portion of the front fork and movably inserted in an outer tube. A valve member is received in the inner tube and connected to a sleeve which extends from the inner tube and an adjusting member is connected to the sleeve and the outer tube. An end cap is fixed to the first end of the inner tube and connected to a hollow tube which is mounted by a ring member engaged with an inner periphery of the inner tube. A spring is mounted to the hollow tube. A core is movably received in the hollow tube and has a first end connected to an adjusting switch. A head is connected to the second end of the core and movably seals paths defined through the ring member. The spring is not compressed when the paths are sealed by the head. When a large pressure is applied to the head, the ring member is moved upward to compress the spring to re-activate the suspension device.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2003Date of Patent: October 12, 2004Inventor: Hui-Hsiung Chen
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Publication number: 20040188975Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a front fork with a double-rod damper, which can improve an efficiency of an assembly operation thereof by simplifying alignment work of piston rods on assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2004Publication date: September 30, 2004Inventor: Tsutomu Yoshimoto
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Patent number: 6796571Abstract: A hydraulic steering damper (9) is designed to be fitted inside a steering sleeve (3) between the steering sleeve (3) itself and a steering pin (2) that is coaxial with the sleeve (3) and having an axis of rotation (A). The damper (9) includes a cylindrical lining (11), that can be fixed to the steering sleeve (3), and a cylindrical wall (13), that can be fixed to the steering pin (2). The lining (11) and the wall (13) form between them a gap (16) designed to hold a hydraulic fluid (17) and divided into a first and a second chamber (28, 29), which are in fluid communication with each other through a conduit (30). The damper (9) further includes a blade (25) attached to the cylindrical wall (13) and designed to push the fluid (17) from one to the other of the chambers (28, 29) when the steering pin (2) is rotated relative to the steering sleeve (3).Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2002Date of Patent: September 28, 2004Assignee: Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A.Inventor: Gianluigi Mengoli
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Patent number: 6786499Abstract: A suspension system for supporting a front wheel of a vehicle, such as a motorcycle, that includes at least one movement limiting device coupled to a support arm assembly and to a frame. The support arm assembly may support the front wheel and pivot about an axis that is generally orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of a vehicle and generally orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the support arm assembly. The suspension system controls the amount of movement the support arm assembly undergoes about the pivot. The suspension system may be configured to absorb shock encountered in motorcycles having extreme rake.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2003Date of Patent: September 7, 2004Assignee: Tempest Cycles, Inc.Inventor: Erick J. Ackley
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Patent number: 6783140Abstract: A bicycle front fork vibration-proof structure comprises a front fork tube and a vibration-proof device. The front fork tube is formed by a biforked tube and a front-fork stand tube which are separated from one another. The vibration-proof device is installed between the biforked tube and the front-fork stand tube. The pivotal linkage unit is pivotally installed to a first pivotal portion at an outer edge of the connecting tube and another end thereof is pivotally connected to the axial vibration absorption unit. The axial vibration absorption unit is firmly secured to an inner edge of the front-fork stand tube. The concave washer is installed on the vibration absorption body for resisting and positioning a connecting tube of a handle of a tube which has been engaged to the front-fork stand tube. Thereby, the vibration-proof effect of a bicycle is improved and the brake suspending frame can be installed easily.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2003Date of Patent: August 31, 2004Inventor: Bill Huang
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Patent number: 6767024Abstract: A bicycle front suspension system includes two cylinders on the front fork and each cylinder includes an outer tube and an inner tube which is movably received in the outer tube. A cap is rotatably connected to the inner tube and connected to a rod. A control cable is connected between the cap and a lever which is rotatably engaged in a collar on the handlebar of the bicycle. The lever is rotated to operate the control cable so as to rotate the cap and the rod. The rotation of the rod controls the communication between two chambers in the inner tube so that the hydraulic fluid is controlled to make the cylinder to be locked or operative.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2003Date of Patent: July 27, 2004Inventor: Yung-Pin Kuo
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Publication number: 20040140644Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 25, 2003Publication date: July 22, 2004Inventors: Kenji Kofuji, Hirokatsu Kameda
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Patent number: 6761241Abstract: A front suspension fork assembly suitable for use with a scooter-type vehicle. The front fork assembly is rotatably supported by a frame of the scooter and supports a front wheel of the scooter on its lower end. Desirably, the front fork assembly includes right and left fork legs extending along opposing sides of the front wheel. Each fork leg includes an upper fork tube telescopically engaged with a lower fork tube. An interconnecting portion, or support bridge, extends between the left and right fork legs. A central portion of the support bridge is coupled to a steering tube of the scooter and an intermediate portion of the support bridge extends between the central portion and each upper fork tube. Desirably, the left and right upper fork tubes and the support bridge are monolithically formed. Preferably, an upper end portion of each fork leg extends to a height above the central portion of the support bridge.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2002Date of Patent: July 13, 2004Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Hideo Kohda
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Patent number: 6742794Abstract: A liquid pressure type steering damper system for generating a damping force for preventing a handle from being swung due to a kick-back upon a disturbance wherein the generation of the damping force is nonlinear so that the steering angle would not be enlarged so much even if the kick-back becomes greater. A liquid pressure type steering damper is provided with a restriction passage for a working liquid and a solenoid-type control valve for varying the passage sectional area of the restriction passage. A needle portion is formed at the tip end of a plunger constituting the solenoid valve and is made to advance and retract in a restriction portion connected to a bypass passage.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2002Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Osamu Bunya, Takehiko Nanri, Kanji Hayashi, Takeshi Wakabayashi
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Patent number: 6739609Abstract: The production of sharp shocks is prevented by increasing resilient gas characteristics in response to the compression stroke acting on a front fork. The front fork comprises a tube 1 connected to the vehicle body and a tube 2 connected to the vehicle wheels and engaging to slide freely with respect to the tube 1. A damper 3 and a suspension spring 7 which is biased in a direction in which the tubes 1, 2 are extended are provided in an interior space between the vehicle-body tube 1 and the vehicle-wheels tube 2. A first gas chamber 4 and an oil chamber 5 into which oil is introduced from the damper 3 are formed in the interior space. A second gas chamber 9 is provided which is connected to the first gas chamber 4 through a orifice 10. A space A which is provided between the outer periphery of the suspension spring 7 and the inner periphery of the vehicle-body tube 1 and is closed by entry of the tip 2a of the vehicle-wheel tube 2.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2002Date of Patent: May 25, 2004Assignee: Kayaba Industry Co., Ltd.Inventor: Tetsuya Miyabe
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Publication number: 20040094931Abstract: A suspension system for supporting a front wheel of a vehicle, such as a motorcycle, that includes at least one movement limiting device coupled to a support arm assembly and to a frame. The support arm assembly may support the front wheel and pivot about an axis that is generally orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of a vehicle and generally orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the support arm assembly. The suspension system controls the amount of movement the support arm assembly undergoes about the pivot. The suspension system may be configured to absorb shock encountered in motorcycles having extreme rake.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 3, 2003Publication date: May 20, 2004Inventor: Erick J. Ackley
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Publication number: 20040084871Abstract: An improved telescopic suspension assembly provides more precise suspension and steering control for a vehicle having a steerable front wheel, such as a bicycle or motorcycle. The assembly includes a steering tube which is mounted in a head tube of the vehicle frame and coupled to handlebar for steering the front wheel. The steering tube is coupled to a pair of upper stanchion tubes which slide axially and telescopingly with respect to a pair of lower slider tubes mounted to each side of an axle for the front wheel. The stanchion and slider tubes have a cross-sectional shape that is a non-round, smooth curve, such as an ellipse. The preferred elliptical shape has an aspect ratio of minor to major ellipse axes of about 70% to 80%. In one embodiment, typically used for a bicycle, the steering tube is mounted in the head tube and has a lower end mounted in a fork crown below the head tube which has sides secured to the upper ends of the stanchion tubes.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2002Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventor: Mario Galasso
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Publication number: 20040070167Abstract: A front suspension fork for bicycles includes a crown portion having two collars and two operation tubes are connected to the two collars. Two main tubes each have an open top through which two resilient members and the two operation tubes are received. A bridge is integrally formed in one piece formation with the two main tubes. The bridge is located in the same plane with the two main tubes and the two collars. The bridge has a curve top which has the same curvature as a lower profile of the crown portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 28, 2003Publication date: April 15, 2004Inventor: Jack Lin
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Patent number: 6715577Abstract: A fore-end assembly for a motorcycle including an improved shock absorbing assembly, characterized in that the fore-end assembly comprises a single shock absorbing element coupled to the motorcycle chassis, and supporting, at the bottom thereof, at least an arm for supporting the front wheel of the motorcycle.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2002Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Inventor: Massimo Oteri
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Publication number: 20040056447Abstract: A bicycle front forked shake-proof elastic device comprises a forked body, two inner tubes, two outer tubes and two shake-proof units. The forked body has a stand tube. The two inner tubes are inserted into the two outer tubes. Each of the two shake-proof units are placed between an inner tube an outer tube, respectively. A bottom of each inner tube is formed with a reduced section; an outer surface of the reduced section is formed with a plurality of buckling rings. The shake-proof unit includes a shake-proof spring, a positioning block and a stud. A top end of the positioning block is a small diameter section with a plurality of buckling rings. The two ends of the shake-proof spring are engaged to the buckling rings the inner tube and the positioning block. A stud inserts into the via hole from the closing end of the outer tube.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2002Publication date: March 25, 2004Inventor: Bill Huang
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Patent number: 6708999Abstract: A bicycle suspension system that includes an indicator for displaying the travel of a bicycle suspension system in response to an applied load. The system includes an inner tube telescopically engaging with the outer tube along an axis. A biasing mechanism biases the inner and outer tube apart from each other along the axis. The indicator is disposed along a length of the inner and outer tubes. The indicator may include a plurality of markings on the inner tube and a pointer on the outer tube. Each marking corresponds to a distance that the inner and outer tubes may be displaced relative to each other. The suspension system may include an adjustment mechanism that adjusts the distance the inner and outer tubes may be displaced relative to each other in response to an applied load. The rider may select the desired travel by actuating the adjustment mechanism to align the marking corresponding to the desired travel with the pointer.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2002Date of Patent: March 23, 2004Assignee: SRAM CorporationInventors: Jeffrey J. Baltes, Mark J. Norris, Kevin F. Wesling
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Publication number: 20040046354Abstract: A telescoping fork for the front wheel of a two wheel vehicle comprises a pair of outer tubes that each have a bottom end and a top end. An upper structural member and a lower structural member connect the outer tubes. Further, each outer tube tapers outwardly, both externally and internally, in a direction from the bottom end toward the lower structural member and from the top end toward the lower structural member. The structural members may attach to a top and bottom of a steering column.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 25, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Applicant: Maverick American LLCInventors: Paul H. Turner, Frank E. Vogel
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Patent number: 6698559Abstract: A hydraulic damping device has a cylinder, a rod, a piston, a first biasing member, a seal and a second biasing member. The rod moveably extends into the cylinder. The piston is securely attached to the rod to divide the cylinder into two chambers. The piston has multiple first channels and multiple second channels communicating with the chambers, wherein each first channel has a diameter larger than that of each second channel. The first biasing member is connected to the rod to provide a recoil force to the rod. The seal is moveably mounted on the rod and abuts against the piston to close the first channels in the piston. The second biasing member is mounted on the rod to provide a force to push the seal. Accordingly, the hydraulic damping device has a capability of adjusting the damping effect and has a simplified structure.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2003Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Inventors: Wen-Guey Liou, Chao-Hsuan Liu, Yu-Chih Liu, Chieh-Feng Liu
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Patent number: 6698780Abstract: A computer controlled suspension system is provided for a bicycle, which can effectively absorb shock and provide stability on rough surfaces regardless of the speed of the vehicle. The suspension system has a control unit, a front suspension, a rear suspension, a front wheel terrain sensor, and a rear controller. The rear suspension is selectively adjustable by the control unit to change stiffness of the rear suspension. When the front suspension hits a bump or a depression in the surface of the ground, a signal is sent to the rear controller so that the rear suspension can react appropriately. In one embodiment, a pedaling torque sensor is operatively coupled to the control unit to input a signal that is indicative of pedaling force, and the rear controller adjusts stiffness of the rear suspension in response to the pedaling force via the control unit.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2003Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventor: Hiroyuki Miyoshi
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Publication number: 20040036250Abstract: A link-type front suspension device for a motorcycle to improve an engine cooling efficiency without restricting a flow of engine cooling air during its running operation. The suspension device includes a split push rod having a pair of right and left rod members, the lower ends of which are rotatably attached to the front wheel supporting arms, and the upper ends of which are rotatably attached to the cushion arms. In addition, the rod members are arranged to the rear of each of the pair of right and left front forks in such a way that they overlap the forks as seen from a front elevational view. Accordingly, there is no element above the front fender and between the right and left front forks, and a appropriate wide space is formed therebetween, the space acting as an engine cooling air feeding inlet during the running operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2003Publication date: February 26, 2004Inventor: Kenji Kofuji
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Publication number: 20040026890Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2003Publication date: February 12, 2004Inventor: John Cobb
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Patent number: 6669219Abstract: A telescoping fork for the front wheel of a two wheel vehicle comprises a pair of outer tubes that each have a bottom end and a top end. An upper structural member and a lower structural member connect the outer tubes. Further, each outer tube tapers outwardly, both externally and internally, in a direction from the bottom end toward the lower structural member and from the top end toward the lower structural member. The structural members may attach to a top and bottom of a steering column.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2002Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Assignee: Maverick American LLCInventors: Paul H. Turner, Frank E. Vogel
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Patent number: 6637559Abstract: A vehicle suspension and bearing therefor providing improved slidability of members and torque resistance. The bearing includes a first member with at least one guide track, a second member with rolling element openings and a collar positioned within the second member to rotatably receive rolling elements positioned within the rolling element openings and guided by the at least one guide track. Another embodiment includes rolling element holders.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2001Date of Patent: October 28, 2003Inventor: Howard Hoose
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Patent number: 6634661Abstract: A kick scooter shock absorbing structure includes a front wheel guard fastened the body of a kick scooter, two wheel holder arms pivoted to the front wheel guard to hold a front wheel, and a shock absorber connected to a front end of the front wheel guard and a front pivot hole of each of the wheel holder arms and adapted to absorb shocks from the front wheel, the shock absorber including a locating member coupled between the front pivot hole of each of the wheel holder arms, a shock absorbing body mounted on the front end of the front wheel guard at a top side, a rubber buffer element connected between the front end of the front wheel guard and the locating member, and a locking device, which fastens the shock absorbing body and the rubber buffer element to the front wheel guard and the locating member.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2001Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Inventor: Bill Huang
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Publication number: 20030193161Abstract: A telescoping fork for the front wheel of a two wheel vehicle comprises a pair of outer tubes that each have a bottom end and a top end. An upper structural member and a lower structural member connect the outer tubes. Further, each outer tube tapers outwardly, both externally and internally, in a direction from the bottom end toward the lower structural member and from the top end toward the lower structural member. The structural members may attach to a top and bottom of a steering column.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2002Publication date: October 16, 2003Applicant: Maverick American LLCInventors: Paul H. Turner, Frank E. Vogel
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Patent number: 6631915Abstract: A bicycle fork travel limiter that limits the maximum extension of the fork, but permits the fork to function as a shock-absorbing unit. A ratchet rod with teeth on the side thereof connects to the upper member of one leg of the fork. A shuttle is slidably mounted to a neutral shaft mounted to the lower member, and contains two pawls that engage and disengage from the teeth based upon the rotational position of the ratchet rod. A coil spring biases the shuttle upwardly toward the ratchet rod. The ratchet rod can move downwardly when the fork is compressed, but upon release of the compression on the fork, the shuttle, with its pawls engaging the teeth, prevents rebound of the upper member other than through a shortened stroke.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2001Date of Patent: October 14, 2003Assignee: Eko Sport, Inc.Inventor: Darek C. Barefoot
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Patent number: 6615960Abstract: A fluid damped shock absorber comprises an outer tube having a closed end and an open end, and a damper tube disposed within the outer tube. An inner tube is axially slideable within the outer tube and has a closed end and an open end. A sealing piston is attached to the inner tube to provide a seal between the inside of the outer tube and the outside of the damper tube. A sealing device is attached near the open end of the outer tube to provide a seal between the outside of the inner tube and the outer tube. A regulation valve is fixed to the damper tube in a sealed arrangement with the outer tube. The regulation valve is located between the closed end of the outer tube and the sealing piston. The regulation valve is configured to regulate fluid flow of a damping fluid between the outer tube and the damper tube upon axial movement of the inner tube within the outer tube.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2000Date of Patent: September 9, 2003Assignee: Maverick American LLCInventor: Paul H. Turner
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Patent number: 6607185Abstract: A front suspension fork for cycles includes an inverted U-shaped reversed arch having downwardly extending legs that are integral with the upper ends of the outer sections of the telescopic fork, thereby to define a rigid unitary slider component fork. The reversed arch is inclined rearwardly at an acute angle relative to the vertical plane of the fork. Strengthening mass portions extend forwardly from the lower ends of the arch between the inner fork sections, thereby to increase the rigidity of the slider component without interfering with brake operation.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2001Date of Patent: August 19, 2003Assignee: Answer Products, Inc.Inventors: Brent T. Graves, James C. Rathbun
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Patent number: 6604751Abstract: A dampener including a valve movable between an open position and a closed position to selectively alter the compression damping rate of the shock absorber. The valve may include a self-centering feature which operates to keep the valve body centered about the valve shaft. The dampener may also include a timer feature, which retains the valve in an open position for a predetermined period of time after it is initially opened.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2002Date of Patent: August 12, 2003Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.Inventor: Robert C. Fox
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Publication number: 20030132600Abstract: A computer controlled suspension system is provided for a bicycle, which can effectively absorb shock and provide stability on rough surfaces regardless of the speed of the vehicle. The suspension system has a control unit, a front suspension, a rear suspension, a front wheel terrain sensor, and a rear controller. The rear suspension is selectively adjustable by the control unit to change stiffness of the rear suspension. When the front suspension hits a bump or a depression in the surface of the ground, a signal is sent to the rear controller so that the rear suspension can react appropriately. In one embodiment, a pedaling torque sensor is operatively coupled to the control unit to input a signal that is indicative of pedaling force, and the rear controller adjusts stiffness of the rear suspension in response to the pedaling force via the control unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2003Publication date: July 17, 2003Applicant: Shimano Inc.Inventor: Hiroyuki Miyoshi
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Publication number: 20030132602Abstract: A computer controlled suspension system is provided for a bicycle, which can effectively absorb shock and provide stability on rough surfaces regardless of the speed of the vehicle. The suspension system has a control unit, a front suspension, a rear suspension, a front wheel terrain sensor, and a rear controller. The rear suspension is selectively adjustable by the control unit to change stiffness of the rear suspension. When the front suspension hits a bump or a depression in the surface of the ground, a signal is sent to the rear controller so that the rear suspension can react appropriately. In one embodiment, a pedaling torque sensor is operatively coupled to the control unit to input a signal that is indicative of pedaling force, and the rear controller adjusts stiffness of the rear suspension in response to the pedaling force via the control unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2003Publication date: July 17, 2003Applicant: Shimano Inc.Inventor: Hiroyuki Miyoshi
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Publication number: 20030132601Abstract: A computer controlled suspension system is provided for a bicycle, which can effectively absorb shock and provide stability on rough surfaces regardless of the speed of the vehicle. The suspension system has a control unit, a front suspension, a rear suspension, a front wheel terrain sensor, and a rear controller. The rear suspension is selectively adjustable by the control unit to change stiffness of the rear suspension. When the front suspension hits a bump or a depression in the surface of the ground, a signal is sent to the rear controller so that the rear suspension can react appropriately. In one embodiment, a pedaling torque sensor is operatively coupled to the control unit to input a signal that is indicative of pedaling force, and the rear controller adjusts stiffness of the rear suspension in response to the pedaling force via the control unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2003Publication date: July 17, 2003Applicant: Shimano Inc.Inventor: Hiroyuki Miyoshi
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Patent number: 6592136Abstract: An off-road bicycle suspension 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 and includes a cartridge tube connected to the lower leg and a piston connected to the upper tube by a shaft. The piston is telescopingly engaged with the cartridge tube to define a compression chamber below the piston. A control assembly is located at a top portion of the upper leg and is in communication with the compression chamber via a central passage of the shaft. A reservoir is defined between at least a portion of the lower tube and the cartridge. During compression of the suspension fork, fluid flows from the compression chamber, upward through the central passage of the shaft, through the control assembly and to the reservoir.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2001Date of Patent: July 15, 2003Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.Inventors: William M. Becker, Brian Lampman
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Patent number: 6581948Abstract: A dampener including a valve movable between an open position and a closed position to selectively alter the compression damping rate of the shock absorber. The valve may include a self-centering feature which operates to keep the valve body centered about the valve shaft. The dampener may also include a timer feature, which retains the valve in an open position for a predetermined period of time after it is initially opened.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2002Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.Inventor: Robert C. Fox
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Patent number: 6568664Abstract: A flow restriction part (10) which provides a resistance to high speed oil is provided in a reservoir (R), and an air chamber (A2) which contracts according to an oil pressure is disposed underneath this flow restriction part (10). Providing such flow restriction part and air chamber in addition to an air chamber (A1), a repulsive force when the front fork contracts at high speed, such as during sudden braking, increases larger than during normal contraction while mechanical vibration caused by road unevenness during normal running is absorbed.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2001Date of Patent: May 27, 2003Assignee: Kayaba Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Ken Furuya
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Publication number: 20030094784Abstract: A computer controlled suspension system is provided for a bicycle, which can effectively absorb shock and provide stability on rough surfaces regardless of the speed of the vehicle. The suspension system has a control unit, a front suspension, a rear suspension, a front wheel terrain sensor, and a rear controller. The rear suspension is selectively adjustable by the control unit to change stiffness of the rear suspension. When the front suspension hits a bump or a depression in the surface of the ground, a signal is sent to the rear controller so that the rear suspension can react appropriately. In one embodiment, a pedaling torque sensor is operatively coupled to the control unit to input a signal that is indicative of pedaling force, and the rear controller adjusts stiffness of the rear suspension in response to the pedaling force via the control unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 31, 2002Publication date: May 22, 2003Applicant: Shimano Inc.Inventor: Hiroyuki Miyoshi
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Publication number: 20030075897Abstract: A front suspension fork assembly suitable for use with a scooter-type vehicle. The front fork assembly is rotatably supported by a frame of the scooter and supports a front wheel of the scooter on its lower end. Desirably, the front fork assembly includes right and left fork legs extending along opposing sides of the front wheel. Each fork leg includes an upper fork tube telescopically engaged with a lower fork tube. An interconnecting portion, or support bridge, extends between the left and right fork legs. A central portion of the support bridge is coupled to a steering tube of the scooter and an intermediate portion of the support bridge extends between the central portion and each upper fork tube. Desirably, the left and right upper fork tubes and the support bridge are monolithically formed. Preferably, an upper end portion of each fork leg extends to a height above the central portion of the support bridge.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2002Publication date: April 24, 2003Inventor: Hideo Kohda
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Publication number: 20030071400Abstract: A front suspension fork for cycles includes an inverted U-shaped reversed arch having downwardly extending legs that are integral with the upper ends of the outer sections of the telescopic fork, thereby to define a rigid unitary slider component fork. The reversed arch is inclined rearwardly at an acute angle relative to the vertical plane of the fork. Strengthening mass portions extend forwardly from the lower ends of the arch between the inner fork sections, thereby to increase the rigidity of the slider component without interfering with brake operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2001Publication date: April 17, 2003Applicant: Answer Products, Inc.Inventors: Brent T. Graves, James C. Rathbun
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Patent number: 6533305Abstract: A motorcycle front wheel suspension includes a pair of suspension struts mounted in parallel with a pair of fork struts. Each fork strut and suspension strut pair are connected at a bottom end by a link. The two fork struts are connected together by a pair of crossbeams. The top ends of the suspension struts are connected by arms to a crosshead. The crosshead is mounted to the top crossbeam through a pair of pneumatic springs. An axle is mounted to the lower ends of the suspension struts. A pressure air sources is installed on the motorcycle to provide pressure air to the pneumatic springs.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2000Date of Patent: March 18, 2003Inventor: Randall G. Falk
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Patent number: 6520524Abstract: A motorcycle fork blade (21A or 21B) wherein a spring (50) is longitudinally captured between a leg and a fixture on an elongate member (33) so that the fixture and spring (50) are maintained within a lower tube during a normal range of travel of the blade so as to minimize binding or damage to the spring. Another aspect is a height adjuster featuring a threaded stud accommodated within a bore of a stanchion tube endplug (36) and carrying a fixture for engaging the spring (50). The invention also includes a shock absorber reservoir assembly (220), and a gas-filed bladder (240) on the extension side of a shock absorber (200) to provide volume compensation.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2001Date of Patent: February 18, 2003Inventor: Vincenzo F. Costa
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Patent number: RE38669Abstract: This invention relates to front fork, telescoping type suspension systems for bicycles. The main focus of the invention is the brake bridge assembly, the fork crown assembly and the joinder of these assemblies to form the fork suspension. The brake bridge assembly serves two main functions: 1) it provides a stiff structural connection between the right and left telescoping struts, to reduce wheel wobble during high speed wheel impacts, and 2) it provides a structural support for the brake cable stop. The invention provides for increased stiffness and lower stresses in the brake bridge, which translates into improved directional stability for the front wheel, less displacement for the brake cable stop .(when the brake loads are applied) and improved fatigue life for the assembly. It also provides for a simpler and less expensive means for mounting the brake bridge to the fork assembly. The invention also encompasses the fork crown producing a lightweight structure with high torsional and bending rigidity.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 1999Date of Patent: December 14, 2004Inventors: Darrell W. Voss, Gary G. Klein